Way of Life

Encyclopedia

of the

Bible &

Christianity

Based on the King James Bible and written from an uncompromising, Bible-believing position.

By David W. Cloud

Copyright 1993, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2008

By David W. Cloud

Third edition, revised and enlarged, November 2000

Fourth edition, revised and enlarged, March 2002

Fifth edition, revised and enlarged, September 2008

Sixth edition, March 2016

All articles are written by the editor unless otherwise noted.

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DEDICATED TO

Dr. Bruce Lackey (1934-1988), who as a Pastor and as the Dean of Tennessee Temple Bible School, helped a generation of preachers to understand and love the Word of God. No man helped me more in this most essential area of life. Though he read his beloved Greek New Testament (Received Text) every day, he never caused his students or his congregation to question the God-honored Old English Bible. He was a Bible teacher, not a Bible critic.

MY SOLE CONSOLATION

They tell me my Bible’s outdated, that its teachings are no longer true; God’s just an ethereal spirit who cares nothing for me or for you.

They tell me that all men are brothers, and they laugh at the need of rebirth, They talk of a coming new kingdom that’s evolving right here on the earth.

They scoff at the Birth of my Saviour; He was only a man, so they say; His life was the perfect example, what we follow as He leads the way.

They altered each creed in my Bible; each doctrine they’ve ripped to a shred; They say I’ve no need for Salvation, and that Christ did not rise from the dead.

I listen, but all they tell me makes me cling to my Bible the more: For nowhere but in its sacred pages is the comfort I’ve sought o’er and o’er.

No, this book is my sole consolation; I believe it is holy and true; I’ll cling to its teachings forever, for I’ve faith in its Author--don’t you?

- Copied from the Keystone Baptist

Why Do You Need the Way of Life Bible Encyclopedia?

The Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Jesting, Natural Man, Old Man, Perverse, Christianity is unique. It is is based upon the King Presumptuous, Pride, Rebellion, Repentance, James Bible and is written from a dispensational, Stiffhearted, Stubborn, Transgression, Trespass, Baptist perspective. The studies are thorough, practical, Unclean, Ungodly, Superfluity of Naughtiness, devotional, and designed to be used by preachers, Unrighteous, Vile, Winketh, World.

teachers, and homeschoolers, as well as to provide a Bible-institute level education to the diligent Bible 4. You need it to study extrabiblical Christian student.

terms. There are many words that we hear at church and in Christian circles that are not Bible words and We make no apology for believing that the Bible is are not in most Bible dictionaries but they can be found the divinely-inspired Word of God in every detail and in the Way of Life Encyclopedia. (Examples are that the King James Version is an accurate translation Apostate, Catechism, Christmas, Denomination, Faith of the preserved Word of God, which is the Greek Promise, and Rapture.)

Received and Hebrew Masoretic texts. In an hour in which the black and white of truth and error is 5. You need it to study various issues relating to exchanged for the gray of uncertainty and relativism, it morality and practical Christian living. (Examples is our desire that the reader not find the slightest hint of are Adultery, Capital Punishment, Child Training, doubt in this volume.

Cremation, Dancing, Divorce, Employment, Home, Homosexuality, Modesty, Pacifism, Polygamy, Wine.) 1. You need it to find the meaning of the words in the Bible. If you don’t understand the meaning of the 6. You need it to study Old Testament types of words of the Bible, you don’t understand the Bible. An Christ. (Examples are Ark, Day of Atonement, Boaz, effectual Bible student must have a good dictionary Brass Serpent, Cain, Candlestick, Coat, High Priest, handy and must take the time to look up every word he Joseph, Melchizedek , Offerings, Passover, doesn’t understand. During a recent conference, I Tabernacle.)

asked people to raise their hands if they knew the 7. You need it to find the meaning of Bible meaning of the word “mystery” in the Bible, and only a customs and ancient culture. (Examples are few people could raise their hands.

Agriculture, Calendar, Camel, Cosmetics, Idolatry, 2. You need it to understand out-of-use words Military, Money, Music, Olive, Phylactery, Weights and phrases from the King James Bible. Most Bible and Measures, Witchcraft.)

dictionaries do not define these words. (Examples are 8. You need it to study Bible Prophecy. The Abusers of Themselves with Mankind, Blood Encyclopedia contains the equivalent of an entire Bible Guiltiness, Conversation, Die the Death, Nephew, Set Institute course on prophecy. (Examples are Them At One, Superfluity of Naughtiness, Taken with Allegorical, Antichrist, Covenant, Daniel, Day of the the Manner.)

Lord, Dispensationalism, Double Fulfillment, Gog, 3. You need it to do topical studies, to study Great Tribulation, Kingdom of God, Judgment, doctrine. Practically every doctrine of the Bible can be Revelation, Second Coming, Seventy Weeks.) researched with this Encyclopedia. There is an 9. You need it to study proper names in the Bible.

extensive system of topical cross references. The An extensive list of Bible names is included with student can study the full range of a Bible topic by definitions and key references. (Examples are Aaron, following the suggested cross references from entry to Benjamin, Cain, Gamaliel, Joshua, Lot, Mesopotamia.) entry. For example, consider the cross references listed after the entry on CHURCH -- See Apostle, Baptism -

10. You need it to study Bible places and Immersion, Baptism - Infant, Baptist, Church geography. (Examples are Caesarea, Ephesus, Discipline, Deacon, Diotrephes, Footwashing, Lord’s Euphrates, Hazor, Jordan River, Merom.) Supper, Missionary, Ordination, Pastor, Separation, 11. You need it to do research into the Christian Timothy, Unity. And the following cross references are denominations and movements. The history, listed after the entry on SIN -- Adam, Carnal, doctrinal position, and present status of major Concupiscence, Fall, Fault, Filthiness, Flesh, Froward, denominations and movements are included.

Gospel, Grace, Heart, Impenitence, Impudent, Iniquity, (Examples are Anglican, Assemblies of God, Brethren, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 5

Pentecostal-Charismatic Movement, Eastern (Examples are Catabaptist, Inquisition, Manichean, Orthodoxy, Episcopal, Evangelical, Fundamentalism, Paulicians, Pedobaptism, Protestant, and Roman Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Catholic Church.)

World Council of Churches.)

15. You need it to do research into the subject of 12. You need it to do research into cults and false Bible versions. This Encyclopedia is a virtual groups and to examine prominent false doctrines.

handbook on Bible Versions. (See, for example, (Examples are Adam, Annihilation, Christ’s Deity, Apocrypha, Bible Versions, Erasmus, Masoretic Text, Christian Science, Daniel, Eternal Security, Inspiration, Preservation of Scripture, Received Text.) Jehovah's Witnesses, Jonah, Modernism, Mormonism, Moses, Neo-orthodoxy, Red Sea, Roman Catholic 16. You need it for preaching and teaching. The Church, Sabbath, Seventh-day Adventism, Soul Sleep, doctrinal material in this Encyclopedia is presented in a Tongues Speaking, Unitarian.)

practical manner with outlines that can be used for teaching and preaching. They can be used in the pulpit, 13. You need it to study church polity. The Sunday Schools, Bible Colleges and Institutes, home Encyclopedia is a practical manual for church leaders schools, family devotions, prisons and jails, nursing and missionaries. (See, for example, the studies on homes, etc. (Consider, for example, the outline for the Apostle, Baptism, Church Discipline, Deacon, study on ANGELS: I. Do Angels Exist? II. What is the Evangelism, Footwashing, Lord's Supper, Ordination, Origin of Angels? III. Divisions of Angels into Good and Pastor.)

and Evil. IV. What Are Angels Like? V. How Many Angels Are There? VI. What Do Angels Do? VII. What 14. You need it to study church history. Many Can Christians Learn from Angels? VIII. The Angels entries relating to church history are included.

Associated with the Seven Churches in Revelation 2-3.

6

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

Abbreviations

Biblical Books

Biblical Books - continued

Ge.

Genesis

2 Ti.

2 Timothy

Ex.

Exodus

Tit.

Titus

Le.

Leviticus

Phile. Philemon

Nu.

Numbers

He.

Hebrews

De.

Deuteronomy

Ja.

James

Jos.

Joshua

1 Pe.

1 Peter

Ju.

Judges

2 Pe.

2 Peter

Ru.

Ruth

1 Jn.

1 John

1 Sa.

1 Samuel

2 Jn.

2 John

2 Sa.

2 Samuel

3 Jn.

3 John

1 Ki.

1 Kings

Jude

Jude

2 Ki.

2 Kings

Re.

Revelation

1 Ch.

1 Chronicles

2 Ch.

2 Chronicles

Ezr.

Ezra

Ne.

Nehemiah

Es.

Esther

Bible Versions

Job

Job

Ps.

Psalms

ERV

English Revised Version (1881)

Pr.

Proverbs

KJV

King James Version (1611)

Ec.

Ecclesiastes

LB

Living Bible (1971)

Song

Song of Solomon

NASV New American Standard Bible (1973) Is.

Isaiah

NEB

New English Bible (1970)

Je.

Jeremiah

NIV

New International Version (1978)

La.

Lamentations

NRSV New Revised Standard Version (1989) Eze.

Ezekiel

RSV

Revised Standard Version (1952)

Da.

Daniel

TEV

Today’s English Version (1976)

Ho.

Hosea

Joel

Joel

Am.

Amos

Ob.

Obadiah

Jon.

Jonah

Miscellaneous

Mi.

Micah

AELC Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches Na.

Naham

AG

Assemblies of God

Hab.

Habakkuk

JW

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Zep.

Zephaniah

N.T.

New Testament

Hag.

Haggai

O.T.

Old Testament

Ze.

Zechariah

P.C.

Presbyterian Church-USA

Mal.

Malachi

RCC

Roman Catholic Church

Mt.

Matthew

SDA

Seventh-day Adventism

Mk.

Mark

TR

Textus Receptus (Received Text)

Lk.

Luke

UMC United Methodist Church

Jn.

John

W-H

Westcott-Hort Text

Ac.

Acts

Ro.

Romans

1 Co.

1 Corinthians

2 Co.

2 Corinthians

Ga.

Galatians

Ep.

Ephesians

Ph.

Philippians

Col.

Colossians

1 Th.

1 Thessalonians

2 Th.

2 Thessalonians

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 7

Abbreviations - Reference Volumes -

The following volumes have been referenced often in this (NEWS)—Otten, Herman. ed. Christian News Encyclopedia. See Bibliography at end of the Encyclopedia Encyclopedia. Washington: Missourian Publishing Company, for a fuller listing of materials:

1982.

(20TH-CENTURY)—Douglas, J.D., ed. New 20th-

(PENTECOSTAL)—Burgess, Stanley and Gary McGee.

Century Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge. 2nd ed.

Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements.

Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1991.

Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1988.

(ANALYTICAL)— The New Analytical Bible and (PEOPLE’S)— The People’s Bible Encyclopedia.

Dictionary of the Bible. Chicago: John A. Dickson Publishing Chicago: The People’s Publication Society, 1910.

Co., 1973.

(PICTORIAL)—Tenney, Merrill, ed. The Zondervan (BARNES)—Barnes, Albert, Notes on the Old and New Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible. Grand Rapids: Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, reprinted from Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.

the 1884-5 edition published by Blackie & Sons.

(REVELL)— The Revell Bible Dictionary. New York: (BERRY)—Berry, George Ricker. Interlinear Greek-Wynwood Press, 1990.

English New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1981.

(RWP)-- Robertson’s Word Pictures.

(CLOW)—Clow, W.M. The Book of Bible Knowledge.

(SCOFIELD)—Scofield, C.I., ed. The Scofield Study Iowa Falls, Iowa: World Bible Publishers, nd.

Bible. New York: Oxford University Press, 1909.

(COMPACT)— New Compact Bible Dictionary. Grand (SCOTT)—Scott, Walter. Bible Handbook. London: G.

Rapids: Zondervan Publishing Company, 1973.

Morrish, nd.

(CONCISE)— Concise Bible Dictionary. Facsimile.

(SMITH)—Smith, William, ed. A Dictionary of the Bible.

Addison: Bible Truth Publishers.

World Bible Publishers, nd.

(CRUDEN’S)—Eadie, John. ed. Cruden’s Concordance (STRONG)—Strong, James. Strong’s Exhaustive to the Bible. Gordonsville: Dugan Publishers, 1985.

Concordance. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1984.

(DUGAN)— Dugan’s Topical Reference Bible.

(POTTS)—Potts, Cyrus A. Dictionary of Bible Proper Gordonsville, Tenn.: Dugan Publishers, 1985.

Names. Addison, Il.: Bible Truth Publishers, 1981.

(FAMOUS)—Thompson, David W. A Dictionary of (TOPICAL)—Hitchcock, Roswell D. et al. The Topical Famous Places. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1965.

Reference Bible. Gordonsville: Dugan Publishers, 1985.

(HANDBOOK)—Mead, Frank S. Handbook of (TREASURY)—Torrey, R.A., ed. The Treasury of Denominations in the United States. 9th ed. Nashville: Scripture Knowledge. 27th ed. Westwood: Fleming H. Revell Abingdon Press, 1990.

Company, nd.

(HODGKIN)—Hodgkin, A.A. Christ in All the (VINE)—Vine, W.E., et al. An Expository Dictionary of Scriptures. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1976.

Biblical Words. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1985.

(INTERLINEAR)—Green, Jay P. ed. The Interlinear (WEBSTER)—Webster, Noah. American Dictionary of Bible. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983.

the English Language. 1828 Facsimile. San Francisco: Foundation for American Christian Education, 1983.

(JACKSON)—Jackson, Bill. Christian’s Guide to Roman Catholicism. Louisville: Colonial Baptist Press, 1988.

(WILLMINGTON)—Willmington, H.L. Willmington’s Guide to the Bible. Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1984.

(MACLAREN)—Maclaren, Alexander. Expositions of Holy Scripture. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, reprint, (WORD STUDIES)—Wilson, William. Old Testament nd.

Word Studies. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1980.

(MATTHEW HENRY)—Henry, Matthew. Matthew (YOUNG)—Young, Robert. Analytical Concordance to Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible. 1706 Facsimile.

the Holy Bible (Robert Young)

FacMcLean: MacDonald Publishing Company.

(ZODHIATES)—Zodhiates, Spiros. Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible. Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 1985.

8

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

-A-

AARON (enlightened). The older son of Amram and ABEDNEGO (servant of expedition, servant of light).

Jochabed, of the tribe of Levi. He was born during the The Babylonian name given to one of Daniel’s friends captivity in Egypt (Ex. 6:16-27). His younger brother who was put in the fiery furnace (Da. 1:7; 3:12-30). His was Moses; his sister, Miriam (Nu. 26:59). Aaron was Hebrew name was Azariah, meaning “God has helped.”

appointed by God to be the spokesman for Moses (Ex.

ABEL (breath). The second child of Adam and Eve.

4:14-16; 7:19; 17:9-13). While Moses was on Mt. Sinai, Abel was killed by his brother Cain (Ge. 4:1-10). Abel’s Aaron made a golden calf for the people to worship (Ex.

offering was accepted by God (He. 11:4). Abel was a 32:2-5). Later he was made the first high priest of the prophet (Lk. 11:50; 1:70; Ac. 3:21), which tells us that nation Israel and served in that office until he died at he received revelation from God. Ever since the Fall, the age of 123, after his priestly robes and office were God has been speaking to mankind about salvation given to his son Eleazar (Nu. 20:23-28; 33:39). [See because He is not willing that any perish (1 Ti. 2:3-5; 2

also High Priest.]

Pe. 3:9). (1) Abel followed God’s Word rather than his AARONITES. The priestly descendants of Aaron (1

own thinking. (2) Abel approached God through blood Ch. 12:27).

and death. Hebrews 12:24 tells us that Abel’s offering AARON’S ROD. The staff carried by Aaron. It was pictured Christ. It is the death and blood of the Lord used to witness of God’s power before Pharaoh (Ex.

Jesus Christ that takes away our sin. The wages of sin is 7:9-12, 15). In the wilderness it budded as a sign to death (Ro. 6:23), and only by blood can sin be atoned rebellious Israel of God’s approval upon Aaron and (He. 9:22). Therefore, both death and blood were Moses (Nu. 17:1-10). It was placed in the ark of the required for our salvation. (3) Abel approached God covenant (He. 9:4).

with a substitute. God’s salvation is through AB (a father). Fifth month of the Jewish sacred substitution. Christ took our punishment; we take his calendar, corresponding to parts of July and August righteousness (Is. 53; 2 Co. 5:21). (4) Abel approached (Ezr. 7:9). The hot season (Potts). [See Calendar.]

God by faith, not by works (He. 11:4). Compare Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 4:3-7; 11:6; Titus 3:5. (5) ABADDON (complete destruction). The angel of the Abel repented of his sin before God. Abel acknowledged bottomless pit (Re. 9:11).

his guilt and unworthiness by bringing a sacrifice that ABASE. (1) Lowly; humble (2 Sa. 6:22; 2 Co. 10:1).

depicted the suffering of another in his place. Abel (2) Inferior; dishonorable (Job 30:8; Ac. 17:5). (3) The acknowledged God’s curse upon himself and the world.

opposite of nobility; lowly in social standing (1 Co.

He acknowledged that man’s sin must be punished and 1:28). This Greek word ( agenes) is defined by Strong as it can only be cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

“without kin, i.e. (of unknown descent, and by

[See Atonement, Blood, Cain, Gospel, Grace, Prophecy, implication) ignoble.” [See Humble, Pride.]

Repentance.]

ABATE. To lower, depress, diminish, weaken the ABEL (a meadow). A prefix often used with names of force of anything (Le. 27:18).

places.

ABAGTHA (great, happy). Es. 1:10.

ABEL-BATH-MAACHAH (meadow of the house of ABANA (steadfastness). 2 Ki. 5:12.

Maacah). A town of northern Palestine (2 Sa. 20:15; 1

ABARIM (passengers). Nu. 27:12.

Ki. 15:20).

ABBA (father, daddy, an endearing family term). The ABEL-CHERAMIM (meadow of vineyards). A town Lord Jesus called God the Father “Abba” (Mk. 14:36).

east of the Jordan river (Ju. 11:33).

True Christians also can call God “Abba” because of our ABEL-MAIM (place of the waters). Ju. 7:22.

family relationship through Jesus Christ (Ro. 8:15; Ga.

ABEL-MEHOLAH (meadow of dancing). Ju. 7:22; 1

4:6). [See Adoption.]

Ki. 19:16.

ABDA (servant). 1 Ki. 4:6.

ABEL-MIZRAIM (place of thorns). Nu. 33:49.

ABDEEL (servant of God). Je. 36:26.

(meadow of acacias). It is called Shittim (Nu. 25:1; ABDI (servant of Jehovah). 1 Ch. 6:44; 2 Ch. 29.12; 33:49; Jos. 2:1; Mi. 6:5).

Ezr. 10:26.

ABEZ (white). Jos. 19:20.

ABDIEL (servant of God). 1 Ch. 5:15.

ABHOR. To detest; to hate; to lothe. The two Hebrew ABDON (servile). Ju. 12:13-15; 1 Ch. 8:23; 1 Ch.

words most commonly translated “abhor” are gahgal 8:30; 9:35-36; 2 Ch. 34:20; Jos. 21:30.

(Le. 26:30) and tahgav (De. 7:26; Ps. 5:6). Gahgal is Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 9

ABI - ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION

also translated “lothed” (Je. 14:19) and “vilely cast ABISHAI (gift-maker). 1 Sa. 26:5-9; 2 Sa. 16:9; away” (2 Sa. 1:21). Tahgav is also translated 19:21; 20:6; 1 Ch. 2:16; 18:12-13.

“abominable” (Ps. 14:1; 53:1; Eze. 16:52). “Abhor” is ABISHUA (of happiness). (1) A Benjamite (1 Ch.

only used two times in the N.T. (Ro. 2:22; 12:9).

8:4). (2) Son of Phinehas (1 Ch. 6:4-5,50; Ezr. 7:5).

ABI (father). 2 Ki. 28:2.

ABISHUR (upright). 1 Ch. 2:28-29.

ABIA (the Lord a father, worshiper of the Lord). Mt.

ABITAL (protection). 2 Sa. 3:4; 1 Ch. 3:3.

1:7.

ABITUB (goodness). 1 Ch. 8:8-11.

ABIAH (Jehovah his father). 1 Sa. 8:2; 1 Ch. 6:28; 1

ABIUD (the honor of a father). Mt. 1:13.

Ch. 2:24; 1 Ch. 7:8.

ABJECT. Outcast (Ps. 35:15).

ABIALBON (father of strength). 2 Sa. 23:31; 1 Ch.

11:32 (called Abiel here).

ABNER (light-maker). Commander of King Saul’s armies (1 Sa. 14:51; 17:55-58; 2 Sa. 2:8, 12-32; 3:6-39; ABIASAPH (the gatherer). Ex. 6:16, 18, 21, 24; 1 Ch.

1 Ki. 2:5).

6:23.

ABOMINATION. (1) Something hated; an object of ABIATHAR (abundance). 1 Sa. 22:20-23; 15:24; 1

disgust; detestable (Ge. 43:32; Pr. 6:16; Is. 1:13; Lk.

Ch. 15:11-12; 1 Ki. 1:17-19; 2:26,35.

16:15). The O.T. law lists two types of abominations: ABIB (ears of corn). The first month of the Jewish ceremonial and moral. Certain things were to be year (Ex. 13:4). It was later named Nisan (Ne. 2:1; Es.

abominable to Israel, and certain things were said to be 3:7). [See Calendar.]

abominations to God. Leviticus chapter 11 contains a list ABIDA (wise). Ge. 25:4; 1 Ch. 1:33.

of dietary laws denoting certain animals which were ABIDAN (father of the judge). Nu. 1:11; 2:22; 10:24.

ceremonially unclean. These were to be an abomination ABIDE. (1) To remain; to reside; to wait for (Ge.

unto Israel (Le. 11:10, 11, 12, 13, 20, 41, 42) for the 19:2; 22:5; 29:19). (2) That which remains (Nu.

purpose of separating God’s people from the nations 31:23). (3) To hold out; to endure (2 Ch. 32:10; Je.

(Le. 11:47). Things which are abominations to God are 10:10).

homosexuality (Le. 18:22; 20:13); occultic practices (De. 18:9-12); men and women wearing apparel which ABIEL (strength). 1 Sa. 9:1; 14:51; 1 Ch. 8:33; 9:39; pertains to the opposite sex (De. 22:5); prostitution (De.

1 Ch. 11:32.

23:17-18); a divorcee returning to her first husband ABIEZER (helper). Jos. 17:2; Ju. 6:34; 1 Ch. 7:18; 2

after remarrying (De. 24:4); unjust business practices Sa. 23:27; 1 Ch. 27:12.

(De. 24:13-16); pride, lying, shedding innocent blood, ABIGAIL (maker of joy). Abigail became David’s wife wicked imaginations, false witness, sowing discord (Pr.

after the death of her first husband, Nabal (1 Sa.

6:16-19); the wicked (Pr. 15:8); the way of the wicked 25:3-44; 30:5, 18; 2 Sa. 2:2).

(Pr. 15:9); the thoughts of the wicked (Pr. 15:26); the ABIHAIL (mighty). Nu. 3:35.

sacrifice of the wicked (Pr. 21:27); the prayer of the ABIHU (God is father). One of Aaron’s four sons (Ex.

wicked (Pr. 28:9). While the ceremonial abominations 6:23; 24:1; 28:1). He and his brother Nadab were killed have been done away in Christ (Col. 2:11-14), the for refusing to obey God’s instructions concerning moral abominations remain in effect. The things called worship (Le. 10:1-7). [See Strange Fire.]

abominations to God in the law are moral issues which ABIHUD (father of renown). 1 Ch. 8:3.

have not changed with the giving of the Gospel. God’s hatred of these things is based upon His holy nature. (2) ABIMAEL (father of Mael). Ge. 10:28; 1 Ch. 1:22.

An idol is called an abomination because false worship ABIMELECH (father of the king). (1) A Philistine is hated by God (Je. 13:27; 32:34; Eze. 11:21). (3) The king (Ge. 20:1-18; 21:22-34; 26:1-33). (2) A son of apostate whore of Revelation 17 is called “the mother of Gideon (Ju. 9:1-57). (3) A priest (1 Ch. 18:16; 24:6).

harlots and abominations” (Re. 17:5). (4) No ABINADAB (princely). (1) A man of Kirjath-jearim (1

abominable thing shall enter into the Holy City (Re.

Sa. 7:1-2; 2 Sa. 6:3; 1 Ch. 13:7). (2) Brother of David (1

21:27). [See Babylon, Divorce, Harlot, Idolatry, Sa. 16:8; 17:13). (3) Son of Saul (1 Sa. 31:2). (4) Modesty, Pride, Sin, Sodomy, Strange, Strange Fire, Father of Ben-Abinadab (1 Ki. 4:11).

Witchcraft.]

ABINOAM (gracious). Ju. 4:6; 5:12.

ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION. The term Jesus ABIRAM (high). (1) Brother of Dathan (Nu. 16; used to describe the Antichrist spoken of by Daniel the 26:9-10). (2) Son of Hiel (Jos. 6:26; 1 Ki. 16:34).

prophet (Mt. 24:15; Da. 8:9-12; 9:27; 11:31; 12:11).

ABISHAG (cause of error). 1 Ki. 1:1-4; 2:13-25.

Daniel foretold of one who would arise and persecute the Israelites. He also said this evil one would take away Israel’s sacrifices and would place in the temple an 10

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

ABORTION - ACHAIA abominable thing to desecrate it. The Lord Jesus said 9:6-7). [See Ur,]

this is yet future and will occur during the Great ABRAHAMIC COVENANT. [See Covenant.]

Tribulation just prior to His Second Coming to earth.

ABRAHAM’S BOSOM. It is the place of paradise The Antichrist will set himself up as god and will cause where Old Testament saints rested after death (Lk.

men to worship an idol of himself (2 Th. 2:3-4; Re. 13).

16:22-23). In dispensational theology, it is generally It seems this will be the abomination which will cause believed that Jesus went to Abraham’s bosom after the temple to be desecrated. In 168 B.C. a man named death and took the Old Testament believers to heaven.

Antiochus Epiphanes destroyed many thousands of Jews

[See Abraham, Heaven, Millennium, Paradise.]

and profaned the temple in Jerusalem by sacrificing a pig—an animal unclean by the standards of the Mosaic ABRAM (exalted father). Abraham’s original name.

law. He also erected an altar to Jupiter in the Jewish

[See Abraham.]

temple. A great massacre followed, and the people fled ABROAD. (1) Beyond the limits of a certain area; the city. True temple worship was abandoned for three outside of (Ge. 10:18; Ex. 5:12; De. 23:12). (2) To years while the temple was used as a place of idolatry reach out; to stretch forth; to spread over (Ex. 9:29; and blasphemy. This was all a preview of the coming of 40:19).

the future Antichrist. Antiochus Epiphanes did not ABSALOM (peacemaker). David’s third son (2 Sa.

completely fulfill Daniel’s prophecies any more than the 3:3). Absalom rebelled against David and tried to take earthquakes and wars of today fulfill the prophecies of away the kingdom (2 Sa. 13-19).

the troubles which will shake the world during the ABUSERS OF THEMSELVES WITH MANKIND. This Great Tribulation foretold in Matthew 24 and phrase in 1 Co. 6:9 refers to homosexuality. The Greek Revelation. Jesus said these events will not be fulfilled word literally means “to lie with, or to cohabit with, a until just prior to His return from heaven (Mt.

male.” Matthew Henry, exemplifying the common 24:29-30). [See Antichrist, Double Fulfillment, Great interpretation of this term in earlier centuries, identified Tribulation, Prophecy, Seventy Weeks.]

“abusers of themselves with mankind” with sodomy.

ABORTION. The destruction of children in the

[See Effeminate, Fornication, Sodomy.]

womb. Abortion is wrong for the following reasons: (1) ACCAD (fortress). Ge. 10:10.

Man is created in God’s image and is not an animal (Ge.

ACCEPT. Receive; endure (Le. 26:43).

1:26). (2) God is in control of conception (Genesis ACCEPTABLE. (1) Pleasing; gratifying; agreeable; 20:18; 29:31; 30:22). (3) God forms the child in the worthy of approval (De. 33:24; Ro. 12:1; 1 Pe. 2:20).

womb (Psalm 139:13-16). (4) God forbids man to shed (2) Suitable; proper (Is. 49:8; 58:5; 2 Co. 6:2).

innocent blood (De. 19:10-13; 2 Kings 21:16). (5) The unborn is not a “fetus”; it is called a “child” and an ACCEPTATION. Acceptance; the state of being

“infant” in the Bible (Ge. 25:22; Job 3:16). (6) God’s acceptable (1 Ti. 1:15; 4:9).

law requires punishment if an unborn child is harmed ACCO (compressed). Ju. 1:31; Ac. 21:7.

(Ex. 21:22-23). The Bible teaches that the unborn child ACCORDINGLY. In an appropriate and becoming does not belong to the mother; it belongs to the Creator.

manner; correspondingly; suitably (Is. 59:18).

The infant in a woman’s womb is a separate body and a ACCURSED. To be cursed of God (De. 21:23; Jos.

separate life.

6:17-18; Ro. 9:3; 1 Co. 12:3; Ga. 1:8-9).

ABOVE MEASURE. [See Measure.]

ACCUSTOMED. Being familiar by use; habituated ABRAHAM (father of a multitude). The man God (Je. 13:23).

chose to become the father of the nation Israel and the ACELDAMA (field of blood). A field south of father of the promised Messiah or Saviour, Jesus Christ Jerusalem where Judas committed suicide which was (Ge. 12-50; Mt. 1:1). Abraham’s name was “Abram” at purchased by the priests with his thirty pieces of silver first, meaning exalted father, and God changed it to (Mt. 27:3-10; Ac. 1:18-19). Zechariah prophesied of this

“Abraham,” meaning father of a multitude (Ge. 17:5).

(Ze. 11:12-13).

Abraham is mentioned more than 300 times in the ACHAIA. One of the two provinces of Greece as Bible. He is the father of all believers (Ro. 4:11).

divided by the Romans. Macedonia was the northern Heaven is called “Abraham’s bosom” (Luke 16:22). God area of Greece; Achaia was the southern, including the created the nation Israel through Abraham to tip point of land jutting out into the Mediterranean sea.

accomplish three things: (1) To give the Scriptures to Corinth was the capital city of Achaia and was the the world (Ro. 3:1-2). (2) To give the Saviour to the center of much of the dramatic adventures of Paul in world (Ro. 9:4-5). Jesus said that salvation is of the Greece (Ac. 18:12-16) (Famous Bible Places).

Jews (John 4:22). (3) To establish God’s eternal kingdom through Jesus Christ, Abraham’s Seed (Is.

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ACHAICUS - ADAM

ACHAICUS (one belonging to Achaia). 1 Co. 16:17.

Answer: ‘There is no time before the big bang so there ACHAN (he that troubles). The Jew who was stoned is no God before the big bang. . . . What is responsible for stealing some gold, silver, and expensive Babylonian for our existence, what is keeping us in existence? And the religious answer is the Ground of all Being–that cloth in disobedience to God’s command (Jos. 6:18; which we call God.’

7:1-26; De. 7:26; 23:9).

Question: Was there a real Adam and Eve?

ACHAR (disorder, tumult). 1 Ch. 2:7.

Answer: ‘The Adam and Eve story was never meant to ACHAZ (he took, possessor). Mt. 1:9.

be a scientific account of our physical origins. It is ACHBOR (a mouse). Ge. 36:38; 1 Ch. 1:49; 2 Ki.

purely concerned with timeless spiritual truths like, for 22:12,14; Je. 36:12.

example, Eve being made from the rib taken out of Adam’s side. All this means is that man is not complete ACHIM (wise, sensible). Mt. 1:14.

without woman and woman is not complete without ACHISH (serpent charmer). The king of Gath (1 Sa.

man. . . . It is not talking about how women physically 21:10-15; 27:1-12; 29:1-11).

came into being.’

ACHMETHA (summer house). Ezr. 6:2.

Question: Is it true to say that humans can go to ACHOR (trouble). Jos. 7:24-26; 15:7; Ho. 2:15.

heaven but animals can’t because they don’t have a spirit?

ACHSAH (anklet). Caleb’s daughter (Jos. 15:16-19; Answer: ‘In the light of evolution I think the distinction Ju. 1:12-15).

is more blurred than that, and that just as we have had ACHSHAPH (enchantment). Jos. 12:20; 19:25.

an evolution of our physical selves, we perhaps ought ACHZIB (of firmness, liar). Jos. 15:44.

to be thinking in terms of a parallel evolution of our ACQUAINTED WITH. Familiar with; accustomed to spiritual selves. By this I mean that our very primitive ancestors were concerned with little more than basic (Ps. 139:3; Is. 53:3).

survival–sex, food, shelter.’

ADADAH (ornament of ornament, festival). Jos.

The following are the reasons why we know that this 15:22.

thinking is wrong and that Adam and Eve were ADAH (beauty). (1) A wife of Lamech (Ge. 4:19-23).

historical people:

(2) A wife of Esau (Ge. 36:2-4).

1. To deny Adam and Eve as historical figures is to ADAIAH (Jehovah hath adorned). 2 Ki. 22:1; 1 Ch.

deny the Bible. Adam and Eve are mentioned 34 times in 6:41, 42; 1 Ch. 8:21; Ezr. 10:29, 39; 2 Ch. 23:1; Ne.

the Bible. Adam and Eve are mentioned in at least four 11:5; 1 Ch. 9:12.

books of the Old Testament (Ge. 2-4; De. 32:8; 1 Ch.

ADALIA (brave, strong). Es. 9:8.

1:1; and Job 31:33) and in five books of the New ADAM (red). The first man (Ge. 2-3). N.T.

Testament (Lk. 3:38; Ro. 5:12,14; 1 Co. 11:3; 15:22; 1

references: Ro. 5:14; 1 Co. 15:22, 45; 1 Ti. 2:13. It is Co. 15:45; 1 Ti. 2:13-14; and Jude 14). No one who clear that the Apostles considered Adam to be a believes the Bible is the infallible Word of God can historical man, not merely a symbolic figure. “Adam is doubt that Adam and Eve were created as the first probably so called either from the red earth of which he human beings by a special act of God.

was formed, or from the blush or flesh-tint of the 2. The first five chapters of the Bible is written as human countenance” (Treasury).

history; there is nothing in the record to indicate that it Were Adam and Eve Historical Figures?

is to be interpreted non-literally, as poetic or symbolic.

Probably the majority of teachers in the various When the Bible uses symbolism, it plainly distinguishes mainstream Protestant denominations today reject the that it is such, and it gives the key for interpreting the historicity of Adam and Eve. For example, a 2001 issue symbols. We see this in Revelation, for example. In of the War Cry, a magazine published by the Salvation chapter 17 John describes a woman sitting on a beast, Army, contained an interview with Russell Stannard, an and he plainly tells us that this is a mystery and he gives Anglican preacher and a professor of physics. The the interpretation of the symbolic language in the following excerpt from this interview illustrates the passage itself (vv. 7-18). Genesis 1-5, though, is written widespread apostasy of our time:

as history. Ge. 5:5 says that Adam lived 930 years and then died! If Adam only represented mankind, what Question: How did the universe begin?

happened to mankind after Adam died?

Answer: ‘. . .the big bang marked not only the coming into existence of the contents of the universe, but also 3. If Adam and Eve were not historical figures, the fall the coming into existence of space and the coming into is a myth and redemption through the cross of Christ is existence of time.’

nonsense. See Romans 5:12-19.

Question: Was there a God who used the ‘big bang’ to 4. To deny the historicity of Adam is to deny Jesus create?

Christ. Christ’s genealogy is traced from Adam (Lk.

12

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ADAM

3:23-38). Further, the N.T. makes a direct comparison what we would find if evolution were true. If the latter between Christ and Adam (Ro. 5:17; 1 Co. 15:22, 45).

were true we would find incredible chaos and 5. The chief motive for denying the historicity of Adam happenstance and haphazardness. We would have a is the challenge of science and the theory of evolution, but world filled with monsters and unpredictable madness, the Bible and evolution are in direct contradiction. Let me part one thing and part another, a fish becoming a bird, list five of the plain Bible statements which directly a frog becoming a rat, a lizard becoming a bird, partially contradict the theories of evolution. (1) Genesis says formed beaks which do not yet have a purpose, partially God created the world and everything in it in six literal formed feet, partially formed wings, partially formed

“morning and evening” days. To read “eons” of time into eyes, partially formed brains. We would have no fixed the six days of creation is to turn language on its head absolutes from which and with which to work. We and to make the Bible incapable of being dogmatically would have no atomic clock because the atom would interpreted. If the Bible does not mean what it says, not be stable. We would have no sure guide across the there is no way to know what it does mean. (2) Genesis trackless oceans because the heavenly bodies would be says all creation was made in a mature state to in fluctuation. Praise the Lord that evolution is a lie and reproduce after its kind. The statement “after their kind”

the Bible is true.

is found nine times in Genesis chapter one. This is Adam as a Type of Christ

precisely what we observe in the world. Dogs reproduce The following study is by Dr. Bruce Lackey: Adam dogs and frogs reproduce frogs and birds reproduce was the figure (tupos) of him that was to come (Ro.

birds and peanuts reproduce peanuts. This is biblical, 5:14). As such, several comparisons and contrasts are but it is strictly contrary to what evolution requires. (3) made in Romans chapter 5. (1) His act affected the Genesis says man and animals were distinctly different world (5:12). 2 Co. 5:19, God was in Christ, reconciling creations. The animals were made to reproduce after the world unto himself. (2) The gift which came by Christ their kind, but man was made in the image of God and is much more than the penalty which came by Adam made a living soul. Man has a spiritual aspect which no (5:15). (3) Adam’s one sin brought judgment, but Christ animal has. The animals were made to relate to man brought justification for many offences (5:16). (4) By and to provide his enjoyment and needs. Man was made Adam’s sin, death reigned over us; by Christ’s grace and to relate to God, to fellowship with, serve, worship, and righteousness, we reign (5:17). (5) One act of both glorify Him. John Leslie wisely noted, “Now, if it has Adam and Christ was imputed to all people (5:17-18).

been found impossible—a question which I have put These comparisons and contrasts would naturally from time to time, but which still waits an answer—if it encourage us to seek others from the Genesis record.

has been found impossible to change one species of bird The Comparisons between Adam and Christ. (1) A into another species of bird, or one kind of animal into unique beginning: Adam, from the dust (Ge. 2:7); another kind of animal, how much more impossible Christ, from the Holy Spirit through a virgin mother (Lk.

would it have been to have changed an animal into a 1:27, 35), humanly speaking, of course. As God, He had man? Or if, in other words, the blood or life of one no beginning (Mic. 5:2). (2) Adam was given dominion species of animal is so radically different from the blood over all the earth (Ge. 1:26-28). Christ will have it when or life of another kind of animal, how much greater He returns (Is. 9:6-7). (3) Adam and his bride were to must the difference be between the blood of an animal be fruitful (Ge. 1:28). Likewise, Christ and His bride and that of a man?” (4) Genesis says the world was (Ro. 7:4). (4) Adam was to subdue all the earth (Ge.

created perfect, then fell under sin and God’s curse. This 1:28). Christ will do the same (1 Co. 15:24). (5) God is consistent with everything we can observe. Everything gave Adam work to do (Ge. 2:15). The Father sent is winding down. Everything is proceeding from order to Christ to do a specific job (Jn. 3:17). (6) God chaos. Everything is corrupting. Evolution would require commissioned Adam to keep the garden (Ge. 2:15).

the exact opposite. (5) Genesis says everything was Christ kept all of those whom the Father gave Him (Jn.

created to fulfill God’s purposes, the world and 17:12). (7) God commanded Adam (Ge. 2:16). The everything in it, as well as the planetary universe.

Father obviously did likewise, to Christ, since He said I Teleology is the study of final causes, of the purposes of do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I nature. It is a fascinating study, because regardless of speak these things (Jn. 8:28).

how minutely one studies the creation, one is struck with a sense of wonder at the brilliant purpose behind God made a wife for Adam (Ge. 2:18-25). Christ also every detail. Study the eye, the ear, the leaf, the atom, has one wife, the church (Ep. 5:25-33). (8) Adam was light, sound, air—everywhere you find purpose and exceptionally wise, naming all the creatures (Ge.

design. That is what one would expect if God created 2:19-20); Christ is more so (Col. 2:3). (9) Adam was the world precisely as the Bible says He did, but it is not wounded so his bride could be formed (Ge. 2:21-22).

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ADAMAH - ADORAIM

His bride. (10) Adam’s wife was deceived into sin (1 Ti.

zeal of these Christian people to the Lord’s service was 2:14). Likewise, Christ’s bride has a deceitful heart (Je.

like an addiction.

17:9). (11) Adam evidently sinned deliberately, ADIEL (ornament of God). 1 Ch. 4:36; 9:12; 27:25.

according to the implication in I Timothy 2:14. Christ ADIN (soft, tender). Ezr. 2:15.

deliberately took upon Himself our sins (1 Pe. 2:24).

(12) It was because of the woman that Adam sinned ADINA (pleasure, delight). 1 Ch. 11:42.

(Ge. 3:6). It was because of us that Christ became sin (2

ADINO (slender, a spear). 2 Sa. 23:8.

Co. 5:21). (13) Adam’s sin brought sorrow to him (Ge.

ADITHAIM (God the ornament). Jos. 15:36.

3:17). Because He took our sins, Christ was a man of ADJURE. Solemnly entreat or beseech (Jos. 6:26; 1

sorrows (Is. 53:3). (14) Adam’s sins resulted in Ki. 22:16; Mt. 26:63; Ac. 19:13).

separation from God (Ge. 3:23-24). When He became ADLAI (God’s justice). 1 Ch. 27:29.

sin for us, there was a separation between the Son and ADMAH (red earth). A city destroyed together with the Father (Mt. 27:46). (15) Adam’s name was given to Sodom and Gomorrah (Ge. 10:19; 14:2, 8; 19:25-29; his wife (Ge. 5:2), so, Christ’s name has been given to Ho. 11:8; De. 29:22).

us (1 Pe. 4:16). (16) Adam’s likeness was imparted to his son (Ge. 5:30); so, believers will be conformed to ADMIRATION. (1) Esteem; veneration (Jude 16). (2) the image of Christ (Ro. 8:29).

Surprise; wonder (Re. 17:6).

The Contrasts between Adam and Christ: (1) Adam ADMONISH. To put in mind; to caution; to reprove had the image of God (Ge. 1:26-27), but all the fullness gently; to warn or notify of a fault; to counsel against of the Godhead dwelled in Christ, bodily (Col. 2:9). (2) wrong practices; to advise; to instruct (Ec. 4:13; 12:12; Adam came to a paradise, an earth without sin (Ge.

Je. 42:19; Ac. 27:9; Ro. 15:14; 1 Co. 10:11; 1 Th. 5:12; 2:8). Christ came to an exceedingly sinful earth. (3) 2 Th. 3:15; He. 8:5). [See Chasten, Convince, While Adam was asleep, his bride was formed (Ge.

Correction, Counsel, Exhort, Guidance, Instruct, Rebuke, 2:21-22). The Lamb’s bride was formed by His death Reproof.]

(Ep. 5:25). (4) After his sin, Adam hid from God (Ge.

ADNA (pleasure). Ne. 12:15; Ezr. 10:30.

3:8). After He became sin, Christ presented Himself to ADNAH (pleasure). 1 Ch. 12:20; 2 Ch. 17:14.

God (He. 9:12-14). (5) Adam blamed Eve for his sin ADO. Trouble; bustle; concern (Mk. 5:39).

(Ge. 3:12), but Christ his own self took our sins upon his ADONAI (lord). [See God.]

body on the cross (1 Pe. 2:24). (6) Adam’s sin brought a curse to the ground (Ge. 3:17). Christ’s sacrifice for sin ADONIBEZEK (the lord of the dispersion). Jud. 1:5.

made it possible for the curse to be removed (Is. 35).

ADONIJAH (Jehovah my Lord). The fourth son of (7) An innocent animal had to be slain for Adam King David (2 Sa. 3:2-4). He tried unsuccessfully to take (implied in the coats of skins, Ge. 3:21), but Christ away David’s throne (1 Ki. 1-2).

became the innocent Lamb of God for us (2 Co. 5:21).

ADONIKAM (the Lord arises). Ezr. 2:13; 8:13; Ne.

(8) Adam’s life ended (Ge. 5:5), but Christ lives forever 7:18.

(Re. 1:18). [For a study on the inspiration of the book of ADONIRAM (the Lord is exalted). 2 Sa. 20:24; 2 Ch.

Genesis, see Inspiration.] [See Apostasy, Apostate, Bible, 10:18; 1 Ki. 4:6,12-18.

Evolution, Heresy, Inspiration, Jonah, Modernism, New ADONIZEDEK (lord of righteousness). Jos. 10:1-27.

Evangelicalism, Separation, Timothy.]

ADOPTION. The N.T. word means placed into a ADAMAH (red earth, bloody). Jos. 19:36.

family as a son. It refers to a rich man choosing an ADAMANT. Very hard stone (Eze. 3:9; Ze. 7:12).

orphan and making him a legal son and heir with the ADAMI (high, eminent). Es. 3:7.

full privileges of such. This word is used to describe ADAR (high, eminent, power). The 12th month of salvation in Christ (Ro. 8:15, 23; Ga. 4:5; Ep. 1:5). It the Hebrew sacred calendar, corresponding to parts of also is used to refer to Israel’s special relationship as a February and March (Es. 3:7). The spring season nation with God (Ro. 9:4; Ex. 4:12). In reference to (Potts). [See Calendar.]

Christians, adoption is a present possession, as well as a ADDER. A deadly venomous snake with two horns. It future hope. In other words, though Christians are hides in the sand which it resembles in color and thus adopted sons of God already (Jn. 1:12; 1 Jn. 3:1-2), we escapes detection (Ge. 49:17; Ps. 58:4-5; 91:13; Pr.

do not yet enjoy all the blessings of being children of 23:32; Is. 59:5) (Analytical). [See Dragon, Serpent.]

God. Not until the resurrection will we enjoy our new bodies and the full riches of the Father’s kingdom. In ADDI (held up by God, adorned). Lk. 3:28.

this sense we look forward to the adoption as our hope ADDICTED THEMSELVES. Devoted themselves; gave (Ro. 8:23). [See Hope, Justification, Resurrection.]

themselves to completely (1 Co. 16:15). The dedicated ADORAIM (a firm habitation). 2 Ch. 11:9.

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ADORAM - AFFLICTION

ADORAM (the Lord exalted himself). 2 Ki. 19:37.

“advocate,” is also translated “comforter” and is used of ADRAMMELECH (2 Ki. 17:31). See Idolatry.

the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7). “Advocacy is ADRAMYTTIUM (court of death). Ac. 27:2.

the Divine means to meet individual failure amongst Christians, and to restore communion and rest of soul ADRIA (court). The Adriatic Sea (Ac. 27:27).

when lost or interrupted. This gracious ministry by our ADRIEL (flock of God). 1 Sa. 18:19.

risen Christ is founded upon His work of ‘propitiation,’

ADULLAM (resting place). A town of Judah (Ge.

completed once and for ever, and upon the glory of His 38:1-2; Jos. 12:15; 1 Sa. 22; 2 Sa. 23:13; 2 Ch. 11:7; person, as the ‘righteous’ One ever abiding in the Ne. 11:30.

presence of God. Priesthood is with God and to preserve ADUMMIM (earthy, red). Jos. 15:7.

from falling; advocacy is with the Father and to restore ADULLAMITE. An inhabitant of Adullam (Ge.

when fallen. In the former I am regarded in my place as 38:1,12,20).

a saint; in the latter I am recognized as a child. In ADULTERY. Having marital relationships with answer to the advocacy of Jesus Christ with the Father, someone other than one’s wife or husband (Le. 20:10; the Holy Spirit uses the Word of God in dealing with the Pr. 6:26-32; Eze. 16:32; Ro. 7:3; He. 13:4). The Bible soiled conscience, convicting of sin, and thus leading the also speaks of spiritual adultery—worshiping or serving erring child to true and hearty confession; the fruit of false gods or worldly pleasures (Je. 13:27; Eze. 23:43; this double work—Christ on high, and the Spirit here—

Ja. 4:4). The Lord Jesus Christ taught that adultery first being full and happy restoration of soul, and the re-occurs in the heart. Immoral lust is adultery (Mt.

enjoyment of fellowship with the Father, and with His 5:27-28). [See Capital Punishment, Concupiscence, Son, Jesus Christ. It is well to bear in mind that the Divorce, Fornication, Idolatry, Lascivious, Lust, Modesty, position of ‘child’ is a fixed and eternal one, but the Nakedness, Precious Life, Sodomy, Strange Woman, sense and enjoyment of it may be lost for a time, and Whore, Whoremonger.]

w h i c h i t i s t h e o b j e c t o f ‘ a d v o c a c y ’ t o restore” (Handbook).

ADUMMIM (red things). Jos. 15:7; 18:17; Lk. 10:30.

AEGEAN SEA. The part of the Mediterranean which ADVENTURE. Hazard; risk; chance (De. 28:56; Ac.

lay between Greece and Asia Minor. Paul crossed the 19:31).

Aegean on his second and third missionary journeys ADVERSARY (to strive against). An opponent; a foe; from Troas to Macedonia, and from Corinth to Ephesus an enemy; one who resists the progress or work of (Famous Bible Places).

another. Satan is the great adversary of God and of AENEAS (of heavy birth, laudable). Ac. 9:33.

God’s people. In fact, the name Satan means adversary (1 Pe. 5:8; 1 Ti. 5:14). Satan hindered Paul (1 Th.

AENON (fountains). A locality near Salim where 2:18). [See Satan.]

John the Baptist immersed those who repented (Jn.

3:23). He chose this place because there was much ADVERSITY. An event, or series of events, which water there. [See Baptism.]

oppose success or desire; misfortune; calamity; affliction; distress; state of unhappiness (Webster) (1 Sa.

AFAR OFF. Far off; at a distance (Ge. 22:4; Lk.

10:19; 2 Sa. 4:9; Ps. 10:6; 31:7; 35:15; 94:13; Pr.

16:23).

17:17; 24:10; Ec. 7:14; He. 13:3). The Hebrew word AFFECT. (1) Seek after (Ga. 4:17-18). (2) Stirred up translated “adversity” in several passages (rag) is also against; angry (Ac. 14:2).

translated “evil” (Ge. 37:2), “hurt” (Ge. 26:29), AFFECTION. Passion; desire; inclination; propensity,

“harm” (Ge. 31:52), “sadly” (Ge. 40:7), “mischiefs” (De.

good or evil; as, virtuous or vile affections (Webster) 32:23), “wretchedness” (Nu. 11:15), “displeasure” (Jud.

(Ro. 1:26, 31; 12:10; Col. 3:2, 5; 1 Th. 2:8; 2 Ti. 3:3).

15:3), “hurt” (1 Sa. 24:9), “affliction” (Ne. 1:3), The Greek word pathos is translated “vile affections” in

“grief” (Ne. 2:10), “trouble” (Ps. 27:5; 88:3, 4), Ro. 1:26 and “inordinate affection” in Col. 3:5, referring

“hurtful” (Ps. 144:10), “calamities” (Ps. 141:5), to the evil desires of the old nature. “Inordinate” means

“heavy” (Pr. 25:29), “misery” (Ec. 8:6), “ill” (Is. 3:11),

“disorderly; irregular; excessive; immoderate; not

“noisome” (Eze. 14:15). [See Suffering.]

limited to rules prescribed” (Webster). [See Sin.]

ADVERTISE. To inform; to give notice (Nu. 24:14; AFFINITY. Relationship by marriage (1 Ki. 3:1; Ezr.

Ru. 4:4).

9:14).

ADVISEMENT. Deliberation (1 Ch. 12:19).

AFFIRM. To declare; to confirm (Lk. 22:59; Ac.

ADVOCATE . One who acts in behalf of another. It 12:15; 25:19; Ro. 3:8; 1 Ti. 1:7).

was used in a court of justice to denote a counsel for the AFFLICTION. Trouble; hardship; suffering (Ge.

defense. The Lord Jesus Christ is the believer’s Advocate 15:13; 16:11; Job 34:28; Ps. 119:75; Mk. 4:17; 13:19; (1 Jn. 2:1-2). The Greek word parakletos, translated Ac. 7:10; 20:23; 2 Co. 4:17; 6:4; 8:2; Col. 1:24; 1 Th.

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AFFUSION - AHISHAR

1:6; 3:3, 7; 2 Ti. 1:8; He. 10:32; 11:25; Ja. 1:27; 5:10;

“preacher” (Smith).

1 Pe. 5:9). The Greek word commonly translated AHAB (father’s brother). A wicked king of the affliction, thlipsis, refers to pressure and constriction. It northern kingdom of Israel (1 Ki. 16:28 - 22:40). His is also translated “trouble” (1 Co. 7:28; 2 Co. 1:4,8), wife, Jezebel, was one of the most wicked women in the

“anguish” (Jn. 16:21), “burdened” (2 Co. 8:13), Bible.

“persecution” (Ac. 11:19), and “tribulation” (Mt. 13:21; AHARAH (great delay). 1 Ch. 8:1.

24:21; Jn. 16:33; Ac. 14:22; Ro. 5:3; 8:35; 12:12; 2 Co.

1:4; 7:4; 2 Th. 1:4; 1:6; Re. 1:9; 2:9, 22; 7:14). [See AHARHEL (hope is delayed). 1 Ch. 4:8.

Suffering, Trials.]

AHASAI (the possession of God, seizer). Ne. 11:13.

AFFUSION. The practice of baptism by sprinkling or AHASBAI (I will trust in the Lord). 2 Sa. 23:34.

pouring water rather than by immersion. [See Baptism -

AHASUERUS (lion-king). The title of the Persian Immersion, Baptism - Infant.]

king. Three persons are mentioned by this title in the AFORE. Before (2 Ki. 20:4; Ro. 9:23).

Bible: (1) The father of Darius (Da. 9:1); (2) Ezr. 4:6.

AFOREHAND. Beforehand (Mk. 14:8).

(3) The husband of Esther (Est. 1:1).

AFORETIME. In old times; of old (Ne. 13:5).

AHAVA (river). Ezr. 8:15,31.

AGABUS (locus). A prophet (Ac. 11:27-30; AHAZ (possessor). The twelfth ruler of the kingdom 21:10-11).

of Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel (2 Ki. 16: 2

Ch. 28).

AGAG (burning). A title of the king of the Amalekites, like Pharaoh of the Egyptians and Caesar of AHAZIAH (the Lord has seized). (1) King of Israel 1

the Romans (Nu. 24:7; 1 Sa. 15:8) (Smith).

Ki. 22:51-53; 2 Ki. 1:2-4). (2) King of Judah (2 Ki.

9:27-28).

AGAINST HE COME. To meet him (Ex. 7:15).

AHER (another). 1 Ch. 7:12.

AGAR (mid-day). Abraham’s concubine (Ga. 4:24).

[See Hagar.]

AHI (brother). 1 Ch. 5:15; 7:34.

AGATE. A precious stone (Ex. 28:19; Is. 54:12).

AHIAM (father’s brother). 2 Sa. 23:33; 1 Ch. 11:35.

White with red or green grain, often used in windows.

AHIAN (a firm union, brotherly). 1 Ch. 7:19.

Member of the Chalcedony family (Boyd).

AHIEZER (helper). Nu. 1:12; 2:25; 7:66; 1 Ch. 12:3.

AGE. A period of time; generation. In the Bible, “age”

AHIHUD (brother of Jews). Nu. 34:27; 1 Ch. 8:7.

refers to the various periods of time in which God is AHIJAH, AHIAH (friend of God). 1 Sa. 14:3,18; 1 Ki.

working out His plans. The Bible speaks of ages past 4:3; 11:29-39; 14:1-18; 15:27,33; 1 Ch. 2:25; 8:7; (Ep. 3:5; Col. 1:26), the present age (1 Co. 10:11; Ep.

11:36; 26:20; Ne. 10:26.

1:21; 2:2; Tit. 2:12), and future ages (Ep. 1:21; 2:7; He.

AHIKAM (enemy’s brother). 2 Ki. 22:12; Je. 26:24.

6:5). In this present age God is calling out a people for AHILUD (maker). 2 Sa. 8:16; 20:24; 1 Ki. 4:3.

His name among all nations (Ac. 15:14). This age will end when Jesus returns from heaven to set up His AHIMAAZ (choleric). 1 Sa. 14:50; 2 Sa. 15:27,36; earthly kingdom (Mt. 13:39-43). The word translated 17:20; 18:19-30; 1 Ki. 4:15.

eternal or forever in the N.T. is often translated from a AHIMAN (giver). Nu. 13:22; 1 Ch. 9:17.

Greek phrase which could also be translated “into the AHIMELECH (king’s brother). Chief priest at Nob (1

ages” (Jn. 6:51, 58; 8:35, 51; Ro. 16:27; Re. 1:6; Sa. 21:1-9; 22:7-23.

20:10). As God’s plans and ages roll forward in endless AHIMOTH (deathly). 1 Ch. 6:25.

succession, His redeemed people will serve Him in AHINADAB (liberal brother). 1 Ki. 4:14.

perfect joy (Re. 22:3). This is eternal life. [See Day, Eternal, Eternal Security, Forever, Hell, Judgment, AHINOAM (pleasant brother). 1 Sa. 25:43; 30:5.

Prophecy, Times, World.]

AHIO (brotherly). 2 Sa. 6:3-4; 1 Ch. 8:14, 29-31; AGEE (a fugitive, deepness). 2 Sa. 23:11.

9:35-37.

AGNOSTIC. A person who claims to be unsure about AHIRA (brother of evil). Nu. 1:15; 7:78; 10:27.

the existence of God. The agnostic commonly believes AHIRAM (exalted brother). Nu. 26:38. Probably the that assured knowledge of God is not possible.

same as Ehi (Ge. 46:21) and Aharah (1 Ch. 8:1) AGONE. Ago (1 Sa. 30:13).

(Analytical).

AGRIPPA (born with difficulty or pain). Ac. 25:13.

AHISAMACH (brother of support). Ex. 31:6.

AGUR (one of the assembly). Author of the sayings AHISHAHAR (morning dawn). 1 Ch. 7:10.

in Pr. 30. Some have supposed that this was an assumed AHISHAR (upright). 1 Ki. 4:6.

name of Solomon, such as was “Koheleth,” translated 16

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AHITHOPHEL - ALLEGORICAL

AHITHOPHEL (foolish). A counselor of King David ALABASTER. So named from the town of Alabastron, and a grandfather of Bathsheba. (Ahithophel’s son Eliam in Middle Egypt, where there are quarries of this fine-was the father of Bathsheba (2 Sa. 23:34; 11:3).

grained, pink-colored gypsum. It was made into Ahithophel deserted David during Absolom’s rebellion containers for holding perfumes and other precious and later hung himself (2 Sa. 15:12, 31-34; 16:15; articles (Mt. 26:7; Mk. 14:3; Lk. 7:37) (Smith).

17:23). He is thus a type of Judas. The following ALAMOTH (girls, after the manner of virgins). 1 Ch.

comparison of Ahithophel with Judas is by Robert 15:20.

Sargent: (1) Both were associated in trust with their ALBEIT. Although it be (Phile. 19).

master (1 Ch. 27:33; Jn. 13:29). (2) Both were a friend of their master (1 Ki. 4:5; Mt. 26:50). (3) Both were ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. [See Drunkenness, together in God’s work (Ps. 55:14). (4) Both betrayed Strong Drink, Wine.]

their master (2 Sa. 15:31; Mt. 26:14-16, 47-50). (5) ALEMETH (hiding, a covering). 1 Ch. 6:60.

Both were confounded by God’s purpose (2 Sa. 17:14; ALEXANDER (helper of men, man-defender). Mk.

Ac. 2:23-24). (6) Both went out and hanged themselves 15:21.

(2 Sa. 27:23; Mt. 27:3-10). [See Judas.]

ALEXANDRIA. One of the three greatest AHITUB (goodness). 1 Sa. 14:3; 22:9; 2 Sa. 8:17; 1

Mediterranean cities during the era of the N.T. Located Ch. 6:11-12; Ne. 11:11.

on the mouth of the Nile River in Egypt, it was founded AHLAB (fertile place). Ju. 1:31.

by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C., and became one of AHOLAH (her tent). Israel was called Aholah by the outstanding cities of Greek culture in early history.

God, referring to the fact that Jerusalem and the Its most famous building was the library which southern kingdom were spiritually adulterous (Eze.

contained the greatest collection of books in ancient 23:4-5, 36, 44).

times, over 700,000 rolls or volumes. Alexandria ranked second only to Rome as chief city of the world in wealth AHOLIAB (tent of his father). Ex. 31:6; 35:34; and importance, and second only to Athens as a center 38:23.

of literature and science. Paul sailed twice on a ship AHOLIBAH (my tent is in her). A harlot who was from Alexandria during his missionary journeys (Ac.

made a symbol of Judah (Eze. 23:1-49).

18:24; 27:6). Here the Hebrew Scriptures were first AHOLIBAMAH (tent of the height). Ge. 36:2.

translated into Greek. The early ‘church fathers’ Clement AHUMAI (brother of divine compassion). 1 Ch. 4:2.

and Origen used Alexandria as their headquarters AHUZAM (most full possession, seizure). 1 Ch. 4:6.

(Famous Bible Places). Clement and Origen were heretics who corrupted the Bible to fit their heretical AHUZZATH (possession). Ge. 26:26.

doctrines. Origen popularized the allegorical method of AI, HAI (heap of ruins). Ge. 12:8; 13:3; Jos. 7:2; Bible interpretation which foists every sort of fanciful 8:11.

meaning upon the Scriptures. In loosing himself from AIAH, AJAH (clamor). Ge. 36:24; 2 Sa. 3:7; 21:8-11; the literal meaning of the Bible, Origen found support 1 Ch. 1:40.

for such heresies as universal salvation, the pre-AIJA (oblique, an hour). Ne. 11:31.

existence of the soul, and the animation of the stars.

AIJALON (place of harts). Jos. 10:12; 21:20, 24; Ju.

ALIAH (much elevated). 1 Ch. 1:51.

12:12; 1 Ch. 6:69; 8:13; 2 Ch. 11:10; 28:18.

ALIAN (much exalted). 1 Ch. 1:40.

AIJELETH SHAHAR (the hind of the morning dawn, ALIEN. Foreigner (Ex. 18:3).

the rising sun). Ps. 22: Title.

ALL TO BREAK. Entirely broken (Jud. 9:53).

AIN (a fountain). Nu. 34:11.

ALL HAIL. All health; a salutation desiring the AJAH (a hawk, the screamer). Ge. 36:24.

blessing of the recipient (Mt. 28:9).

AJALON (very elevated). Jos. 10:12.

ALL ONE. All the same (Ge. 11:6; 1 Co. 11:5).

AKAN (a chain that binds, to twist). Ge. 36:27.

ALLEGE. Prove (Ac. 17:3).

AKELDAMA, ACELDAMA (field of blood). A field ALLEGORICAL. A spiritualizing method of near Jerusalem purchased by the priests with the thirty interpreting the prophetic portions of Scripture. In this pieces of silver thrown away by Judas (Mt. 27:3-10; Ac.

methodology, the O.T. prophecies of a glorious earthly 1:18-19). Zechariah prophesied of this (Ze. 11:12-13).

kingdom for the nation Israel are considered allegorical

[See Judas.]

pictures of the existing church age. In other words, AKKUB (cunning). Ezr. 2:42; Ne. 8:7; 12:25; 1 Ch.

“Zion” is taken to mean the church instead of the city 3:23-24.

Jerusalem. The desert blossoming as a rose (Is. 35) is AKRABBIM (scorpions, or serpents). Nu. 34:4.

taken as a picture of the present fruitfulness of the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 17

ALLELUIA - ALPHA

gospel instead of a literal future condition on earth. The no way to discern exactly what it does mean. “Whether temple in Eze. 40-48 is taken as a symbolical it is the interpretation of prophecy or non-prophecy, representation of the church rather than a literal future once literality is sacrificed, it is like starting down an temple. By this manner of interpretation the events incline. Momentum speedily gathers as one succumbs to recorded in Revelation—the judgments upon the earth, the temptation to spiritualize one passage after the wars, the Two Witnesses, the sealing of the 144,000

another. ... Moreover, under the method of Israelites, the binding of Satan, and the 1,000 year spiritualization, there is no way for an interpreter to test earthly rule—are viewed symbolically rather than as the validity of his conclusions, except to compare his literal future events.

works with that of a colleague. Instead of ‘a more sure There are six major Bible reasons for rejecting this word of prophecy’ (2 Pe. 1:19), interpreters end up with view:

an ‘unsure’ word and chaos in the ranks” (Paul Lee Tan, 1. Bible prophecies have always been fulfilled The Interpretation of Prophecy, pp. 73, 74). [For more on literally. Examples are the prophecies concerning the interpretation of prophecy see Prophecy.] [See also nations (such as Babylon and Tyre), the prophecies of Antichrist, Covenant, Day, Daniel, Dispensationalism, Israel, and the prophecies of the first coming of Christ.

Gog, Great Tribulation, Judgment, Kingdom of God, Last All of these have been fulfilled literally in every detail, Days, Poetry, Prophecy, Revelation, Times, Type.]

and it is reasonable to assume that unfulfilled ALLELUIA. [See Hallelujah.]

prophecies will likewise be literally consummated.

ALLIED. Connected by marriage (Ne. 13:4).

2. Every major section of the Bible foretells in detail ALLON (an oak). Jos. 19:33; 1 Ch. 4:37.

the same events. In this way God is emphasizing the ALLONBACHUTH (oak of weeping). Ge. 35:8.

literalness of these events. If a person studies O.T.

ALLOW. (1) Approve; sanction; admit (Lk. 11:48).

prophecies, Jesus’ prophecies, the Apostles’ prophecies, (2) Permit (1 Th. 2:4). (3) To receive; believe (Ac.

and the prophecies described in Revelation, he will see a 24:15).

repetition of the same events. All give details of the same major scenes—the worldwide tribulation, a ALLOWANCE. Allotment; an appointed portion; a wicked world ruler, Christ’s second coming in glory, stated quantity (2 Ki. 25:30).

destruction of rebels, restoration and national ALMIGHTY GOD. See God.

regeneration of Israel, the glorious earthly reign of ALMODAD (immense, extension). Ge. 10:26.

Christ. [See chart on this page.]

ALMON (hidden). Jos. 21:18.

3. Jesus said these events are yet future. He ALMONDIBLATHAIM (hiding of troubles). Nu.

pinpointed the general time of their fulfillment to be 33:46.

just prior to His coming in glory (Mt. 24:15-29).

ALMOND. A tree which bears almond nuts (Ex.

4. The prophecies are beginning to be fulfilled 25:33-34; Nu. 17:8; Je. 1:11). It has light-colored literally. The machinery for the one world government blossoms and is used symbolically in Ec. 12:5 to refer to and religious organization described in Re. 13 is being the white hair of the aged. [See Grinders, Old Age.]

set up. The nation Israel is back in the land in ALMOST. Nearly; well nigh (Ex. 17:4; Ps. 73:2; Ac.

preparation for the fulfillment of all the prophecies 26:28).

regarding Israel and Palestine. Earthquakes, wars, ALMS. A gift to assist the poor; charity (Mt. 6:1).

famine, and false teachings are increasing just as Jesus said they would (Mt. 24:3-8). There is no good reason ALMSDEED. An act of charity; kindness shown to to doubt that Bible prophecy will be wholly fulfilled in those in need (Ac. 9:36).

the future.

ALMUG. Probably sandalwood. It is a light, very 5. Israel still exists as a nation just as prophecy fragrant wood (1 Ki. 10:11-12; 2 Ch. 9:10-11).

foretold it would. The nation Israel is back in its land in ALOES. A fragrant oil from the seed of the aloe tree preparation for the literal fulfillment of all the (Ps. 45:8; Pr. 7:17; Song 4:14; Jn. 19:39).

prophecies pertaining to it. This supports the belief that ALOTH (possessed, mistresses). 1 Ki. 4:16.

God has not permanently rejected the nation Israel, but ALPHA. The first letter of the Greek alphabet. Jesus has only temporarily set them aside until He is ready to is called the Alpha and Omega (Re. 1:8, 11). This refers fulfill His promises to them (Ro. 11:25-29).

to several truths: (1) Jesus is the eternal God. By 6. Practical necessity also demands the literal claiming to be the First and the Last, Jesus Christ is interpretation of prophecy. To interpret Bible prophecy identifying Himself with Jehovah God (compare Is.

allegorically destroys the absolute sense of God’s Word.

9:6-7; 41:4; 44:6; also Re. 1:8 which says Jesus is the If prophecy does not mean exactly what it says, there is Almighty). (2) Jesus Christ is eternal (Mi. 5:2; Jn. 1:1; 18

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

ALPHAEUS - AMILLENNIAL

Is. 9:6). (3) Jesus created all things. He is the AMAZIAH (the Lord is strong). 2 Ki. 14; 2 Ch. 25; 1

beginning, the origin, of the old creation (Jn. 1:3; Col.

Ch. 4:34; 6:25; Amos 7:10-17.

1:16; He. 1:2). (4) Jesus became the beginning of the AMBASSADOR. A representative of a king or new creation at His resurrection (Col. 1:15-18; Re. 1:5).

government (2 Sa. 10:2; 1 Ki. 5:1). Christians are

[See Jesus Christ for study on Christ’s deity.]

ambassadors of Christ to the unsaved world (2 Co.

ALPHAEUS (exchange). Father of the lesser James 5:15-21). The Christian stands in the very authority of (Mt. 10:3). Called Cleopas in Jn. 14:25. Alphaeus and Jesus Christ Himself when he proclaims the Gospel (Mt.

Cleopas are synonymous in Hebrew and Greek (Smith).

28:18-20).

ALTAR. A structure for offering sacrifices or burning AMBASSAGE. Representatives (Lk. 14:32).

incense. God’s people made altars even before the time AMBER. A fossil resin usually found on seacoasts or of Moses (Ge. 8:20; 12:7; 35:1, 7). When God revealed in alluvial soil. Bright fire color; shade of yellow (Eze.

His law to Moses, He specified the type of altars to be 1:4, 27) (Boyd).

used in the tabernacle. One was the brass altar for AMBUSHMENT. An ambush (2 Ch. 13:13).

sacrifices (Ex. 27:1-8). This pictured the cross of Christ upon which He died and shed His blood for sin (He.

AMEN (so let it be). “Amen” is found many times in 9-10; 13:10-12). The other altar in the tabernacle was the Bible and is an expression of agreement and support the golden incense altar (Ex. 30:1-10). This one pictures (De. 27:15-26; 1 Ki. 1:36; Ps. 41:13; 72:19; 89:52; Mt.

Christ’s prayers for His people (Ro. 8:34; He. 7:25). In 6:13; Ro. 1:25; 9:5; Re. 1:6, 7; 22:21). It is also a Re. 8:3, 4 the golden altar is said to be connected with common expression among Christians today. Jesus is prayer. It also pictures the truth that men can only pray called “the Amen” (Re. 3:14), meaning that He and His to God through Jesus Christ (Jn. 14:6; 1 Ti. 2:5; Ep.

promises are perfectly true and trustworthy (2 Co.

5:20). In Israel’s tabernacle the priest could not reach 1:20).

the incense altar without first passing the brass altar of AMERCE. To fine (De. 22:19).

sacrifice and the laver of water for cleansing. This AMETHYST. A glassy, clear quartz, nearly purple in taught that people cannot freely pray to God and color (Ex. 28:19; Re. 21:20) (Analytical).

fellowship with Him until they are redeemed by the AMI (extended, increased). Ezr. 2:57.

blood of Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Word of God AMIABLE. Lovely; delightful; worthy of affection (Ps.

(Ep. 5:26; He. 10:19-22). [See Offerings, Tabernacle.]

84:1).

AL-TASCHITH. [See Music.]

AMILLENNIAL. The teaching that the 1,000 year ALUSH (crowd of men, mingling together). Nu.

period of Re. 20:2-7 is not a literal 1,000 years.

33:13.

According to amillennialism, the events recorded in Re.

ALVAH (elevated, evil). Ge. 36:40.

19-20 are to be interpreted symbolically. In other words, ALVAN (very exalted, tall). Ge. 36:23.

the binding of Satan, the resurrection, and the 1,000

AMAL (sorrow). 1 Ch. 7:35.

year earthly reign of Christ are believed to be symbols of the present church age and of the heavenly condition of AMALEK (to lick up). Ge. 36:12; Ex. 17:8; 1 Ch.

saints, not literal future events.

1:36.

[The following is from “Amillennialism: A False View AMALEKITES. Descendants of Esau who fought of Prophecy” by the late T.P. Simmons.]

against Israel during the Exodus from Egypt. They were perpetual enemies of Israel (Ge. 36:12; Nu. 13:29; Post-millennialism is dead. Solomon said: “Hope 14:45; Ju. 3:13; 6:3, 33; 1 Sa. 15:7; 27:8; 30:1-20).

deferred maketh the heart sick.” Post-millennialism has sickened and expired.

AMAM (mother, a gathering place). Jos. 15:26.

Why Post-Millennialism Died. Post-millennialism AMANA (continuance, faith). Song. 4:8.

believed, for the most part, that the preaching of the AMARIAH (Jehovah hath said). Ezr. 7:3; 10:42; Ne.

gospel would accomplish the conversion of the 10:3; 11:4; 12:2, 7; 1 Ch. 6:7, 11, 52; 23:19; 24:23; 2

overwhelming mass of the people of the earth in this Ch. 31:14-15; Ze. 1:1.

age and thus usher in that reign of righteousness AMASA (burden-bearer). 2 Sa. 18:25; 19:13; alluded to in Revelation 20. Writing in 1883, in An 20:1-13; 2 Ch. 28:12.

American Commentary on the New Testament, Justin A.

AMASAI (burdensome). 1 Ch. 6:35; 12:18; 15:24; 2

Smith said: “It has been said that in twenty-five years Ch. 29:12.

more, if the present rate of progress continues, India AMASIAH (Jehovah hath borne). 2 Ch. 17:16.

will be as thoroughly Christian as Great Britain is today; there will be thirty millions of Christians in China, and AMAZEMENT. (1) Astonishment; perplexity (Ac.

Japan will be as fully Christianized as America is today.

3:10). (2) Fear (1 Pe. 3:6).

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AMILLENNIAL

The old heathen systems, they tell us, are honeycombed Premillennial

through and through by Christian influence. It looks as Premillennialism was the original faith of if the day, may come soon, when these systems, struck Christendom. Charles Feinberg, in Premillennialism or by vigorous blows, will fall in tremendous collapse.

Amillennialism, says: “Every book that we have read and Meantime, every ‘weapon formed against’ Christianity, studied on the question of the millennium, whether it breaks in the hand that holds it.” That was written was favorable or unfavorable to the doctrine, or seventy-one years ago, and we are farther from post-whether it gave full force and value to the testimony or millennial expectations now than we were at the time it tried to dissipate its implications, admitted freely that was written. The author of the quoted words did not the entire Church of the first three centuries was anticipate the hold that evolution would get on the premillennial, almost to a man.” This is admitted by religious world and the consequent rise of modernism Harnack, Mosheim, Geisler, Chillingworth, Stackhouse, and neo-orthodoxy. Nor did he foresee the rise of those Bishop Newton, Bishop Russell, Gibbon and even by antichristian philosophies that brought on both world D a n i e l W h i t b y. N o t o n l y w a s M o n t a n u s a wars and have now culminated in godless communism, premillennialist, but so also were Justin Martyr, which has engulfed more than half of the inhabitants of Polycarp, Papias, and Irenaeus [church leaders in the the world and has turned the world into an armed first centuries].

camp. In the light of the past fifty years it is not hard to Why the Early Church Was Premillennial. The early understand why post-millennialism died.

church was premillennial because early Christians Amillennialism Has Come in the Place of Post-believed in a characteristically literal interpretation of millennialism. There has come in the place of post-the Word of God. The departure from the truth of millennialism a worse scourge. The time was when it premillennialism on the part of the Catholic church, was rare to find a post-millennialist among the rank and which is so well inscribed on the pages of history, came file of Baptist preachers, but now we have many as a result of the adoption of the allegorizing or amillennialists among them. Thus amillennialism has spiritualizing method of interpreting the Scripture taken over the defunct stock of post-millennialism. This already referred to. Because of Origen’s influence in this stock has been carefully sorted. Outdated items have respect, Milner, the great English historian, said: “No been discarded. The remaining items have been man, not altogether unsound and hypocritical, ever renovated. The premises have been painted and made injured the Church more than Origen did.” Other so-more attractive. New personnel have been employed. An called “church fathers” [leaders in the churches in the ambitious sales program has been put on. The result is first centuries] took up this method. From them it that business is much improved.

passed on to scholastic theologians and was carried over The Source of Amillennialism. It is not that by some Protestant dogmatists.

amillennialism is really new. No; in essence it is older Amillennialism and Modernism. Just as the modernist than post-millennialism. But before the death of post-has allegorized the first chapters of Genesis, so the millennialism it had been largely dormant for two amillennialist has allegorized Scriptures that refer to the hundred years. Post-millennialism had so many able regathering and conversion of the Jews and the personal advocates (such as Broadus, Carroll, Boycee, Pendleton reign of Christ on the earth. Moreover amillennialism is and Mullins) that amillennialism was smothered. But like modernism again in that it undertakes to say in a with the passing of post-millennialism, it was ruthless and arbitrary way what can be true and what rejuvenated. It received a shot-in-the-arm.

can’t be true. It arbitrarily decides that God is through Amillenniallism had its source in the “philosophy and with the Jews as a nation. It decides that the sacrificial vain deceit,” against which Paul warned the Colossians system of the Jews could not in anywise be restored (Col 2:8). Philo, a Jewish contemporary of Jesus, set out without abrogating the new covenant. It decides that to blend Hebrew and Greek thought. By the allegorical Christ and the glorified saints could not rule on this method he did away everything in the Old Testament earth over men [who will be] in natural bodies. It that was not in harmony with the philosophy of Plato.

makes these decisions, not on the basis of a careful In doing this, Philo was simply applying to the Old examination of all the Scriptures, but presumptively; Testament the principle that the Greeks had employed and then proceeds to twist the Scripture wherever for centuries in the interpretation of Homer. This necessary in order to make it agree. It is no wonder that allegorizing method of interpretation of Scripture was the modernistic Southern Baptist Theological Seminary established in the great center of learning at Alexandria.

[the largest and oldest Southern Baptist seminary in Here it was passed on to Clement of Alexandria, America] is a hotbed of amillennialism [along with all Dionysius and Origen. It was Origen that did more than any other to popularize this method. The Early Church 20

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AMILLENNIAL

other seminaries of the Southern Baptist Convention].

Denies the Teaching of God’s Word That the Beast Is a Modernism and amillennialism are Siamese twins.

Man. The Bible teaches unmistakably that the beast is a The Meaning of the Term “Amillennialism.”

man by declaring his number is “the number of a Amillennialism means “non-millennialism.” It would man” (Re. 13:18) and by revealing that he will be cast have suited amillennialists much better if the Bible had into the lake of fire (Re. 19:20) where he is still found said nothing about the binding of Satan and the reign of at the end of the millennium (Re. 20:10). Only a man Christ and the saints for one thousand years.

who is more interested in maintaining his own notion In fact it would have suited them if the book of than in accepting the Word of God would ever dream Revelation had never been written. The only use they that the Bible here has reference to anything other than make of the last nineteen chapters [of Revelation] is to a man. But amillennialism says the beast only represents try to explain them away. If they were honest and a system or abstract conception. Thus again it flatly thought they could get by with it, they would take the denies the Word of God.

position of Dionysius and the Alogi in denying the Must Distinguish between Beast and Man of Sin. Since canonicity of the book of Revelation [saying, in other amillennialists do not believe that the second coming of words, that Revelation doesn’t belong in the Bible]. It is Christ is pictured in Revelation 19, saying that the a thorn in their sides. But the book of Revelation is with destruction of the beast portrayed therein is but the us to stay and amillennialists must make some triumph of Christianity over Roman paganism, they are disposition of the prophecy contained in the book. Thus logically forced to deny that the “man of sin” in 2

we have non-millennialists telling us about the Thessalonians 2:3-8 is the same as the beast of millennium. That is like having an atheist write on the Revelation; because the man of sin is to be destroyed attributes of God.

with the brightness of Christ’s coming. Yet nothing is Amillennialism Denies God’s Word Concerning Christ’s plainer than that the man of sin and the beast are Throne. Amillennialism says that Christ is now on His identical.

throne, the throne of David, which was promised to Him Rejects God’s Place for the Second Coming of Christ.

(Luke 1:32). But the Bible says that Christ is now on the Amillennialism rejects God’s place for the second Father’s throne and that He will ascend His own throne coming of Christ and then substitutes its own. This is when He comes in glory (Re. 3:21; Mt. 25:31).

typical of amillennialism as a whole. It says that we Denies God’s Word Concerning the Binding of Satan.

have not the second coming of Christ in Revelation 19, God’s Word pictures in Revelation 20 the complete where that coming is plainly pictured to all except those restraint of Satan during the millennium, but who have blinded their eyes by becoming victims of the amillennialists say the restraint is only partial. That is

“philosophy and vain deceit;” (Colossians 2:8) and then just a plain, outright, blatant denial of the Word of God.

places the second coming in the latter part of Revelation Amillennialists need to be stripped of their pious and 20, where God makes no mention of it. God has plainly hypocritical pretenses and made to stand with all other indicated that Revelation 19 sets forth the second deniers of the Word of God.

coming of Christ by revealing in Zechariah 14:1-4 that at the time when Christ takes vengeance against all Denies God’s Word about the Kingdom of the Beast. No nations in the battle of Armageddon (Re. 16:13-16; doubt A. Pieters represents the consensus of opinion 19:17-21), “his feet shall stand in that day upon the among amillennialists when he says: “The Battle of mount of Olives.” How pitiable it is when one Armageddon, in the nineteenth chapter (of Revelation) amillennialist says of Zechariah 14:4 “Someone’s feet means the victory of Christianity over Roman paganism, are to ‘stand upon the mount of Olives;’ but it is not in the first three centuries of our era.” But the Bible certain who the person is.”

describes the pagan Roman Empire when it says “and one is,” that is, one of the seven kings or kingdoms.

Nullifies the Imminency of Christ’s Coming. New Then it is said of the beast “he is the eighth” (See Re.

Testament Christians were commanded to “watch” and 17:10, 11). By no sort of mental gymnastics can any Christ’s coming was revealed as always impending. After honest man make out to himself that the empire of the revealing the millennium John represents Jesus as beast was pagan Rome. Pagan Rome was in existence saying again: “Surely I come quickly” (Re. 21:20), which when John wrote; and he plainly says after it another means suddenly rather than soon. This represents the was to come; and that the beast was to come still later.

coming of Jesus as the next thing in the prophetic The one that was to come in John’s day is plainly Papal program. This is what the Bible always means by “at Rome. And the empire of the beast is still to come. John hand” or “draweth nigh”. But amillennialism, by plainly said in his day that the beast “is not” (Re. 17:8).

representing the thousand years of Revelation 20 as being before Christ’s coming and as having extended now for much more than one thousand years, takes all Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 21

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the meaning out of such representations as noted. I laboring, and prayer. The reader perhaps is beginning to doubt that any amillennialist can say that he is feel that I have no patience with amillennialism or time expecting Christ at any moment. One amillennialist says for it. That is exactly right. I regard it as being wholly that the loosing of Satan (Re. 20:7), which he puts, of and absolutely false and as just another system of course, before the second advent, will be the revival of deception that has emerged from the bottomless pit to paganism; and he says that there will emerge “some be used of the devil in blighting the lives of individuals kind of collectivism whose paganism embodied in some and disturbing the peace of churches. I am truly sorry kind of world state of government will vent its wrath for those who have been duped by it. I urge them to against the saints to stamp out the remembrance of repent and return to their first love. (“Amillennialism: them and historic Christianity in the earth.” Certainly Refuted by the Word of God,” by the late T.P. Simmons, then he cannot believe that Christ’s coming is imminent The Baptist Challenge, January 1984). [See Allegorical,

[could happen at any moment].

Millennium, Prophecy, Rapture.]

Flagrantly Contradicts God’s Word by Teaching a AMINADAB (noble nation). Lk. 3:33.

General Resurrection. As plainly as language can express AMISH. A group of Mennonites who settled it God’s Word describes a resurrection in which only the particularly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, righteous take part. (See 1 Th. 4:15-16; 1 Co. 15:21-23; Nebraska, and Canada. [See Mennonite.]

Re. 20:5-6). Then it tells of another resurrection in AMITTAI (true). 2 Ki. 14:25; Jon. 1:1).

which only the wicked have part (Re. 20:11,15). But amillennialists think they know more than the inspired AMMAH (two ways, a mother). 2 Sa. 2:24.

writers did about this matter, so they put the two AMMI (my people). A name God called Israel in together. The Word of God is not final to amillennialists.

Hosea 2:1.

Their pet theory is final, so they presumptively AMMIEL (people of my God). Nu. 13:12; 2 Sa. 9:4-5; rearranged God’s Word to suit that.

17:27; 1 Ch. 3:5; 26:5.

Accuses God of Repenting. God says He does not AMMIHUD (people of Judah). Nu. 1:10; 34:20, 28; 2

repent of His gifts and calling (Ro. 11:29), but Sa. 13:37; 1 Ch. 9:4.

amillennialism says that He does. They admit that God AMMINADIB (the people are generous). Song 6:12.

once called national Israel and bestowed national AMMISHADDAI (people of the Almighty). Nu. 1:12; blessings upon them, but they say that these have now 2:25.

b e e n f o r f e i t e d f o r e v e r. T h u s , a c c o r d i n g t o AMMIZABAD (people of the giver). 1 Ch. 27:6.

amillennialism, there is no such thing as the immutability [unchanging nature] of God.

AMMON (son of my relative). A form of Ben-ammi, Lot’s younger son who became the ancestor of the Accuses Jesus and the Prophets of Falsifying.

Ammonites (Ge. 19:38).

Amillennialists say that when Jesus comes again He will not reestablish the Jewish nation at earthly Jerusalem.

AMMONITES (workman). Ge. 19:38; Ju. 11:4-33; 2

Jesus and the prophets said that He would. In Matthew Sa. 10:6-14; 12:26-31; Ne. 4:3, 7; Eze. 25:1-7. [See 19:28 Jesus said: “Verily I say unto you, that ye which Ammon.]

have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of AMNON (faithful). The son of King David who was man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye shall sit on murdered by Absolom because of his immoral act with twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Now Absolom’s sister (2 Sa. 13:1-39).

let not any amillennialist expose his ignorance by saying AMOK (deep). Ne. 12:7.

that the “regeneration” here is the triumph of AMON (workman). 1 Ki. 22:26; 2 Ki. 21:19-26; Ne.

Christianity over paganism in the first three centuries or 7:59.

at any other time.

AMORITES (mountaineers). Inhabitants of the land The apostles have not yet sat on thrones judging the of Canaan who fought against Israel (Ex. 3:8; 33:2; Nu.

twelve tribes of Israel. Moreover the “regeneration” is 13:29; Jos. 2:10; 7:7; 9:10; 10:5-14; 11:3; Ju. 1:35; represented as coinciding in time with the sitting of 3:5; 6:10; 11:22).

Christ on the throne of His Glory, and this is to be when AMOS (burden-bearer). The prophet of Israel who he returns (Mt. 25:31). This regeneration connects with wrote the book called by his name. He was a farmer the “restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by until called by God to prophesy against the sins of the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world northern Israel (Amos 1:1; 7:14-15).

began” (Acts 3:21) and with Isaiah 65:17-25, where the prophet describes a state of affairs in Jerusalem that AMOZ (strong). Is. 1:1.

could exist only in earthly Jerusalem. It is a state that AMPHIPOLIS (about the city). An important city of will involve death, sinners, building houses, planting, Macedonia. Deriving its name from the fact that it was 22

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almost surrounded by the Strymon river (Ac. 17:1) the rebellion are called the elect angels and continue to (Analytical).

serve and worship God (1 Ti. 5:21).

AMPLIAS (extended, enlarged). Ro. 16:8.

Do Angels Exist? Angels are spoken of throughout the AMRAM (exalted people). Ex. 6:20; Nu. 3:17-27; Bible. No one can therefore deny the existence of angels Ezr. 10:34.

without denying the Bible. (1) They are spoken of in the AMRAPHEL (very gigantic). Ge. 14:1.

O.T. (Ge. 19:1; Ps. 8:5; Da. 3:28; etc.). (2) They are spoken of in Jesus’ earthly life (Mt. 4:11; Lk. 22:43). (3) AMZI (strong). 1 Ch. 6:46; Ne. 11:12.

They are spoken of by the Apostles (Ac. 5:19; 11:13; ANAB (place of grapes). Town of Judah out of which 12:7-15; 12:23; 27:23; Ro. 8:23; 1 Co. 4:9; etc.). They the Anakim were driven (Jos. 11:21; 15:50).

are spoken of in the book of Revelation (Re. 5:11; etc.).

ANAH (answering). Ge. 36:2,14

The Origin of Angels: (1) They were created by Jesus ANAHARATH (groaning, wrath). Jos. 19:19.

Christ (Col. 1:16). (2) They were created before the ANAIAH (he answered). Ne. 8:4.

world was made (Job 38:7).

ANAK (long-necked). The founder of the giants Division of Angels into Good and Evil: (1) Evil angels called Anakim (Nu. 13:22-28).

are those which followed Satan in his rebellion against ANAKIM. A people of large stature who were God (Mt. 25:41; Re. 12:9). They are also called demons, conquered by Israel (Nu. 13:22-28; De. 9:2; Jos. 10:36; devils, and evil spirits (Mt. 4:24; Lk. 8:2) and are 11:21-22; 15:13-14; 21:11).

organized under Satan’s command to help carry out his ANAMMELECH (Anu is king). 2 Ki. 17:31.

evil designs in this world (Ep. 6:12). Some of the fallen angels are already in a place of confinement awaiting ANANIAH (Jehovah hath covered). Ne. 3:23; 11:32.

judgment (2 Pe. 2:4; Jude 6). (2) Good angels are those ANANIAS (Jehovah is gracious). A man in the early which continue to serve and obey God (Ps. 103:20-21).

church who, with his wife Sapphira, lied about their They are also called “elect angels” (1 Ti. 5:21), and in offering and was killed by God (Ac. 5:1-11).

He. 1:14 are called “ministering spirits, sent forth to ANATH (answer). Ju. 3:31; 5:6.

minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.”

ANATHEMA (accursed). The phrase “anathema What Are Angels Like? (1) They are spirits (He. 1:7).

maranatha” in 1 Co. 16:22 means “accursed at Christ’s (2) Though they can fly and move quickly, the Bible coming,” and refers to judgment upon the unsaved at never says angels have wings (Da. 9:21). Though Christ’s return. [See Hell, Judgment, Prophecy, Second cherubim and seraphim have wings, they aren’t Coming.]

specifically called angels (Is. 6:2; Eze. 1:6).(3) They are ANATHOTH (answers). A city of priests (Jos. 21:18; always referred to as masculine (Ge. 18:1-2; Ju. 13:3, 6; 1 Ki. 2:26; 1 Ch. 6:60; Je. 1:1; 11:21).

Lk. 24:3-4). (4) They do not marry or bear children (Mt.

ANCHOR. A device which fastens to the bottom of a 22:30). (5) They are very powerful (Ps. 103:20). (6) lake or ocean and holds a boat in one place (Ac.

They are very wise (2 Sa. 14:20), but they are not all-27:29-30). Christian hope is said to be “an anchor both wise. 1 Pe. 1:12 speaks of things the angels desire to sure and steadfast” (He. 6:19), referring to the certainty know, and in Ep. 3:10 we find that angels are learning of one’s salvation in Christ. Compare Jn. 10:27,28; Ro.

from God’s revelations to and workings in the church.

5:1-11; Ep. 1-3; 1 Pe. 1:2-5; 1 Jn. 5:11-13. [See Eternal (7) They cannot die (Lk. 20:36).

Security, Hope.]

How Many Angels Are There? They are innumerable ANCIENTS. Elderly; old age (Ps. 119:100; Is. 3:2).

(He. 12:22; Ps. 68:17; Mt. 26:53; Re. 5:11).

[See Old Age.]

What Do Angels Do? (1) They worship God (Re.

ANDREW (manliness). One of the twelve apostles of 5:11-12; Ps. 148:2). (2) They serve and obey God (Ps.

Christ (Mt. 4:18; 10:2; Mk. 1:16-18; Jn. 1:35-42).

103:20-21). (3) They minister to and protect God’s people (He. 1:14; 13:2). Examples are Elijah (1 Ki. 19), ANDRONICUS (man conquering). Ro. 16:7.

Daniel (Da. 6:22), Peter (Ac. 5:19; 12:7-11), and Paul ANEM (double fountain). 1 Ch. 6:73.

(Ac. 27:23). (4) They help in the Great Commission of ANER (he shook off, affliction of light). Ge. 14:13.

world evangelism (Ac. 8:26; 10:3, 7, 22). (5) They ANGEL (messenger). A supernatural being created to watch over children who believe in Jesus (Mt. 18:6,10).

serve God. Angel means “messenger.” The Bible speaks (6) They accompany saints to heaven when they die of two major groups of angels—good and evil. One (Lk. 16:22). (7) They will return with Jesus from group of angels rebelled against God and followed heaven and help establish the kingdom (Mt. 24:30-31; Satan (Mt. 25:41). These fallen angels are also called 25:31; 2 Th. 1:7-10). (8) An angel will bind Satan (Re.

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20:1-3). (9) Angels guard the gates of the New hardheartedness (Mk. 3:5) and at false teaching (Mt.

Jerusalem (Re. 21:12).

23). Some men of God who were angry at What Christians Can Learn from Angels: (1) Worship unrighteousness: Enoch (Jude 14-15), Moses (Ex.

(Re. 5:11). (2) Service and obedience (Ps. 103:20-21).

32:19-20), the Psalmist (Ps. 119:53), Jeremiah (Je.

(3) Interest in God’s work and plan (1 Pe. 1:12). (4) 23:9-11), Jesus (Mt. 23), Paul (Ga. 2:11-14; Ac.

Love for Jesus (Lk. 2:13-15; Mt. 4:11). (5) Excitement 13:9-11).

about sinners being saved (Lk. 15:10). [See Archangel, Proverbs 25:23: “There is a place for anger as well as Cherubim, Devils, Gabriel, Michael, Satan, Seraphim.]

for love. As in nature a gloomy tempest serves some ANGEL OF THE LORD. “In the O.T. the expression beneficial purposes for which calm sunshine has no

‘the angel of the Lord’ (sometimes ‘angel of God’) faculty; so in morals a frown on an honest man’s brow usually implies the presence of Deity in angelic form is, in its own place, as needful and useful as the (Ge. 16:1-13; 21:17-19; 22:11-16; 31:11-13; Ex. 3:2-4; sweetest smile that kindness ever kindles on a human Ju. 2:1; 6:12-16; 13:3-22)” (Scofield Reference Bible).

countenance. A gentle, loving character is much These O.T. appearances of God in human form are admired, and, where it is genuine, deserves all the foreviews of the incarnation of Jesus Christ as “God admiration it has ever gotten yet. These features, manifest in the flesh” (Mt. 1:23; 1 Ti. 3:16). Not all of however, constitute only one side of a man, and we the O.T. references to “angel of the Lord” are pre-must see the other side ere we can pronounce an incarnations of Christ; some are references to ordinary intelligent judgment on his worth. ... If he has not the angels (Ju. 13:16). [See Angel.]

faculty of frowning, I would not give much for his ANGER. The Bible speaks of two basic kinds of anger smile. ... We don’t want a fretful, passionate man; and if or wrath: the unrighteous anger of man and the we did, we would find one without searching long or righteous anger of God. Man’s anger is defined by going far. We want neither a man of wrath, nor a man of Webster as “a violent passion of the mind excited by a undiscriminating, unvarying softness. We want real or supposed injury; usually accompanied with a something with two sides; that is, a solid, real character.

propensity to take vengeance, or to obtain satisfaction Let us have a man who loves good and hates evil, and from the offending party. This passion however varies in who, in place and time convenient, can make either degrees of violence, and in ingenuous minds, may be emotion manifest in his countenance. … The gentleness attended only with a desire to reprove or chide the which will have peace on any terms, is neither pleasing offender. Anger may be inflamed till it rises to rage and to the Lord nor beneficial to men; if there is no a temporary delirium.” Man’s unrighteous anger arises pungency there will be no purifying” William Arnot, from his sinful nature (Ga. 5:20). Anger is “the desire of Proverbs). [See Bitterness, Brawler, Clamour, Fool, Day the flesh to strike out at anything that threatens self of the Lord, Dissension, Great Tribulation, Judgment, interests” (Bunnell). The Lord Jesus Christ closely Malice, Sin, Strife, Striker, Variance.]

connected anger with murder (Mt. 5:21-22). As theft is ANGLE. A fishing rod with line and hook (Is. 19:8; the product of covetousness, and adultery is the product Ha. 1:15). [See Fishing.]

of lust, murder is the product of anger.

ANGLICAN CHURCH. The Church of England was Warnings about Man’s Unrighteous Anger: (1) It formed in 1534 when King Henry VIII rebelled against causes one to do foolish things (Pr. 14:17). (2) It is the the Roman Catholic pope and proclaimed himself the result of pride (Pr. 13:10). (3) It poisons others (Pr.

head of a national church in England. The break was 22:24-25). (4) It stirs up strife and sin (Pr. 15:18; not over religion; it was over lust. Henry wanted to 29:22). (5) It results in punishment (Pr. 19:19). (6) It divorce his first wife, Catherine, and marry a lovely can be tempered with soft words (Pr. 15:1). (6) God young lady in the court named Anne Boleyn. Catherine warns about becoming friends with an angry man (Pr.

had born Henry a female child named Mary but she 22:24-25). (7) Control of anger requires that one have could not bear the much-desired male child. The pope rule over his own spirit (Pr. 16:32; 25:28). (8) A man’s refused to grant the divorce, so Henry, never one to be wisdom causes him to control his anger (Pr. 19:11). (9) told no, formed his own state church.

It is to be put away from the Christian’s life (Col. 3:8).

In spite of the break with the pope, Henry remained Examples of Righteous Anger: (1) Indignation against a Catholic in doctrine all his life. In fact, he hated sin (Ps. 119:53, 104, 113, 128, 136, 139, 158, 163; Pr.

Protestantism. Historian S.M. Houghton tells us that he 28:4; Je. 15:17; Ro. 12:9; Ep. 5:11). (2) Indignation

“remained a bitter enemy of the reformed faith ...

against false teachers and false doctrine (Je. 23:9-11; whatever else he did, he had no love for Protestant Mt. 23; Tit. 1:9-11; Galatians; Jude 14-15). (3) doctrine and Protestant worship” ( Sketches from Church Indignation against hypocrisy and evil among Christian History, p. 112). Only 13 years before he broke with the leaders (Ga. 2:11-14). Jesus Christ was angry at man’s pope, Henry had written a treatise titled “Defense of the 24

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Seven Sacraments against Martin Luther” and dedicated absolve it from the sin of schism” (Elton, Reform & it to Pope Paul III. The pope showed his appreciation by Reformation, pp. 378,379). The British Parliament then awarding Henry the title “Defender of the Faith.” In this in session submitted to the pope’s legate and “revived treatise, Henry had defended the doctrine of the the old heresy laws” (Elton, Ibid., p. 384). There papacy!

followed four years of torment for Bible believers. Elton Edward VI (1547-1553). The Church of England took tells us that “even by contemporary standards, the a more Protestant turn when Henry died and his young Marian heresy-hunt was exceptionally bloody” (Ibid., p.

son, Edward, took the throne. Edward was Henry’s only 387). Some modern historians have suggested that John legitimate son. His mother, Henry’s third wife, Jane Foxe’s account of those persecutions is highly Seymoure, was a Protestant and had apparently trained exaggerated. Elton debunks this. “Foxe’s Acts and Edward in the doctrines of the Word of God from a Monuments (his Book of Martyrs), first published in Protestant perspective. When the boy king ascended to 1563, did not (as apologists would have it) create a the throne at age nine (as Edward VI), it is said that he legend; it commemorated a truth” (Ibid., p. 386).

ordered a Bible to be carried before him in the royal Under Mary, some 250 Protestants and Baptists were procession, and his short reign brought a large measure burnt at the stake. Nearly 100 more perished under of peace and liberty to the British kingdom. (This does torture and in prisons. Hundreds of Bible believers were not mean there was complete religious liberty; two forced to flee to the Continent. “Reading the English Baptists were burned during Edward’s reign.) Bible and offering Protestant prayers were forbidden Under Edward, there was liberty for the distribution under penalty of death. To accomplish her purpose the and reading of the Word of God. In the days before that, queen resorted freely to the rack and the fagot, and as a under Henry VIII, Bibles were largely forbidden and result came to be known as Bloody Mary” (Simms, Bible countless copies were burned, as were many of their from the Beginning, p. 182).

owners. In contrast, under Edward’s reign there were 48

The rage of English Catholic authorities against the printings of the New Testament and the complete Bible.

Bible during Mary’s reign was such that even the Progress was also made to conform the Church of Scripture texts painted on church walls were required to England to a Protestant pattern in doctrine and practice.

be removed. “Bishop Bonner went so far in his christian Some (though by no means all) of the Catholic dogmas zeal, as he called his angry and irregular passion, as by were rejected. Mass was abolished. Church services his mandate, dated October 25, 1554, to require all were conducted in English rather than Latin. A parsons, &c. to warn their churchwardens to abolish Protestant confession of faith was written by Archbishop and extinguish the texts of Scripture painted on the Thomas Cranmer that eventually became the Thirty-church-walls, which, he said, were wrongly applied, and Nine Articles of the Church of England. Many opened a window to all vices, and utterly closed up the immigrants who had fled to Europe because of the way to virtue. … At this visitation likewise, it seems as if persecutions under Henry returned.

the English Bibles and Common-Prayer Books were all It must be noted that Cranmer’s statement of faith ordered to be taken out of churches, and the texts of contained many doctrinal heresies. He taught that Scripture on the walls defaced. Since at the visitation of baptism was necessary for eternal salvation, that the diocese of Canterbury, 1565, I find the following baptism is for infants, and that when infants are presentment made by the churchwardens of baptized, their sins are remitted. Cranmer condemned Wemingswold, in Kent, viz. That they have had no Bible Anabaptist doctrine as “detestable heresies.”

since their church was defaced ten years before” (John Lewis, History of the English Translations of the Bible, pp.

The Reformation in the Church of England under 198,201).

Edward was short lived. Edward had reigned only six and a half years, from 1547 to 1553, when he died at Bible translator John Rogers was the first to fall the tender age of 16.

victim to Mary’s fury in 1555. Rogers was the man who published the first complete Tyndale Bible, which was Queen Mary (1553-1558). Upon the death of left uncompleted by Tyndale’s martyrdom. Rogers’

Edward, Henry’s elder daughter Mary ascended to the translation was known as the Matthew’s Bible, because throne. During the reign of Mary, Bible-believers were his pen name Thomas Matthew appeared on its title tormented bitterly throughout the land. Mary was a page.

staunch Romanist, and Rome wasted no time in using her ascension to the throne to reclaim its power over The bones of two other Bible translators were burned England. In November 1554, the pope’s handpicked by Queen Mary. These were Paul Fagius and Martin man, Cardinal Reginald Pole, arrived from Italy “with a Bucer. In 1548, these two renowned European scholars commission to reconcile England to the papacy and to had been invited by Archbishop Cranmer to come to England and assume professorships at Cambridge. He Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 25

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desired that they undertake the revision of the English that kindness didn’t extend to the Anabaptists. In one of Bible. Fagius began work on the Old Testament, and his sermons preached before King Edward, Latimer Bucer started with the Gospel of John, but sickness and called the Anabaptists “poisoned heretics” and referred death intervened to stop this project (Daiches, The King to their burnings, callously saying, “Well, let them James Version of the English Bible, pp. 46, 47, 149).

go” (Cranmer’s Sermons, Parker Society, vol. v). This Their sacred work was so hated by Rome that their was only a few years before he was burned, in his own bones were dug up and burned.

turn, by Mary. In regard to their own martyrs, the The suffering of Bible-believers during Rome‘s Protestants certainly have not evidenced the attitude of resurgence in England was not limited to the torments Cranmer, “Well, let them go” — in other words, good of death. “But martyrdom was often a relief from more riddance. By no means have they had this attitude. The barbarous atrocities. In the sad winter months which Protestant historians, such as Foxe and Wylie and a were approaching, the poor men and women, who, thousand others, have raised great memorials to the untried and uncondemned, were crowded into the memory of their own martyrs, but these same historians bishops’ prisons, experienced such miseries as the very have often raised nothing but reproach upon the dogs could scarcely suffer and survive. They were memory of the Baptist martyrs.

beaten, they were starved, they were flung into dark Another example is Nicholas Ridley, who was burned fetid dens, where rotting straw was their bed, their feet by Mary on October 17, 1555 (at the same time as were fettered in the stocks, and their clothes were their Latimer). Like Cranmer, Ridley was involved in the only covering, while the wretches who died in their death sentence of Joan Boucher (Joan of Kent) during misery were flung out into the fields where none might the reign of Edward VI. Ridley attempted to get Boucher bury them” (Froude, History of England, V, p. 559).

to renounce her doctrine. She was an Anabaptist from Since most histories ignore this fact, I feel Kent, a member of a small congregation in the town of constrained to mention it, though it is sad and Eythorne. She was an intimate friend of the godly Ann unpleasant. Many of the Protestants who were burned Askew who was burned during the reign of Henry VIII.

and otherwise persecuted under Queen Mary, had Joan was charged with “holding that Christ was not themselves persecuted, or else supported the persecution of, incarnate of the Virgin Mary,” but the charge was not Baptists.

true. She held an eccentric and erroneous belief that Thomas Cranmer, who was burned by Mary on March Mary had two seeds, one natural and one spiritual, and 21, 1556, convicted and burned Anabaptists both during that Christ was the spiritual seed. In reading the the reign of Henry VIII and during that of Edward VI.

accounts of the trial, it is difficult to know exactly what Under Henry, Cranmer (who had supported the she meant by this, but this much is clear: she plainly persecution against translator William Tyndale) had testified that Mary was a virgin when Jesus was born been appointed to hunt out Anabaptists, to burn their and that she accepted Christ as both man and God and books, and to turn the Anabaptists over to the secular as the virgin-born Son of God. Thus, if she believed arm of government to be executed if they refused to some strange thing about Mary’s seed, certainly it was repent. During the reign of Edward VI, Cranmer again not a very great heresy. The heresies of infant baptism had opportunity to have two Anabaptists burned. One of and baptismal regeneration, both of which were held by those burned by Cranmer was Joan Boucher (Joan of those who condemned Joan, are greater errors.

Kent), of whom we will say more in a moment. Another John Philpot, who was burned by Mary on December of those burned by Cranmer under Edward was an 18, 1555, was also in favor of Joan of Kent’s burning.

Anabaptist preacher named Humphrey Middleton.

Philpot testified, “As for Joan of Kent, she was a vain When Cranmer threatened him with death, the intrepid woman (I knew her well), and a heretic indeed, well Baptist replied, “Reverend sir, pass what sentence you worthy to be burnt…” (Philpot’s Work’s, Parker Society, think fit upon us. But that you may not say that you p. 55).

were not forewarned, I testify that your turn may be Another example is John Rogers. He supported the next” It was only a few years later that the Protestant burning of an Anabaptist named Joan Boucher during Cranmer, who had supported the burning of the Baptists the reign of Edward VI. The historian John Foxe, who, Boucher and Middleton and others, was himself burned to his credit, was opposed to the burning and who tried by the Catholic Mary (Evans, Early English Baptists, to save the woman, begged his friend Rogers to help volume 1).

him. Rogers refused, saying that she ought to be burned Hugh Latimer is another example. He was burned by and spoke of death by burning as a light thing. Foxe Mary on October 17, 1555. Latimer was the chaplain to seized the hand of Rogers and replied, “Well, it may so Henry VIII and the bishop of London under Edward VI, happen that you yourself will have your hands full of and though he had the reputation of being a kind man, this mild burning” (Thomas Armitage, A History of the 26

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Baptists, 1890). We wonder if Rogers thought about that as Congregationalists, Independents, Brownists, and statement, when, a few years later, he was led out to a Separatists. The Pilgrims that first settled America were pile of faggots and burned before his wife and 15

of this persuasion.

children under the Catholic Queen Mary.

When Elizabeth died, James I (1603-25) ascended Mary’s earthly end came quickly, and it was frightful the throne of England. It was this king who authorized to behold. She was abandoned by her Spanish husband, the translation of that masterpiece of English Scripture, Philip, who shamed her with his public affection for the King James Bible, which appeared in 1611.

other women. She was tormented with mental The Anglican Church continued to persecute those who depressions and fears. She thought that she was tried to worship independently until almost the end of the pregnant, but this bright hope turned out to be the 17th century. The last man burned alive in England for figment of her own imagination. “… the impression his religion was Edward Wightman, a Baptist, on April grew daily that the Queen had not been pregnant at all.

11, 1612 (under James I). Imprisonments and other

… From confidence she fell into anxiety, from anxiety forms of punishment continued until 1689. Many into fear, from fear into wildness and despondency. …

Baptist preachers had long prison terms in 17th-century Her women now understood her condition; she was sick England. Francis Bampfield died in prison after of a mortal disease; but they durst not tell her …

spending the last nine years of his life in bonds. John Throughout May [1555] she remained in her Miller was confined ten years. Henry Forty spent twelve apartments waiting—waiting—in passionate years in prison. John Bunyan wrote his famous Pilgrim’s restlessness. With stomach swollen, and features shrunk Progress while languishing in prison for 12 long years, and haggard, she would sit upon the floor, with her unable to care for his wife and beloved blind daughter.

knees drawn up to her face, in an agony of doubt; and Joseph Wright lay in Maidstone jail for twenty years.

in mockery of her wretchedness…” (Froude, v, pp. 520, George Fownes died in Gloucester jail. Thomas Delaune 21). Thinking that God was displeased with her because and many others died in the wretched Newgate Prison.

she had not destroyed all of the Protestants, she wrote a Samuel Howe died in prison in 1640 and was buried letter to hasten the persecutions. “Under the fresh beside a roadway because the Church of England impulse of this letter, fifty persons were put to death at refused to allow him to be buried in a cemetery.

the stake in the three ensuing months…” (Froude, V, p.

Bible believers were viciously persecuted during the 523).

reigns of Charles II (1660-1685) and James II Mary died on November 15, 1558, at age 43, (1685-1688).

childless, in the sixth year of her evil reign.

The “Act of Uniformity” in 1662 subjected many to Elizabeth I (1558-1603), the daughter of Henry’s beatings and imprisonment.

second wife, Anne Boleyn, ascended to the throne after The first Conventicle Act in 1664 forbade all worship Mary and relative peace settled over England. The assemblies that did not conform to the Church of Protestant character of the Church of England was England. Penalties were severe fines and imprisonment resumed under Elizabeth. The Thirty-Nine Articles were and for a third offence, banishment to America for seven drawn up from the confession that had been written by years.

Cranmer during Edward’s reign.

The Five-Mile Act in 1665 forbade nonconformist Elizabeth loved pomp and circumstance and a very preachers to go within five miles of any city or town ritualistic Catholic-like church liturgy; and during this that had a Church of England congregation. It also time, the Puritans within the Anglican Church called for forbade them to teach in any public or private school.

a further reformation. They preached a personal The penalty for each offense was a severe fine that was conversion experience, a high standard of morality for beyond the means of most to pay.

professing Christians, and church discipline against unrepentant sin. They opposed the Catholic-like The second Conventicle Act in 1670 was worse yet.

ritualism that remained within the Church of England In addition to imprisonment and other torments, it under Elizabeth. The term Puritan, like many others in called for harsh fines not only on all nonconformist church history, was a general term that encompassed a worshippers and preachers, but upon the owners of any wide variety of thought and practice. Some Puritans buildings used for nonconformist meetings. The fines called for a presbyterian type of church government; were paid by the sale of the believers’ possessions, some were congregational; while others were content which were often sold for a pittance of their real value.

with the Anglican Church’s episcopacy or rule of Since a third of the price of the fine went to the bishops. Most of them accepted the Protestant error of informer, many were motivated to report on the infant baptism, though. Many eventually left and separatists. Many were impoverished. Fathers formed separate churches, called by various names such Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 27

ANGLICAN CHURCH

languishing in prison could do nothing to assist their the bread and wine. Episcopal priests believe they are destitute families.

somehow offering the sacrifice of Christ in their The long arm of the Anglican Church also brought Eucharist. “Q. Why is the Eucharist called a sacrifice? A.

persecution to Bible believers in America before her Because the Eucharist, the Church’s sacrifice of praise independence. The Virginia colony was Anglican, and in and thanksgiving, is the way by which the sacrifice of 1643, the governor unleashed persecution against Christ is made present, and in which he unites us to his dissenters. Many were whipped, branded, incarcerated, one offering of himself” (Book of Common Prayer). The fined, and driven out of the colony.

Handbook of Denominations in the United States observes Between 1660 and 1689, some 70,000 men and that “the Episcopal Church [the American branch of the women suffered under religious persecution; 8,000

Church of England] believes in the real presence of perished; and tens of millions of dollars were paid in Christ in the elements of the Eucharist.” [See Church.]

fines. (The previous information about the persecution We can see, then, that though the Church of England of the Church of England in the 17th century are is separate from the Catholic Church organizationally, it adapted from Cushing Hassell, History of the Church of has clung to many of the false beliefs and practices of God, 1886).

Romanism.

The Anglican Church Today

Modernism: In this century liberalism has largely According to the London-based Anglican taken over the Anglican denomination. A large Consultative Council, there are more than 70 million percentage of its bishops and pastors are modernists Anglicans in 164 countries. The Episcopal Church in who deny the miracles of the Bible. Former Archbishop America is part of the worldwide Anglican communion.

of Canterbury Robert Runcie illustrates this sad trend. In Though the Church of England claims a membership of an interview with a newspaper the editor picked up in 27 million, this counts every person who has been London on Easter 1982, Runcie was asked about the baptized as an infant; only nine million have been meaning of the cross. He replied, “As to that, I am an confirmed, and fewer than 1.7 million attend services agnostic.” Runcie was not certain of the meaning of the even at Christmas or Easter when attendance is at its cross! In the same interview he said he felt Buddhism is peak.

a proper way to God and that Christians should not say that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation. Anglican Though not under papal authority, many Catholic bishop David Jenkins openly questions every major practices remain intact in the Church of England.

teaching of the Bible. Of Christ’s resurrection, this Episcopal church government: Anglican church Church of England bishop says, “The Christian is not government is the unbiblical episcopal system—the local bound up with freak biology or corpses getting up and church is governed by outside control through a walking around.” Of Christ’s virgin birth, Jenkins says, hierarchy of priests and bishops. The highest Anglican

“As for the virgin birth, they’re the sort of stories that get bishop is called the Archbishop of Canterbury. [See told after you already believe somebody is very Church.]

important. You don’t have to believe in the virgin Infant baptism: The Anglican Church practices infant birth...” [See Modernism.]

baptism, teaching that infants receive the Holy Spirit Ecumenism: For the past two decades or more many and are regenerated through baptism. [See Baptism -

Anglican leaders, including the archbishops, have been Infant.]

attempting to reconcile the Church of England with the Ritualistic worship: The Anglican Church has a highly RCC. The Catholic pope visited England for the first ritualistic form of worship foreign to that of the time in 1982 and held a joint meeting and service with churches of the N.T. They use prayer books and follow a Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie. Runcie has formal liturgy. Contrary to the apostolic pattern, they said, “We should like to see the churches of England, have a special priesthood and seven sacraments Scotland, the United States and any other countries, (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Penance, Ordination, bound together in one body. If the pope would like to Matrimony, and Healing). The sacraments are defined come in as chairman, we should all welcome him” ( Why as “outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual Were Our Reformers Burned? p. 13). After three years of grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by theological debate, the members of the Second which we receive that grace” (The Book of Common Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission Prayer). Thus, like the Catholic Church, the Anglican issued a statement which concluded that the doctrine of Church falsely believes the sacraments to be channels of salvation taught by Rome and by Anglicanism is so close Christ’s grace. The Lord’s Supper is called the “Holy that there need be no more division between them.

Eucharist” and is considered, not simply a memorial They are correct, of course, because both preach a false meal, but an event in which Christ becomes present in 28

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ANIAM - ANTICHRIST

sacramental gospel which adds the works of the church are spirit forces, devils and angels, who operate in the to the free salvation in Jesus Christ.

world, but these are created beings separate from the Women priests: As of 1993, 17 of the 30 independent elements of this world. [See Devils, God, Idolatry, Satan, Anglican communions around the world had approved Soul.]

ordination of women priests. The Episcopal Church in ANISE. The aromatic seed of a plant of the parsley the United States, which approved women’s ordination family, the oil of which is used in medicine, cooking and in 1976, has 1,070. The Episcopalians ordained the first liqueurs for its licorice-like flavor (Random House) (Mt.

Anglican female bishop in 1989. The “mother church” in 23:23).

England gave final approval for the ordination of ANNA (grace). The aged widow who rejoiced in the women priests in 1993.

baby Jesus when He was first brought to the temple (Lk.

Syncretism and Universalism: Speaking in Bahrain on 2:36-38).

November 3, 2001, George Carey, the Archbishop of ANNAMMELECH (2 Ki. 17:31). See Idolatry.

Canterbury, the head of the worldwide communion of ANNAS (grace of Jehovah). Lk. 3:2; Jn. 18:13; Ac.

Anglican churches, called Mohammed “a great religious 4:6; Lu. 3:2.

leader whose influence on millions has been for the good.” To the contrary, Mohammed has influenced ANNIHILATION. The false idea that Satan and the multitudes to follow a false gospel to eternal hell. Carey unsaved will be utterly consumed in the lake of fire. In said that “interfaith dialogue is not an option but a reality, the Bible teaches that Satan and the unsaved will necessity.” Carey spoke commendably of the writings of suffer eternal conscious torment (Mt. 25:46; Re.

modernist John Hick and did not condemn Hick’s claims 14:9-11; 20:10, 15). Groups which hold the view of that Christians should stop claiming that Jesus Christ is annihilation include the Seventh-day Adventists and the the only Lord and Saviour and that there is only one Jehovah’s Witnesses. [See Death, Hell, Jehovah’s God and one faith. Carey belittled and condemned Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventism.]

fundamentalists or “dogmatists,” as he called them, who ANOINT. To pour or rub with an ointment. In the carry “banners pronouncing that ‘Jesus is the answer’”

Bible there are many different kinds of anointings: (1) and who refuse to dialogue with other religions. He said Anointing the head of a guest as a token of hospitality Christians, Jews, and Muslims worship the same God (Lk. 7:46; Ps. 23:5). (2) Anointing the head of the high and that Muslims and Christians are brothers. The title priest (Ex. 29:7; 40:13). This symbolizes the anointing of Carey’s message was “How Far Can We Travel of the Holy Spirit upon the Lord Jesus Christ, our Great Together?” The Bible answered that almost 2,000 years High Priest (Ac. 4:27; 10:38; Mt. 3:16). (3) Anointing ago. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with the sons of Aaron (Ex. 30:30; 40:15). This symbolizes unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness the Holy Spirit’s anointing of Christians (2 Co. 1:21; 1

with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light Jn. 2:27). (4) Anointing on the offerings (Ex. 29:2; Le.

with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with 2:4). This symbolizes Jesus anointed by the Holy Spirit.

Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an See verses listed under #2 above. (5) Anointing the infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God head of a king (1 Sa. 9:16; 15:1; 16:3,12; 1 Ki. 1:34).

with idols? . . . Wherefore come out from among them, This symbolizes God’s choice of the man and the Holy and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the Spirit’s anointing for service. (6) Anointing to heal the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Co. 6:14-17).

sick (Ja. 5:14). This is symbolic of the Holy Spirit’s The Lord’s Apostles, who started the first churches, did healing ministry. The same Greek translated “anoint” is not dialogue with idolaters; they preached the blessed translated “unction” in 1 Jn. 2:20. [See Healing, High Gospel to them. Ecumenists dialogue because they have Priest, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Unction.]

no truth to preach. [See Pastor, Deacon, Ecumenical, ANON. Immediately; directly (Mt. 13:20).

Episcopal, Women Preachers, World Council of ANTHOTHIJAH (answers of Jehovah). 1 Ch. 8:24.

Churches.]

ANTHROPOLOGY. The doctrine relating to man.

ANIAM (sighing of the people). 1 Ch. 7:19.

[See Creation, Heart, Sin, Soul, Spirit, Justification.]

ANIM (fountains). A town of Judah (Jos. 15:50).

ANTICHRIST. A N.T. word used in two senses: 1 Jn.

ANIMAL. [See Beast.]

2:18 speaks both of present antichrists and a future ANIMISM. The belief that natural phenomena and Antichrist. (1) The term antichrist refers in general to objects, as rocks, trees, the wind, etc., are alive and Satan’s working in the world whereby he resists the have souls (Webster’s Deluxe Unabridged Dictionary).

preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ and particularly The Bible says God created the world; but God is not the attacks the deity of Christ (1 Jn. 2:18-33; 4:1-3; 2 Jn.

world. The inanimate creation is not living soul. There 7). This evil work is as old as the world, but began in a special way in the days of the Apostles and is carried on Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 29

ANTINOMIANISM - ANUB

by false teachers energized by demonic powers (1 Ti.

—Satan (2 Th. 2:9; Re. 13:4). (5) His rise to power: a.

4:1; 2 Ti. 3:7-8, 13). (2) Antichrist also refers to the It involves a great miracle (Re. 13:3-4). b. It involves a man who will arise in the world to make one final peace pact with Israel (Da. 9:27). c. It involves the attempt to destroy Christ’s work and people before Jesus overthrow of other kings (Da. 7:8,24). (6) The returns from heaven (Re. 13).

characteristics of his rule: a. He rules by miracles and The N.T. teaches that the evil workings in this world deception (Re. 13:11-15; 2 Th. 2:9-12). b. He rules by will grow increasingly perverse, culminating in the brief terror, persecution (Re. 13:15). c. He rules by force (Re.

worldwide rule of the antichrist just prior to Christ’s 13:16, 17).

return. Compare 2 Ti. 3:13; Mt. 24:24; 2 Th. 2:1-12; Re.

The Mysterious Origin of the Antichrist: The beast 13.

ascends out of the bottomless pit. He might be a demon The prophet Daniel foretold of a “little horn” which (Re. 11:7; 17:8). Antichrist will be Satan incarnate in would come into the world and do terrible things. Jesus some mysterious way, and yet he will also remain an said this “little horn” is yet future and will come during independent personality who will be cast into the lake the tribulation period just prior to His coming (Mt.

of fire with the false prophet 1,000 years before Satan 24:15-29; Da. 8:11; 9:27; 11:31; 12:1). The “little horn”

meets the same doom (Re. 19:20; 20:7-10).

in Daniel, the “man of sin” in 2 Th. 2, and the “beast” in The Character of the Antichrist: (1) He will be a Re. 13 refer to the same person.

blasphemer, a hater of God (Re. 13:5-6). (2) He will be Bible Names for the Antichrist: (1) Little horn (Da.

a murderer and a destroyer (Re. 13:7,15; Da. 7:23; 7:8; 8:9). (2) King of fierce countenance (Da. 8:23). (3) 8:24). (3) He will be a liar and deceiver (2 Th. 2:9-10).

Prince that shall come (Da. 9:26-27). (4) Man of sin (2

(4) He will have great intelligence (Da. 8:23). (5) He Th. 2:3). (5) Son of perdition (2 Th. 2:3). (6) That will be exceedingly proud (Da. 8:25. (6) He will have an wicked (2 Th. 2:8). (7) Antichrist (1 Jn. 2:18).

impressive appearance (Da. 7:20; 8:23). (7) He will The Nationality of the Antichrist: Antichrist will arise exalt himself (Da. 11:36,37). (8) He will worship out of and rule over the revived Roman empire. He is military might (Da. 11:38).

the prince of the people who destroyed Jerusalem after The End of the Antichrist: Antichrist will be Christ’s death (Da. 9:26-27). This, of course, was Rome.

overthrown at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and Old Testament Types of the Antichrist. The following is cast into the lake of fire to suffer eternal torment (2 Th.

from H.L. Wilmington’s Guide to the Bible: (1) Cain—by 2:8; Re. 19:19-21). [See Abomination of Desolation, his murder of the chosen seed (Ge. 4:5-14; Jude 11; 1

Bottomless Pit, Daniel, Great Tribulation, Prophecy.]

Jn. 3:12). (2) Nimrod—by his creation of Babylon and ANTINOMIANISM. The teaching that the gospel or the tower of Babel (Ge. 10-11). (3) Pharaoh—by his the Christian faith does away with the old moral law, so oppression of God’s people (Ex. 1:8-22). (4) Korah—by that the Christian is not bound by it (Handbook).

his rebellion (Nu. 16:1-3; Jude 11). (5) Balaam—by his Antinomians are those who claim to be Christians but attempt to curse Israel (Nu. 23-24; 2 Pe. 2:15; Jude 11; refuse to follow any moral code, claiming that Christian Re. 2:14). (6) Saul—by his intrusion into the office of freedom liberates them to live entirely as they please.

the priesthood (1 Sa. 13:9-13). (7) Goliath—by his The Bible warns Christians to avoid this false doctrine proud boasting (1 Sa. 17). (8) Absalom—by his attempt (1 Co. 6:12; 10:23; Ga. 5:13; Ep. 5:5-11; 1 Ti. 6:3-5; 1

to steal the throne of David (2 Sa. 15:1-6). (9) Pe. 2:16). [See Separation, Sin, World.]

Jeroboam—by his substitute religion (1 Ki. 12:25-31).

ANTIOCH (who fights a chariot). Together with (10) Sennacherib—by his efforts to destroy Jerusalem Jerusalem, the greatest center of the early Christian (2 Ki. 18:17). (11) Nebuchadnezzar—by his golden church. Located on the northeast corner of the statue (Da. 3:1-7). (12) Haman—by his plot to Mediterranean Sea, about 20 miles inland, it was the exterminate the Jews (Es. 3). (13) Antiochus Epiphanes third largest city in the Roman empire. Here the

—by his defilement of the temple (Da. 11:21-35).

followers of Christ were first called Christian (Ac.

The Reign of the Antichrist: (1) The time period of his 11:20-26), and here Paul began his ministry to the rule: the great tribulation just preceding Christ’s return Gentile world (Ac. 13:1-4) (Famous Bible Places).

(Mt. 24:15-31). (2) The length of his rule: seven years ANTIPAS (against all). Re. 2:13.

altogether (Da. 9:27), but he will be given 3.5 years (42

ANTIPATRIS (over against). Ac. 23:31.

months) of complete power (Re. 13:5). [See Seventy ANTITYPE. The fulfillment, or reality, of a type. [See Weeks for more information.] (3) The extent of his rule: Type.]

all the world (Re. 13:7; Da. 7:23). He will rule all people, nations, religions (Re. 13:14, 15), and the entire ANTOTHIJAH (answers, or songs, of the Lord). 1 Ch.

world economy (Re. 13:17). (4) The source of his power 8:24.

ANUB (joined, or bound, together). 1 Ch. 4:8.

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ANXIOUS - APOCRYPHA ANXIOUS. Worrying; fretting; carefulness. [See The Apocryphal Books

Careful.]

I and II Esdras

ANYWAYS. Any wise; in any manner (Le. 20:4; Nu.

Prayer of Manasseh

30:15; 2 Ch. 32:13).

I and II Macabees

Tobit

ANY WHILE. For any length of time (Mk. 15:44).

Judit

ANY WISE. [See Wise, Any.]

The additions to the Book of Esther

APACE. At a great pace; swiftly (2 Sa. 18:25; Ps.

The Wisdom of Solomon

68:12; Je. 46:5).

Ecclesiasticus, or the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach

APELLES (black). Ro. 16:10.

Baruch

APARSACHITES (dividing). Ezr. 6:6.

The Letter of Jeremiah

APARSATHCHITES (dividing, tearing asunder). Ezr.

The Prayer of Azariah & the Song of the Three 4:9.

Young Men

Susanna

APHEK (fortress). Jos. 12:18.

Bel and the Dragon

APHEKAH (vigor, rapid stream). Jos. 15:53.

The Apocrypha have a variety of content. Some are APHIK (soundness, strength). Jud. 1:31.

histories of events concerning the Jews. Some are short APHRAH (dust, female fawn). Mi. 1:10.

sayings similar to the Proverbs. Some are sermons; APHSES (dispersion). 1 Ch. 24:15.

others are like novels. One purports to be symbolical APOCALYPSE. A term referring to the book of prophecy.

Revelation, and less frequently, to O.T. prophecies of the WHY REJECT THE APOCRYPHA: It is important that future. It is also used of prophetic visions in general.

God’s people understand why the Apocryphal books

[See Prophecy, Revelation.]

(also called the Deuterocanonical Books) are rejected APOCRYPHA. The word apocrypha is derived from from the canon of inspired Scripture. Because of the Greek abscondita, which historically identified ecumenical activities involving the Roman Catholic writings which had an obscure origin or which were Church, there is an increasing tendency for publishers to heretical. In the Talmud the Jewish rabbis used this include the Apocryphal writings with the Bible. This is word to describe works which were not canonical being done by the United Bible Societies in many Scripture. The term has come to be applied particularly languages. By 1981, for example, the American Bible to the 15 books added to the Roman Catholic Bible but Society had published over 500,000 copies of the ordinarily rejected by non-Catholics. These were written Today’s English Version with the Apocryphal books during the two hundred years preceding and one included. In the mid-1980s I visited the Bible Society hundred years following Christ’s birth. The Roman book depot in Calcutta, India, and was shown massive Catholic Church considers most of these writings to be stacks of Revised Standard Version Bibles containing the part of the inspired Scripture. In 1546 the Council of Apocrypha. These had been published by the American Trent decreed that the canon of the O.T. should include Bible Society and shipped to India for distribution. The them (except the Prayer of Manasseh and I and II 1992-93 American Bible Society catalog of Scripture Esdras) ... the decree pronounces an anathema upon Resources lists at least nine different Bibles containing anyone who “does not accept as sacred and canonical the Apocrypha.

the aforesaid books in their entirety and with all their Following are the reasons the Apocrypha are rejected by parts” ( The Oxford Annotated Apocrypha, pp. x,xv).

Bible believers:

The Council of Trent was an attempt by the Catholic 1. They are not included in the original Hebrew O.T.

Church to counteract the Protestant Reformation with preserved by the Jews. Ro. 3:1-2 states that God used its battle cry of “faith alone” and “Scripture alone.” By the Jews to preserve His Word; therefore, we know that adding the Apocrypha to the canon of Scripture, the He guided them in the rejection of the Apocryphal Catholic Church, in effect, rendered the rest of the Bible books from the canon of Scripture.

impotent. “The books named in the decree [of Trent]

2. They were not received as inspired Scripture by include the apocryphal Old Testament books, and placed the churches during the first four centuries after Christ.

unwritten traditions of the church upon an equal footing 3. They were not written in the Hebrew language, with Holy Scriptures as approved of Christ or of the which was alone used by the inspired historians and Holy Spirit. Any appeal to Holy Scripture as expressing prophets of the O.T.

the supreme will of God was thereafter useless in the 4. They do not claim to be the inspired Word of God.

Latin Church” (Edwin W. Rice, Our Sixty-six Sacred Unlike the inspired Scriptures, the Apocryphal books Books, p. 112).

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APOCRYPHA

contain no statements such as “thus saith the Lord” or ancient fiction they might be, but such books have

“these are the words of God.”

absolutely no place among the seven-times purified 5. They contain teachings contrary to the biblical Word of God (Ps. 12:6-7).

books. II Maccabees teaches praying to the dead and 9. The Apocryphal books were rejected from the making offerings to atone for the sins of the dead.

canon of Scripture by the early church leaders. “It is a Consider this quote from II Maccabees 12:43-45: “He significant fact that the best of the early Fathers adopted also took up a collection ... and sent it to Jerusalem to the Hebrew canon as giving the authoritative Scriptures provide for a sin offering. ... For if he were not expecting of the O.T.” (Analytical, p. 1083).

that those who had fallen asleep would arise again, it 10. The book of Tobit contains many false things.

would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the First, there is the account of a supposed high and dead ... Therefore he made atonement for the dead, that good angel of God who lies and teaches the use of they might be delivered from their sin.” The Bible, magic! In Tobit 5:4 we are told that the angel’s name is though, says there is only one mediator between God

“Raphael,” but later he lies to Tobit, claiming to be and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Ti. 2:5-6). Also He.

“Azarias the son of the great Ananias, one of your 10:10-14 says believers have been perfected forever relatives” (Tobit 5:12). This angel professes to be “one through Christ’s one sacrifice. Thus, the dead in Christ of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the need no human, earthly prayers or offerings. At death saints and enter into the presence of the glory of the the lost go immediately to a place of torment; thus there Holy One” (Tobit 12:15). Yet he not only lies about his is no purpose in praying for them (Lk. 16:22-23).

name, but teaches magic. “Then the angel said to him, II Maccabees also contains the heresy that deceased

‘Cut open the fish and take the heart and liver and gall saints are interceding in heaven for those on earth and put them away safely.’ ... Then the young man said (15:11-14). The Bible teaches that it is the Lord Jesus to the angel, ‘Brother Azarias, of what use is the liver Christ, our great High Priest, who is interceding for us and heart and gall of the fish?’ He replied, ‘As for the in heaven—not deceased saints (He. 4:14-16; 8:1-2; 1

heart and the liver, if a demon or evil spirit gives trouble Jn. 2:1-2).

to any one, you make a smoke from these before the 6. In quality and style, the Apocryphal books are not man or woman, and that person will never be troubled on the level of Bible writings. Even a hurried reading of again. And as for the gall, anoint with it a man who has the Apocryphal books reveals the fact that here we are white films in his eyes, and he will be cured’” (Tobit 6:4, touching the uninspired writings of men apart from 6-8). The Bible clearly condemns magical practices such divine inspiration. These writings are not “God as this (consider De. 18:10-12; Le. 19:26, 31; Je. 27:9; breathed,” as 2 Ti. 3:16 says all Scripture is. There is not Mal. 3:5).

in the Apocryphal books the supernatural depth and Second, the false doctrine of salvation through works breadth of thought, the rich complexity yet simplicity of is taught in the book of Tobit. “For almsgiving delivers language, which goes beyond mere writings of men.

from death, and it will purge away every sin” (Tobit 7. The Apocryphal writings are not quoted by the 12:9). “So now, my children, consider what almsgiving Lord Jesus or the Apostles, while every part of the O.T.

accomplishes and how righteousness delivers” (Tobit Scriptures are quoted. This is a very important point.

14:11). These false teachings must be contrasted with Though some claim to find allusions to the Apocrypha in Le. 17:11, which says “it is the blood that maketh an certain N.T. passages (Mt. 7:12; 27:43-54; Ro. 9:21; Ep.

atonement for the soul,” and with Tit. 3:5 which says, 6:13-17; He. 1:3; Ja. 1:6,19; 5:6), this is not a proven

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, fact. While it is possible that the N.T. writers were but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing familiar with the Apocrypha, it is plain that they did not of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”

directly quote from these books. The supposed allusions Third, Tobit taught that help is only to be given to to the Apocrypha in the N.T. could just as easily be the deserving. “Place your bread on the grave of the allusions to other O.T. histories or to facts given directly righteous, but give none to sinners” (Tobit 4:17).

by revelation. We must remember that the N.T.

Contrariwise, in Ex. 23:4-5 God taught even in O.T.

Scriptures are not the product of man, but of God.

times that His people were to do good to their enemies 8. Some Apocryphal books, though written as history, and not only toward the righteous.

are actually fiction. This is a form of deception not 11. The book of Judith contains the account of how a found in divinely inspired books of the Bible.

s u p p o s e d l y g o d l y w i d o w d e s t r o y e d o n e o f

“Ostensibly historical but actually quite imaginative are Nebuchadnezzar’s generals through deceit and sexual the books of Tobit, Judith, Susanna, and Bel and the offers. It is also important to note that Judith’s counsel Dragon, which may be called moralistic novels” (Oxford regarding resisting Nebuchadnezzar was contrary to Annotated Apocrypha, p. xi). Noteworthy examples of 32

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APOLLONIA - APOSTASY

that given by God’s prophet Jeremiah (Je. 38:1-4). God APOLOGETICS. To speak in defense of God and warned the Israelites to submit to Nebuchadnezzar Bible truth. [See Adam, Apostasy, Apostate, Bible, Bible rather than to resist, because the Babylonian captivity Versions, Canon, Daniel, Evolution, Fable, False Prophet, and destruction of Israel was a judgment from God Fa l s e Te a c h i n g , F l o o d , Fo o l i s h Q u e s t i o n s , upon the Jew’s rebellion and idolatry.

Fundamentalism, Heresy, Heretic, Inspiration, Isaiah, THE KING JAMES BIBLE AND THE APOCRYPHA. It is Jesus Christ, Jonah, Modernism, New Evangelicalism, true that early editions of the KJV (as well as many Preservation, Prophecy, Red Sea, Separation, Star, other Reformation Bibles, including the German Luther Timothy, Tyre, Zidon.]

Bible) contained the Apocrypha, but these books were APOSTASY. Desertion of the faith (1 Ti. 4:1; 2 Ti.

included for historical reference only, not as additions to 4:3-4). The English word “apostasy” is derived from the the canon of Scripture. Alexander McClure, a Greek word apostasia, which means a falling away, biographer of the KJV translators, says: “...the abandonment. This Greek word is translated “falling Apocryphal books in those times were more read and away” (2 Th. 2:3), “forsake” (Acts 21:21), and accounted of than now, though by no means placed on a

“divorcement” (Mt. 19:7).

level with the canonical books of Scripture” (McClure,

“The English word ‘apostasy’ is derived from the Translators Revived, p. 185). He then lists seven reasons Greek noun ‘apostasia,’ which is a composite of a assigned by the KJV translators for rejecting the preposition and a noun. The preposition ‘apo’ means Apocrypha as inspired. The Thirty-nine Articles of the

‘the separation of a part from the whole, the separation Church of England clearly states that the Apocrypha of one thing from another by which the union or have no scriptural authority. “...[the Church of England]

fellowship of the two is destroyed.’ The noun ‘stasis’

doth not apply to them to establish any doctrine.” The means ‘a standing, station or state; to stand, exist, have Westminster Confession says, “The books commonly stability.’ When combined, these words form the noun called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no

‘apostasia,’ which, according to Thayer’s Greek-English part of the canon of the Scripture; and therefore are of Lexicon, means ‘leaving one position and moving to no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any another.’ Webster defines it as it relates to religion as otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human

‘abandonment of what one has voluntarily professed; writings." Luther included a note on the Apocrypha total desertion of principles of faith’” (James Henry, For which stated, “These are books not to be held in equal Such a Time As This, pp. 200-201). This term is esteem with those of Holy Scripture...”

commonly used by Christians to describe a turning away It is important to note that in the early King James from true Bible doctrine. The Bible teaches that apostasy Bibles the Apocryphal books were placed between the among professing Christians will increase as the age Old and New Testaments rather than intermingled progresses and the coming of Christ draws nigh. This within the O.T. itself as is done in Catholic Bibles. In the apostasy will culminate in a worldwide apostate Jerusalem Bible (a Catholic Bible), for example, Tobit, religious entity (2 Ti. 3:1-13; 4:1-5; 1 Ti. 4:1-5; Jude; Judith, and the Maccabees follow Nehemiah; the Book Re. 17-18).

of Wisdom and Ecclesiasticus follow Ecclesiastes; End-time Apostasy Is an Important Bible Doctrine: Baruch follows Lamentations; etc.

New Testament prophecy describes two separate Conclusion: Though some of the Apocryphal books do streams of “Christianity” operating side by side have historical value, giving information regarding the throughout the church age. First, there will be true inter-testament “quiet years” prior to the coming of apostolic churches, against which the gates of hell shall Christ, there is no justification for giving these a place in not prevail. They will be persecuted, hated, despised, the Holy Scripture. Their proper place is on the same yet they will continue century by century until Christ’s level as (if not lower than) the writings of the historian return. The Lord Jesus promised His faithful ones: “Lo, I Josephesus or of some other uninspired writer of that am with you alway, EVEN TO THE END OF THE

period. [The Epistle of Barnabas and the Shepherd of WORLD” (Matthew 28:20). Second, there will be Hermas are dealt with under Pseudepigrapha.] [See also apostate churches, which will increase in number and Bible, Inspiration.]

grow worse and worse as the centuries pass. Consider APOLLONIA (destroyer, destruction). Ac. 17:1.

the following Scriptures—Mt. 24:4,11, 24; Ac.

APOLLOS (destroyer, laying waste). A leader in the 20:29-30; 2 Th. 2:3-8; 1 Ti. 4:1-3; 2 Ti. 3:13; 4:3-4; 2

early church (Ac. 18:24-28; 1 Co. 1:12; 3:4-6; 4:6; Pe. 2:1-3; Jude 3-4; Re. 17.

16:12; Tit. 3:13).

The parables of Christ in Matthew 13 depict the APOLLYON (destroyer). The angel of the bottomless course of this present “church age,” and they describe a pit (Re. 9:11).

progression of apostasy. The parable of the leaven, for example, depicts a woman putting leaven into three Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 33

APOSTATE - APOSTLE

measures of meal, “till the whole was leavened.” Leaven Mother of Harlots, Presbyterian, Prophecy, Revelation, in Scripture stands for sin and error (1 Co. 5:6; Ga.

Roman Catholic Church, Separation, Timothy, World 5:9). Thus the parable tells us that the error which was Council of Churches.]

introduced by false teachers even during the days of the APOSTATE. One who turns away from the true Apostles will gradually increase through the centuries Christian faith to follow false teachings. Though the until the entire religious system is leavened. The word apostasy is not used in the English Bible, the ultimate fulfillment of this is in Revelation 17.

Greek word apostasia appears in two passages. In Ac.

The apostasy began during the lives of the apostles 21:21 apostasia is translated “to forsake,” and refers to and has steadily increased through the centuries. John forsaking the law of Moses. In 2 Th. 2:3 apostasia is wrote, “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have translated “falling away,” and refers to the great heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there apostasy from the N.T. faith which will occur throughout many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last Christendom before Christ’s return. Other passages use time” (1 Jn. 2:18). John taught that there will be a different terms to describe this same phenomenon. See future antichrist, singular; but he is preceded by many 2 Ti. 3:1-13; 1 Ti. 4:1-3; 2 Pe. 2:1—3:16; 2 Jn. 7; Jude antichrists, plural. We believe the antichrist, singular, 4-19. [See Adam, Anglican Church, Apostasy, Bible, refers to the man of sin who will rule the end-time Church, Doctrine, Ecumenical Movement, Episcopal, kingdom described in Da. 9-11; Mt. 24:15; 2 Th. 2:3-12; Fable, False Prophet, False Teaching, Foolish Questions, and Re. 13. The antichrists, plural, refer to all who Fundamentalism, Heresy, Inspiration, Lutheran, reject apostolic truth in favor of satanic deception and Methodist, Modernism Mother of Harlots, New manmade tradition. Thus the “antichrist” is both a man Evangelicalism, Presbyterian, Prophecy, Revelation, and a system; it is both one man, and many men. It is in Roman Catholic Church, Separation, Timothy, Unity, this latter sense that the popes throughout history are World Council of Churches.]

identified with antichrist.

APOSTLE (sent forth). The term “apostle” means one Another passage which teaches the same truth is 2

who is sent, or a messenger. There are three usages of Th. 2:7-8. “For the mystery of iniquity doth already the term “apostle” in the N.T. (1) The Lord Jesus Christ work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken (He. 3:1). Jesus was sent from God the Father into the out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, world to provide redemption for mankind. (2) The whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his twelve men who were chosen by Christ to lay the mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his foundation of the church (Lk. 6:13-16; Ep. 2:20). After coming.” In the days of the Apostles the “mystery of Judas betrayed the Lord and hung himself, the eleven iniquity” was already working, and it will culminate in remaining Apostles selected a man to replace him (Ac.

the promotion of the man of sin, the Wicked One, the 1:15-26). Later we find that Paul was selected directly Antichrist, who will assume the throne of this world for by Christ to be an apostle (1 Co. 15:7-9; 2 Co. 12:11-12; a brief span. We are told that the culmination of this will Ga. 1:1). (3) Christian workers in general (2 Co. 8:23; not occur until just prior to the return of Christ, because Ac. 14:14; Ph. 2:25). The Greek word translated the Wicked One will be destroyed “with the brightness

“apostle” ( apostolos) is also translated “messenger” and of his coming.” The “mystery of iniquity” is that

“minister,” and is used to refer to Christian workers program of evil whereby the devil is attempting to other than the Twelve. Christian workers were sent by corrupt the churches of Jesus Christ by sowing tares and the Lord from the churches to particular ministries..

apostasy. It is associated with “Mystery Babylon the Marks of the Twelve Apostles: (1) They were chosen Great” in Revelation 17.

personally by Christ (Acts 22:14; Lk. 6:13-16; Ga. 1:1).

We see the direct fulfillment of these prophecies in (2) They had seen the resurrected Christ (Ac. 22:14; 1:22;

“Christianity” today. It is evident in heretical bodies such 1 Co. 9:1; 15:7-9). (3) They received their message by as the Roman Catholic Church and the liberal World direct revelation from God rather than being taught by Council of Churches denominations, none of which are men (Acts 22:14; Ga. 1:11-12). (4) They could impart founded directly and exclusively upon the apostolic spiritual power and gifts to others (Ac. 8:17-19; 2 Ti.

Faith or the apostolic church pattern. It is also evident in 1:6). (5) They had special signs to authenticate their the ecumenical movement, which is calling for unity in message (2 Co. 12:12; Ac. 2:43; 4:33; 5:12). (6) They diversity at the expense of Biblical truth and which is had the same authority as O.T. prophets (2 Pe. 3:2). (7) breaking down the walls of separation between truth They wrote Scripture (2 Pe. 3:15, 16).

and error. [See Apostate for Greek word study.] [See Are There Apostles in This Special Sense Today? For the also Anglican, Apostate, Church, Doctrine, Ecumenical following reasons we know there are not apostles today Movement, Episcopal, False Teaching, Fable, Foolish in the same sense as the twelve chosen by Christ in the Questions, Heresy, Inspiration, Lutheran, Methodist, early churches: (1) No one today qualifies to be such an 34

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

APOSTLES’ CREED - AQUILA apostle. We have seen the qualifications from the APOSTOLIC SEE. A name for the Roman Catholic Scriptures, and no Christian today can meet those Church or for the pope. It is so called because of the qualifications. (2) There were only twelve of them, and erroneous Roman Catholic belief that the pope and their office, apart from the exception of Judas, was never priests are successors to the early apostles. See means passed on to others at their death (Lk. 6:13-16; Ac.

seat, or place of authority. [See Roman Catholic 1:15-26; Re. 21:14). When Judas committed suicide Church.]

after betraying Jesus, the eleven remaining Apostles APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION. The belief that the chose a replacement, bringing the number again to authority and position of the Apostles has been twelve. This reveals their understanding of the transferred from generation to generation to church significance of that exact number. Later Paul was called leaders. This belief is held by Roman Catholic, Greek by the Lord Jesus to be an Apostle (1 Co. 15:7-9), and it Orthodox, Anglican Church, and other highly ritualistic is possible that it was then that the matter of the denominations. The N.T. does not teach, though, that replacement of Judas was settled from God’s viewpoint the office or authority of the Apostles was ever passed for all eternity. (3) The first apostles were called to lay the from the original man to others. The false idea of foundation of the church (Ep. 2:20). The foundation has apostolic succession is a manmade, rather than a been firmly laid, and those men, with their special biblical, doctrine. The authority to build and govern authority, calling, and sign gifts, have passed off the local churches comes not from any type of apostolic scene. (4) No N.T. passage instructs churches to select or succession, but directly from the N.T. Scriptures and ordain apostles—only pastors and deacons (1 Ti. 3; Tit.

from the Holy Spirit. [See Apostle.]

1). When Judas died the remaining 11 chose a APOTHECARY. Pertaining to making perfume (Ex.

replacement (Ac. 1:15-26). But observe, first, that this 30:25, 35; Ec. 10:1).

was done in fulfillment of prophecy (Ac. 1:20; Ps.

109:8). Second, the standard used to select a APPAIM (nostrils). 1 Ch. 2:30-31.

replacement for Judas proves that the office of apostle APPARELLED. Clothed (2 Sa. 13:18).

could not continue beyond the first century. The APPHIA (market place of Appius). Ac. 28:15.

standard required that the apostle had been with Jesus APPI FORUM (market of Appius). An important during His earthly ministry (Ac. 1:21-22).

station on the Appian Way, the great road that led from APOSTLES’ CREED. An anonymous Christian Rome toward the Bay of Naples. It was at this point that doctrinal statement believed to have originated in the the Apostle Paul, on his journey to Rome, was greeted fourth or fifth century. It is called the Apostles’ Creed by his brethren in the church (Ac. 28:15) (Famous Bible because it was once purported to have been written by Places).

the Apostles, though there is no evidence that this creed APPLE OF THE EYE. The pupil or ball of the eye was actually written or used by any of the Apostles.

(De. 32:10; Ps. 17:8; Pr. 17:2).

Some believe the Apostles’ Creed contains a statement APPOINTED. (1) Allotted; affixed (Ge. 4:25). (2) of essential doctrine, but the Bible says all doctrine is Equipped; girded (Jud. 18:11).

essential. The Lord Jesus instructed His people to teach APPREHEND. To capture; grasp; seize; possess (2

“all things” (Mt. 28:20). Paul preached the whole Co. 11:32; Ph. 3:12).

counsel of God (Ac. 20:26-27). Jude says we are to contend for “the faith which was once delivered unto APPROVE. (1) To be pleased with (Ps. 49:13). (2) To the saints” (Jude 3). There is no indication here that allow; prove; demonstrate (1 Co. 16:3). (2) To test; try some portions of the faith are nonessential. [See (Ph. 1:10).

Doctrine, Separation.]

APT. Able; capable (2 Ki. 24:16; 1 Ti. 3:2; 2 Ti.

APOSTOLIC FATHERS. A term applied to early 2:24).

Christian writers who lived near the times of the AQUILA (eagle). Aquila and Priscilla were Paul’s Apostles. Some of these writings have been preserved friends and co-workers. They first met in Corinth (Acts and are used to determine beliefs, conditions, and 18:1-3). It appears that Aquila and Priscilla were practices of the early churches following the passing of already believers in Christ before they met Paul. The the Apostles. Examples of apostolic fathers are Clement gospel was probably brought to Rome soon after of Rome, Ignatius, and Polycarp. Many of those who are Pentecost by the Jews who had traveled to Jerusalem to listed as “fathers of the church” were heretics who attend the feast and who heard the gospel there.

helped lay the foundation for Roman Catholicism.

Compare Acts 2:5-10. Like Paul, Aquila and Priscilla Examples are Jerome, Origen, and Augustine. (See were tentmakers (Acts 18: 3). Paul often worked to

“Beware of the Church Fathers” at the Way of Life web support himself (Acts 20:34). Jewish boys, including site.)

those in training to be rabbis, were taught a trade.

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 35

AR - ARK

Aquila and Priscilla are mentioned several other times in the top of the hill where extends the bench on which the Scripture. They started churches in their home in Rome judges sat. Here Paul delivered a notable address (Ac.

(Ro. 16:3-5) and Ephesus (1 Co. 16:19). They served 17:18-34) (Analytical).

the Lord together, and two times in Paul’s epistles ARIEL (lion of God). Ezr. 8:16-17; Is. 29:1-2, 7. In Priscilla is mentioned first (Ro. 16:3; 2 Ti. 4:19). She commenting on “Ariel” in Isaiah 29, H.A. Ironside says, was possibly the more zealous of the two or perhaps

“It is the same as that which is rendered ‘lionlike’ in 2

Aquila spent more of his time with the tent business Sa. 23:20. ... but in Eze. 43:16 the first part of the word while she labored more in the Lord’s work. No matter is translated ‘altar,’ so that Ariel might either be what the reason, the example of Aquila and Priscilla rendered ‘lion of God’ or ‘altar of God.’ The reference, teaches us that women have a very important part in undoubtedly, is to Jerusalem, David’s city. ... Jerusalem God’s work.

which had been as the lion of God should become as a AR (a city, awakening). Nu. 21:15.

great altar-hearth where its own population would be ARA (congregation, flock). 1 Ch. 7:38.

sacrificed through the ruthless enmity of their bitter ARAB (a cave, ambush). Jos. 15:52.

foes.”

ARABAH (desert). Jos. 18:18.

ARIMATHAEA (heights). Mt. 27:57.

ARABIA. The peninsula between Asia and Africa ARIOCH (lionlike). Da. 2:14-15.

where Paul went after his conversion (Ga. 1:17).

ARISTARCHUS (excellent ruler). Ac. 19:29; 20:4-6; ARAD (wild ass). 1 Ch. 8:15.

27:2; Col. 4:10; Phile. 24.

ARAH (wayfarer). 1 Ch. 7:39.

ARK. A vessel. It is used three ways in the King James Bible:

ARAM (exalted). The country lying to the northeast of Palestine. It embraced both Syria and northern Moses’ ark (Ex. 2:3-6). This was the waterproof Mesopotamia. That portion of Aram in which Abraham basket in which Moses was hidden from Pharaoh.

had lived before coming to Canaan and in which Nahor Noah’s ark (Ge. 6:14-21). This was the large boat remained is biblically known as Mesopotamia and Noah built to protect himself and his family and the Padan-aram (Ge. 24:10; 28:2, 5). It lay east of the animals from the flood. It was very large—300 cubits Euphrates river (Analytical).

long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. “Although we ARAMAIC. A language similar to Hebrew. It was the do not know the exact length of the cubit at this time, language of Assyria and other nations nearby to Israel, later it was about 18 inches, making the ark 450 feet and portions of the books of Daniel and Jeremiah were long, 75 feet broad, and 45 feet high, with a written in this language.

displacement of about 20,000 tons and gross tonnage of about 14,000 tons. Its carrying capacity equaled that of ARAN (wild goat). Ge. 36:28; 1 Ch. 1:42.

522 standard railroad stock cars (each of which can ARARAT (high ground). A twin-peaked, majestic hold 240 sheep). Only 188 cars would be required to mountain located in Armenian Asia. It was here that the hold 45,000 sheep-sized animals, leaving three trains of ark of Noah came to rest after the great flood recorded 104 cars each for food, Noah’s family, and ‘range’ for the in Ge. 6-8. The mountain stands 17,000 feet high and is animals. Today it is estimated that there are 17,600

one of the sources of the Euphrates river (Ge. 8:4) species of animals, making 45,000 a likely (Famous Bible Places). [See Flood.]

approximation of the number Noah might have taken ARCHANGEL. An angel of the highest rank (Da.

into the ark” ( The Ryrie Study Bible). [See Flood for the 10:13; 12:1; 1 Th. 4:16). The two archangels mentioned typical meaning.]

by name are Gabriel (Da. 8:16; 9:21; Lk. 1:19, 26) and The golden ark in the holy of holies in the Tabernacle Michael (Da. 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 1:9; Re. 12:7). [See (Ex. 25:10-22; He. 9:4). This vessel contained the ten Angel, Gabriel, Michael.]

commandments written on stone (Ex. 25:21; De.

ARCHELAUS (a chief). Mt. 2:22.

10:3-5). It had a lid called the mercy seat. The ark ARCHIPPUS (a master of the horse). Col. 4:17; pictures God’s throne, which is now a throne of mercy Phile. 2.

and grace for those who come through Jesus’ sacrifice ARCTURUS. A star constellation called the Great (He. 4:16). The blood sprinkled on the ark each year on Bear (Job 9:9; 38:32).

the day of atonement (Le. 16:15-16) typifies Christ’s AREOPAGUS (hill of Ares). A rocky height in Athens atonement, whereby the payment for our sins was opposite the western end of the Acropolis. It was called made. Jesus’ blood perfectly satisfied God’s broken law, Mars’ Hill from the mythical idea that Mars, or Ares, just as the mercy seat perfectly covered the ark and the was here tried for murder by Neptune. Here met the ten commandments contained therein. [See Atonement Council of the Areopagus ... Sixteen steps still lead up to

- Day of, Law, Mercy Seat, Offerings, Tabernacle.]

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ARMAGEDDON - ARMINIAN

ARMAGEDDON (mountain of Megiddo). The hill had the reputation of “a spotless Christian consistency”

and plain of Megiddo southwest of the Sea of Galilee and “as a preacher he was exceedingly popular; in where the Antichrist forces will be destroyed by Christ sweetness of voice, ardor of manner, and finish of style, (Re. 16:16; 19:19). It is also called the valley of Jezreel.

he was distinguished above all his contemporaries.” His Megiddo occupies a strategic location on a pass through zeal was to base his views strictly upon the Bible, and he the Carmel mountain range, straddling the major north-could not countenance error. He was often involved in south route between Mesopotamia (Syria, Babylon) and debates with philosophers and teachers such as the Egypt. The valley has been the scene of battles from followers of Aristotle, Augustine, and Calvin. Though he ancient times. “During the past 4000 years, at least 34

was willing to pursue doctrinal controversy, the mean-bloody conflicts have already been fought at the ancient spiritedness and petty jealousy that often characterized site of Megiddo and adjacent areas of the Jezreel Valley.

his opponents did not mar his life.

Egyptians, Canaanites, Israelites, Midianites, His zeal for the truth won him many enemies. In Amalekites, Philistines, Hasmonaeans, Greeks, Romans, 1586, he traveled to Rome, and while there, vicious Muslims, Crusaders, Mamlukes, Mongols, French, rumors were spread in Geneva that he had kissed the Ottomans, British, Australians, Germans, Arabs and pope’s slipper and had become a Roman Catholic. These Israelis have all fought and died here. The names of the slanders were answered after his return from Italy.

warring generals and leaders reverberate throughout Arminius said he “he saw at Rome a mystery of iniquity history: Thutmose III, Deborah and Barak, Sisera, much more foul than he had ever imagined.” He was Gideon, Saul and Jonathan, Shishak, Jehu, Joram, ordained to the Protestant ministry at Amsterdam in Jezebel, Josiah, Antiochus, Ptolemy, Vespasian, Saladin, 1588. In 1603, he was falsely charged with being a Napoleon, and Allenby, to name but a few of the most Pelagian, which is the denial that men are condemned famous” (Eric Cline, “The Battles of Armageddon,” n.d., sinners because of Adam’s fall. That same year he BibleInterp.com). Israel has fought several famous received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the battles at Megiddo. It was the scene of Barak’s victory University of Leyden and assumed the professorship of over the Canaanites (Jud. 5:19) and of Gideon’s victory divinity at that school. “One of the first observations of over the Midianites (Jud. 7). Three of Israel’s kings died Arminius, after entering on the duties of his chair, was here: Saul at the hands of the Philistines in the 10th that the students were much more given to scholastic century B.C. (1 Sa. 31:8, Mt. Gilboa is in that same subtleties and disputations than to the thorough study area), Ahaziah at the hands of Jehu in the 9th century of Scripture. He determined to cure this evil.” His chief B.C. (2 Ki. 9:27), and Josiah at the hands of the goal in teaching divinity, therefore, was the Egyptian army in the 7th century B.C. (2 Ki. 23:29).

commendable task of leading his students away from

[See Prophecy.]

unprofitable squabbles about manmade philosophy and ARMINIAN. The followers of James Arminius theology (“crabbed questions and the cumbrous mass of (1560-1609), a Dutch theologian. Arminius opposed scholastic assertions”) and to encourage them to study John Calvin’s doctrines of unconditional predestination, and depend upon the Bible alone. Arminius’s ever-limited atonement, and irresistible grace, and stood for present enemies, though, attempted constantly to universal salvation for all that come to God through disrupt his ministry. One of his warmest adversaries was Jesus Christ. We do not follow Arminius nor do we his uncle, who was a rector of the theological faculty.

agree with all of his positions. He was a fallible man and

“Preachers attacked him from the pulpit as a Pelagian, he was influenced by some of the errors of his day; and and worse than a Pelagian.” A national synod was his followers took his theology even farther away from demanded to settle the disputes, but before it could be the Bible. We do believe, though, that Arminius was held, Arminius died of a disease he had contracted eight much closer to biblical truth than John Calvin.

months before. “His death was most painful; and to The following overview of Arminius’s life and bodily pain was added mental anguish at the teaching is taken partly from two cyclopedia sets in my misrepresentations of his religious opinions and of his library: M’Clintock and Strong’s Cyclopedia of Biblical, personal character made by his embittered foes.”

Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature of 1895 and the Today the term “Arminian” is loosely and commonly New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge of applied to those who emphasize the sinner’s ability to 1909.

receive or reject Christ and who believe Christians can Arminius was born in Oudewater, Holland. In 1582, lose their salvation, but Arminius himself did not teach at age 22, he began studies in Geneva, which was the the latter. SOME CONTEND THAT IF A CHRISTIAN IS

center for John Calvin’s reformed theology. Upon NOT A CALVINIST, HE MUST BE AN ARMINIAN. THIS

Calvin’s death in 1564, Theodore Beza had assumed IS NOT TRUE. IT IS POSSIBLE TO BE NEITHER

leadership and promoted Calvinistic theology. Arminius ARMINIAN NOR CALVINIST, BUT SIMPLY TO BE

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ARMONI - ARMOUR

BIBLICAL! Calvin and Arminius were fallible men who may rightly understand, think, will, and effect what is attempted to describe biblical truth in a systematic truly good, according to the word of Christ, John 15:5: theology. We do not have to choose between them. The

“Without me ye can do nothing.”

only infallible source for faith and practice is the ARTICLE IV — That this grace of God is the infallible Bible itself, not some fallible man’s systematic beginning, continuance, and accomplishment of all interpretation of it. I AM NEITHER A CALVINIST NOR

good, even to this extent, that the regenerate man AN ARMINIAN; AND I REFUSE TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO

himself, without that prevenient or assisting, FORCE ME INTO EITHER MOLD. I believe in secure awakening, following, and cooperative grace, can eternal life for the born again believer because it is what neither think, will, nor do good, nor withstand any many clear passages of Scripture teach, not because it is temptations to evil; so that all good deeds or what Calvin believed. I reject all five points of Calvinism movements that can be conceived must be ascribed to as they are commonly interpreted today. As for the grace of God in Christ. But, as respects the mode of Arminius, he was not sure if a believer could lose his the operation of this grace, it is not irresistible, salvation. He did not take a clear position either way. He inasmuch as it is written concerning many that they did not believe a sinner could receive Christ apart from have resisted the Holy Ghost, — Acts 7 and elsewhere the grace and miracle-working power of God.

in many places.

The following views of Arminius on the doctrine of ARTICLE V — That those who are incorporated into predestination and grace are drawn up almost entirely Christ by a true faith, and have thereby become in words that may be found in his writings —

partakers of his life-giving spirit, have thereby full ARTICLE I — That God, by an eternal, unchangeable power to strive against Satan, sin, the world, and their purpose in Jesus Christ, his Son, before the foundation own flesh, and to win the victory, it being well of the world, hath determined, out of the fallen, sinful understood that it is ever through the assisting grace of race of men, to save in Christ, for Christ’s sake, and the Holy Ghost; and that Jesus Christ assists them through Christ, those who, through the grace of the through his Spirit in all temptations, extends to them his Holy Ghost, shall believe on this his Son Jesus, and shall hand; and if only they are ready for the conflict, and persevere in this faith and obedience of faith, through desire his help, and are not inactive, keeps them from this grace, even to the end; and, on the other hand, to falling, so that they, by no craft or power of Satan, can leave the incorrigible and unbelieving in sin and under be misled, nor plucked out of Christ’s hands, according wrath, and to condemn them as alienate from Christ, to the word of Christ, John 10:28: “Neither shall any according to the word of the Gospel in John 3:36: “He man pluck them out of my hand.” But whether these that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he very persons cannot, by their own negligence, desert the that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the commencement of their being in Christ, and embrace wrath of God abideth on him,” and according to other again the present world, fall back from the holy doctrine passages of Scripture also.

once committed to them, make shipwreck of their ARTICLE II — That, agreeably thereto, Jesus Christ, conscience, and fall from grace; this must be more fully the Saviour of the world, died for all men and for every examined and weighed by the Holy Scripture before man, so that he has obtained for them all, by his death men can teach it with full tranquility of mind and on the cross, redemption, and the forgiveness of sins; confidence. (M’Clintock and Strong, Cyclopedia of yet that no one actually enjoys this forgiveness of sins, Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, 1895, except the believer, according to the word of the Gospel Vol. I).

of John 3:16: “God so loved the world that he gave his Thus we see that Arminius was not certain about only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him whether a child of God could turn away from Christ and should not perish, but have everlasting life”; and in the be lost again. He left that matter for further study, but First Epistle of John 2:2: “And he is the propitiation for he died at age 49 before he formed a conviction one our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of way or the other about eternal security. Some of his the whole world.”

followers modified Arminius’s position and plainly ARTICLE III — That man has not saving grace of taught that salvation can be lost. [See Eternal Security, himself, nor of the energy of his freewill, inasmuch as Gospel.]

he, in the state of apostasy and sin, can of and by ARMONI (belonging to the palace). 2 Sa. 21:8-11.

himself neither think, will, nor do anything that is truly ARMOUR. Battle gear, both offensive and defensive good (such as having faith eminently is); but that it is (1 Sa. 14:1; 17:38, 39; Eze. 38:4; Ro. 13:12; 2 Co. 6:7; needful that he be born again of God in Christ, through Ep. 6:11, 13 ). [See Military.]

his Holy Spirit, and renewed in understanding, inclination, or will, and all his powers, in order that he 38

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

ARMOURY - ASHTORETH

ARMOURY. Arsenal; a place where military it was in colour like blood, and might truly be called a equipment is stored (Ne. 3:19; Je. 50:25). [See bloody sweat; the matter is not great. Some reckon this Military.]

one of the times when Christ shed his blood for us, for ARMS. [See Military.]

without shedding of blood there is no remission. Every ARMY. (1) A collection or body of men armed for pore was as it were a bleeding wound, and his blood war (1 Sa. 17:1, 8; Lk. 21:20; He. 11:34; Re. 19:14).

stained all his raiment.”

(2) A great number; a vast multitude (Joel 2:25). [See AS MUCH AS LIETH IN YOU. This phrase in Ro.

Military.]

12:18 means as we are to do everything possible on our ARNAN (agile). 1 Ch. 3:21.

part to maintain peace with our neighbors.

AROER (naked). 1 Sa. 30:28; De. 2:36; Nu. 32:34.

ASA (physician). A good king of Judah (1 Ki.

15:8-24; 2 Ch. 14-16).

ARPHAXAD (great diffusion, one that heals). Ge. Ge.

10:22,24; 11:10, 11, 12, 13; 1 Ch. 1:17, 18, 24; Lk.

ASAHEL (God has made). 1 Ch. 2:16; 2 Ch. 31:13; 3:36).

17:8; Ezr. 10:15.

ARRAY. (1) Arrange; put in order (Jud. 20:20). (2) ASAIAH (the Lord has made). 1 Ch. 6:30; 4:36; 9:5; To clothe (Es. 6:9; 1 Ti. 2:9).

2 Ki. 22:12.

ARROW. A missive weapon of offense, straight, ASAPH (gatherer). Asaph was a prophet (2 Ch.

slender, pointed and barbed, to be shot with a bow 29:30) and one of King David’s chief musicians who (Webster) (1 Sa. 20:36). “The arrow is frequently used wrote many of the Psalms (1 Ch. 6:32, 39; 16:4-7; Ps.

as the symbol of calamity or disease sent by God (Job 50,73-83). The family of Asaph continued to be chief 6:4; 34:6; Ps. 38:2; De. 32:23). ‘The arrow that flieth by musicians in Israel even after the restoration from the day’ (Ps. 91:5) denotes some sudden danger. The arrow Babylonian captivity (Ezr. 2:41; Ne. 7:44).

is also figurative of anything injurious, as a deceitful ASAREEL (God has bound). 1 Ch. 4:16.

tongue (Je. 9:8), a bitter word (Ps. 64:3), a false ASCENSION. Ascending upward. Chiefly a reference witness (Pr. 25:18). A good use of ‘arrow’ is in Ps.

to Jesus’ bodily ascension to heaven after His 127:4-5, where children are compared to ‘arrows in the resurrection (Ac. 1:9; Jn. 6:62; Ac. 2:33-34). Other hand of a mighty man;’ i.e. instruments of power and Bible ascensions include Enoch (Ge. 5:18-24; He. 11:5) action. The word is also used to denote the efficiency of and Elijah (2 Ki. 2:9-13).

God’s Word (Ps. 45:5)” (People’s Bible Dictionary). [See ASCETIC. A hermit who lives in relative solitude and Bow, Military.]

practices fasting, meditation, etc. [See Asceticism.]

ARTAXERXES (the great one). Ezr. 4:7.

ASCETICISM. The practice of seeking salvation and ARTIFICER. A worker in metal, wood, stone, etc. (1

sanctification through solitude, fasting, celibacy, Ch. 29:5; 2 Ch. 34:11).

meditation, self-flaggalation, etc. It is contrary to the AS CONCERNING. This phrase means “with regard teaching of the N.T. While the Christian is to sacrifice his to” (Le. 4:26; 5:6; Ro. 9:5).

own self will for God’s will, true Christianity is not AS IT WERE. This phrase carries three different withdrawal from the world, but abstention from evil meanings: (1) It most frequently means “like” or practices (1 Co. 5:9-11; Ep. 5). Doctrines which forbid

“signifying” (Ex. 24:10; Is. 26:20; Eze. 1:16; Ja. 5:3). It marriage and meat are demonic and false (1 Ti. 4:1-5).

is used in this sense throughout the book of Revelation

[See Beast, Celibacy, Fasting, Meat, Sanctification, (Re. 4:1; 6:1; 8:8, 10; 9:7, 9, etc.). (2) “As it were” can Vegetarian.]

also mean “in the sense of” or “having the appearance ASHAN (smoke). Jos. 15:42; 19:7; 1 Ch. 4:32.

of” or “compared to” (Ro. 9:32; Phile. 1:14). (3) ASHDOD (fortress). A Philistine city (Jos. 13:3; Similarly, “as it were” is used to describe approximation 15:46-47; 1 Sa. 5:1-8).

(Nu. 11:31; 1 Sa. 14:14). Matthew Henry gives an ASHER (happy). One of Jacob’s twelve sons, the interesting commentary on the phrase in Luke 22:44 —

father of the tribe of Israel called by his name (Ge.

“his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling 30:13; Jos. 19:24-31; Re. 7:6).

down to the ground” — could therefore mean that ASHERAH. [See Idolatry.]

Christ sweat actual drops of blood or it could mean that it appeared that he sweat drops of blood. “There is some ASHIMA (2 Ki. 17:30). See Idolatry.

dispute among the critics whether this sweat is only ASHKELON. A Philistine city (Jos. 13:3; Ju. 1:18; compared to drops of blood, being much thicker than 14:19; 1 Sa. 6:17).

drops of sweat commonly are, the pores of the body ASHNAH (strong). Jos. 15:33.

being more than ordinarily opened, or whether real ASHTORETH. [See Idolatry.]

blood out of the capillary veins mingled with it, so that Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 39

ASHTOROTH - ASTROLOGER

ASHTOROTH. [See Idolatry.]

separate themselves from Romanism. Thus when AG

ASHUR (blackness). 1 Ch. 2:24; 4:5-7.

minister David du Plessis began to develop close ASIA. In the Bible, Asia refers to one of the chief communications with the Catholic hierarchy, he was provinces of the Roman Empire. Today this region is forced to submit his resignation in 1962. Du Plessis did called Asia Minor. In New Testament times, the capital not change. He grew so friendly with Rome that he of Asia was Ephesus, and it included the regions of attended the Vatican II Council meetings in the Bithynia, Galatia, Pisidia, Lycia, and Macedonia (Ac.

mid-1960s. He was received in audience by three 19:10-26; 20:4-18; 1 Co. 16:19; 2 Ti. 1:15; Re. 1-3).

Roman Catholic popes—John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. He helped develop the Roman Catholic-ASIEL (God has made). 1 Ch. 4:35.

Pentecostal dialogues. Rome awarded Du Plessis with ASP. A poisonous snake (De. 32:33; Job 20:14, 16; the Pax Christi award in 1976 and the Benemerenti Ps. 58:4; 91:13; Is. 11:8). [See Dragon, Serpent.]

award in 1983. Du Plessis did not change, but the AG

ASRIEL (vow of God). Nu. 26:31; Jos. 17:2.

did. By 1980 the attitude within the AG had changed so ASS. An animal of burden belonging to the horse radically that du Plessis was welcomed back as a family, only smaller than a normal horse (Ze. 9:9; Mt.

credentialed minister. Today it is common for Catholic 21:2).

priests to speak in AG churches and for AG leaders to ASSAY. To try; prove; examine; test (1 Sa. 17:39; participate with Catholics in ecumenical meetings. [See Job 4:2; Ac. 16:7).

Charismatic, Doctrine, Healing, Holy Spirit, Tongues, ASSEMBLIES OF GOD. A Pentecostal denomination Women.]

which was formed in 1914, eight years after the Azusa ASSHUR (successful). A son of Shem (Ge. 10:22; 1

Street meetings in Los Angeles, California, from which Ch. 1:17). His descendants inhabited the land of Assyria Pentecostalism traces its roots in this century. As of 1990

around Nineveh.

the Assemblies of God (AG) had 2,160,000 members, ASSIR (captive). Ex. 6:24.

11,000 churches, 1,530 foreign missionaries, 18 colleges ASSUR. [See Asshur.]

and Bible schools in the United States, and 299 Bible ASSURANCE. [For assurance of salvation see Eternal schools abroad (Handbook).

Security, Gospel, Grace, Justification, Hope, The AG are evangelical and dispensational and are Propitiation.]

sound concerning Jesus Christ, the Scriptures, death, ASSURED, ASSUREDLY. (1) Appointed; established; resurrection, judgment, heaven, and hell. Their major guaranteed (Le. 27:19; Je. 14:13). (2) Worthy of trust; denominational distinctives denote their errors, which dependable; certain; doubtless (2 Ti. 3:14).

are these: (1) The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an ASSWAGE. To subside; to keep back; withhold (Ge.

experience to be sought subsequent to the new birth.

8:1; Job 16:5).

(2) The baptism and filling of the Holy Spirit are evidenced by tongues’ speaking. (3) A Christian can lose ASSYRIA. A nation in the O.T. times located to the his salvation. (4) Physical healing is promised to the north and northeast of Israel by the Tigris river (2 Ki.

Christian because of Christ’s atonement. All of these 15-19; Is. 7:17-20; 10:5; Is. 36-38). The capital of teachings are contrary to the Word of God. [See Eternal Assyria was Nineveh, which was founded by Asshur, an Security, Healing, Holy Spirit, Salvation, Tongues.]

associate of Nimrod who was later deified and worshiped as a god (Ge. 10:11-12). Assyria destroyed Ecumenism: The AG has become increasingly the northern kingdom of Israel and its capital of ecumenical during the past fifty years. In 1943, the AG

Samaria (2 Ki. 18:9-12). Prophecies against Assyria are joined the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE).

found in Nahum, Ze. 2, and Eze. 31. [See Nineveh.]

T h o m a s Z i m m e r m a n , f o r m e r l y t h e g e n e r a l superintendent of the AG, served two terms as president ASTAROTH. [See Ashtoreth.]

of the NAE. In 1948 the Assemblies helped form the ASTONIED. Astonished (Ezr. 9:3).

Pentecostal Fellowship of North America. They have ASTOROTH. [See Idolatry.]

held low-key dialogue with the National Council of ASTROLOGER. The Hebrew word speaks of one who Churches and the World Council of Churches.

views the heavens. An astrologer is one who believes the Sadly, the AG have also opened their arms to heavenly bodies influence men’s lives and events on Romanism. The change in attitude toward Roman earth (Da. 1:20; 2:2). Astrology is condemned in the Catholicism is witnessed in the Assemblies’ relationship Bible (Is. 47:13). Called an “observer of times” in with the late David du Plessis. In its first 60 years the noting, ‘the astrologers, so called because they divided AG had taught that the pope is of the antichrist, that the heavens into houses with a view to their Roman Catholicism is heresy, that Catholics need to hear prognostications” (Treasury). [See Witchcraft.]

the Gospel, and those who are converted need to 40

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

AT HAND - ATONEMENT

AT HAND. Near; close (Ge. 27:41; De. 15:9).

40:20) and “purged” (Is. 6:7).

AT ONE. (1) At the same (Da. 11:27). (2) Reconcile The word “atonement” is used only once in the N.T.

(Ac. 7:26).

( Ro . 5 : 1 1 ) . A c o r r e s p o n d i n g N . T. w o r d i s AT THE HAND OF. From; from the hand of (Ge. 9:5;

“propitiation” (1 Jn. 2:2; 4:10; Ro. 3:25), which means Is. 51:17).

satisfaction, as when a debt is satisfied and paid in full.

AT THE LAST. (1) At last; at the end (Ge. 49:19; Pr.

The Greek word translated “propitiation” ( hilasmos) is 5:11; 23:32; Da. 4:8). (2) The final (Jn. 6:39; 1 Co.

also translated “mercy seat” in He. 9:5.

15:52).

Atonement speaks of the price which was demanded AT THE LENGTH. At length; at last; in the end (Pr.

by God’s just law for man’s sin. The blood and death of 29:21).

Christ were the ALL-SUFFICIENT payment which satisfied that demand, so that now the believing sinner AT YOUR HAND. From your hand; from you; of you is set at liberty (Mt. 20:28; 2 Co. 5:21; 1 Co. 6:20; Is.

(Is. 1:12; Mal. 1:10).

53:4-6; He. 9:12,28). It is crucial to understand that ATARAH (a crown). 1 Ch. 2:26.

both BLOOD and DEATH were required by the Law.

ATAROTH (crowns). Nu. 32:3.

Some modern teachers claim that the blood is merely ATER (shut). Ezr. 2:16.

symbolic of Christ’s death, and some modern Bible ATHACH (lodging). 1 Sa. 30:30.

translations exchange the word “blood” for “death.” This ATHALIAH (whom Jehovah afflicts). (1) Daughter of is a great error. The BLOOD was required as surely as Ahab and Jezebel (2 Ki. 8:18, 26; 2 Ch. 21:6). (2) A was His death. Thus in Ro. 5:9-10 both aspects of the Benjamite (1 Ch. 8:26). (3) Father of Jeshaiah (Ezr.

Atonement are in view. Verse 9 says we are justified “by 8:7).

his blood”; verse 10 says we are reconciled “by his death.” Leviticus chapters 1-9 describe the Old ATHEISM. The philosophy which denies the Testament sacrifices, which depicted Christ’s atoning existence of God. According to the Bible, the fool says in Sacrifice. In Leviticus 1-9 the word “death” is mentioned his heart there is no God (Ps. 53:1). The Bible does not 22 times, whereas the word “blood” is mentioned 44

seek to prove the existence of God. It simply begins with times. Again, we see that BOTH blood and death were an affirmation of God. Though man is called upon to requirement for the atonement.

believe God by faith, it is not a blind faith. There are many witnesses to God, including creation, conscience, An example of the denial of the blood atonement is the Scriptures, and fulfilled prophecy. [For evidences of found in the writings of Eugene Nida, one of the most God see Bible.] [See also Canon, Evolution, Fool, God, influential men in the world of Bible translation.

Infidel, Inspiration, Prophecy.]

Originally with Wycliffe Bible Translators, Nida worked for many years with the United Bible Societies.

ATHENS. Capital of Greece, founded by Cecrops,

“Associated with the American Bible Society since 1943, B.C. 1556. Visited by Paul (Ac. 17:15-34; 1 Th. 3:1).

Dr. Nida served as Executive Secretary of the The people were lovers of music, painting, sculpture, Translations Department from 1946 to December 1980.

architecture, and oratory, and took part in politics. The In addition to administrative responsibilities, his work fine arts, history, and philosophy were a part of the involved field surveys, research, training programs, education of all freemen. Pausanius says the Athenians checking manuscripts of new translations, and the surpassed all others in attention to the gods; and their writing of numerous books and articles on linguistics, city was crowded with temples, altars, statues, and anthropology and the science of meaning. This work has other idolatrous works (Smith).

taken him to more than 85 countries, where he has ATHIRST. Thirsty (Jud. 15:18; Re. 21:6, 17).

conferred with scores of translators on linguistic ATONEMENT (to cover). Atonement means to cover problems involving more than 200 different languages.

over. The Hebrew word for atonement, kapar, is first Dr. Nida was also Translation Research Coordinator for used in the Bible in Ge. 6:14. Noah was instructed to the United Bible Societies from 1970 to 1980.” Though cover the ark with pitch within and without. This is the retired, Nida retains his relationship with the ABS and same Hebrew word translated “atone” in other O.T.

UBS as a Special Consultant for Translations, and is passages. It is most frequently used in Exodus and active in research, writing and lecturing. Consider what Leviticus, referring to the O.T. animal sacrifices (Ex.

Nida says about the atonement:

29:33; 30:10; Le. 4:20; 16:10). These did not actually

“Most scholars, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, take away sins, but symbolically pointed to Jesus Christ, interpret the references to the redemption of the who removed sin by His shed blood (He. 10:4-19; 1 Pe.

believer by Jesus Christ, not as evidence of any 1:18-19; Ro. 5:9-11). Kapar is also translated “mercy commercial transaction by any quid pro quo between seat” (Ex. 25:17-22; 26:34; 30:6; 31:7; 35:12; 39:35; Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 41

ATONEMENT - AUTONOMOUS

Christ and God or between the ‘two natures of He uses the same words as the Bible believer, but he God’ (his love and his justice), but as a figure of the reinterprets key Bible passages. This is called neo-

‘cost,’ in terms of suffering” (E.A. Nida and Charles orthodoxy. Beware.

Taber, Theory and Practice, 1969, p. 53, n. 19).

Bible translator J.B. Phillips expressed a doctrine of Nida was co-author (with Barclay M. Newman) of the atonement similar to Nida’s. “I think He [Jesus the United Bible Societies’ publication A Translator’s Christ] saw it as the only way out of the impossible Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Commenting situation into which men were jammed. He, God, as a on Ro. 3:25, which says, “Whom God hath set forth to Human Being, as the Representative Human Being, be a propitiation through faith in his blood,” this must take the rap! It happened to have been a commentary states:

crucifixion, but it might just as well have happened in a

“... ‘blood’ is used in this passage in the same way that gas-chamber or an electric chair. (J.B. Phillips, Plain it is used in a number of other places in the New Christianity, London, Wyvern Books, 1957, p. 82). I’m Testament, that is, to indicate a violent death. ...

sorry, my friends, but Mr. Phillips was wrong. if Christ Although this noun [propitiation] (and its related forms) is sometimes used by pagan writers in the sense had died a bloodless death, His death would not have of propitiation (that is, an act to appease or placate a atoned for man’s sin.

god), it is never used this way in the Old Testament.”

The Atonement was depicted by the O.T. mercy seat In Good News for Everyone, Nida’s defense of the which perfectly covered the tables of the law in the Ark Good News for Modern Man paraphrase, he says, “To of the Covenant, and which was sprinkled with blood translate haima as ‘blood’ in Acts 20:28 (as in every year at the Day of Atonement (Le. 16:15-16).

traditional translations ...) could give the impression The Atonement Christ has provided is UNIVERSITY and that Christ’s blood became an object of barter, as though UNLIMITED in its offer. Paul Reiter notes that Christ died focus were on the substance of the blood rather than on for all (1 Ti. 2:6; Is. 53:6). He died for every man (He.

the death of the person, for which the substance is a 2:9). He died for the world (Jn. 3:16). He died for the figurative substitute” (p. 77).

sins of the whole world (1 Jn. 2:2). He died for the We do not doubt that Nida’s view of the atonement is ungodly (Ro. 5:6). He died for false teachers (2 Pe. 2:1).

held by a majority of theologians, but the fact remains He died for many (Mt. 20:28). He died for Israel (Jn.

that it is heretical. The sacrifice of Christ was not just a 11:50-51). He died for the Church (Ep. 5:25). He died figure; it WAS a placation of God—of His holiness and for “me” (Ga. 2:20). [See Atonement - Day of, Blood, of the righteous demands in His law. Christ’s sacrifice Eternal Security, Justification, Mercy Seat.]

WAS a commercial transaction between Christ and God, ATONEMENT - DAY OF. The annual Jewish holy day and was NOT merely a figure of the cost in terms of during which the high priest offered sacrifices for his suffering.

own sins and for the sins of the nation (Le. 16:1-34; The sacrifice of Calvary was a true sacrifice, and that 23:27-32; Nu. 29:7-11). This was symbolic of Jesus sacrifice required the offering of blood—not just a Christ as the Great High Priest who has made a sacrifice violent death as Nida says. Blood is blood and death is for sins by His own blood and death (He. 9-10). As one death, and we believe God is wise enough to know of Israel’s appointed feasts, the Day of Atonement points which of these words should be used. Had Christ died, to that happy day when Israel will be converted and the for example, by beating, it would not have atoned for New Covenant fulfilled. In that day a fountain will be sin because blood is required. Those who tamper with opened “to the house of David and to the inhabitants of the blood atonement often, like Nida, claim to believe in Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness” (Ze. 13:1). [See justification by grace, but they are rendering the Cross Atonement, Blood, Covenant, Gospel, High Priest, Mercy ineffective by reinterpreting its meaning. There is no Seat, Scapegoat.]

grace without a true propitiation. Propitiation means ATONEMENT - HEALING. [See Healing.]

“satisfaction,” and refers to the fact that the sin debt ATTENDANCE. Attend to; wait on; give application was satisfied by the blood atonement of Christ. The to (Ac. 16:14; 1 Ti. 4:13; He. 7:13).

great difference between the heathen concept of ATTENT. Attentive (2 Ch. 6:40; 7:15).

propitiating God and that of the Bible is this—the God of the Bible paid the propitiation Himself through His AUDIENCE. Hearing (Ge. 23:10, 13, 16; 1 Sa. 25:24; own Sacrifice, whereas the heathen thinks that he can Ne. 13:1; Lk.20:45; Ac. 13:16).

propitiate God through his human labors and sacrifices.

AUTHORITY. [See Power.]

The fact remains that God did have to be propitiated.

AUTONOMOUS. Self-governing; independent. Local Notice that Nida does not openly assault the blood churches are to be autonomous (Ac. 14:23; Tit. 1:5; Re.

atonement. He claims to be orthodox and evangelical.

2-3). [See Church.]

42

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

AVAILETH - AZZUR

AVAILETH. To be of use; to turn to advantage; to renewed and unbelievers are brought to conviction, assist or profit; to have strength, force or efficacy repentance, and faith in Christ. The American revival in sufficient to accomplish the object (Webster) (Es. 5:13; the early to mid-1700s under the leadership of such Ga. 5:6; 6:15; Ja. 5:16). The Greek work ( ischuo) is men as George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards was translated “be able” six times (Lk. 13:24).

called the Great Awakening. Churches had become filled AVEN (nothingness, vanity). An abbreviation for with unconverted members and were lukewarm and Bethaven which Hosea applied to Bethel (Ho. 10:8; powerless. “Moral respectability, rather than spiritual 4:15; 5:8). Because of idolatry, Bethel had ceased to be rebirth, had become the criterion.” During the Great

“the house of God” and had become “nothingness” or Awakening a great many of the churches were revived,

“vanity.”

church members were saved, worldliness was rooted AVENGE. [See Vengeance.]

out, the churches became burdened for the lost, a harvest of souls was reaped, and the moral climate of AVENGER OF BLOOD. The relative of a murdered the nation uplifted. An awakening can be experienced person intent upon avenging the death of a loved one. It by an individual Christian, by a congregation, or by a was customary in Israel, as elsewhere in the East, for a region of the world. [See Renew, Revive, Revival.]

relative to seek the life of a person who murdered his next of kin. The cities of refuge were set up to protect AWAY WITH. Endure (Is. 1:13).

those who killed someone accidentally or in self-defense AZALIAH (God spared). 2 Ki. 22:3.

(Nu. 35:19-27; De. 19:6,12; Jos. 20:3,6,9; 2 Sa.

AZANIAH (God hears). Ne. 10:9.

14:5-11). “That office rested on the principle of Ge. 9:6, AZAREL, AZAREEL (God helps). 1 Ch. 12:6.

‘whose sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be AZARIAH (God has helped). (1) The Hebrew name shed.’ The unwritten code of the East conceded to the for one of Daniel’s friends who was put in the fiery nearest kinsman of a murdered man the right of furnace (Da. 1:7; 3:12-30). His Babylonian name was avenging the blood that had been shed. Such rude Abednego, meaning “servant of expedition” or “servant justice necessarily involved grave evils. It gave no of light.” (2) Another name for Uzziah, king of Israel (2

opportunity to the person charged with crime of Ki. 14:21-22; 2 Ch. 26:1-21). [See Uzziah.]

establishing his innocence; it recognised no distinction between murder, manslaughter, and accidental AZAZ (strong). 1 Ch. 5:8.

homicide; it perpetuated family blood-feuds, the AZAZIAH (God is strong). 1 Ch. 15:21.

avenger of blood being liable to be treated in his turn as AZEKAH (tilled). Jos. 10:10-11.

a murderer by the kinsman of the man whom he had AZIZA (strong). Ezr 10:27.

slain. These grievances could not be removed as long as AZMAVETH (death is strong). 1 Ch. 12:3.

there was no central government, but they might be AZMON (robust). Nu. 34:4-5.

mitigated; and to do this was the object of the institution [of the cities of refuge]” (Barnes). [See AZRIEL (God is help). 1 Ch. 5:24.

Capital Punishment, Cities of Refuge, Kill, Vengeance.]

AZRIKAM (help has arisen). 1 Ch. 9:14.

AVOUCH. Appoint; certify; acknowledge (De.

AZUBAH (forsaken). 1 Ch. 2:18-19.

26:17-18).

AZZAN (strong). Nu. 34:26.

AWAKENING. Often used to refer to a period of AZZUR (helper). Je. 28:1.

revival in which Christians are spiritually stirred and Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 43

-B-

BAAL. [See Idolatry, Witchcraft.]

the Euphrates River. Babylon was first built by Nimrod BAALAH (mistress). Jos. 15:9-10.

after the great flood of Noah’s day (Ge. 10:10). The BAALATH-BEER (mistress of the well). 1 Ch. 4:33.

Tower of Babel was built there (compare Ge. 11:2,9).

Thus, the city of Babylon has always been associated BAAL-BERITH. [See Idolatry.]

with evil and rebellion against God. God used the nation BAAL-GAD (lord of fortune). Jos. 11:17.

of Babylon to judge Israel in the days of the kings.

BAAL-HAMON (lord of a multitude). Song 8:11.

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, carried the Jews BAAL-HANON (the lord is gracious). Ge. 36:38.

away captive and destroyed the walls and temple of BAAL-HAZOR (lord of a village). 2 Sa. 13:23.

Jerusalem (2 Ki. 24-25; 2 Ch. 36; Je. 52). After the BAAL-HERMON (lord of Hermon). Ju. 3:3.

seventy-year captivity, God destroyed Babylon (Je.

50-52; Is. 13:17-22; Da. 5).

BAALI (my master). Ho. 2:16.

“Babylon is repeatedly used by the prophets in a BAALIM. The plural of Baal. [See Idolatry.]

symbolic sense. Two Babylons are to be distinguished in BAAL-PEOR (lord of Peor). A form of Baal worship the Revelation: ecclesiastical Babylon, which is apostate practiced by the Moabites. (Nu. 25:1-9). [See Idolatry.]

Christendom, headed up under the Papacy; and political BAAL-PERAZIM (lord of breaches). 2 Sa. 5:18-20.

Babylon, which is the Beast’s confederated empire, the BAAL-TAMAR (lord of the palm). Ju. 20:33.

last form of Gentile world-dominion. Ecclesiastical BAAL-ZEBUB (lord of the fly). [See Idolatry.]

Babylon is “the great whore” (Re. 17:1), and is destroyed by political Babylon (Re. 17:15-18), that the BAAL-ZEPHON (lord of the watchtower). Ex. 14:2,9.

beast may alone be the object of worship (2 Th. 2:3-4; BAASEIAH (work of Jehovah). 1 Ch. 6:40.

Re. 13:15). The power of political Babylon is destroyed BAASHA (boldness). A king of Israel (1 Ki. 15:27—

by the return of the Lord in glory” (Scofield).

16:6).

BABYLON IN 1 PETER 5:13 — The Roman Catholic BABEL - TOWER OF (confusion, gate of God). The Church claims that Babylon in 1 Peter 5:13 is symbolic tower built by men after the flood of Noah’s day. Babel for Rome. The following summary for rejecting this view occurred about 1750 years after creation and about 105

is from Barnes Notes on the New Testament: years after the Flood. Nimrod was the founder of the

“Others have supposed that Rome is intended by the Babel kingdom (Ge. 10:8-10). Men were in rebellion name Babylon. This was the opinion of many of the against God, and God stopped the work by creating the Fathers, and also of Bede, Valesius, Grotius, Cave, different languages (Ge. 10:10; 11:1-9). The purposes Whitby, and Lardner. The principal reasons for this are, of the Tower of Babel: (1) Pride. The Tower was built as that such is the testimony of Papias, Eusebius, and an attempt to glorify man (Ge. 11:4). (2) Rebellion.

Jerome; and that at that time Babylon on the God had commanded the sons of Noah to “replenish the Euphrates was destroyed. But the objections to this earth” (Ge. 9:1, 7). This means to fill, which would opinion seem to me to be insuperable. (a) There is no evidence that at that early period the name Babylon involve scattering throughout the earth. Instead, the was given to Rome, nor were there any existing Babel builders defied God’s command and established a reasons why it should be. The name is generally centralized headquarters. (3) Manmade unity. The supposed to have been applied to it by John, in the Tower of Babel was an attempt to unify mankind and to book of Revelation, (chap. xvi. 19; xvii. 5; xviii. 10,21;) establish a one-world government (“let us,” Ge. 11:3-4).

but this was probably long after this epistle was (4) Idolatry. This was the beginning of idolatrous written, and for reasons which did not exist in the time religions. The desire to build a tower to heaven had a of Peter. There is no evidence that it was given religious meaning associated with the worship of the familiarly to it in the time of Peter, or even at all until sun, moon, and stars. What happened at Babel is after his death. Certain it is, that it was not given so described in Romans 1:21-23. Revelation 17:5 says that familiarly to it that when the name Babylon was mentioned it would be generally understood that Rome Babylon is the mother of false religion. Ancient Babel was intended. But the only reason which Peter could typifies the end-time Babylon or one-world religion (Re.

have had for mentioning the name Babylon at all, was 17). [See Babylon, Church, Prophecy, Roman Catholic to convey some definite and certain information to Church, Separation, Timothy, Unity.]

those to whom he wrote. (b) As has been already BABYLON (confusion). The city Babylon was the observed, the apostles, when they sent an epistle to the capital of the kingdom of Babylon and was located on churches, and mentioned a place as the one where the 44

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epistle was written, were accustomed to mention the men forsook me’ (2 Timothy 4:16). So that if Peter real place. (c) It would be hardly consistent with the were Bishop of Rome he enjoyed an immunity which dignity of an apostle, or any grave writer, to make use was not accorded to Paul, and is guilty of having of what would be regarded as a nickname, when forsaken the great apostle. And, finally, in this very suggesting the name of a place where he then was. (d) Epistle, written from Rome immediately before his if Rome had been meant, it would have been hardly martyrdom, Paul says, ‘Only Luke is with me’ (2

respectful to the church there which sent the Timothy 4:11). This is conclusive. So Paul had written salutation, to have given it this name. Peter mentioned to Rome, he had been in Rome, and at the end he the church with respect and kindness; and yet it would writes from Rome, and not only never once mentions have been scarcely regarded as kind to mention it as a Peter, but declares, ‘Only Luke is with me.’”

‘Church in Babylon,’ if he used the term Babylon, as he While it is possible that Peter visited Rome briefly at must have done on such a supposition to denote a some point, the biblical record testifies conclusively that place of eminent depravity. (e) The testimony of the he was not the bishop of the church at Rome.

Fathers on this subject does not demonstrate that Rome was the place intended. So far as appears from the BABYLON IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION. God extracts relied on by Lardner, they do not give this as foretells the rise of another Babylon in the last days historical testimony, but as their own interpretation; before Christ returns. This last-days Babylon will be the and, from anything that appears, we are as well embodiment of all the evil and rebellion of men qualified to interpret the word as they were. (f) In throughout history (Re. 14:8; 17:5; 18:2, 10, 21). Thus, regard to the objection that Babylon was at that time the O.T. Babylon was both a historical city and kingdom, destroyed, it may be remarked that this is true so far as and was also a prophetic symbol for the future Babylon.

the original splendour of the city was concerned, but The final Babylon will be destroyed by Christ. “Babylon still there may have been a sufficient population there to have constituted a church. The destruction of is repeatedly used by the prophets in a symbolic sense.

Babylon was gradual. It had not become an utter Two Babylons are to be distinguished in the Revelation: desert in the time of the apostles. In the first century of Ecclesiastical Babylon, which is apostate Christendom, the Christian era a part of it was inhabited, though the headed up under the Papacy; and Political Babylon, greater portion of its former site was a waste. All that which is the Beast’s confederated empire, the last form time, there is no improbability in supposing that a of Gentile world-dominion. Ecclesiastical Babylon is “the Christian supposition that the word Babylon refers to great whore” (Re. 17:1), and is destroyed by political Rome, rests nearly all the evidence which the Roman Babylon (Re. 17:15-18), that the beast may alone be the Catholics can adduce that the apostle Peter was ever at object of worship (2 Th. 2:3-4; Re. 13:15). The power of Rome at all. There is nothing else in the New political Babylon is destroyed by the return of the Lord Testament that furnishes the slightest proof that he ever was there. The only passage on which Bellarmine in glory” (Scofield). [For a study on Rome as the Harlot relies to show that Peter was at Rome, is the very of Revelation 17 see Mother of Harlots.] [See Apostasy, passage now under consideration. He does not pretend Babel, Church, Egypt, Great Tribulation, Prophecy, to cite any other evidence from Scripture than this; nor Roman Catholic Church, Separation, Timothy, Unity.]

does any other writer.”

BACA, VALLEY OF (weeping). A valley near That Peter was not the pastor or “bishop” at Rome is Jerusalem, and the valley of Rephaim, whose exact evident from a study of Paul’s epistles (the following is locality is uncertain (Young) (Ps. 84:6).

by Henry Hudson from Papal Power: Its Origins and BACKBITE. To speak against someone in order to Development):

hurt them; to speak deceitfully; to slander (Ps. 15:3; Pr.

“In A.D. 58 Paul wrote to the Romans, but does not 25:23; Ro. 1:30; 2 Co. 12:20). [See Busybody, Evil mention Peter. In Romans 1:11, he wants to impart Speaking, Gossip, Slander, Talebearer, Tattler, special gifts, and in Romans 1:15 he is ready to preach Whisperer.]

there. He sends greetings to twenty-seven persons, but none to Peter. In 61 Paul is conveyed a prisoner to BACKSLIDE. The term backsliding is used frequently Rome, and certain brethren go to meet him, but not in the O.T. to describe Israel’s spiritual condition (Je.

Peter. At Rome Paul writes to the Galatians, and 3:6, 8, 11, 12, 14, 22; 8:5; 31:22; 49:4; Ho. 4:16; 11:7; mentions Peter, but not as being there or as having 14:4). It is also used in a general sense in Pr. 14:14.

been pontiff there for twenty years [as the Roman Though not used in the N.T., it is a term commonly Catholic Church claims]. The Epistles to the Ephesians, applied to the Christian who moves away from a close Philippians, Colossians and Philemon were all written fellowship with Christ. The following study is from from Rome; but while others are mentioned as sending James Smith, 100 Bible Lessons:

messages, or as being associated with Paul, Peter is never once mentioned. From Rome also Paul’s last What is backsliding? (1) It is turning away from God letter is written (the Second Epistle to Timothy). He in one’s heart and loving forbidden things (Pr. 14:14; 1

says, ‘At my first answer no man stood with me, but all Ki. 11:9). (2) It is leaving one’s first love for Christ (Re.

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2:4). (3) It is failing to walk in the light in fellowship BAKEMEATS. Baked goods (Ge. 40:17). The term with God (1 Jn. 1:5-9).

“meat” is used generically, referring not only to flesh but The seven downward steps of backsliding. No one also to bread and fruit and other edibles.

backslides suddenly. It is true that we may be shocked BALAAM (foreigner, not of the people). The prophet by the sudden outward manifestation of terrible sin, but hired by the king of Moab to curse the Israelites (Nu.

the truth is that many little things have entered in and 22-24). He was later slain by the Israelites (Nu. 31:8).

undermined the life. The story of Lot’s backsliding The N.T. speaks of Balaam as an evil man (2 Pe.

illustrates the seven downward steps. (1) Covetousness 2:15-16; Jude 11; Re. 2:14). Balaam’s sins were (1) (Ge. 13:10). Many a man has made the mistake of covetousness, and (2) teaching God’s people to fixing his eyes on the wrong objects. (2) Choosing too compromise and disregard God’s command of low (Ge. 13:11; 19:17). Lot chose the plain instead of separation. Balaam taught God’s people to mingle with the mountain. Christians are to aim high—at heavenly the world (contrast 1 Co. 10:7-8; Ja. 4:4; 1 Jn.

things (Col. 3:1-3), at the most excellent things (Ph.

2:15-17). Balaam’s life portrays an amazing and fearful 1:9-10). Christians injure their spiritual lives when they condition. Though he professed to love the truth, he choose less than God’s perfect will in areas of actually served money and prestige; to man he appeared friendship, entertainment, literature, occupation, etc.

righteous; to God, perverse (Nu. 22:7, 17-35). His love (3) Compromise (Ge. 13:12013). Lot pitched his tent for material gain and the honor of man darkened his toward wicked Sodom. Christians are to flee youthful heart so that it is possible that he actually thought he lusts (2 Ti. 2:22), avoid all appearance of evil (1 Th.

was right with God even while disobeying God. His 5:22), have no fellowship with evil works (Ep. 5:11).

unholy desires caused him to reinterpret and to question (4) Captured by the enemy (Ge. 14:11-12). Those who God’s plain commands (Nu. 22:5-21). It is obvious that do not have on the whole armor of God will be captured Balaam honored man (Nu. 22:14). Balaam typifies the by the enemy, who is walking about seeking whom he worldly modern preacher: (1) He desired to have the may devour (Ep. 6:10-19; 1 Pe. 5:8). (5) Carnal (Ge.

reputation of holiness, but he was inwardly perverse.

19:1, 16). Lot loved Sodom and its excitement. He was (2) He loved material gain and the honor of man. (3) a saved men, and his heart was grieved at the gross He reverenced man’s position. (4) He taught God’s wickedness (2 Pe. 2:7); but still he loved Sodom. Lot people to intermingle with the world. [See Apostasy, had no powerful testimony because he lived primarily Church, Roman Catholic Church, Separation, Timothy, for the things of the world (Ge. 19:14). Many Christians World.]

love the evil things of this world that God hates and is BALAC. The same as Balak. [See Balak.]

going to judge (1 Jn. 2:15-17; Ja. 4:4). (6) Spiritual BALADAN (a son has been given). 2 Ki. 20:12.

weakness (Ge. 19:8). Lot was willing to give his daughters into sin. Because of his backsliding, he had no BALAK (waster). The Moabite king who hired spiritual power. (7) Carousing (Ge. 19:33-38). Here we Balaam to curse Israel (Nu. 22:2). [See Balaam.]

find Lot drinking wine and committing immorality. His BALANCES. Scales similar to those now used; they first wrong choices led him deeper and deeper into sin consisted of a crossbeam which turned upon a pin at the and farther and farther from God’s fellowship.

top of an upright piece of wood. Supported from each The remedy for backsliding. Re. 2:4-5—Return, end of the crossbeam was a hook or pan which held the repent, confess, renounce, and perform the first works.

objects as they were being weighed. The Scriptures

[See Holy, Repentance, Sanctification, Separation.]

employ the balance figuratively to convey the idea of equity, fairness (Job 31:6; Ps. 62:9; Pr. 11:1). The BADGER. The skin of this animal was used as the handwriting on the wall in the palace of Babylon outer covering for the Tabernacle (Ex. 26:14; 36:19).

declared that Belshazzar was weighed in balances and The unattractive, dark-skinned badger was a common found wanting (Da. 5:27) (Analytical).

animal of Palestine, typifying the fact that Jesus Christ was physically ordinary in His earthly life (Is. 53:2). As BALM (balsam). An ointment for wounds (Je. 8:22; the badgers’ skins hid the lovely and expensive interior 46:11; 51:8).

of the Tabernacle, so Jesus’ earthly state hid his divine BAMAH (high place). Eze. 20:29.

glory. [See Jesus Christ, Tabernacle.]

BAMOTH (high places). Nu. 21:19.

BAJITH (house). A slighting reference to the temple BAMOTH-BAAL (high places of Baal). Jos. 13:17.

of Moabitish gods (Is. 15:2) (Analytical).

BAND. (1) A body of soldiers (1 Sa. 10:26; 2 Ki.

BAKEN. Baked (Le. 2:4; 1 Ki. 19:6).

13:21). The Roman band was composed of the tenth part of a legion, and containing from four hundred to six hundred men (Mt. 27:27; Jn. 18:3; Ac. 21:31). The band was divided into centuria or companies of a 46

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hundred each, with an officer over each hundred called Ro. 6:4 and Col. 2:12. There is no N.T. support for the a centurion. The “Italian band” (Ac 10:1) was a body of practice of sprinkling or pouring. Both of these practices strictly Roman soldiers from Italy. “Augustus’ band” (Ac.

corrupt the proper symbolism of the ordinance.

17:1) was one of the five cohorts stationed at Caesarea What Is the Meaning of Baptism? Water baptism is a (Clow). (2) Bound with a cord (Job 39:10; Da. 4:15).

picture and public testimony of spiritual realities. It is (3) To band together (Ac. 23:12). [See Military.]

called a “figure” in 1 Pe. 3:21. (1) Baptism is a public BANDS. The name applied to one of the two staves testimony of repentance and faith in Christ (Ac.

which symbolized the Lord’s covenant with Israel (Ze.

8:34-38; 16:30-34; 2:37-38). (2) Baptism identifies one 11:7, 10, 14). “One staff was called Beauty; the other, with Christ and depicts salvation—dying with Christ and Bands, or Concord. They spoke of the pastoral care being raised to eternal life with Him (Ro. 6:3-6).

Israel is yet to know, when, with the beauty of the Lord Baptism shows the Gospel—the death, burial, and her God upon her, she shall dwell in unity and concord resurrection of Jesus Christ.

a s o n e n a t i o n i n t h e l a n d c o v e n a n t e d t o What Is the Purpose of Baptism? It is not for salvation, Abraham” (Ironside).

but is a public testimony of faith in Christ and a picture BANI (built). 2 Sa. 23:36.

of the gospel. To interpret the Bible properly, the Bible BANQUETING, BANQUETINGS. To partake of a teacher must “compare spiritual things with spiritual” (1

banquet, in the worldly, immoral sense; drinking Co. 2:13). The false teacher, though, takes verses out of alcoholic beverages; carousing; reveling (1 Pe. 4:3). The context and uses isolated verses to overthrow the clear term “banqueting” in itself can be positive or negative, teaching of the Bible as a whole. He puts one definition depending on the context. It is used in a positive sense on a Bible word and then forces that definition into all in Song of Solomon 2:4.

passages, regardless of the context. That is what those BAPTISM - FIRE. The baptism by fire is one of the do who teach that baptism is a part of salvation. False distinctive teachings of the Pentecostal/Charismatic teachers use John 3:5 to teach the heresy of baptismal movement. Some Pentecostal groups have named regeneration, claiming that to be “born of water” refers themselves such things as “Fire Baptized Holy Ghost”

to salvation. For the following reasons, we know this is people. The idea of being baptized by the Holy Spirit not true: (1) The passage says absolutely nothing about and fire is also seen in the titles of books about the baptism. (2) Jesus is contrasting the natural birth with Pentecostal movement, such as that of Roman Catholic the spiritual birth. Thus “born of water” refers to the Ralph Martin entitled Fire on the Earth published in tiny unborn baby enclosed in a sack of water in his 1976. The concept of being baptized by the Holy Spirit mother’s womb; and when the water breaks he is born and fire comes from John’s prophecy in Matthew of water. (3) In this same passage, Christ taught that 3:11-12. Pentecostals believe the baptism of fire was a salvation is by faith alone and not by ritual or works baptism of power, but they ignore the context. John the (Jn. 3:14-18, 36). False teachers use Acts 2:38 to Baptist was speaking to the Jews. Those who believed in overthrow all of the rest of the New Testament’s Christ were baptized with the Holy Spirit on the day of teaching about baptism and salvation. How do we know Pentecost, but those who reject Christ will be baptized that Acts 2:38 is not saying that baptism removes sins?

with the fire of judgment. See also Is. 66:15, 16; Mal.

First of all, we must understand that “baptism for the 3:2 - 4:1; 1 Th. 1:9-11; Re. 19-20. Praise God that remission of sins” can mean one of two things: it can because of the blood of Christ no true Christian will ever mean baptism “in order for” sins to be remitted, or it be baptized by fire. [See Charismatic Movement, Hell, can mean baptism “because of” sins already remitted Holy Spirit, Prophecy.]

(Lk. 5:13-14). In other words, Acts 2:38 could mean that baptism takes away sin or it could just as easily BAPTISM - IMMERSION.

mean that baptism merely follows the forgiveness of What Is the Requirement for Baptism? The sins. How do we know that it is the latter? (1) We know requirement for baptism is repentance and faith in the Peter was saying baptism follows the remission of sins Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 8:36-37; 2:38-41).

because the rest of the book of Acts shows baptism What Is the Proper Mode of Baptism? In the N.T., following faith and forgiveness (8:35-38; 10:43-44, 47; baptism always means immersion in water except when 16:30-33). (2) We know this because Peter himself said the passage refers to Spirit baptism. (1) The early baptism is not salvation but is a figure of salvation (1 Pe.

Christians baptized by going down into the water and 3:20-21). (3) We know this because Paul said baptism is coming up out of the water (Ac. 8:38-39). John the not the gospel (1 Co. 1:17; 15:1-4). It is the gospel that Baptist needed much water for baptism (Jn. 3:23). Jesus is the power of God unto salvation (Ro. 1:16). (4) We Christ came up out of the water (Mt. 3:16). (2) The word know this because Mark 16:16 says that God’s judgment baptism means to immerse or dip and is called “burial” in comes because of unbelief rather than because of lack of Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 47

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baptism. False teachers also use Acts 22:16. In light of an adopted son of God, who has become a ‘partaker of all of the rest of the New Testament’s teaching on this the divine nature,’ member of Christ and co-heir with subject, we know that this verse means that Paul’s sins him, and a temple of the Holy Spirit. ... From the were washed away when he called upon the name of baptismal fonts is born the one People of God of the the Lord and not when he was baptized (Ro. 10:13).

New Covenant” (The New Catholic Catechism, 1994, #

False teachers also use 1 Peter 3:21, yet this verse 1263, 1257, 1265, 1267).

plainly shows the error of baptismal regeneration.

Eastern Orthodox: “We confess one baptism for the Baptism is a figure, a symbol, a picture. Baptism is not a remission of sins” (Constantinopolitan [or Nicene]

part of salvation; it is symbolic of salvation. We are Creed, 381). “Our sacraments, however, not only saved, not by water going over our bodies, but by faith contain grace, but also confer it on those who receive in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

them worthily ... Through baptism we are spiritually What Follows Scriptural Baptism? In Acts 2:41-42

reborn” (Council of Florence, 1438-45). “When one baptism is seen as a door into the local church. Baptist asserts his faith in the Son of God, the Son of the Ever churches, in following the pattern of the Jerusalem Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, he accepts first of all church, receive members upon their public profession of the words of faith into his heart, confesses them orally, faith and scriptural baptism.

sincerely repents for his former sins and washes them Who Has the Authority to Baptize? Baptism is a away in the sacrament of Baptism. Then God the Word church ordinance and proper New Testament churches enters the baptized one, as though into the womb of the that are sound in the New Testament faith have the Blessed Virgin and remains in him like a seed” ( The authority to baptize. We see in Acts 2:38-41, in the first Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate, Russian Orthodox mention of Christian baptism, that baptism is done in Church, Issue No. 4, 1980). “Sacraments ... are not the context of the church.

simply symbols of divine grace, but sure agents and A Summary. To summarize, scriptural baptism has means of its transmission. ... [through baptism one]

the following characteristics: A proper subject: A sinner becomes a member of the church of Christ, being who has repented and believed in Jesus Christ. A proper liberated from the controlling power of sin, and being mode: Immersion in water in the name of the Father, reborn in the new creation in Christ” (International Son, and Holy Spirit. A proper purpose: A public Eastern Orthodox-Old Catholic Theological Dialogue testimony of faith in Christ and a picture of the gospel.

Commission, 1985).

A proper authority: A New Testament church that is Lutheran: “Baptism effects forgiveness of sins, sound in doctrine and practice. [See Baptism - Infant, delivers from death and the devil, and grants eternal Church, Footwashing.]

salvation to all who believe, as the Word and promise of BAPTISM - INFANT. Infant baptism is the sprinkling God declare. ... It is not the water that produces these or immersion of infants for the purpose of imparting to effects, but the Word of God connected with the water, them spiritual blessing of some sort. Though the exact and our faith which relies on the Word of God purpose of it differs from group to group, almost always connected with the water” (Luther’s Small Catechism, it implies that the child thereby receives salvation in 1529, IV). “It is taught among us that Baptism is some sense.

necessary and that grace is offered through it. Children, too, should be baptized, for in Baptism they are WHO PRACTICES INFANT BAPTISM? Infant baptism committed to God and become acceptable to him. On is practiced by the Roman Catholic Church, the various this account the Anabaptists who teach that infant groups representing Eastern Orthodoxy, as well as by Baptism is not right are rejected” (The Augsburg most of the denominations that withdrew from Rome Confession, 1530, IX). “Being by nature sinners, infants during the Protestant Reformation, including Lutheran, as well as adults, need to be baptized. Every child that is Anglican Church, Presbyterian, and Methodist.

baptized is begotten anew of water and of the Spirit, is Roman Catholic Church: “By Baptism all sins are placed in covenant relation with God, and is made a forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all child of God and an heir of his heavenly punishment for sin. ... The Church does not know of any kingdom” (Baptism formula used by Lutheran pastors in means other than Baptism that assures entry into baptizing infants, The New Analytical Bible and eternal beatitude; this is why she takes care not to Dictionary of the Bible, Chicago: John A. Dickson neglect the mission she has received from the Lord to Publishing Co., 1973).

see that all who can be baptized are ‘reborn of water The August 2001 issue of The Berean Call contains and the Spirit.’ God has bound salvation to the the following warning from a reader of that publication: sacrament of Baptism ... Baptism not only purifies from

“Enclosed is my ‘Memento and Certificate of Baptism’

all sins, but also makes the neophyte ‘a new creature,’

and my daughter’s ‘Certificate of Holy Baptism,’ both as 48

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babies into the Lutheran Church. As you can see, my other, and with the Church of every time and place. Our certificate was printed by the Missouri Synod’s common baptism, which unites us to Christ in faith, is Concordia Publishing House and reads, ‘In Baptism full thus a basic bond of unity” ( Baptism, Eucharist and salvation has been given unto you; God has become Ministry, 1982).

your Father, and you have become His child.’ My THE ERROR OF INFANT BAPTISM

daughter’s reads, ‘You are a child of God because God 1. Infant baptism is not taught in the New Testament.

has made you His child through this act. All of God’s There is not one example in the New Testament promises belong to you as you live under Him in His Scriptures of an infant being baptized. To find evidence Kingdom.’ You must know that Luther’s Catechism, used for this practice, one must attempt to read something in every Lutheran Synod, declares concerning the into the Scriptures.

‘Sacrament of Baptism,’ that ‘it works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal

“For some, infant baptism is a doctrine by salvation to all who believe this, as the words and implication. It is implied that in five households in the promises of God declare.’ It also states regarding the N.T. that were visited by salvation, there must surely

‘Sacrament of the Altar’ [the Lord’s Supper], ‘namely, have been young children. These were the households that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and of Cornelius in Acts 10, Lydia in Acts 16, the Philippian salvation are given us through these words.’”

jailer in Acts 16, Crispus in Acts 18, and Stephanas in 1

Co. 1:16” ( The Church of God: A Symposium).

Anglican: “Baptism is a sign of Regeneration or New-Birth, whereby, as by an instrument, they that receive The Case of Cornelius. “It is stated in v. 24 of Acts 10, Baptism rightly are grafted into the Church; the that those gathered with him in the house were his promises of the forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption kinsmen and near friends. He sends word that they are to be the sons of God by the Holy Ghost, are visibly

‘all here present before God, to hear all things that are signed and sealed.... The Baptism of young Children is commanded thee [Peter] of God.’ In v. 44 the Holy Spirit in any wise to be retained in the Church, as most fell upon all them which heard the Word. We know from agreeable with the institution of Christ” (The Thirty-other Scriptures that, in the N.T., the Holy Spirit acts Nine Articles of Religion, XXV, XXVII).

thus only upon those who have believed. Those gathered were capable of hearing the commands of God Methodist: “Sacraments are ... signs of grace ... by the with a view to believing and obeying” (Ibid.). It is which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only specifically stated in Acts 11:17 that those who were quicken, but also strengthen and confirm our faith in saved and baptized with Cornelius were those “who him. ... Baptism ... is also a sign of regeneration, or the believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Obviously these were new birth. The baptism of young children is to be not tiny infants.

retained in the Church” (The Articles of Religion, 1784, XVI, XVII).

Lydia and Her Household (Acts 16:14-15). Nothing is said about infants in this passage, and it is highly Reformed: “We condemn the Anabaptists, who deny unlikely that this busy merchant woman would have that young infants, born of faithful parents, are to be had tiny babies. There is no evidence here whatsoever baptized. ... We therefore are not Anabaptists, neither for the practice of infant baptism.

do we agree with them in any point that is theirs” (The Second Helvetic Confession, 1566, chapter XX).

The Philippian jailer and his household (Acts 16:30-34). This passage clearly says that Paul spoke the Presbyterian: “Baptism ... is a sign and seal of the Word of God to the entire household (v. 32) and that covenant of grace, of his ingrafting into Christ, of the entire household believed (vv. 32-33). This could regeneration, of remission of sins ... Dipping of the not be said of infants.

person into the water is not necessary; but baptism is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling water The household of Crispus (Acts 18:8). Those who upon the person. Not only those that do actually profess were saved and baptized in this family were all faith in and obedience to Christ, but also the infants of believers, for we are told, “Crispus ... believed on the one or both believing parents are to be baptized. ... by Lord with all his house...” We are not told how old the the right use of this ordinance the grace promised is not members of Crispus’ family were, but we are told that only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the each one of them believed on the Lord. Obviously they Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that were not infants.

grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of God’s The household of Stephanas (1 Co. 1:16). Again own will, in his appointed time” (The Westminster nothing is actually said about infants being present or Confession of Faith, 1646, XXVIII).

baptized. In 1 Co. 16:15 we are told that this household World Council of Churches: “Through baptism, addicted themselves to the ministry. This could not be Christians are brought into union with Christ, with each said of infants.

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 49

BAPTISM-INFANT

“No one has the right to interject what is omitted sprinkling. He declares a falsehood when he says, “This from Scripture just to bolster subjectively a supposed child is regenerated and grafted into the body of Christ’s doctrine and ignore the clear teaching of many other church” ( Anglican Book of Common Prayer). Infants are portions of the Word of God” (Ibid.).

neither born again nor true church members. He 2. Infant baptism is contrary to the New Testament declares a falsehood by saying, “It has pleased God to teaching about baptism. Infant baptism uses the wrong regenerate this infant with His Holy Spirit; to receive mode—sprinkling rather than immersion. Infant him for His own child by adoption, and to incorporate baptism uses the wrong subject—infants unable to him into His holy church.” None of these things can be believe and be born again. Infant baptism has the wrong true for an infant and none of these things are imparted purpose—to impart salvation or spiritual blessings.

by baptism (Hiscox, Practices for Baptist Churches).

3. Infant baptism either states or implies that salvation 8. There is no partial salvation taught in Scripture.

or spiritual blessing can be imparted through ritual, or Infant baptism either truly saves, or it does not save at through the faith of another. Contrast Ps. 49:7-8. The all. Yet most denominations practicing infant baptism Bible says all blessings of salvation are received through believe it results in partial salvation for the infant and personal faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 15:8-11; 16:30-31; that it must later add works such as the catechism, Ep. 2:8-10; 2 Ti. 3:15). We receive eternal life by mass, and confession to be fully saved. The following personal faith (Jn. 3:16). We become children of God by Bible passages show that when a person is saved, he is personal faith (Jn. 1:12). We receive justification and fully, eternally saved. The same passages reveal that this peace with God through personal faith (Ro. 5:1). We salvation is not through an infant baptism, but a receive the Holy Spirit by personal faith (Ep. 1:12-14).

personal, repentant faith in Jesus Christ (2 Co. 5:17; Tit.

4. Infant baptism implies that the church can impart 3:5-7; Ep. 1:3-7; Ro. 5:1-2; Col. 1:12-14; 1 Jn. 5:12-13).

salvation and blessing to whomsoever it pleases, regardless WHAT ARE WE TO DO FOR OUR CHILDREN?

of the individual’s will or faith. Contrast Acts 8:36-37.

1. Christians can rejoice that their children are 5. Infant baptism results in false security. Multitudes sanctified by the parents’ relationship with Christ (1 Co.

of people baptized as infants grow up thinking they are 7:14). Though we might not know everything this ready for heaven even though they have never been involves, we do know that (a) the passage is not born again through personal faith in Christ. They are speaking of sanctification by a baptismal ritual. Nothing trusting in their infant baptism and in their church is said here or in any other N.T. passage regarding the membership. Such are deceived by the teaching of their necessity of baptizing infants before they can partake of own churches. “This false sacramental gospel kept my this family sanctification. (b) Children are eternally safe parents from ever telling me that I was a sinner and if they die in early childhood. The case of the death of needed a Saviour. They thought that I had received David’s son illustrates this. After the child’s death, David eternal life in baptism. I am positive that there are said he would one day go to be with him (2 Sa.

millions of Lutherans believing the same thing my 12:22-23). This shows David’s assurance that the baby parents did and which I was taught and believed for was safe with God. If this were true for the children of many years. I was saved at age 45 when I finally heard O.T. saints, surely it is true for the N.T. believer. (c) At a the true gospel and believed it. We believe that millions certain point in the child’s life he becomes personally of souls are at stake because of this false teaching” ( The responsible before God for his relationship with Jesus Berean Call, August 2001).

Christ. The Bible does not say at what age or point this 6. Infant baptism results in churches being peopled by occurs, but Jesus encouraged children to come to Him unregenerate members. In some churches the infant (Lk. 18:16), and Timothy was taught the Scriptures as a becomes a member immediately at the time of the child with the goal that he come to salvation (2 Ti.

baptismal ceremony. In others, the infant is not yet 3:15).

considered a full member, but is admitted as a member 2. The parents must dedicate themselves to train the in later years without having to show evidence of child in the way of Christ. It is not really the dedication regeneration. Either way, infant baptism results in those of infants that is essential; it is the dedication of churches being filled with members who are not truly parents. Parents are wasting their time if they go saved. This, of course, destroys the church, and is a through a public ceremony of dedicating their child to chief cause for the spiritual deadness of most Protestant God, but fail thereafter to discipline and instruct him in denominations.

the right way. Let us do both! Let us offer our newborn 7. Infant baptism causes the officiating minister to children to God and plead His best blessing upon their declare falsehoods. He declares a falsehood when he lives, and let us carefully train them for His holy service.

says, “I baptize you,” because he is not baptizing but

[See Anglican Church, Baptism - Immersion, Church, Gospel, Grace, Lord’s Supper, Roman Catholic Church.]

50

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BAPTISM-SPIRIT - BAPTIST

BAPTISM, SPIRIT. [See Holy Spirit.]

or medicine. And when in the ministry, they began to BAPTIST. A name for various groups of Christians claim for themselves authority. The best positions were who profess that the Bible is the only standard of faith sought, and a minister was to have authority according to the size and wealth of the church he served, and and practice, who hold to Baptist distinctives, and who thus gradually there grew up grades in the ministry; trace their heritage, not to the Protestant Reformation, then the pastor became the priest, and a hierarchy was but to Jesus Christ and the apostolic churches.

fostered. Then legislative authority was claimed. Christ A Baptist Church has been defined as follows: was legislated out and the civil power in; the Church

“A Baptist Church is an organization composed of and State were joined in unholy wedlock; and we have baptized believers. That organization is complete in all the corruptions of the middle ages.

itself. It recognizes Christ as its head. ‘He is the head of

“While sanctified intellect and learning are the body, the church.’ He only has legislative authority commodities of which we shall never have too much, over it. The laws of Christ, as recorded in the New still we think it is a part of our mission to teach that Testament and administered by a majority of its the Baptist Church has no use for men for her ministry, members, constitute the only ecclesiastic authority however massive their brain, however sparkling their known to the church. In the administration of those, genius, however profound their learning, however the weakest, poorest member has a right to be heard, burning their eloquence, whose wills have not bowed and the richest member has no right to ask for more.

to the will of Christ, whose spiritual gravitation is not Hence the church in its relation to Christ is a perfect towards His cross; who have not felt in their heart of monarchy. His will is law. In the relation of the hearts, ‘Woe is me if I preach not the gospel;’ and who, members to each other, it is a perfect democracy—’One rather than be denied the privilege, would be willing to is your master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren.’ It fare as their Master did when on earth.

is, then, an organization, and separate, distinct from all

“Another part of the mission of the Baptist church is to others. Its right to be in the world and prosecute its preserve the ORDINANCES IN THEIR ORIGINAL

mission is original and divine. It asks no aid of the civil PURITY. Not that we have confidence in water or bread arm or purse. All it asks of the State and all other or wine, whether much or little, only as they are organizations, as such, is to be let alone, and let it live, divinely chosen and God-appointed symbols for the if it can, and die if it must.

proclamation of gospel truth. But believing that they

“BUT ITS MISSION. This, in common with all other are thus appointed and are a part of God’s plan for evangelical Christians, is to evangelize the world. [See perpetuating and proclaiming the essential facts of the Missions.] We also believe the Baptist church has a gospel, to withhold them would be to give up one of special mission, which is to preserve the purity of the God’s methods of preaching the gospel. To change church, which task involves:

them would be so far to preach another gospel. To do

“A REGENERATE MEMBERSHIP. Would our limits either would be false to our mission. [See Baptism, permit, it might be interesting to take a voyage up the Lord’s Supper.]

stream of ecclesiastical history, to its source, and see of

“We have only time to speak of one point more: what the primitive church was composed, and examine LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE IN MATTERS OF

the simplicity of its organization, and then trace the RELIGION. Baptists have always been champions of gradual departure from that simplicity, to mark the religious liberty. No page of their history has been process which brought unregenerate members into the stained by the blood of an opponent. With them, church, and then trace the consequences. But we Church and State are forever divorced. The Bible is to hardly have time to say that as it has been in the past, be put into the hands of every individual, and he is so it must be in the future, part of the mission of the responsible to God only, how he interprets it. And no Baptist Church is to keep her doors closed against all man or body of men has a right to interfere by any such as do not give evidence of piety. ... while we are coercive measure. It is the privilege of every man to to receive those of weakest faith, if it be genuine, yet come to Christ for himself, without priest or candles, we are to stand by the old doctrines, that no hereditary and be God’s free man. And although the Baptist religion, no amount of wealth, no social position, no church never came out of the Roman Catholic church standard of morality can form a passport into the because she was never in it, yet she is to be catholic in Baptist church without evidence that the applicant spirit and treatment towards all where mere matters of knows something practically of what repentance opinion are involved; but Protestant, forever towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ means.

Protestant, in religion to all invasions upon the New

“But we think it is a part of our mission to preserve A Testament as the only standard of faith and PURE MINISTRY, as well. In a Baptist church the pastor practice” (Pastor Isaac Butterfield, “The Baptist Church holds the highest office in the church. And he must be and Its Mission,” preached in the late 1860s, Fountain called of God. But when unregenerate men had found Street Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan).

their way into the church they sought to enter the BAPTIST DISTINCTIVES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: ministry as men enter other professions, supposing that (1) believer’s baptism (that baptism is for believers only they could learn to preach as men learn to practice law by immersion only); (2) salvation by grace alone Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 51

BARABBAS - BARNABAS

through faith alone; (3) the eternal security of the distinguishes our doctrinal position which is set forth believer; (4) the autonomy of the local church (Baptists in the N.T. and identifies us with a host of saints who reject all hierarchical structures of church polity); (5) have believed the same precious truths and were the priesthood of the believer (Baptists reject any identified with the same denominator.

separate priesthood in the church); (6) a regenerate The premise that first century Christians were Baptists church membership (only those who profess Christ and runs counter to the Roman Catholic claim that the first give evidence of salvation can join the church); (7) the church was Roman Catholic. To this we need only point out that the first church was organized by Christ Bible is the sole authority for the church; (8) separation and His Apostles, and those Apostles became the of church and state (the churches should not be united nucleus of the church at Jerusalem, not Rome, and with or supported by the secular government). While James was its leader, not Peter. We also contend that there are a great many different groups of Baptists with the bishop of Rome did not win primacy over other widely differing doctrines and practices, most hold to bishops until the fourth century, and that it wasn’t until these distinctives.

Gregory ascended the episcopal throne in 590 A.D.

THE HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS is given in the that the Roman bishop began to claim his supremacy following summary by Curtis Whaley:

over other bishops. Thus we see that Roman Catholicism dates back to the fourth century at the Baptists do not trace their heritage to the Protestant earliest. [See Church, Roman Catholic Church.]

Reformation, but back to Jesus Christ and the apostolic While we do not contend that only Baptists are going churches, as we see in the following overview by Curtis to heaven, we do contend that the first church was Whaley:

organized according to principles historically Though many Baptist groups sprang up during the maintained by Baptists, and that Baptists have existed Protestant Reformation, according to Collier’s since that day. First called Christians, then by other Encyclopedia, the Baptists have ‘descended from some names down through the centuries until they received of the evangelical “sects” of the preceding age during the name that has distinguished them from Protestant which the Roman and Orthodox Churches dominated and Catholic groups alike (Curtis Whaley, Who Are the all of Europe and suppressed all dissent.’ A Catholic, Baptists? ).

Cardinal Hosius, President of the Council of Trent (1545-1563), wrote during the early years of the

[See Baptism - Immersion, Baptism - Infant, Church, Reformation period, ‘Were it not that the Baptists have Church Discipline, Lord’s Supper, Pastor, Prophecy, been grievously tormented and cut off with the knife Roman Catholic Church.]

during the past twelve hundred years, they would BARABBAS (son of a father). The criminal who was swarm in greater numbers than all the reformers.’ This released in Jesus’ place (Mt. 27:15-26). Barabbas was a should convince anyone that the Baptists are not a by-rebel against the government and a thief and murderer product of the Reformation, and are not even (Mk. 15:7; Jn. 18:40; Ac. 3:14). His release vividly Protestants in the popular sense of the term.

illustrates how Jesus died in the place of sinners (2 Co.

If the Baptists did not begin with the Reformation, 5:19-21; Is. 53).

when did they begin? We will let a great American and world historian answer. John Clark Ridpath BARACHEL (God has blessed). Job 32:2, 6.

(1840-1900), a Methodist by denominational BARACHIAH (Jehovah has blessed). Mt. 23:35.

conviction, wrote, ‘I should not readily admit that there BARAK (lightning). Ju. 4:1—5:12; He. 11:32.

was a Baptist church as far back as 100 A.D., although without doubt there were Baptist churches then, as all BARBARIAN. A foreigner (Ac. 28:4; 1 Co. 14:11).

Christians were then Baptists.’ Yes, all Christians were The Greek word means one whose speech is strange.

then Baptists, because the doctrines that Baptists

[See Heathen.]

believe and teach today are the same as those taught BARBAROUS. A foreigner (Ac. 28:2). This is the by the Lord Jesus Himself, by Peter, John, Paul, and all same Greek word translated “barbarian.” [See the Apostles.

Barbarian.]

We have not always been called ‘Baptists.’ The name is BARIAH (fugitive). 1 Ch. 3:22.

not a self-chosen one. Following what we believe to be apostolic precept and example, the Baptists rejected BARJONA (son of Jona). Jn. 1:42.

infant baptism, insisted on a ‘regenerate membership,’

BARKOS (partly-colored). Ezr. 2:53.

and baptism sought intelligently by the candidate as a BARLEY. A grain used for animal feed and for bread condition for church membership. For these reasons (Le. 27:16; Ruth 2:17).

they were stigmatized as ‘Anabaptists,’ ‘Catabaptists,’

and sometimes as simply ‘Baptists.’ This was to say BARNABAS (son of consolation). A leader in the they were [called by their enemies] ‘rebaptizers, early churches and sometimes co-worker with Apostle perverts of baptism,’ or, as unduly emphasizing Paul (Ac. 4:36-37; 9:27; 11:19-30; 13:1-14; 15:1-2, 12).

baptism and making it a reason for schism, simply

‘baptizers.’ We are proud of the name, because it 52

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BARTHOLOMEW - BEAST

BARTHOLOMEW (son of Talmai). One of the 12

handle bound in that part to prevent splitting. The blade Apostles (Mt. 10:3; Mk. 3:18; Lk. 6:14; Ac. 1:13). [See was shaped like the segment of a circle and made of Apostle.]

bronze or steel. The poleax was about three feet in BARTIMAEUS (son of Timaeus). Mk. 10:46.

length, with a large metal ball, to which the blade was BARUCH (blessed). Je. 36:1-8.

fixed” (People’s Bible Encyclopedia). [See Military.]

BARZILLAI (made of iron). 2 Sa. 17:27-29.

BATTLE BOW. A bow used in battle (Ze. 9:10; 10:4).

[See Bow, Military.]

BASE. (1) A stand (1 Ki. 7:31; Ezr. 3:3) (2) Lowly; humble (2 Sa. 6:22; 2 Co. 10:1). (3) Inferior; BATTLEMENT. A ledge surrounding the flat roofs of dishonorable (Job 30:8; Ac. 17:5). (4) The opposite of houses to prevent accidents. Sometimes it is used to nobility; lowly in social standing (1 Co. 1:28). This describe the defensive ledges around city walls (De.

Greek word ( agenes) is defined by Strong as “without 22:8; Je. 5:10) (Analytical).

kin, i.e. (of unknown descent, and by implication) BAY. From “strong, sharp,” and hence a bright color, ignoble.” [See Humble.]

perhaps “reddish brown” (Ze. 6:3, 7) (Concise).

BASEMATH (fragrance). Ge. 26:34.

BAZILITH (asking). Ezr. 2:52.

BASHAN (fertile, smooth land). A fertile pasture BDELLIUM. A precious substance listed with gold land located to the east of the Jordan river in the and onyx as products of the land of Havilah (Ge. 2:12).

northern part of Israel (Jos. 12:5). It was famous for its Manna resembled it in appearance (Nu. 11:7) large cattle and trees (Ps. 22:12; Eze. 27:6; 39:18; Mi.

(Analytical). It has been interpreted as a white 7:14; Ze. 11:2).

transparent oily gum, and a white pearl. It is possible BASIN. A container (Ex. 24:6; 2 Sa. 17:28).

for either substance to fit the Bible description.

BASTARD. A person born out of wedlock (De. 23:2; BEALOTH (mistresses). Jos. 15:24.

He. 12:8).

BEAM. A large board or timber, used in the BAT. A small flying creature which comes out of construction of houses and buildings. Beams supported hiding at night (Le. 11:13,19).

walls, ceilings, and gates in city walls (1 Ki. 6:9, 36; 2

Ch. 3:7; Ne. 2:8; 3:3, 6; Song 1:17). The “weaver’s BATH. [See Weights and Measures.]

beam” was the heavy bar around which the warp cords BATHRABBIM (daughter of many). Song 7:4.

were wrapped in a loom (1 Sa. 17:7; 1 Ch. 11:23) BATHSHEBA (daughter of an oath). The woman (Revelle). The beam Jesus spoke of in Mt. 7:3-5 would with whom King David committed adultery. She was the be something like a rafter in a house!

wife of Uriah, one of David’s best warriors (2 Sa. 11:3-4; BEAR RECORD. To testify; give evidence (Jn. 8:14; 2

12:24; 1 Ki. 1:11). After having Uriah killed, David later Co. 8:3; 1 Jn. 5:7).

married Bathsheba, and she bore Solomon. [See BEAR WITNESS. To testify; give evidence (1 Ki.

Adultery, David, Uriah.]

21:10; Jn. 1:7; Ac. 23:11).

BATHSHUA (daughter of riches). 1 Ch. 2:3.

BEARD. Facial hair (Le. 13:29-30; 14:9; 19:27; 21:5; BATTERING RAM. A large instrument used by 1 Sa. 17:35; 21:13; 2 Sa. 10:4-5; 19:24; 20:9; Ezr. 9:3; armies in ancient times to demolish the walls of cities Ps. 133:2; Is. 7:20; 15:2; Je. 41:5; 48:37; Eze. 5:1). The and fortresses (Eze. 4:2; 21:22). “The ram was a simple Israelites always cultivated the beard, and highly valued machine, consisting of a metal head affixed to a beam, it. The law forbade them to “mar the corners of their which might be long enough to need one or two beards” (Le. 19:27) and a priest was forbidden to shave hundred men to lift and impel it. When it was still off the corner of his beard as a sign of mourning (Le.

heavier it was hung in a movable tower and became a 21:5). These were practices connected with paganism wonderful engine of war. Its object was to make a and idolatry. King Hanun inflicted a sore indignity when breach in the wall of a beleaguered town” (People’s he marred the beards of David’s ambassadors (2 Sa.

Bible Encyclopedia). “In its essence it was a stout pole, 10:4). Ezra, in great grief at the sin of the people, probably with a metal ferule or head, worked with a plucked off the hair of his head and of his beard (Ezr.

motion which was half a fall half a thrust against the 9:3; cf. Je. 41:5). God’s judgment on Israel is compared wall. Protection for the workers was supplied by placing to the beard being consumed by a razor (Is. 7:20), and it under a roofed shed or in a tower. The whole machine they were to be scattered as hair that is cut off (Eze.

was often brought forward on wheels” (Hastings). [See 5:1-2, 12). Of Moab it is said, every beard should be cut Engine, Military.]

off (Is. 15:2; Je. 48:37) (Concise). Isaiah prophesied BATTLE AXE. A war ax (Je. 51:20). “The Egyptian that Christ’s beard would be plucked out (Is. 50:6).

battle-ax was about two or two and one-half feet long, BEAST. In the O.T. there are primarily two Hebrew with a single blade secured by bronze pins, and the words translated “beast” in the KJV: (1) chay (Ge. 1:24, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 53

BEAST

25, 30; 2:19-20; 3:1; 8:19; 9:2; 37:20), and (2) pleasure and use. Man was not made for the world; the behemah (Ge. 6:7; 7:2; 34:23; Ex. 8:17). Chay world was made for man. Even the stars of the universe emphasizes the living, moving, breathing aspect of an were made for man (Ps. 8:4-8). The Psalmist sees the animal. It is also translated “alive,” “running,” and animal kingdom under man’s feet. Throughout the Bible

“springing.” Behemah emphasizes the brute aspect to an we see examples of men using animals for servitude, animal, the fact that they do not have an eternal, living riding them for transportation and warfare (Ne. 2:12; soul like man does. It is from a Hebrew root meaning Ps. 32:9; Pr. 21:31; Mt. 21:1-7), plowing with them (De.

“mute.” In the N.T. there are three Greek words 25:4), etc. Nowhere in Scripture is this condemned. In translated “beast” in the KJV. (1) Ktenos refers to a fact, the Lord Jesus Christ and His armies will be riding domesticated animal (Lk. 10:34). (2) Therion refers to a white horses when He returns from heaven (Re.

wild, dangerous animal (Ac. 28:4-5). The Antichrist is 19:11-14). This does not mean that man has a right to described with this term (Re. 11:7; 13:1-18; 14:9, 11; be cruel toward animals; it means man has a divine 15:2; 16:2, 10, 13; 17:3-17; 19:19-20; 20:4, 10). (3) right to rule over the creation and to use it for his Zoon refers to a living creature in general, not purposes and needs. The Bible enjoins kindness even necessarily an animal, and describes some of the angelic toward the dumb creatures of this world (Pr. 12:10).

beings of Revelation (2 Pe. 2:12; Re. 4:7; 6:3, 5, 7).

Animals Are for Man’s Food: From the time of Noah Bible Lessons about Animals

until today God has ordained that man eat animal flesh Animals and People Are Different Creations: The first (Ge. 9:3). The nation Israel ate meat. The Lord Jesus thing to note from Scripture is that animals and Christ ate meat. The Passover meal was lamb (Ex.

mankind are two different creations. Man is not a higher 12:5-10), and Christ ate the Passover (Mt. 26:17-19).

animal. Evolution is a lie. Man was created distinctly in He also ate fish (Lk. 24:42, 43). What about Christians?

the image of God (Ge. 1:24-28). Animals were not made The Apostle Peter was certainly a Christian, and in a in the image of God. Animals do not have a living soul.

vision from God he was commanded to eat meat (Ac.

They are not eternal beings; man is (Ge. 2:7). They are 10:10-13). The vision was to impress Peter that Gentile described as “made to be taken and destroyed” in 2

believers were not unclean, but the fact remains that Peter 2:12. Man is infinitely higher than and different God commanded Peter to eat of the various meats. God from the animal kingdom. When proud king would not have done that if He abhorred meat eating.

Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God, his heart was The vision in Ac. 10 also shows that God has removed changed from man’s to a beast’s (Dan. 4:16). The Lord the O.T. dietary restrictions. Some would have us believe Jesus Christ referred to the difference between animals that restrictions against pork and other meats were for and men in Lk. 12:5-7. “But I forewarn you whom ye medical purposes. That’s not the case. Those restrictions shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath were for the purpose of separating Israel from the power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

nations and for teaching her the difference between Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not holy and unholy. In the N.T. churches God has removed one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very all such dietary restrictions. In fact, the Bible warns hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: against those who would promote vegetarianism. In 1

ye are of more value than many sparrows.” There are Ti. 4:1-5 we read of those who “command to abstain two important truths in this passage about animals and from meats,” and we are told that this is a doctrine of man. First, we see that God does care for animals; he devils! The Bible clearly says that God created animals does not forget even the tiny sparrow. Second, though, to be eaten. It is not cruel to kill an animal in hunting or we see that man is infinitely greater in value than the fishing, and to eat it. It is not cruel to slaughter animals animals because man has an eternal soul. Man will be for food. That is one of the reasons God made animals.

held accountable for his actions. Without a Saviour, Christians are free to eat meats or not to eat meats. This sinful man will spend eternity in hell. We also see Christ is the teaching of Ro. 14:2-3,6. Away with those dietary making a clear distinction between men and animals in laws which purport to be Christian. If a Christian wants Mark 5:2-16. Christ had compassion upon the demon to eat a certain kind of food—only vegetables, for possessed man and cast the unclean spirits out of him.

example—that is fine. If he wants to avoid something The demons begged Christ that they be allowed to enter such as sugar or pork, fine. Let him eat what he feels into a herd of swine which were feeding nearby, and God would have him eat, and what he feels will best Christ gave them permission to do so. [For more about benefit him. But let that one be careful that he not make the difference between man and animals see his own conscience a law for others. The N.T. forbids

“Evolution.”]

dietary laws for religious purposes. Peter describes Animals Were Made for Man’s Pleasure: We see further beasts which are “made to be taken and destroyed” (2

that the Bible says animals were made for man’s 54

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BEATETH THE AIR - BEHEMOTH

Pe. 2:12). This refers to animals such as pigs and BEDAD (separation). Ge. 36:35.

chickens which are made for man’s eating pleasure.

BEDEIAH (servant of Jehovah). Ezr. 10:35.

Animals Illustrate Man’s Salvation: Animals were used BEELIADA (whom the Lord knows). 1 Ch. 14:7.

by God to illustrate salvation to the human race. In the BEELZEBUB. [See Idolatry.]

Garden of Eden, when the man and woman had sinned, God made “coats of skins, and clothed them” (Ge. 3:21).

BEER (a well). Nu. 21:16-18; Ju. 9:21.

Where did God get those coats of skins? From innocent BEERELIM (well of heroes). Is. 15:8.

animals that died that man might have a covering for BEERI (man of a well). Ge. 26:34.

his sinful condition. And note that it was God who BEERLAHAIROI (the well of him that liveth and provided the covering. God must provide salvation. Man seeth me). Ge. 16:7.

cannot earn it himself. Salvation is a gift of grace, “not BEEROTH (wells). Jos. 9:17

of works, lest any man should boast” (Ep. 2:9). From BEERSHEBA (well of the oath). Wells were dug here Eden to Calvary, the blood of animals was shed to by Abraham (Ge. 21:22-32; 26:1-33; 46:1-5; Jos. 15:28; illustrate salvation. Man is a fallen sinner who must 19:1-2; 1 Sa. 8:2).

have salvation from sin’s penalty, and that salvation was purchased by Jesus Christ on the Cross. There He shed BEESHTERAH (temple of Astarte). Jos. 21:27.

His blood and died for payment for man’s sin. Those BEEVES. Cattle (Lev. 22:19).

who trust Him receive eternal life. This is the Gospel BEFORETIME. Before; in time past (De. 2:12; 1 Sa.

which was preached so eloquently by the animal 9:9; Ac. 8:9).

sacrifices. “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away BEGET. To procreate, to bring forth. The term the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29). That is what John the

“beget” is used to trace the lineage of Christ (Ge. 4:18; Baptist said of Christ. The Bible enjoins us to Look and 5:3-32; 10:8-26; 11:10-27; 1 Ch. 1:34—9:43; Mt.

Live. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt 1:2-16). It is also used to describe the new birth (Phile.

be saved” (Ac. 16:31). Man is the crown of creation, but 10; 1 Pe. 1:3; Ja. 1:18; 1 Jn. 5:1,18). The terms “only he is fallen and cannot be what God intended him to be begotten” and “first begotten” refer to Jesus Christ. [See until he is born again through the blood of Christ.[For Born again, Genealogy, Generation, Only begotten, the “Beast” of Re. 13:1 see Antichrist.]

Gospel.]

BEATETH THE AIR. Shadow boxing; striking at the BEGOTTEN AGAIN. Born again (1 Pe. 1:3). [See air without actually hitting anything (1 Co. 9:27). [See Born Again.]

Castaway.]

BEGOTTEN, ONLY. [See Only begotten.]

BEATITUDE (blessing). Though not contained in the BEGUILE. To delude; to deceive; to impose on by Bible, “beatitude” is a term commonly used to refer to artifice or craft (Webster) (Ge. 3:13; 29:25; Nu. 25:18; the blessings Jesus described in Mt. 5:3-11.

Jos. 9:22; 2 Co. 11:3; Col. 2:4, 18). Every N.T. usage of BEAUTY. An assemblage of graces, or an assemblage this word is a warning as to the deceiving character of of properties in the form of the person or any other false teachers (2 Co. 11:3; Col. 2:4, 18; 2 Pe. 2:14).

object, which pleases the eye; pleasing; lovely; elegant

[See False Teaching.] [See also Cunning, Deceit, in form; pleasing to the eye (Webster) (Ge. 29:17; 1 Sa.

Dissemble, Dissimulation, Doubletongued, Entice, Feign, 16:12; 25:3; 2 Sa. 11:2; 2 Sa. 15:25; 2 Ch. 3:6; Es. 2:7; Flattery, Guile, Hypocrisy, Sincere, Sleight, Subtil, Ps. 27:4). (1) God is to be worshipped in “the beauty of Unfeigned, Wilily, Winketh.]

holiness,” reminding us that that which pleases God is BEHALF. (1) For; in the place of; in the stead of (Ex.

holiness and righteousness, not physical beauty (1 ‘Ch.

27:21; 2 Sa. 3:12; Ph. 1:9). (2) For this cause (1 Pe.

16:29; 2 Ch. 20:21; Ps. 29:2; 96:9). (2) Satan’s fall was 4:16).

connected with his beauty (Eze. 28:17). Warnings about the beauty of a woman: Beauty in a woman is a BEHAVE. To conduct oneself (De. 32:27; Ps. 101:2; 1

blessing that God has given to men, but because of the Co. 13:5).

Fall it is also a dangerous thing. The Bible gives the BEHEMOTH. A large land creature described in Job following warnings: (a) Do not lust after (Pr. 6:25). (b) 40:15-24. No one is certain exactly which animal this is.

It is vain (Pr. 31:30). (c) It is worthless unless Some have tried to identify it with the elephant, accompanied by wisdom (Pr. 11:22). (d) It is easily used hippopotamus, or rhinoceros, but no existing animal fits for evil (Eze. 16:15). [See Glory, Holy, Satan, Strange the description given by Job. Henry Morris, in The Woman.]

Remarkable Record of Job, says, “The reason BECHER (young camel). 1 Ch. 7:6.

commentators are unable to identify this mighty animal is that it is now extinct. ... Job and his contemporaries BECORATH (firstborn). 1 Sa. 9:1.

could easily have seen many kinds of animals that later Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 55

BEHIND - BELSHAZZAR

became extinct due to the earth’s more rigorous climate rests upon the sure Word of God (Jn. 20:30-31; Ac.

and vastly depleted resources after the flood.” [See 1:3). To have saving faith a person must hear and Dragon, Leviathan.]

believe the words of the Bible concerning God’s BEHIND. (1) In the rear (2 Sa. 10:9; Mt. 16:23). (2) promises in Christ. To have daily, serving faith, a Inferior (2 Co. 11:5; 12:11). (3) Lacking (1 Co. 1:7; Col.

Christian must read the Bible often and believe its 1:24).

words. “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by BEHOVE. Necessity; obligation (Lk. 24:46; He.

the word of God” (Ro. 10:17).

2:17).

What Saving Faith Is Not: 1. Mere knowledge; mental BEKAH. [See Money.]

assent of the facts pertaining to Christ (Ja. 2:19-20). 2.

A spiritual heritage; second generation Christianity (Jn.

BEL. [See Idolatry.]

8:39; 1:13). 3. A Christian lifestyle and profession (Mt.

BELA (destruction). Ge. 36:32.

7:21-23).

BELIAL (worthless, wickedness). In the O.T. “Belial”

What Saving Faith Is: 1. Receiving Jesus Christ (Jn.

is used as a proper name to refer to the devil (De.

1:12). Biblical salvation is a personal relationship with 13:13; Ju. 19:22; 1 Sa. 1:16; 2:12; 10:27; 30:22; 2 Sa.

the living Christ. 2. Coming to Christ (Jn. 6:35). 3. To be 16:7; 20:1; 23:6). It is also used as a personification of sure of Christ (Jn. 6:66-69). 4. To know Christ (Jn.

evil to refer to a wicked person. The same Hebrew word 17:3). 5. Confidence in Christ (He. 3:6, 14). 6. Ceasing translated “Belial” is also translated “wicked” (De. 15:9; from one’s own works (He. 4:10). 7. Fleeing for refuge Nah. 1:11), “ungodly” (2 Sa. 22:5; Pr. 16:27; 19:28), in Christ (He. 6:18). [See Bible, Confidence, and “naughty” (Pr. 6:12). In 2 Co. 6:15 the word is used Consolation, Gospel, Hope, Inspiration, Joy, Rejoice of the devil. [See Devils, Satan.]

Repentance, Salvation.]

BELIE. To lie; falsehood (Je. 5:12).

BELL. The O.T. priest had bells on his robes (Ex.

BELIEVE. Man’s part in salvation is to believe in 28:33-34), which allowed the people to hear him Jesus Christ (Jn. 3:16; 6:28-29). What does this mean?

ministering for them in the holy place (Ex. 28:35). This In the English Bible, the Greek word commonly pictures the Holy Spirit’s witness of Jesus Christ during translated “believe” ( pisteuo) is also translated “commit these days when He is in heaven. Though we cannot see to one’s trust” (Lk. 16:11; Jn. 2:24; Ro. 3:2; 1 Co. 9:17; Him with our eyes, we know our Great High Priest is Ga. 2:7; 1 Th. 2:4; 1 Ti. 1:11; Tit. 1:3). This is the basic there ministering for us because of the Holy Spirit’s meaning of believing in Christ. It means to commit witness (Jn. 16:13-15; Ac. 5:31-32). [See High Priest.]

myself to Him, to fully trust Him for salvation. It means BELLOWS. A leather bag used for blowing the fire of to believe in such a way that I actually turn away from a smelting furnace (Je. 6:29).

sin and idols and false religion to receive Jesus Christ as BELLY. (1) That part of the human body which my only Lord and Saviour. Another Greek word extends from the breast to the thighs, containing the translated believe or trust is peitho. It means to be bowels; the stomach (Nu. 5:21; Ju. 3:21; Je. 51:34; Mk.

confident, to be fully persuaded (Ro. 2:19; 8:38; 2 Co.

7:19; Lk. 15:16; 1 Co. 6:13). (2) The womb (Ps. 22:10; 2:3; 2 Th. 3:4; 2 Ti. 1:12). This is the type of faith Je. 1:5). (3) The innermost being; the heart (Pr. 20:27, which is required for salvation. To be saved, a person 30; 26:22; Jn. 7:38). (4) Used symbolically to describe must be fully persuaded that Jesus Christ is everything man’s natural appetites (Ro. 16:18; Ph. 3:19). “Slow the Bible says He is. He must be confident that Jesus can bellies” refers to gluttony and slothfulness (Tit. 1:12).

and will save him from sin (He. 3:14). This biblical

[See Heart.]

meaning of “believe” clarifies the problem of faith and works in salvation. It is faith alone, not works, which BELSHAZZAR (Belus the splendor of brightness, Bel saves (Ro. 3:4; Ga. 2:3; Ep. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:3-7); but real has formed a king). A king of Babylon at the time of its Bible faith always results in a changed life and in good fall to the Medo-Persian armies (Da. 5:1-30). Skeptics works (Ep. 2:10; Tit. 3:8; 2 Co. 5:17; 1 Jn. 3:1-3).

such as Ferdinand Hitzig doubted the existence of Those who profess to believe in Christ, but whose lives Belshazzar, but archaeology confirmed that Belshazzar remain unaffected by their profession, do not have the was the son of and co-regent with Nabonidus and that type of faith required for salvation. True faith is based Belshazzar was ruling in Babylon when it fell to the upon God’s Word, the Bible (Ro. 10:17; He. 11). True Persians. This is stated in the Nabonidus Cylinder and faith is not a blind wish or uncertain hope. The lost the Babylonian Chronicle, both of which reside in the man, for example, often believes everything will be all British Museum. These artifacts confirm the Bible’s right with him after death no matter what religion he accuracy (1) in calling Belshazzar king of Babylon, (2) follows, because he “feels” that he is O.K. with God. This in not mentioning Nabonidus in reference to the fall of is blind faith. The Christian’s faith, on the other hand, Babylon (because he wasn’t present), and (3) in saying 56

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BELTESHAZZAR - BETAH

that Belshazzar offered Daniel the position as third ruler BEROTHAH (wells). 2 Sa. 8:8.

in the kingdom (Nabonidus being first and Belshazzar BERYL. The first stone of the fourth row on the the second) (Dan. 5:29).

breastplate of the high priest (Ex. 28:20; 39:13; Eze.

BELTESHAZZAR (maintainer of the Lord, Belus hid 1:16; Da. 10:6). Also the eighth foundation of the wall his glory). The name give to Daniel by his Babylonian of the New Jerusalem (Re. 21:20) (Analytical). The captors (Da. 1:7). [See Daniel.]

Hebrew word, tarshish, signified a golden-yellow stone.

BEMOAN. To lament (Je. 15:5; Na. 3:7).

The beryl of the N.T. is the green stone which we call by BEN (son). 1 Ch. 15:18.

that name today (Revell).

BENAIAH (Jehovah hath built). 2 Sa. 23:20.

BESEECH. To entreat; to implore; to ask or pray with urgency (Webster). The two Greek words most BENAMMI (son of my people). Ge. 19:38.

commonly translated “beseech” are deomai (Lk. 5:12; BENDEKER (son of Deker). 1 Ki. 4:9.

8:28) and parakaleo (Mt. 8:5). Deomai is further BENEVOLENCE. Kindness; good will. The phrase translated “pray” 12 times (Mt. 9:38) and “make

“due benevolence” in 1 Co. 7:3 refers to the loving request” (Ro. 1:10). It is used of Christ’s prayer that attitude one is to have toward one’s marriage partner in Peter’s faith fail not (Lk. 22:32) and of the prayer that sexual matters, the attitude which desires to meet his or caused the early Christian meeting house to be shaken her physical needs. The same Greek word ( eunoia) is (Ac. 4:31) and of Paul’s prayers (“praying exceedingly”) translated “good will” in Ep. 6:7. [See Home.]

for the Thessalonian Christians (1 Th. 3:10). Parakaleo, BENGEBER (son of Geber). 1 Ki. 4:13.

which means “to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by BENHADAD (son of Adad, a god of Syria). (1 Ki.

imploration or consolation),” is translated “call for” (Ac.

15:18-21; 20:1-34; 2 Ki. 6:8 - 7:20; 8:15; 2 Ch. 16:1-6).

28:20), “comfort” (Lk. 16:25), “desire” (Mt. 18:32), BENHAIL (son of strength). 2 Ch. 17:7.

“exhort” (Ac. 2:40), “intreat” (1 Co. 4:13), and

“pray” (Mk. 5:17). [See Prayer.]

BENHANAN (son of a gracious one). 1 Ch. 4:20.

BESIDE. (1) In addition to (Ge. 26:1; Ex. 12:37; 2

BENHESED (son of Hesed). 1 Ki. 4:10.

Pe. 1:5). (2) Beside of; near; over; under; next to (Ex.

BENHUR (son of Hur). 1 Ki. 4:8.

29:12; Le. 1:16). (3) Other than (De. 4:35).

BENJAMIN (son of the right hand). Youngest son of BESIDES. “Beside” and “besides” were probably Jacob, and the father of the tribe by his name (Ge.

identical and employed indifferently (Bible Word Book).

35:16-20; 43:1-34; 46:21; Nu. 26:38-41; Jos.

[See Beside.]

18:11-28).

BESIDE OURSELVES, BESIDE THYSELF. To appear BENJAMITE. A member of the tribe of Benjamin (Ju.

to be out of one’s mind; to be beyond the bounds of that 3:15).

which is considered reasonable (Mk. 3:21). In 2 Co.

BENO (his son). 1 Ch. 24:26.

5:13 the Apostle is not saying that he was out of his BENONI (son of my sorrow). Ge. 35:18.

mind or unreasonable; he was referring to the way the BENZOHETH (son of Zoheth). 1 Ch. 4:20.

world looked at him and his self-denying zeal for Christ (compare Ac. 26:24). [See Mad.]

BEOR (shepherd). Ge. 36:32.

BESODEIAH (in the intimacy of Jehovah). Ne. 3:6.

BERA (gift). Ge. 14:2.

BESOM. A broom. Besom is used symbolically for the BERACHAH (blessing). A valley in the mountains of sweeping judgments of an army (Is. 14:23). “In Edom south of the Dead Sea. It was here that the Devonshire the name bisam or bassam is given to the Israelites rejoiced over God’s defeat of the armies of heath plant, because it is used for making besoms, as Ammon and Moab in the days of Jehoshaphat (2 Ch.

conversely as a besom is called broom, from being made 20:22-27).

of broom-twigs of the broom plant” ( The Bible Word-BERAIAH (Jehovah has created). 1 Ch. 8:21.

Book).

BEREA. A city made famous in the N.T. by the wise BESOR (cool). 1 Sa. 30:9-10.

attitude of its people toward Paul’s preaching. They BESTEAD. Pressed (Is. 8:21). “Hardly bestead”

“searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things means hard pressed, difficult in situation or were so” (Ac. 17:10-12).

circumstance.

BERECHIAH (Jehovah hath blessed). 1 Ch. 6:39.

BESTOW. To expend; to confer; to give; to impart BERED (hail). Ge. 16:7.

(Ex. 32:29; De. 14:26). (2) To stow away; dispose of BERIAH (unfortunate). Ge. 46:17.

(Lk. 12:17; 1 Co. 13:3).

BERITH (a covenant). Ju. 8:33.

BETAH (trust). 2 Sa. 8:8.

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BETEN - BEZALEEL

BETEN (height). Jos. 19:25.

1 Sa. 16:1, 4; Mi. 5:2; Mt. 2:5; Lk. 2:11). [See City of BETHABARA (place of passage). Jn. 1:28.

David, David, Jesus Christ.]

BETHANATH (house of echo). Jos. 19:38.

BETHMAACHAH (place of oppression). 2 Sa. 20:14.

BETHANY (house of dates). A town frequented by BETHMARCABOTH (place of chariots). Jos. 19:5.

Jesus (Mt. 26:1-13; Mk. 11:1; 14:3; Lk. 19:29; Jn. 11:1; BETHMEON (place of habitation). Je. 48:23.

12:1). Bethany was about two miles from Jerusalem at BETHNIMRAH (place of flowing water). Nu. 32:36.

the Mt. of Olives and was the home of Mary, Martha, BETHPAZZEZ (place of destruction). Jos. 19:21.

and Lazarus.

BETHPEOR (house of the opening). De. 3:29.

BETHARABAH (house of the desert). Jos. 15:6.

BETHPHAGE (house of figs). Mt. 21:1; Mk. 11:1; Lk.

BETHARBEL (house of God’s ambush). Ho. 10:14.

19:29.

BETHAVEN (house of vanity, nothingness). A name BETHRAPHA (place of fear). 1 Ch. 4:12.

God gave to Bethel, the center of idolatry in Israel (Ho.

4:15; 5:8; 10:5). Bethel, the “house of God,” had BETHREHOB (roomy place). Ju. 18:28.

become bethaven, the “house of vanity or BETHSAIDA (place of nets). Mt. 22:21.

nothingness.” [See Bethel, Idolatry.]

BETHSHAN (house of security). 1 Sa. 31:10.

BETHBARAH (fording place). Ju. 7:24.

BETHSHEAN (house of security). Jos. 17:11.

BETHCAR (house of a lamb, place of pasture). 1 Sa.

BETHSHEMESH (house of the sun). Jos. 15:10.

7:11.

BETHSHITTAHP (place of acacia). Ju. 7:22.

BETHDAGON (house of Dagon). Jos. 15:33. [See BETHTAPPUAH (place of fruit trees). Jos. 15:53.

Idolatry.]

BETHUEL (dweller in God). Ge. 22:22.

BETHDIBLATHAIM (house of fig cakes). Je.

BETHUL (dweller in God). Jos. 19:4.

48:21-22.

BETHZUR (place of rock). Jos. 15:58.

BETHEL (house of God). The place where Abraham BETIMES. Early; seasonably; in a short time; before first pitched his tent after arriving in Palestine (Ge.

it is too late (Ge. 26:31; Job 8:5; 24:5; Pr. 13:24).

13:3). It was here that Jacob had the dream about the ladder (Ge. 28:10-19). Jeroboam, the first king of the BETONIM (heights). Jos. 13:26.

northern tribes of Israel, built idols in Bethel, and it BETROTH. To contract to anyone for a future became a center of idolatry (1 Ki. 12:29-33; 13:1-32).

marriage; to promise or pledge one to be the future Bethel is located about 12 miles north of Jerusalem.

spouse of another (Webster) (Ex. 21:8-9; 22:16; Le.

BETHEMEK (house of the valley). Jos. 19:27.

19:20; De. 20:7; 22:23-28; 28:30; Ho. 2:19-20). [See Home.]

BETHER (place of divisions). A craggy place in Palestine (Song 2:17).

BETTERED. Profited; advantaged (Mk. 5:26).

BETHESDA (house of mercy). A pool with five BETWIXT. Between (Ge. 31:37).

porches at Jerusalem (Jn. 5:2, 4).

BEULAH (married). A name for the land of Israel BETHGADER (house of a wall, walled place). 1 Ch.

when Christ returns and blesses it (Is. 62:4). The land 2:51.

will then be married to Israel, and Israel to the Lord.

[See Covenant, Ishi, Israel, Kingdom of God, BETHGAMUL (house of reward). Je. 48:23.

Millennium, Prophecy.]

BETHHACCHEREM (place of the vineyard). Ne.

BEWAIL. To weep or mourn (Le. 10:6; De. 21:13; Ju.

3:14.

11:37-38; Is. 16:9; Lk. 8:52; 23:27; 2 Co. 12:21; Re.

BETHHARAN (mountain house). Nu. 32:36.

18:9).

BETHHOGLAH (house of the partridge, house of BEWITCH. To deceive (Ac. 8:9, 11; Ga. 3:1).

magpies). Jos. 15:6.

BEWRAY. To uncover; to make evident (Is. 16:3; Pr.

BETHHORON (house of the hollow). Jos. 16:3.

27:16; 29:24; Mt. 26:73). The same Hebrew word BETHINK. To call to mind; to recollect (1 Ki. 8:47; 2

translated “bewray” in Pr. 27:16 ( qara) is translated Ch. 6:37).

“crieth” in Pr.1:21, “proclaim” in Pr. 20:6, “publish” in BETHJESHIMOTH (place of desolations). Nu. 33:49.

De. 32:3, and “pronounce” in Je. 36:18.

BETHLEBAOTH (place of lionesses). Jos. 19:6.

BEYOND MEASURE. [See Measure.]

BETHLEHEM (house of bread). The city of David BEZAI (shining, high). Ezr. 2:17.

and birthplace of Jesus Christ (Ru. 1:19; 4:9-11, 21-22; BEZALEEL (God is protection). Ex. 31:2. A Jew God equipped to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle.

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BEZEK - BIBLE

His call. As Bezaleel was personally called by God (Ex.

Acts of the Apostles: The history of the establishment 31:2), so the leaders of the churches are today (Ac.

and spread of the churches

13:1-3). His equipment. As God equipped Bezaleel with From Romans to Philemon: Paul’s Epistles, written to everything he needed for the task at hand (Ex. 31:3), instruct various churches

He so equips the saints today (1 Co. 12; Ro. 12; Ph.

From Hebrews to Jude: Called the “general epistles,”

4:13). His appointment. Bezaleel did not choose his these were written for Christians in general calling, and neither does the Christian choose his Revelation: Prophecy about the end of the world position in the Lord’s harvest (Lk. 6:13-16; Ro. 12:6-8; 1

O.T.

N.T.

Co. 12:7-11; Ep. 4:10-11). His instruction. Bezaleel and Promise

Fulfillment

his helpers were given exact instructions regarding what they were to build for God; likewise Christian leaders Types

Reality

have been given exact instructions for the work of God Preparation

Presentation

in the N.T. age (1 Co. 11:2; 1 Ti. 6:13-14, 20).

The Foundation

The Building

BEZEK (breach). Ju. 1:4.

THE BIBLE’S AUTHOR. (1) The Bible has about 40

BEZER (strong). De. 4:43.

human authors, who wrote during a period spanning BIBLE. The Christian Scriptures. The word “bible” is 1,600 years. (2) The Bible has one divine Author—God from the Greek word biblios, which means a book.

(2 Ti. 3:16; 2 Pe. 1:20-21).

Though there are 66 individual books in the Bible, it is HOW DID THE BIBLE COME TO US? (1) Inspiration—

one Book divided into two major sections—the Old and the divinely-guided writing of the original manuscripts the New Testaments.

(2 Ti. 3:16; 2 Pe. 1:21). (2) Preservation—the

“Testament” means covenant or agreement. The Old providential keeping of the original text from loss and Testament is God’s covenant with man through the alteration (Ps. 12:6-7; 100:5; 119:152, 160; Is. 40:8; Mosaic law, in preparation for the coming of Jesus 59:21; Mt. 5:18; 24:35; 1 Pe. 1:25). (3) Recognition—

Christ. The New Testament is God’s covenant with man the acknowledgment by God’s people of the original through the salvation purchased by Christ. The Old manuscripts as being divinely inspired. (4) Collection—

Testament was written primarily in Hebrew. The New the gathering of the original manuscripts into a Canon Testament was written primarily in Greek.

called The Holy Scriptures. [See Canon, Inspiration, Preservation, Sundry.]

The OLD TESTAMENT describes man’s creation and fall and contains the record of God’s preparations for THE BIBLE’S CANON. Canon means a rule. It refers to and prophecies of the coming of the Saviour, Jesus testing something by a set rule. The Lord Jesus Christ Christ.

promised that the Holy Spirit would guide the Christians “into all truth” (Jn. 16:7-15; see also 1 Jn.

It can be divided into the following categories: 2:27

From Genesis to Deuteronomy: Creation of heaven Old Testament Canon. The Old Testament was and earth and man; the beginnings of the Jewish collected by the Jews (Ro. 3:1). All 39 books of the Old nation; the Law of God (including the 10

Testament are thought to have been finished by the time Commandments)

of Ezra (Lk. 11:51).

From Joshua to Esther: The history of Israel, the New Testament Canon. The N.T. was written by the Jewish nation

apostles (Jn. 16:13). The N.T. was completed during the From Job to the Song of Solomon: The Poetic books, days of the apostles (Jude 3). The N.T. was received by dealing with profound questions of life and the worship the believers in the early churches (Jn. 10:27; 1 Th.

of God

2:13).

From Isaiah to Malachi: Prophecies concerning Israel In A.D. 367 Athanasius, a well-known defender of and mankind as a whole and of Jesus Christ the faith, published a list of Old and New Testament The NEW TESTAMENT contains the accounts of books which he said were “handed down and believed Christ’s birth, life, death, resurrection, return to heaven, to be divine.” This list contained all of the 27 books and the teachings of Christ’s followers, as well as which are in our N.T. today.

prophecies of the future.

All of the Reformation confessions of faith upheld the It can be divided as follows:

66 books of the Bible as divine Scripture. This included From Matthew to John: The four Gospels giving the the Reformed Confession of 1534, the Helvetic Birth, Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Confession of 1536, the Belgic confession of 1561, and Christ

the Westminster Confession of 1643.

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The Baptist Philadelphia Confession of Faith, 1742, Scriptures are called holy. This means set apart, says the 66 books of the Bible were “immediately different. The Bible cannot in any way be compared inspired by God, and, by his singular care and with other books. It is holy. (2) The Bible came from providence, kept pure in all ages, are therefore God (v. 16). This verse says that the Scriptures are God-authentical; so as in all controversies of religion the breathed. Though the Bible was written by men, it came church is finally to appeal unto them.”

from God. (3) The Bible came from God in its entirety To question the authority of any biblical book is to fly (v. 16). “All scripture is given by God...” (4) The Bible in the face of the testimony of the Bible itself and of 19

came from God in its smallest detail (v. 15). The word centuries of pious faith. Yet many Bible teachers today for Scripture in this verse is gramma. This means a question the Pentateuch, Job, Jonah, Isaiah, Daniel, letter, bespeaking the fact that even the smallest details Timothy, Peter, and many other books of the Bible.

of the Bible are from God and are perfect. (5) The Bible THE DIVISIONS OF THE BIBLE. The Bible contains 66

has an all-encompassing theme: Salvation in Jesus books; 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New. The Christ (v. 15). The Bible is not just a body of unrelated Bible was divided into chapters by Stephen Langton in religious writings on various subjects. It is one Book the 13th century, and into verses in the 16th century.

which was planned and given by God for the purpose of The first Bible to be printed in the modern chapter-verse teaching man the way of salvation in Jesus Christ (Lk.

format was Stephanus’ Latin Bible of 1555. The first 24:44-45; Jn. 1:45; 5:39; Ep. 3:11). (6) The Bible can English Bible to incorporate these divisions was the protect Christians from error (vv. 13-15). If the Bible Geneva English Bible of 1557. The King James Bible has contains myths, mistakes, and untrue claims, it certainly 31,173 verses, 774,746 words, and 3,566,480 letters.

is not a book which can give protection from false The longest chapter is Psalm 119. The shortest is Psalm teachings! (7) The Bible is able to make Christians 117. The longest verse is Esther 8:9; the shortest, John complete and mature (v. 17).

11:35. The middle verse in Scripture is Psalm 118:8—“It THE BIBLE’S SUFFICIENCY (2 Ti. 3:15-17). (1) It is is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in sufficient for salvation, (2) for protection from error, (3) man.”

for teaching, (4) for Christian living, (5) for Christian THE OLD TESTAMENT: (1) Holy Scripture given by maturity. [See Perfect.]

inspiration of God (2 Ti. 3:16). (2) Prophecy given by THE BIBLE’S COMPLETENESS. It is obvious that the God through holy men (2 Pe. 1:21). (3) Prophecy of the Apostles viewed the Scriptures as sufficient for faith and grace, sufferings, and glory of Christ (1 Pe. 1:10-11). (4) practice (2 Ti. 3:15-17). The term “perfect” in 2

Things concerning Christ (Lk. 24:25-27). (5) Shadow of Timothy 3:17 is not used in the sense of sinless good things to come (He. 10:1; Col. 2:17). (6) Written perfection, but in the sense of completion and for our learning, example, admonition, and comfort (Ro.

sufficiency. The question which follows is how do we 4:23-24; 15:4; 1 Co. 9:10; 10:1-11; 2 Ti. 3:17). (7) A know that the Bible, with its 66 books, contains the schoolmaster to reveal sin and to lead to Christ (Ga. 3; complete Scriptures which are able to make the man of Ro. 3).

God perfect?

THE BIBLE’S AUTHORITY. (1) The Scriptures are to First, the Apostles were promised inspiration for the be received as God’s Word (1 Th. 2:13; Ja. 1:21). (2) completion of Scripture. The Lord Jesus Christ promised The Scriptures are not to be added to or subtracted from the Apostles that the Holy Spirit would lead them into (Re. 22:18-19). (3) The Scriptures are the absolute all truth and that He would shew them all the things standard of truth. All beliefs are to be tested by the they needed to know about Christ (Jn. 16:12-15). In Bible (Is. 8:20; Je. 8:9; Ps. 119:104, 128, 142). (4) The fulfillment of Christ’s promise the New Testament Scriptures must be obeyed above human tradition (Mk.

revelation was completed by the Apostles under the 7:9-13). (5) The Scriptures are magnified above God’s inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The apostolic writings name (Ps. 138:2). (6) The Scriptures cannot be broken which formed the New Testament Scriptures were (Jn. 10:35). This refers to the power and authority and accepted as Scripture by the first century churches. The absolute truth of the Bible. Everything it says, even the Apostle Peter, speaking to the Christians about Paul’s most seemingly obscure statements, is absolutely true writings, referred to them as Scripture and placed them and binding. The Bible is like a chain; if even one link on par with the Old Testament prophets (2 Pe. 3:15, breaks the chain is rendered useless. The Bible contains 16). The Apostles knew that the Lord had promised no weak links.

them inspiration (Jn. 16:12-15), and they knew that THE BIBLE: GOD’S PERFECT WORD. 2 Timothy they were receiving revelation. Consider, for example, 3:13-17 contains a synopsis of what the Bible claims Paul’s statement to the churches in Galatia (Ga.

about itself as to its perfect inspiration: (1) The Bible is 1:11-12). Consider the words of Paul to the church at set apart from all other books (v. 15). Here the Thessalonica (1 Th. 2:13). The Thessalonian believers 60

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knew that Paul had given them the WORD OF GOD!

Ambrosian Library in Milan, Italy, in 1740. This second-Consider, also, the words of Peter to the Christians in century list contained all of the books of the New the first century churches (2 Pe. 3:12). Peter reminded Testament canon (Ibid., p. 60).

the Christians that the commandments of the Apostles Thus the completed Greek New Testament Scriptures are on par with the Old Testament prophets. Obviously were being circulated and accepted by God’s people this was something which the Apostles were careful to under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Many of the teach to all of the churches. They could not have been modernistic textual scholars who write today about put in remembrance of something which they had not these early centuries deny, or totally overlook, the already been taught. The Christians of the first century working of the Holy Spirit in the inspiration and were a close-knit community. It is ridiculous to think canonicity of the New Testament. The Apostles were not that they did not know these things, that they did not left to their own devices to transcribe the record of recognize that the Apostles were writing Scripture and Christ, nor were the early Christians left to their own that they did not ceive the New Testament epistles as devices to recognize which writings were Scripture. The such. It was left for the modernists of the 19th and 20th words of the New Testament are the words of the Lord centuries to deny these things and to claim that the Jesus Christ through Holy Spirit inspiration, and the forming of the New Testament canon was an almost Lord’s sheep know the voice of their Good Shepherd and haphazard thing which did not occur until centuries can discern His voice from false shepherds (Jn. 10:4-5, after the Apostles.

27).

Second, we know the Bible contains the complete Fifth, the passages which urge Christians to follow Word of God because we are told the Faith was ONCE

tradition refer to the inspired tradition given by the delivered to the saints. “Beloved, when I gave all Apostles, not the uninspired traditions of men who have diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it followed after them. Tradition is used in two ways in the was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you New Testament. First it refers to apostolic doctrine given that ye should earnestly contend for THE FAITH WHICH

by inspiration (2 Th. 2:15; 3:6). The churches are WAS ONCE DELIVERED UNTO THE SAINTS” (Jude 3).

bound to obey this tradition as it is recorded in the New This verse refutes the idea that the Christian faith has Testament Scriptures. Second, tradition refers to been progressively given through the Roman Catholic uninspired teachings which religious teachers attempt to Church.

add to the Word of God and by which they attempt to Third, a seal was placed on the final chapter of the bind the lives of men (Mt. 15:1-6; Mk. 7:9-13; Col. 2:8).

final book of the Bible, signifying its completion and In this sense, tradition is soundly condemned (Mt. 15:9; warning every man not to add to or subtract from it (Re.

Col. 2:8). We can praise the Lord that He HAS given us 22:18,19).

a completed revelation and that we are not dependent Fourth, the completed canon of Scripture was upon extrabiblical prophecies, visions, voices, tones, or recognized in the second century. Christian leaders in traditions. In the Bible we have everything the churches the second century recognized the completed canon of need for faith and practice.

the New Testament and accepted the apostolic writings THE BIBLE’S DIVINED INSPIRATION. It is plenarily as Holy Scripture on equal authority with the Old (meaning full, complete) inspired—the Bible is from Testament. Irenaeus (125-192), for example, in his God completely in all its parts. This includes the O.T. (2

writings which still exist, made 1,800 quotations from Ti. 3:16); the Gospels (He. 2:3; also compare 1 Ti. 5:18

the New Testament books and used them “in such a way with Mt. 10:10); and the Apostolic writings (1 Co.

as to imply that they had for some time been considered 2:7-13; 1 Pe. 1:12; 2 Pe. 3:1-2,15-16). It is verbally as of unquestioned authority” (Herbert Miller, General inspired—the Bible’s words, not just its ideas, came Biblical Introduction, p. 140). Irenaeus accepted the four from God (1 Co. 2:13; Mt. 5:17-18). The Bible is not a Gospels, and four only, as Scripture. Clement of record of man’s search for God. Just the opposite; it is Alexandria (150-217) quotes from and acknowledges the record of God’s search for man (Ge. 3:8-10; Lk.

the four Gospels and most other New Testament books, 19:10; Jn. 6:44). Man, apart from grace, runs from God calling them “divine Scriptures.” Tertullian (150-220) (Jn. 3:19-20; Ro. 1:28; 3:11; 10:21). Man, in himself, made 7,200 citations from the New Testament books cannot find God or understand the things of God (1 Co.

and accepted them as Scripture. The Latin Itala 2:6-12). [See Inspiration.]

translation which was made in the second century THE BIBLE’S CENTRAL FIGURE. Jesus Christ (Lk.

“contained all the books that now make up the New 24:27, 44; Jn. 1:45; 5:39; He. 10:7). The Old Testament Testament” (John Hentz, History of the Lutheran Version,

—Christ will come. The Gospels—Christ is here. The p. 59). A list of New Testament Scriptures dating to the Book of Acts—Christ has come. The Epistles—Christ latter half of the second century was discovered in the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 61

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came for these reasons. The Book of Revelation—Christ truth without admixture of error (Ep. 1:13). (7) It is is coming again.

called the word of life because it imparts life to the THE BIBLE’S THEME. The main theme of the Bible is believer (Ph. 2:16). (8) It is called the word of grace Jesus Christ and salvation through Him. This is proven because it makes known God’s unmerited kindness to by key statements (1 Pe. 1:10-11; Ep. 1:10; 3:11; Jn.

the lost (Ac. 14:3). (9) It is called the word of 1:45; 5:39; Lk. 24:44,45; He. 10:7). This is proven by reconciliation because it tells of a God reconciled and Christ’s genealogy which is woven throughout the O.T.

reconciling the world unto Himself (2 Co. 5:19). (10) It This is proven by the prophetic theme woven into the is called the word of salvation because it shows the way O.T. (the Seed—Ge. 3:15; the Star of Jacob—Nu. 24:17; and the only way by which men are saved (Ac. 13:26).

the Prophet—De. 18:15; the Redeemer—Job 19:25; the (11) It is called the word of righteousness because Messiah—Is. 53; Ps. 16:10; 110:1; Mi. 5:2). This is therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith proven by the O.T. types of Christ. [See Generation, to faith (He. 5:13). (12) It is called the faithful word Jesus Christ, Type.]

because it is credible and unchangeable (Tit. 1:9). (13) THE BIBLE’S CHARACTER. Eternal and indestructible It is called the word of prophecy because it alone shines (Ps. 12:7; 111:7-8; 119:152, 160; Is. 40:8). Pure (Ps.

through the gloom and reveals what lies in the future (2

12:6; 119:140). Perfect (Ps. 19:7; Ja. 1:25). Life (Jn.

Pe. 1:19).

6:63). Truth (Jn. 17:17; Ps. 119:142, 160). Spirit (Jn.

No wonder the Apostle writes: “For this cause also 6:63). Righteous (Ps. 119:172). Very faithful (Ps.

thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye 119:138). Magnified above God’s name (Ps. 138:2).

received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye Prosperous (Is. 55:10-11; Je. 23:29). Living and received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, powerful (He. 4:12). Good (He. 6:5). Incorruptible (1

the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you Pe. 1:23). Sincere (1 Pe. 2:2). Tried (2 Sa. 22:31). Food that believe” (1 Th. 2:13).

(Job 23:12). Invaluable (Ps. 19:10). Sure (Ps. 93:5).

“Can it be that such a word is the work of men and a SYMBOLS FOR THE BIBLE. Light (Ps. 43:3; 2 Pe.

partaker of their ignorance and errors? No! It is as far 1:19). Hammer (Je. 23:29). Fire (Je. 23:29). Sword above them, both in thought and expression, as the (He. 4:12; Ep. 6:17). Lamp (Ps. 119:105). Water (Ep.

heavens are higher than the earth. For thousands of 5:26). Honey (Eze. 3:3). Seed (Lk. 8:11; 1 Pe. 1:23).

years God’s Word has been read and studied, prayed Mirror (Ja. 1:23-25). Milk (1 Pe. 2:2).

over and wept over. Thousands and hundreds of THE POWER OF THE BIBLE. (1) By it we are born thousands of volumes have been constructed out of it—

again (Ja. 1:18; 1 Pe. 1:23). (2) By it we grow (1 Pe.

and today, it remains as fresh and unexhausted and 2:2). (3) By it we are cleansed (Jn. 15:3). (4) By it we inexhaustible as ever. Unlike any book in the world, the are sanctified (Jn. 17:17). (5) By it we are built up (Ac.

more it is searched, the more profound becomes its 20:32). (6) By it we are defended against spiritual meaning. There is literally no end of its new disclosures enemies (Ep. 6:17). (7) By it we are washed (Ep.

of truth to those who descend into the depths of the 5:25-26). (8) By it we are kept from the paths of the riches both of its wisdom and knowledge. However well destroyer (Ps. 17:4). (9) By it our path through life is any one of us may know the Bible’s most familiar lighted up (Ps. 119:105). (10) By it we are warned (Ps.

passage, there is more for us to learn from that one 19:11). (11) By it the secrets of hearts are revealed (He.

passage than has been discovered thus far by all the 4:12). (12) By it the seed is scattered (Lk. 8:11). (13) scholars” (F.H. Brookes).

By it men are judged (Lk. 16:31; Jn. 12:48). “This is a HOW TO USE THE BIBLE. Believe it (He. 11:6). Read mere glance at some of the things the Word of God is it (De. 17:18-19; Re. 1:2). Desire it (1 Pe. 2:2).

able to do. When we consider our relation to it and our Meditate upon it (Ps. 1:2; Jos. 1:8). Hear it (Re. 1:2).

dependence upon it at every step through life and into Memorize it (Job 22:22; Ps. 119:11). Obey it (Ps. 119:4; eternity, it is amazing that men, professing to be its Ja. 1:22-24). Receive it (Ja. 1:21). Teach it (De. 6:7-8).

friends, can rise up and propose to catalogue its Preach it (2 Ti. 4:2). Sing it (Col. 3:16; Ps. 119:54).

errors” (F.H. Brookes).

Speak it (Ps. 119:46, 172). Love it (Ps. 119:127).

THE NAMES OF THE BIBLE. (1) It is called the word HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE. Through the Spirit of of God because God is its author (Ac. 13:5). (2) The God (1 Co. 2:12-16; Jn. 2:27). Obediently (Ja. 1:22-27; word of the Lord. (3) It is called the word of Christ Ps. 119:133; Lk. 11:28; Ro. 6:17; 1 Pe. 2:1-2).

because it sets forth the anointed One in His person and Believingly (He. 3:1-2). Prayerfully (Ps. 119:33-40).

offices (Col. 3:16). (4) It is called the oracles of God Daily (Ac. 17:11; Pr. 8:33-34). Humbly (Ja. 1:21; Je.

because it is the word which God spoke (Ro. 3:2). (5) It 13:15). Reverently (Ps. 119:120, 161; Is. 66:2).

is called the word of faith because it is to be believed Persistently (Jn. 8:31-32; Ja. 1:25). Thoroughly (Ac.

(Ro. 10:8). (6) It is called the word of truth because it is 20:27; 2 Ti. 3:16-17). Sincerely (2 Co. 2:17). Confessing 62

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sin (Pr. 28:9). Hungrily (Ps. 119:131). Zealously (Pr.

Many of them were viciously persecuted and killed for 2:1-5; 8:34; Ps. 119:147, 148). Earnestly (He. 2:1-3). (A the testimony they held. They were not enriched by the portion of the previous outline is from Old Testament prophecies they gave. Far from it; many were Survey by Roy Gingrich.)

impoverished. Moses, the author of the first five books THE BIBLE’S PROOF. In the final analysis, a man of the Bible, chose to live a life of terrific hardship and must accept that the Bible is the Word of God by faith, struggle in the service of God as opposed to the for “without faith it is impossible to please him: for he millionaire’s life he could have lived as the adopted son that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he of Pharaoh. Many Bible writers made similar choices.

is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (He.

Their motivation certainly was not covetousness and 11:6). At the same time, Bible faith is not a blind leap worldly advantage. These were not perfect men, but into the dark. It is confidence in a believable Record that they were holy men. They all claimed that God had put God has given, for “faith cometh by hearing, and His hand upon them to speak His Word. The lives they hearing by the word of God” (Ro. 10:17). The writers of lived, and the testimonies they held, and the deaths they the Bible explain to us that they were not delivering died gave mighty evidence that they were telling the cunningly devised fables, but an inspired record based truth.

on “many infallible proofs” (Ac. 1:3; 2 Pe. 1:16).

(4) Fulfilled prophecy proves the Bible to be the Word Following are some of the objective, time-proven of God. The Bible contains a vast amount of prophecy, reasons why we can have complete confidence in the much of which has been fulfilled. The predictions are Bible:

precise and detailed, and the fulfillment is exact. For (1) Christ’s resurrection proves that the Bible is the example, compare 1 Ki. 13:2 with 2 Ki. 23:15, 16; 1 Ki.

Word of God. His resurrection was witnessed by 13:22 with 2 Ki. 23:17-18; 1 Ki. 21:19 with 1 Ki. 22:38; hundreds of people (1 Co. 15:5-7). Were they all lying?

1 Ki. 21:23 with 2 Ki. 9:36.

At times, the resurrected Christ was seen by many Prophecies pertaining to Jesus Christ. Jesus’ entire life people at one time. They talked with him, touched him, was prophesied before he was born. These prophecies walked with him, and ate with him (Luke 24:36-43).

described his birthplace (Micah 5:2), virgin birth (Isaiah Before the resurrection, the apostles were fearful and 7:14), sinless life (Isaiah 53:9), miracles (Is. 35:5), were hiding from the authorities (John 20:19). After wonderful speech (Isaiah 50:4), rejection by the Jewish they saw the resurrected Christ with their own eyes, nation (Isaiah 53:2), crucifixion (Psalm 22:16), burial in they became bold and fearless and were willing to lay a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9), and resurrection down their lives for the Gospel. It took a powerful event (Psalm 16).

to cause such a change in their lives.

Prophecies of ancient nations. The Bible contains (2) The Bible’s unique construction proves that it is the prophecies about many ancient nations, including Word of God. The Bible was written by 40 different Babylon, Egypt, Medo-Persia, and Greece. Everything authors representing some 19 different occupations the Bible said about these nations has come true in (shepherd, farmer, fisherman, tax collector, medical every detail. Consider, for example, the prophecies doctor, king, etc.) who lived during a period of some about Tyre:

1,600 years. That is approximately 50 generations. The Tyre’s doom is predicted in the twenty-sixth chapter first 39 chapters of the Bible were written in the Hebrew of Ezekiel. A graphic picture is drawn of its siege language over a period of about 1,000 years. There was and capture by Nebuchadnezzar (vv. 7-11). The then a 400-year gap when no Scriptures were written.

powerful fleet of Tyre swept the sea, and prevented After that, the last 27 chapters of the Bible were written the complete investment of the city; but, after a siege of thirteen years, it was at last taken by the in the Greek language during a period covering roughly Chaldean army. With this part of the prophecy, 50 years. The writers could not have collaborated, however, we do not concern ourselves. ...

because they did not even live at the same time. The More, however, was predicted. After describing the product is one book that fits together perfectly and vengeance which the king of Babylon will inflict, the contains no contradictions or errors. There is nothing prophecy proceeds: “And THEY shall lay thy stones, else like this in all of man’s history.

and thy timber, and thy dust in the midst of the (3) The confidence and sincerity of the Bible’s authors waters” (verse 12). Let the change of person be noted.

prove that it is the Word of God. The Bible testifies that Having spoken of what Nebuchadnezzar will do, it is

“holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy added, “And they shall,” etc., as if others were to be Ghost” (2 Pe. 1:21), and an examination of the lives of joined with him in the work of destruction. Light is thrown upon this distinction in the third and fourth the Bible’s writers rings true to this testimony. These verses. God will cause many nations to come up were serious men. They came from all walks of life.

against Tyre, “as the sea causes his waves to come They were men of good reputation and sound mind.

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up” (v. 3). Shock will succeed shock, till she is utterly was spoken, and had seen no fulfillment, it was not desolate; “and they shall destroy the walls of Tyrus, forgotten; and the event declared that it was His word and break down her towers; I will also scrape her dust whose judgments, though they may linger long, come from her, and make her like the top of a rock” (v. 4).

surely, and fall at last with resistless might.

Previous to the fall of their ancient city, the Tyrians had I have dwelt upon this instance simply as an example removed the bulk of their treasure to an island in their of the kind of evidence we are able to bring forward.

possession, half a mile from the shore. Taught now by Indubitable though the prophecy is, I press for no bitter experience, they resolved to trust themselves no conclusion from its fulfillment. It is of the utmost more within walls, which had not round them the importance, in this inquiry, to place it beyond the defense of a watery girdle. Tyre was mistress of the possibility of doubt that we are dealing with veritable sea, and could defend herself there. The old city was prophecies, and that the prediction is separated from therefore deserted, and no attempt was made to the event by such an interval as must exclude the rebuild it after the Babylonia army had retired. So far possibility of human foresight. It could be proved the prophecy had been fulfilled, but only so far. Tyre satisfactorily to most minds that the book of Ezekiel was overthrown and spoiled; the noise of her songs was in existence long before the time of Alexander; but had ceased; the sound of her harps was no more heard still doubt might creep in. The suggestion might be (v. 13); the great and joyous city was abased and made that this particular prediction was added, or desolate. But the ruins still stood. The words which amended, by a later hand.

declared that the stones and the timber should be cast We shall therefore limit the present inquiry to those into the sea, and the very dust be scraped from the prophecies, regarding whose preexistence to the city’s site, had not been fulfilled; and it seemed most events of which they speak, there can, in no mind, be improbable that they ever would be. What could the any doubt whatever. I enter into no argument as to the words mean? Nebuchadnezzar had taken a full age of the O.T. Scriptures. I ask no admission to be vengeance, but he had never thought of this. Even in made in regard to the antiquity of any one of the his case, furious though he might be at the long-prophetical books.

continued resistance, it would have been the very We shall come down to a time later than any that has frenzy of revenge. Who then would be found to wreak been named for their origin, and our argument shall such unheard of vengeance upon the unoffending stand or fall by the prophecies which have been ruins?

fulfilled since then. Everyone is satisfied that all the More than 240 years rolled on, and there was no Books of the O.T. were in existence before the time of answer. For two and a half centuries those words of our Lord. It is also known, that since that time, the O.T.

Scripture seemed a vain menace. Then the fame of has been in a twofold custody.

Alexander’s swift and all-conquering career sent a thrill It has been in the hands of both the Jews and of alarm through the East. The Tyrian ambassadors, Christians, between whom there could be no collusion.

who hastened to meet him, were favourably received.

There is therefore absolute certainty that the It seemed as if this storm cloud were about to pass prophecies are as old as the coming of Christ, and that, harmlessly over them, but suddenly the conqueror as they existed then, we possess them now. If then we expressed a desire to worship within their city. They take only such predictions as have been fulfilled at, or knew only too well what that request meant.

since, the beginning of the Christian era, every doubt Alexander would not enter alone; and, once there, will be removed and every cavil prevented in regard to those who came as worshipers would remain as the interval between the prophecy and the event; and masters. The Tyrians resolved to abide the issue of war, within these limits we shall confine our present rather than tamely hand over their city to the argument.

Macedonian king. Alexander’s army marched to the seashore, and there, with half a mile of blue waters We have spoken of Tyre. There is one part of the between them and it, stood the city they had come to prophecy which falls within the limits we have now set attack. How could it be taken? Alexander’s plan was ourselves. We read Eze. 26:13-14: “I will cause the speedily formed. He determined to construct a solid noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps causeway through the sea, over which his forces might shall be no more heard . . . Thou shalt be BUILT NO

advance to the assault. And now this word, which had MORE.”

waited so long, was at last LITERALLY FULFILLED.

This sentence of the divine judgment stands as a The walls, and the towers, and the ruined houses, and challenge to all time. It has been unanswered, save by palaces, and temples, of the ancient city were pulled the silence of generations. It is unanswered still. Palae-down, and the stones and the timber of Tyre were laid Tyrus, the continental Tyre, which was captured by

“in the midst of the water.” Her mounds of ruins were Nebuchadnezzar, and the ruins of which were cleared cleared away; and so great was the demand for away by Alexander, has NEVER BEEN REBUILT. The material in this vast undertaking, that the very dust site remains today without even a mound to mark it, seems to have been scraped from the site and laid in and has to be determined solely by the notices in the sea. Though centuries had passed after the word ancient writers which give its distance from the island Tyre (John Urquhart, The Wonders of Prophecy).

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The statistician Peter Stoner, using the principle of shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will probability, assigns this prophecy a one-in-seventy-five bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and million chance of fulfillment. The modern city of Sur is put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know located near the ancient city of Tyre, but Tyre itself has that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 37:4-6).

indeed never been rebuilt.

In verses 11-14, Ezekiel states that this vision Prophecies about Israel

pertains to the restoration of Israel to her land and to her repentance toward God. First the bones are given The continued existence of Israel is one of history’s sinews and flesh, and next God breaths upon these dead most amazing stories, and it was prophesied in Scripture bones and they live.

in great detail.

The first part of the prophecy has been fulfilled.

Israel’s history was prophesied by Moses and Israel has been back in her land as a nation since 1948, recorded in the book of Deuteronomy about 4,000 years but she is there in unbelief and spiritual death. She ago. God warned that if Israel broke His law she would continues to reject her Messiah, Jesus Christ. She has no be “plucked from off the land” and scattered “among all temple and priesthood and no true worship.

people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other” (De. 28:63-64). There the Jews would “find no But she is back in the land just as the Bible ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the prophesied. In 1800 there were only six thousand Jews Lord shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing in Palestine, but by 2000 there were over five million of eyes, and sorrow of mind: And thy life shall hang in (John Ecob, Amillennialism Weighed and Found Wanting, doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, Herald of Hope, p. 44-45).

and shalt have none assurance of thy life” (De.

During the Great Tribulation God will grant 28:65-66). This is an accurate description of Israel’s repentance unto Israel and will breathe spiritual life into history from the first century until now. Jerusalem was her and she will live.

destroyed in 70 A.D. by the Roman armies under Titus The continued existence of Israel is a very great and then in 135 A.D. Jerusalem was plowed under on miracle and an irrefutable evidence of the divine the order of Emperor Hadrian in response to the Jewish inspiration of the Bible.

rebellion led by Bar Kochbar. The Jewish people were (5) The Bible’s truthfulness proves that it is the Word scattered to the ends of the earth and found no rest.

of God. Everything the Bible says is true and factual. The They were hated by the Muslims and hounded and Bible says man is a sinner, and that is not difficult to persecuted by the Greek Orthodox and the Roman confirm. Just look at the world! The Bible is not a Catholic Church for a thousand years. Hitler’s regime scientific manual, but it is scientifically accurate, even tried to destroy them. Giving preference to the Arabs, from its earliest pages. Following are some examples, England tried to keep them from returning to their land beginning with statements from the pages of Job, after World War II. They are the object of hatred until probably the oldest book in the Bible and written at this very day. Most of the world is opposed to Israel and least 3,500 years ago. The late scientist Henry Morris the reporting in secular publications about the Middle said:

East crisis is generally slanted against her.

“These references are modern in perspective, with But Bible prophecy foretold that Israel would be never a hint of the mythical exaggerations and errors brought back into her land and that she would remain a characteristic of other ancient writings ... perhaps of nation even after all of this, and that is exactly what even greater significance is the fact that in a 4000-year-happened in 1948. Never before in the history of the old book filled with numerous references to natural world has a race of people been scattered throughout phenomena, there are no scientific mistakes or the world and persecuted for 2,000 years and then fallacies” ( The Remarkable Record of Job).

come back together as a nation with their ancient Job says the earth is hung upon nothing (Job 26:7).

language intact.

This is obvious to our modern generation, as we have Bible prophecy describes the restoration of Israel in seen the actual pictures of the earth hanging in space, two parts. First, she would return to the land in a but to previous generations it was not obvious and there position of unbelief. Then she would be converted. The were many commonly-held myths about the earth riding amazing prophecy in Ezekiel 37:1-14 describes Israel’s on the back of Atlas or a turtle or elephant, etc.

restoration in these two stages. She is described as a Job says the air has weight (“the weight for the winds,”

valley of bones that are resurrected.

Job 28:25). It was not until the 17th century that

“Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, Galileo discovered that atmosphere has weight, and the and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of modern science of aerodynamics is based on this the LORD. Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; scientific fact. Further, the weight of air is important in Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you and ye Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 65

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the function of the earth’s weather. “The study of air understood, cause the small water droplets to bind flows and their relation to the weight of the air has been together with others to form larger drops. Finally, this developed into the science of aerodynamics, eventually remarkable series of events delivers the rain to the becoming the basis of all modern aerospace thirsty ground” (Morris).

developments. ... The ‘weight of the winds’ controls the Job describes the rotation of the earth that produces worldwide air mass movements that transport the the night and day sequences (Job 38:12-14). “Job waters evaporated from the oceans inland over the suggests not only that the earth was suspended in space continents” (Morris, The Remarkable Record of Job).

but also that it rotates about its north-projecting axis.

Job describes the amazing balance of the atmosphere Though figurative language, this reflects a true physical and hydrosphere (Job 28:24-25). “We now know that the process. God is pictured as taking hold of the two ends global weights of air and water must be in critical of the earth’s axis and turning it as if it were a clay relationship to each other, and to the earth as a whole, cylinder receiving an impression from a seal. The seal to maintain life on earth. ... Planet earth is uniquely toward which the earth is turned, however, is not a designed for life, and its atmosphere and hydrosphere metallic pattern. Rather, it is the ‘dayspring,’ evidently are the most important components of that design. If the sun fixed in its place. The welcome light of the the weights of either air or water were much different morning dispels the formlessness of the earth’s surface than they are, life as we know it could not when shrouded in darkness and unveils the beauties of survive” (Morris).

the earth’s structure and verdure” (Morris).

Job describes the amazing process of cloud formation Job describes the springs of the sea (Job 38:16). Man and rain making.

had no way to know about the fresh-water springs on First, he describes how that water can be transported the ocean floor by firsthand observation until recent in the air when water weighs more than air (Job times. Modern science has discovered that there are 36:27-28). “Water is converted by solar energy into the thousands of underwater springs that add millions of vapor state. Since water vapor is lighter than air, the metric tons of water into the oceans each year.

winds can first elevate, then transport the water from Job understands that light has a way and that the oceans to the lands where it is needed. There, under darkness has a place (Job 38:19). “That is, light is not to the right conditions, the vapor can condense around be located in a certain place or situation. Neither does it dust particles, salt particles, or other nuclei of simply appear, or disappear, instantaneously. Light is condensation. When this happens, clouds are formed.

traveling! It dwells in a ‘way,’ always on the way to Water vapor is invisible, whereas clouds are someplace else. Though usually traveling in waves, aggregations of liquid water droplets” (Morris).

sometimes it seems to move as a stream of particles, but Job also describes how the clouds can stay aloft, how it is always moving. When light stops, there is darkness.

they can be balanced in the sky (Job 37:16) and how Thus, darkness is static, staying in place; but light is water can be bound up in a cloud and not rent (Job dynamic, dwelling in a way” (Morris).

26:8). The answer is in Job 36:27, “For he maketh small The Bible describes the parting of light (Job 38:24). It the drops of water... .” “The water droplets are indeed was not until the 17th century that it was discovered very small, and their weight is sustained by the drag that light passing through a prism is separated into force of the uprushing winds, as the air is pushed seven colors. Further, “This may refer not only to the skyward due to temperature decrease with visible light spectrum (red to violet) but also to all the elevation” (Morris).

physical systems developed around the basic entity of Next, Job describes how the clouds are finally rent so light” (Henry Morris).

that rain comes forth (“by watering he wearieth the thick The Bible says that the light creates wind (Job 38:24), cloud,” Job 37:11). “That is, the water droplets coalesce but it is only in recent times that modern weather to form larger and larger drops, which finally become so science has discovered that wind is created as the sun large that their weight is greater than the drag forces of heats up the surface of the earth, causing the hot air to the uprushing atmospheric turbulence, causing them to rise and cooler air to fall, creating weather systems.

fall to the ground as rain or snow” (Morris).

Job describes the amazing hydrological cycle Finally, Job describes the role that lightning plays in (evaporation, atmospheric circulation, condensation, the creation of rain (“he made a decree for the rain, and precipitation, run-off) (Job 38:25-30). The process of a way for the lightning of the thunder,” Job 28:26; “a evaporation and condensation was not discovered until way for the lightning of thunder; to cause it to rain on the the 17th century and not well understood until the earth,” Job 38:25-26). “These violent electrical currents, 20th.

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The Bible says plants and animals reproduce after their Matthew Fontaine Maury, Superintendent of the U.S.

kind (Genesis 1). This is in perfect harmony with Navy’s Depot of Charts and Instruments in Washington, everything that can be observed and tested by modern D.C., observed, “There is a river in the ocean: in the science. There is great variety within kinds, all sorts of severest droughts it never fails, and in the mightiest different roses and trees and frogs and dogs, but there is floods it never overflows; its banks and its bottom are of no reproduction between kinds, between roses and trees cold water, while its current is of warm; the Gulf of or frogs and dogs.

Mexico is its fountain, and its mouth is in the Arctic The Bible says the heavens cannot be measured and the Seas. It is the Gulf Stream” (Maury, The Physical stars are without number (Genesis 22:17; Jeremiah Geography of the Sea, 6th ed., 1856, p. 25).

31:37). Before the invention of the telescope, man could The Bible says the stars differ in glory (1 Corinthians see only a few hundred stars at the most with the naked 15:41). “J. Bayer, in 1603, devised a method or system eye. Yet today we know that the stars are innumerable to indicate their brightness or magnitude. No and that space is seemingly infinite. There are 300

astronomer today will deny this fact. Stars are now billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy alone. In 1999, known to differ in size, color, light emitted, density, and observations by NASA astronomers, using the Hubble heat. Our sun, which is a star, is over 1,000,000 times Space Telescope, suggested that there are 125 billion the size of our earth, yet there are some stars at least a galaxies in the universe. The most up-to-date star count million times as large as our sun, and some smaller than was announced in July 2003 as 70 sextillion observable the planet Mercury” ( World’s Bible Handbook).

stars (70,000,000,000,000,000,000,000). This was the (6) The Bible’s candor proves that it is the Word of conclusion of the world’s largest galaxy study, the Two-God. When men write biographies of their heroes, they Degree Field Galaxy Redshift Survey, which is commonly omit or whitewash their faults; but the Bible considered 10 times more accurate than previous ones.

exhibits its divine quality by showing man as he is. Not The team of scientists did not physically count the stars.

only is the Bible true; it is candid. Even the best of men Instead they used some of the world’s most powerful in the Bible are described with all their faults. We are telescopes to count all of the galaxies in one region of told plainly of Adam’s rebellion, Noah’s drunkenness, the universe and then to estimate how many stars each David’s adultery, Solomon’s apostasy, Jonah’s pity party, galaxy contained by measuring its brightness. They then Peter’s disavowal of his Master, Paul and Barnabas’

extrapolated these figures out to the whole universe strife, and the disciples’ unbelief in the face of Christ’s visible through telescopes. This massive figure, of resurrection. The Bible was written by Jews, yet it course, probably covers only a tiny percentage of the candidly describes the faults of the Jewish people: their actual stars.

stubbornness and unbelief that caused them to have to The Bible says the life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11).

wander in the wilderness for 40 years, their idolatry This was not understood until very recent times. Even in during the period of the judges, their rebellion that the 19th century, doctors were using “blood letting” as a caused them to be rejected from the land and scattered healing method. George Washington, America’s first throughout the earth for two millennia.

president, probably died because of this bogus practice.

(7) The Bible’s indestructibility proves that it is the Modern medicine has learned what the Bible has taught Word of God. The following is from the Christian Home all along, that the life of the flesh is in the blood.

Bible Course:

The Bible describes the circuit of the winds The Greek writer, Porphyry, tried to destroy the (Ecclesiastes 1:6), but this was not discovered until credibility of the BIBLE back in 304 A.D. In the process modern times. “As the land in the equator heats up, it he wrote fifteen books against the BIBLE and causes the hot air to rise. In the upper atmosphere, the Christianity in general. Did he succeed? Apparently not.

air flows away from the equator. Cooler air will move The BIBLE is still around (even stronger than before).

along to replace it. This produces six major wind belts And as for Porphyry, well, let’s put it this way; can you around the world” (Y.T. Wee, The SoulWinner’s Handy name his fifteen books? Can anybody name just one?

Guide).

Can anyone even pronounce his name? Porphyry is just The Bible says the earth is a circle (Isaiah 40:22). In one of the many people who, throughout history, have past centuries many have believed that the earth is flat, tried to ban, burn, destroy, outlaw, restrict, ridicule or but the Scriptures have always been scientifically discredit the BIBLE. Another example is a Greek writer accurate in this matter.

of satire, by the name of Lucian, who wrote two books The Bible says there are paths in the sea (Isaiah in the second century to ridicule the BIBLE. These books 43:16). Since the 19th century the ocean currents or were named The Dialogue of the Gods and The Dialogue paths have been charted and ships travel these paths of the Dead. There’s an extremely good chance that you just as trucks travel on roads. Writing in the mid-1800s, don’t have a copy of either of these two books in your Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 67

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personal library. Yet you probably have a BIBLE

other one teaches salvation by works. The Roman somewhere around the house; a testimony to the Catholic Church says salvation is through participating BIBLE’S ability to “out survive” its attackers. If Porphyry in its sacraments, beginning with baptism. Hinduism and Lucian would have just read the BIBLE instead of says salvation is through practicing dharma and working attacking it they could have saved a lot of time, because out one’s karma. Islam says salvation is by surrender to the BIBLE says: “The words of the LORD are pure Allah and obedience to his commands. Buddhism says words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified salvation is by reaching nirvana through life works and seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt meditation and ascetism. If you visit the Buddhist preserve them from this generation for ever” (Psalm monastery at Boudha in Kathmandu any time of the day 12:6-7).

you will find Buddhists walking clockwise, fingering In A.D. 303, the Roman Emperor Diocletian issued an their prayer beads and twirling their prayer wheels.

edict to stop Christians from worshipping and to destroy They do this every day because they are trying to find their scriptures. Twenty-five years later his successor, salvation.

Constantine, issued another edict ordering 50 Bibles to The Bible, on the other hand, says that salvation is be published at government expense. Too bad Diocletian God’s free gift to sinners. This gift was very costly for didn’t realize the promise from the Bible. “The grass the Giver. It was purchased with a great price, which withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God was the atoning sacrifice of God’s Son on the cross. But shall stand for ever” (Isaiah 40:8).

for the sinner it is free.

Atheist Robert Ingersoll once boasted, “within 15

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not years I’ll have the Bible lodged in a morgue.” Well, of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest within 15 years, Robert Ingersoll was lodged within a any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, morgue, but the Bible lives on!

created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in Down through the centuries many attacks against the them” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Bible have come through bitter persecution along with The Bible says there is nothing that the sinner could outright attempts to destroy it. Many attacks against the offer God in order to atone for his sins. What could we Bible have come from scoffers. But there have been offer? Righteous works and almsdeeds? The Bible says some, who after examining the facts have changed their our very righteousnesses are as filthy rags before God’s opinion. Here are two examples:

great holiness (Isaiah 64:6). Money? What would the General Lew Wallace was a Territorial Governor God of creation do with our pathetic currency? A pure following the days of the U.S. Civil War. He had been a heart? The Bible says the heart is deceitful above all Senator in Indiana at the age of 29 and was considered things and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). How, a very scholarly man. He had no confidence in then, could we purchase our own salvation?

Christianity or the BIBLE, so he set out to write a

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our skeptical book to disprove both. In his study he instead righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as found the BIBLE and Christ to be true, and became a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us himself a devout Christian. General Wallace never wrote away” (Isaiah 64:6).

his book against the Bible. He wrote instead the classic No, salvation is the wonderful gift of a loving and Christian novel Ben Hur.

deeply compassionate God. As the Christian hymn says, William Ramsey, the English scholar went to Asia

“We owed a debt we could not pay; He paid a debt He Minor with the expressed purpose of proving the BIBLE

did not owe.”

was historically inaccurate. As he painstakingly poured

“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to over the ancient artifacts and details, to his amazement himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the he found that the BIBLE was accurate down to the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in tiniest detail. The evidence was so convincing that Sir Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not Ramsey himself became a Christian and a great Biblical imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath scholar.

committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did Down through the years, the BIBLE has been a beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye mighty anvil that has worn out many of the puny reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for hammers of the scoffers (This section is from the us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the Christian Home Bible Course; used by permission).

righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).

(8) The Bible’s doctrine of salvation proves it is the

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Word of God. The Bible is the only religious scripture begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should that teaches the doctrine of salvation by grace. Every not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

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(9) The Bible’s invitations prove it is the Word of God.

information about Bible versions should be understood The Bible invites the hearer to partake of its spiritual by every Christian.

realities and thus prove for oneself its genuineness: “O

WHY THE BIBLE VERSION ISSUE MUST BE FACED

taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps. 34:8); “come 1. The Bible version issue must be faced BECAUSE IT

unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden” (Mt.

IS FOUNDATIONAL (Ps. 138:2). The Bible is the sole 11:28); “whosoever will, let him take the water of life authority for faith and practice. Nothing is more freely” (Re. 22:17); “ho, every one that thirsteth, come important than the issue of to what degree we can have ye to the waters ... come ye, buy and eat” (Is. 55:1); confidence in the Bible that has come down to us

“look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the through the centuries. Many are saying that this is a side earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Is. 45:22).

issue, a nonessential, but nothing could be farther from The Bible promises that “he that believeth on the Son of the truth.

God hath the witness in himself...” (1 Jn. 5:10). God will prove Himself to the sincere seeker.

2. The Bible version issue must be faced BECAUSE

THERE ARE THREE COMPETING GREEK NEW

A TESTIMONY TO THE BIBLE’S PERFECTION. “This TESTAMENTS TODAY. There is the Greek Received Text volume is the writing of the living God: Each letter was underlying the King James Bible and other Reformation penned with an Almighty finger; each word in it translations. The Received Text is published today by dropped from the everlasting lips; each sentence was the Trinitarian Bible Society, the Dean Burgon Society, dictated by the Holy Spirit. Albeit, that Moses was and others. Then there is the Critical Greek text based employed to write his histories with his fiery pen, God on the Westcott and Hort Greek New Testament of guided that pen. It may be that David touched his harp 1881. This is published by the United Bible Societies and let sweet Psalms of melody drop from his fingers, and others. Consider some facts about this New but God moved his hands over the living strings of his Testament as compared with the Received Text: It is golden harp. It may be that Solomon sang canticles of shorter than the Reformation Greek text by 2,886

love, or gave forth words of consummate wisdom, but words, which is the equivalent of the omission of the God directed his lips and made the preacher eloquent. If entire books of 1 and 2 Peter. It omits or questions 45

I follow the thundering Nahum, when his horses plough entire verses -- Mt. 12:47; 17:21; 18:11; 21:44; 23:14; the waters, or Habakkuk, when he sees the tents of Mk. 7:16; 9:44; 9:46; 11:26; 15:28; 16:9-20; Luke Cushan in affliction; if I read Malachi, when the earth is 17:36; 22:43-44; 23:17; Jn. 5:4; John 7:53--8:11; Acts burning like an oven; if I turn to the smooth page of 8:37; 15:34; 24:7; 28:29; Ro. 16:24; and 1 Jn. 5:7. In John, who tells of love, or the rugged, fiery chapters of addition it omits significant portions of 147 other Peter, who speaks of fire devouring God’s enemies; if I verses. It weakens the doctrine of Christ’s deity (e.g., it turn to Jude, who launches forth anathemas upon the omits “who is in heaven” from Jn. 3:13; it omits “God”

foes of God—everywhere I find God speaking. It is God’s from 1 Ti. 3:16) and other key doctrines. In these voice, not man’s; the words are God’s words, the words studies we will show where and when the “shortened of the Eternal, the Invisible, the Almighty, the Jehovah New Testament” of the Critical Greek Text originated.

of this earth” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon). [Bible Chronology see Chronology - Bible.] See Bible Versions, 3. The Bible version issue must be faced BECAUSE OF

Chapter, Inspiration, Isaiah, Masoretic Text, THE ONSLAUGHT OF MODERN VERSIONS IN THE LAST

Preservation, Prophecy, Red Sea, Revelation, Star, Tyre, 50 YEARS. These include the Revised Standard Version Verses, Zidon.]

(1952), New American Standard Bible (1960), New English Bible (1960), The Living Bible (1962), the BIBLE CHRONOLOGY. [See Chronology - Bible.]

Amplified Bible (1965), the Jerusalem Bible (1966), the BIBLE INSPIRATION. [See Inspiration.]

New American Bible (1970), the New Internatioal BIBLE TRANSLATION. [See Bible Versions, Dynamic Version (1973), Today’s English Version (1976), the Equivalency.]

New King James Bible (1979), the Revised English Bible BIBLE VERSIONS. Nothing is more important in the (1989), the New Revised Standard Bible (1990), The Christian life and church than the Bible. And since we Message (1993), Contemporary English Version (1995), do not have the original writings of the Prophets and New International Reader’s Version (1995), The Bible Apostles, and since very few of us are fluent in Hebrew for Today’s Family (1996), the New Living Translation and Greek, we are dependent upon translations. Of (1996), Today’s New International Version (2002), and these, one biographer of the King James translators said, the Holman Christian Standard Bible (2004).

“For while a good translation is the best commentary on It is important to understand that the Bible version the original Scriptures, the originals themselves are the issue did not really “heat up” for fundamentalists until best commentary on the translation” (Alexander the 1970s. There were modern texts and versions prior McClure, Translators Revived, p. 65). The following to this, going back to the 1800s, but they were never Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 69

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widely used among fundamentalists or even among about this issue. I knew almost nothing of it from evangelicals. The English Revised Version of 1881 was roughly 1951 to 1971. I was at Dallas Theological never popular. The same was true for the American Seminary from 1948 to 1952. That was my Master of Standard Version of 1901. The Revised Standard Version Theology. Then I stayed an extra year, 1953.

of 1952 was popular only within liberal denominations.

Throughout those years we were simply told to use the The New American Standard Bible of 1960 had a small Westcott and Hort Greek New Testament, which we did following among scholarly evangelicals and even a few in the Greek classes. ... I didn’t know there was any fundamentalists but it was never widely popular. It was other Greek text. I majored in classic Greek and Latin at not until the publication of the New International the University of Michigan, 1945-48. I took three years Version that a modern version began to be widely used to get my four years of work. ... Then I came to Dallas outside of theologically liberal circles. Faced with the Seminary. I was learning New Testament Greek, and I growing popularity of the NIV, many fundamentalists didn’t pay much heed to the text. ... I just assumed that began to look more carefully at the Bible version issue was the only one to use.” This situation is typical.

and as a result many books began to appear in defense IMPORTANT BIBLE PRESUPPOSITIONS

of the King James Bible. Any time one sees a body of As I approach this issue, I do so with the following apologetic literature in church history, it is because biblical presuppositions. The evolutionist would have something has happened to challenge the traditional me put aside my biblical presuppositions when I study position in some realm. The number of books defending the natural record and the textual critic would have me the KJV has been multiplied since the 1970s for the put them aside when I study the manuscript record, but simple reason that it is being challenged at this time in a I will not put biblical presuppositions aside for any way that it was not challenged prior to this.

reason. As David W. Norris wisely observes: “We have a 4. The Bible version issue must be faced BECAUSE

clear choice between one of two diverging pathways, SOME FUNDAMENTAL BAPTISTS ARE SUPPORTING THE

the road of faith or the road of human reason and MODERN TEXTS AND VERSIONS. In recent years several unbelief. Do we begin with the Word of God or do we books have been published by fundamentalists in begin with the word of men? This is the question and it support of modern textual criticism. These include Facts has in the first instance little to do with texts, but with on the Kings Only Debate by Ankerberg and Weldon the faithfulness of our God. ... For it to be of any use, (1996); From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man edited textual study must be grounded upon what the Bible by J.B. Williams (1999), One Bible Only: Examining already says about itself. If we do not begin with the Exclusive Claims for the King James Bible by Roy Word of God, we shall never end with it! ” (Norris, The Big Beacham and Kevin Bauder (2001), Bible Preservation Picture).

and the Providence of God by Sam Schnaiter and Ron 1. I believe in the sufficiency of Scripture (2 Ti.

Tagliapietra (2002), and God’s Word in Our Hands: The 3:16-17). The Bible contains everything that we need Bible Preserved for Us edited by J.B. Williams and for faith and practice. It is able to make the believer Randolph Shaylor (2003). These books present the

“perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

standard myths of modern textual criticism. They claim, Obviously, then, nothing else is necessary. I do not have for example, that the differences between the Received to rely on priests or scholars or tradition or extrabiblical Text and the Critical Text are slight and insignficant and sources.

that no doctrine is affected by the textual changes.

These books also take a harsh position against those 2. I believe in the soul liberty of the believer, who defend the King James Bible. In the introduction to meaning that each believer can know the truth for From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man, the editor, J.B.

himself and is responsible to test everything by God’s Williams, calls the defense of the KJV a “cancerous sore”

Word (Acts 17:11; 1 Co. 2:15-16; 1 Th. 5:21). Thus, it is that has resulted in “a deplorable condition in evident that the child of God can make his own decision Fundamentalism.” He describes the defense of the KJV a in the important matter of the Bible text-version issue. I

“mass of misinformation.” Williams and the other do not ask my readers to depend on me and to follow fundamentalist writers who have jumped on the modern my teaching; I ask them simply to prove all things and textual criticism bandwagon paint the entire field of hold fast that which is good and to receive my teaching King James defense with the broad brush of with all readiness of mind and to search the Scriptures Ruckmanism.

daily whether these things are so.

5. The Bible version issue must be faced BECAUSE, 3. I believe in the simplicity of sound doctrine (Mt.

GENERALLY SPEAKING, ONLY ONE SIDE OF THIS

11:25; 1 Co. 1:26-29; 2 Co. 11:3; 1 Jn. 2:20). If a DEBATE IS GIVEN TODAY. Consider the testimony of Dr.

doctrine is so complicated that the average child of God Donald Waite. “For about twenty years I was in darkness must lean upon a specialized priest or scholar, that doctrine is not Scriptural. The New Testament faith is 70

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not an elitist issue. It was committed to ordinary people.

hand today, even by those who claim to be The child of God is required to depend upon the textual

“evangelicals.” They say, “Did God really create the scholars, because it is impossible for an ordinary world in six days?” or “Did God really destroy the entire believer to make textual decisions. Textual criticism earth with a flood?” or “Did Moses really write the involves such things as conflation, recension, inversion, Pentateuch?” or “Do the Gospels contain the very words eclecticism, conjectural emendation, intrinsic and of Jesus?” or “Is Revelation really a prophecy of the transcriptional probability, interpolation, statistical future?” or “Is hell really a place of fire and eternal probability, harmonistic assimilation, cognate groups, conscious torment?” I see the hand of the old serpent in hypothesized intermediate archetypes, stemmatic all such questionings.

reconstruction, and genealogical methods. Consider a The devil denied God’s Word (v. 4). This is the sample of textual criticism from A.T. Robertson: “In skeptic’s approach to the Bible. He mocks it and openly actual practice appeal should first be made to the denies that it is true. We find this, too, on every hand, in external evidence of the documents by first coming to Hollywood movies, in the pages of popular magazines understand the value of internal evidence of single and newspapers, in bestselling books. The blatant denial readings. It will be seen that we have to consider the of God’s Word is even made by those who profess to be internal evidence of single readings, the internal Christians.

evidence of single documents, the internal evidence of The devil substituted his own words for God’s Word groups of documents, the internal evidence of classes of (v. 5). This is what false religions such as the Roman documents. That way of putting it appears paradoxical, Catholic Church do with their extrabiblical traditions.

but it is literally true that the scientific use of the They say, “We believe in the Bible but we also believe in external evidence (documents) turns on the application our traditions and councils and popes.” This was the sin of the principles of internal evidence as seen in single of the Pharisees, who “made the commandment of God readings. But the two methods must agree in result if of none effect” by their tradition (Mk. 7:9). The one is to have confidence in his conclusion. ... The two dynamic equivalency method of Bible translation also kinds of internal evidence are transcriptional and substitutes man’s words for God’s. [See Dynamic intrinsic. ... It is best to begin with transcriptional Equivalency.)

e v i d e n c e a n d t h e n t o c o n s i d e r i n t r i n s i c evidence” (Robertson, An Introduction to Textual As these studies progress, we will see that the devil Criticism, pp. 149-150). It is impossible to reconcile this has continued to attack God’s Word throughout the level of complexity with the simplicity that is in Christ church age. The child of God must therefore be alert to (2 Co. 11:3) and with the scriptural fact that God has his activities in this field. It is impossible to understand chosen the weak of this world to confound the mighty the Bible text-version issue if one does not understand (Mt. 11:25; 1 Co. 1:20-29).

the devil’s hatred of God’s Word and if one does not make this fact a prominent part of his “textual 4. I believe that all things should be done unto criticism.”

edifying (Ro. 14:19; 1 Co. 14:26; 2 Co. 12:19; Ep. 4:12, 16, 29). Any biblical research that does not result in 6. I believe in the preeminence of faith (He. 11:6; spiritual edification is wrongheaded and is disobedience Ro. 10:17; 14:23). The only way to understand the to the plain commands of the Word of God. I can Word of God is by faith. Faith is based only on God’s candidly say that none of the many books I have read on Word (Ro. 10:17). The modern textual critic refuses to modern textual criticism has spiritually edified me. I approach the Bible text-version issue by faith and mocks have found them intellectually interesting, frustrating, those who do, and fundamentalists who are supporting and confusing, but never edifying.

the modern texts are following in their footsteps. For example, Samuel Schnaiter of Bob Jones University 5. I believe in the reality of the devil (1 Pe. 5:8). One critiques Wilbur Pickering’s Majority Text position as of the devil’s chief goals since the Garden of Eden has follows: “Finally, although Pickering has avoided an been to attack and corrupt the Word of God and to excessive reliance on theological presuppositions in his confuse people’s minds in regard to it. His first words to presentation, it is nevertheless clear that a theological Eve were, “Yea, hath God said?” (Ge. 3:1). Consider the presupposition essentially undergirds his entire following important lessons from this first attack: purpose” (“Focus on Revelation,” Biblical Viewpoint, Vol.

The devil questioned God’s Word (v. 1). This is the XVI, No. 1, April 1982, Bob Jones University, “Textual first step toward openly denying God’s Word. If the devil Criticism and the Modern English Version Controversy,”

can cause a person to entertain doubts about the p. 72). How strange and frightful (and instructive) to see authenticity of the Scriptures at any point, it is likely a professed fundamentalist criticizing a “theological”

that he can cripple him spiritually and open the way for approach to the Bible text-version issue! We do not have increasing unbelief. The Bible is questioned on every to answer every question that can be asked (i.e., about Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 71

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the Trinity, the Virgin Birth, the Atonement, Inspiration, solve a problem of divergent textual readings by prayer or Preservation); we only have to believe God’s Word.

or by the inner illumination of the Holy Spirit; but only Our faith must therefore be in God, not in man (i.e., not by an extensive knowledge and skill in the science of in human scholarship, in the KJV translators, in textual criticism” (Ladd, The New Testament and Erasmus, or in John Burgon or some other defender of Criticism, 1967, p. 81). This is an unbelieving position.

the traditional Reformation text).

The Bible is a supernatural and spiritual Book and 7. I believe in trembling before God’s Word (Ps.

nothing about it can be known apart from the 138:2; Pr. 30:6; Is. 66:2; Re. 22:18-19). The Scripture is application of spiritual tools.

not an ordinary book; it is the Word of the Living God Though some evangelicals and fundamentalists who and as such one must exercise extreme caution in use textual criticism might claim that they also are handling it. Even to tamper with the words of a human following the Holy Spirit, the principles of textual author is a serious matter and there are laws against it, criticism are contrary to this. David Sorenson observes: but how much more serious is it to tamper with the

“Some proponents of the critical text may claim that the words of Almighty God! I have read dozens of books by Holy Spirit has led them as well. However, the working textual critics, and there simply is no fear of God in their editors of the critical text are steeped in rationalistic approach to the words of Scripture. The textual critic philosophy and scientific reconstruction of the text.

approach is strictly a matter of human scholarship and Their entire philosophical base is not inclined to such a the Bible is simply another book.

Fundamentalist notion of seeking the leading of the 8. I believe in the necessity of the Holy Spirit (1 Co.

Holy Spirit” ( Touch Not the Unclean Thing, p. 58, f 30).

2:12-16; 1 Jn. 2:20, 27). Apart from the Holy Spirit, WHY WE HOLD TO THE KING JAMES BIBLE

nothing about the Bible can be properly understood.

1. WE HOLD TO THE KING JAMES BIBLE BECAUSE

Unregenerate men who lack the Spirit are not qualified THE MODERN CRITICAL TEXT CAME FROM EGYPT, A in this field. The book From the Mind of God to the Mind HOTBED OF THEOLOGICAL HERESY.

of Man claims that it doesn’t matter if textual critics are The Greek text underlying the modern versions can skeptics. “… a textual critic may be an unbeliever when be traced to Egypt in the early centuries following the it comes to the Bible’s doctrinal truths. But when it death of the apostles. It is called the Alexandrian text comes to the Bible’s text--to this question of the Bible’s after the Egyptian city of Alexandria, which was a center words--a textual critic is initially little more than a of learning during the early centuries of the church age.

reporter” ( From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man, p.

The article “Textual Criticism and the Alexandrian Text”

71). In his mistitled book “The Truth of the King James at the www.earlham.edu web site summarizes the Only Controversy,” BJU professor Stewart Custer standard view of modern textual criticism as follows: uncritically cites the following men in his “Select

“This text arose in Egypt and is generally conceded Bibliography” -- Bruce Metzger, Kurt Aland, Eberhard to be the most important one. Westcott and Hort, Nestle, Alexander Souter, B.F. Westcott, and F.J.A. Hort.

who named this the Neutral Text, thought that He does not think it is important that his readers know Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus had that to a man these critics blatantly denied the infallible preserved a pure form of the Alexandrian type of inspiration of Scripture. This approach is wrongheaded text.” Jacobus Petzer admits: “… the vast majority in the extreme! A wise position was that of Joseph of textual scholars today agrees that the Philpot, Fellow of Worcester College, Oxford, and editor Alexandrian text is most probably the closest of The Gospel Standard. In 1857 he gave six reasons representative of the original text available against a revision of the KJV, the first being that the today” (Petzer, “The History of the New Testament biblical scholars of that day were “notoriously either Text,” New Testament Textual Criticism, Exegesis and Church History, edited by B. Aland and J.

tainted with popery or infidelity” (Joseph Charles Delobel, 1994, p. 25). And Peter van Minnen, in Philpot, “The Authorized Version of 1611 ,” The Gospel Dating the Oldest New Testament Manuscripts, Standard, April 1857). That was true then and it is even concludes: “It is to be noticed that all the truer today. Philpot then asked an important rhetorical manuscripts listed above come from Egypt. The question, “And can erroneous men, dead in trespasses papyri … Sinaiticus … B [Vaticanus] … We owe the and sins, carnal, worldly, ungodly persons, spiritually e a r l y E g y p t i a n C h r i s t i a n s a n i m m e n s e translate a book written by the blessed Spirit?” The debt” (http://www.clt.astate.edu/wnarey/Bible biblical answer is NO!

% 2 0 a s % 2 0 L i t e r a t u r e % 2 0 d o c u m e n t s /

content2.htm).

Modern textual criticism, which gave us the modern Bible versions, is not founded upon dependency upon Egypt is not the place where the Spirit of God gave faith or the Holy Spirit or any of the aforementioned the New Testament Scriptures. God chose to the deliver things. Textual critic George Ladd wrote: “One does not the Scriptures to churches in Palestine, Syria, Asia 72

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Minor, and Europe. Not one book of the New Testament After the death of the apostles there was a vicious is associated with Egypt.

satanic attack upon the Scriptures. Heretics multitplied Beginning in the book of Genesis, the Bible warns and they were not afraid of tampering with the New about Egypt. The first mention of Egypt is Ge. 12:10-13

Testament.

-- “And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went

“It is no less true to fact than paradoxical in sound, down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was that THE WORST CORRUPTIONS TO WHICH THE

grievous in the land. And it came to pass, when he was NEW TESTAMENT HAS EVER BEEN SUBJECTED, come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai ORIGINATED WITHIN A HUNDRED YEARS AFTER IT

his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman WAS COMPOSED ... the African Fathers and the whole Western, with a portion of the Syrian Church, used far to look upon. Therefore it shall come to pass, when the inferior manuscripts to those employed by Stunica, or Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his Erasmus, or Stephen, thirteen centuries after, when wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.

moulding the Textus Receptus” (F.H.A. Scrivener, A Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well Plain Introduction to the Criticism of the New Testament, with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of II, 4th edition, 1894, pp. 264, 265).

thee.”

John Burgon, who did extensive research into the This was a step of Disobedience on Abraham’s part, history of the Bible, proved that the the manuscripts for there is no record that God spoke to him about this.

favored by modern textual critics (e.g., the Sinaiticus God had told him to leave Ur and go to Canaan, and and Vaticanus) contain corruptions introduced by when he did this he was walking in faith and obedience, heretics in those early centuries.

because “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the

“In the age which immediately succeeded the Apostolic word of God” (Ro. 10:17). But when Abraham turned there were heretical teachers not a few, who finding aside and went down to Egypt, he was walking by their tenets refuted by the plain Word of God bent natural sight and disobedience.

themselves against the written Word with all their Abraham’s disobedience quickly led to Deception.

power. From seeking to evacuate its teaching, it was but a single step to seeking to falsify its Thus the very first thing that we see about Egypt in the testimony” (John Burgon and Edward Miller, The Scriptures is that it is associated with disobedience and Causes of the Corruption of the Traditional Text of the deception. We know that the principle of “first mention”

Holy Gospels, 1896). “WE KNOW THAT ORIGEN IN

is important, and that this is therefore an important PALESTINE, LUCIAN AT ANTIOCH, HESCHIUS IN

spiritual lesson. “Going down to Egypt in the first two EGYPT, ‘REVISED’ THE TEXT OF THE N.T.

references of Scripture were times of disobedience and Unfortunately, they did their work in an age when such deception. Does God have a lesson here for us? The fatal misapprehension prevailed on the subject, that New Testament tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:11 that ‘…all each in turn will have inevitably imported a fresh these things happened unto them for ensamples: and assortment of monstra into the sacred writings. Add, they are written for our admonition, upon whom the the baneful influence of such spirits as Theophilus (sixth Bishop of Antioch, A.D. 168), Tatian, Ammonius, ends of the world are come.’ I believe He does have a

&c., of whom there must have been a vast number in lesson here and it concerns faith in His preserved Word the primitive age,--some of whose productions, we and Words. Why do some, including some of our know for certain, were freely multiplied in every fundamentalist brethren, go to Egypt when it comes to quarter of ancient Christendom:--add, the fabricated recovering the manuscripts underlying our New gospels which anciently abounded ... and WE HAVE

Testament Scriptures?” (David Bennett, Preserved in SUFFICIENTLY EXPLAINED HOW IT COMES TO PASS

Egypt or Preserved in God’s Churches, 2004, p. 1).

THAT NOT A FEW OF THE CODICES OF ANCIENT

Abraham’s journey to Egypt also represented a CHRISTENDOM MUST HAVE EXHIBITED A TEXT

W H I C H W A S E V E N S C A N D A L O U S L Y

Misplaced Trust. Another important reference to the CORRUPT” (Burgon, The Revision Revised, pp. 29, 30).

danger of Egypt is Isaiah 31:1 -- “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in Egypt in particular was a hotbed of heresy and chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, fanaticism. Prominent Gnostics were associated with because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Alexandria. “Egypt was soon filled with religious and Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!” Instead of philosophical sectaries of every kind, and particularly trusting in God, the Israelites were trusting in man. And that almost every Grecian sect found an advocate and this is exactly what we see in modern textual criticism.

professor in Alexandria.”

Its theories were not founded on faith in God’s promise A HERETICAL SCHOOL AT ALEXANDRIA

of preservation. Rather, its theories were gathered from This school was established in about 180 A.D. by unregenerate men in secular fields. It trusts not in God’s Pantaenus. He mixed pagan philosophy with promises but in the manuscript record.

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Christianity. He is called “a Christian philosopher of the determine the text of Scripture. The following example Stoic sect” ( McClintock & Strong Cyclopedia).

is from The Causes of the Corruption of the Traditional Clement of Alexandria (his full name was Titus Text of the Holy Scriptures by John Burgon and Edward Flavius Clement) (115-215 A.D.), a student of Miller (1896): “In this Commentary Origen, the leading Pantaenus, taught at Alexandria from about 190-202

Christian critic of antiquity, gives us an insight into the A.D. Clement also intermingled Christianity with pagan arbitrary and highly subjective manner in which New philosophy; he was one of fathers of purgatory; he Testament textual criticism was carried on at Alexandria taught baptismal regeneration; he taught that most men about 230 AD. In his comment on Matthew 19:17-21

will be saved; he accepted apocryphal books as divinely (Jesus’ reply to the rich young man) Origen reasons that inspired; he believed that men could become God.

Jesus could not have concluded his list of God’s Clement “saw Greek philosophy as a preliminary commandments with the comprehensive requirement, discipline, a schoolmaster, to point the pagan world the Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. For the reply of way to Christ” (Sightler, Tabernacle Essays on Bible the young man was, All these things have I kept from Translation, 1992, p. 7).

my youth up, and Jesus evidently accepted this Another heretic associated with Alexandria was statement as true. But if the young man had loved his Origen (185-254 A.D.), who succeeded Clement. He laid neighbor as himself, he would have been perfect, for the foundation for modern versions with his Paul says that the whole law is summed up in this commentaries and textual changes. Philip Schaff saying, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. But admitted that Origen’s “predilection for Plato (the pagan Jesus answered, If thou wilt be perfect etc., implying, philosopher) led him into many grand and fascinating that the young man was not yet perfect. Therefore, errors.” The Lutheran historian Johann Mosheim Origen argued, the commandment, Thou shalt love thy describes him as “a compound of contraries, wise and neighbor as thyself, could not have been spoken by unwise, acute and stupid, judicious and injudicious; the Jesus on this occasion and was not part of the original enemy of superstition, and its patron; a strenuous text of Matthew. The clause had been added, Origen defender of Christianity, and its corrupter; energetic and concluded, by some tasteless scribe.” Thus, Origen made irresolute; one to whom the Bible owes much, and from crucial textual decisions based on his own faulty who it has suffered much” ( An Ecclesiastical History, reasoning. Contrary to Origen’s claim, it is very obvious Ancient and Modern, from the Birth of Christ to the that the Lord Jesus did not accept the rich young ruler’s Beginning of the Eighteenth Century, 1840).

profession that he had kept the law from his young up, for the simple reason that no man has done such a thing Origen held the following doctrinal errors, among (Ro. 3:19-23; Ga. 3:10; Ja. 2:10-11). In His reply to the others. He denied the infallible inspiration of Scripture.

rich young ruler, the Christ was exposing the sinful He rejected the literal history of the early chapters in condition of the young man’s heart and his deceit in Genesis and of Satan taking the Lord Jesus up to a high thinking that he was righteous. Christ was using the law mountain and offering him the kingdoms of the world for its divinely-intended purpose, which is to reveal (Will Durant, The Story of Civilization, Vol. III, p. 614).

man’s sin and to lead him to repentance and faith in the He accepted infant baptism and taught baptismal Gospel.

regeneration and salvation by works. He believed the Holy Spirit was possibly a created being of some sort.

Origen brazenly tampered with the text of Scripture.

He believed in a form of purgatory and universalism, Consider the testimony of Presbyterian scholar Robert denying the literal fire of hell and believing that even Dabney:

Satan would be saved eventually. He believed that men’s

“Origen exercised a powerful influence over the souls are preexistent and that stars and planets possibly transmission of the Greek text in the period before have souls. He believed that Jesus was a created being some of the most ancient copies now in existence were written. ... HE WAS THE GREAT CORRUPTER, AND

and not eternal. He denied the bodily resurrection, THE SOURCE, OR AT LEAST THE CHANNEL, OF

claiming that the resurrection body is spherical, non-NEARLY ALL THE SPECULATIVE ERRORS WHICH

material, and does not have members. Origen PLAGUED THE CHURCH IN AFTER AGES. Nolan allegorized the Bible saying, “The Scriptures have little asserts that the most characteristic discrepancies use to those who understand them literally.”

between the common Greek text and the texts current Origen was the first textual critic. “To Origen is in Palestine and Egypt in Origen’s day are distinctly attributed the earliest substantial work in the field of traceable to a Marcionite or Valentinian source, and textual criticism” (Kenneth I. Brown, The Church Fathers that ORIGEN’S WAS THE MEDIATING HAND FOR

INTRODUCING THESE CORRUPTIONS INTO THE

and the Text of the New Testament, p. 21). He produced LATTER TEXTS. IT IS HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT THAT

the Hexapla, which consisted of six translations of the IMPORTANT TEXTS BEARING ON THE TRINITARIAN

Old Testament. Origen used his own faulty reason to DOCTRINE, WHICH APPEAR IN THE GREEK AND

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LATIN ARE LACKING IN THE OLD MSS OF THE

Alexandria under editorial care…” ( The Text of the Greek PALESTINIAN AND EGYPTIAN. The disputed texts Bible, pp. 151, 208).

were designed to condemn and refute the errors of the The Codex Sinaiticus was corrected in the Old Ebionites and Gnostics, Corinthians and Nicolaitanes.

It is not surprising that the influence of Origen should Testament according to Origen’s work (Alexander result in the suppression of some of these authentic Souter, The Text and Canon of the New Testament, p. 23).

testimonies in the Greek copies, while the old Latin Eusebius (270-340 A.D.) was another influential which circulated in areas not much affected by name in Alexandria. He collected the writings of Origen Origen’s influence, should preserve such a reading as and promoted his false teachings. “Eusebius worshiped that found in 1 John 5:7” (Robert Dabney, “The at the altar of Origen’s teachings. He claims to have Doctrinal Various Readings of the New Testament collected eight hundred of Origen’s letters, to have used Greek,” Southern Presbyterian Review, April 1871).

Origen’s six-column Bible, the Hexapla, in his Biblical Of Origen’s textual efforts, Frederick Nolan makes labours. Assisted by Pamphilus, he restored and the following important observation: “… HE

preserved Origen’s library” (Jack Moorman, Forever CONTRIBUTED TO WEAKEN THE AUTHORITY OF THE

Settled, p. 130). Eusebius “founded at Caesarea a library RECEIVED TEXT OF THE NEW [TESTAMENT]. In the of biblical and patristic writings on papyrus rolls, the course of his Commentaries, he cited the versions of nucleus of which consisted of Origen’s voluminous Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotion, on the former part writings, especially his editions and interpretations of of the Canon, he appealed to the authority of Valentinus biblical books” (Alexander Souter, The Text and Canon of and Heracleon on the latter. WHILE HE THUS RAISED

the New Testament, p. 23).

THE CREDIT OF THOSE REVISALS, WHICH HAD BEEN

Eusebius produced 50 Greek Bibles for Constantine, MADE BY THE HERETICKS, HE DETRACTED FROM

father of the church state. These copies were to “be THE AUTHORITY OF THAT TEXT WHICH HAD BEEN

written on prepared parchment in a legible RECEIVED BY THE ORTHODOX. Some difficulties which manner” (Geisler and Nix, A General Introduction to the he found himself unable to solve in the Evangelists, he Bible, p. 181). It is possible that Vaticanus and Sinaiticus undertook to remove, BY EXPRESSING HIS DOUBTS OF

are two of these Bibles. This was believed by THE INTEGRITY OF THE TEXT . In some instances he Constantine Tischendorf, F.J.A. Hort, Alexander Souter, ventured to impeach the reading of the New Testament Edward Miller, Caspar Gregory, and A.T. Robertson, on the testimony of the Old, and to convict the copies of among others. T.C. Skeat of the British Museum believed one Gospel on the evidence of another: thus giving loose that Vaticanus was a “reject” among the 50 copies to his fancy, and indulging in many wild conjectures, HE

(Metzger, The Text of the New Testament, p. 48).

CONSIDERABLY IMPAIRED THE CREDIT OF THE VULGAR

OR COMMON EDITION, as well in the New as in the Old Frederick Nolan and other authorities have charged Testament” (emphasis added) (Nolan, Inquiry into the Eusebius with making many changes in the text of Integrity of the Greek Vulgate, 1815, pp. 432-34).

Scripture. Nolan charged Eusebius with removing Mark 16:9-20 and John 8:1-11, among other things.

Origen’s textual work is used to support the Alexandrian text preferred by modern textual critics. He

“As it is thus apparent that Eusebius wanted [lacked]

not the power, so it may be shewn that he wanted not is treated by them with great respect. He is mentioned the will, to make those alterations in the sacred text, repeatedly and favorably by modern textual critics. For with which I have ventured to accuse him. ... The example, he is mentioned on 12 pages of Kurt and works of those early writers lie under the positive Barbara Aland’s The Text of the New Testament and on imputation of being corrupted. The copies of Clement four pages of Bruce Metzger’s The Text of the New and Origen were corrupted in their life time; the Testament: Its Transmission, corruption, and Restoration.

manuscripts from which Tertullian’s works have been These prominent textual critics see Origen in a positive printed are notoriously faulty; and the copies of light rather than as a corruptor of God’s Word. Kurt and Cyprian demonstrate their own corruption, by their Barbara Aland call him “the most significant and widely disagreement among themselves, and their agreement influential Greek theologian of the early Church...” ( The with different texts and revisals of Scripture. It is likewise indisputable, that these fathers not only Text of the New Testament, p. 181). They call Origen’s followed each other, adopting the arguments and Alexandrian School “most impressive” (p. 200). Metzger quotations of one another; but that they quoted from calls him “one of the most assiduous and erudite the heterodox as well as the orthodox. They were thus scholars of his age” ( The Text of the New Testament, p.

likely to transmit from one to another erroneous 151). Frederic Kenyon testified that the Alexandrian quotations, originally adopted from sources not more family of manuscripts “makes it first appearance in the pure than heretical revisals of Scripture. ... New writings of Origen” and that it “is now generally revisals of Scripture were thus formed, which were regarded as a text produced in Egypt and probably at interpolated with the peculiar readings of scholiasts a n d f a t h e r s . N O R D I D T H I S S Y S T E M AT I C

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CORRUPTION TERMINATE HERE; BUT WHEN NEW

Hermogenes, a commentary on the Gospels (still extant TEXTS WERE THUS FORMED, THEY BECAME THE

in Latin), and a commentary on the book of Proverbs.

STANDARD BY WHICH THE LATER COPIES OF THE

Dorotheus was a pastor at Antioch at the end of the E A R LY W R I T E R S W E R E I N S U C C E S S I O N

CORRECTED” (Nolan, An Inquiry into the Integrity of 3rd century. According to Eusebius, Dorotheus was the Greek Vulgate, 1815, pp. 35, 326-332).

“much devoted to the study of the Hebrew language, so Alexandria was the source, and for sometime the that he read the Hebrew Scriptures with great facility”

principal stronghold, of the heresy of Arianism. Arius and could be heard in the church “expounding the was an elder in the church at Alexandria around 315

Scriptures with great judgment.”

A.D. Arianism arose in Alexandria and spread rapidly in While the school at Alexandria was promoting that area and to regions beyond.

Gnosticism and allegoricalism, Antioch was promoting Thus, the fact that the Alexandrian Greek text is faithfulness to the apostolic teaching and the literal favored by the modern textual critics and the translators method of Bible interpretation. “As distinguished from of the modern Bible versions is a very loud warning to the school of Alexandria, its tendency was logical rather the Bible believer.

than intuitional or mystical” ( McClintock & Strong).

Wilbur Pickering observes that this fact has serious THERE WAS AN OPPOSING SCHOOL AT ANTIOCH.

implications in regard to the issue of texts and Here we move for a moment from Egypt to Syria translations, because “a literalist is obliged to be where the great missionary church was located at concerned about the precise wording of the text since Antioch. “Antioch soon became a central point for the his interpretation or exegesis hinges upon it.” He notes diffusion of Christianity among the Gentiles, and that the 1,000 extant manuscripts of the Syriac Peshitta maintained for several centuries a high rank in the

“are unparalleled for their consistency” and that “it is Christian world” ( McClintock & Strong Cyclopedia). The not unreasonable to suppose that the Antiochian McClintock & Strong Cyclopedia claims that the antipathy toward the Alexandrian allegorical

“theological seminary” at Antioch was established at the interpretation of Scripture would rather indispose them end of the 4th century, but that was only in a more to view with favor any completing forms of the text formal sense, and it is admitted even in that volume that coming out of Egypt” ( Identity of the New Testament Text, the school “had been prepared for a century before by chapter 5).

the learned presbyters of the Church” (McClintock & Antioch long resisted Roman Catholic doctrinal Strong). In fact, the church at Antioch was a serious novelties, such as Mary as the mother of God and Christian discipleship and missionary training school purgatory and infant baptism and reverence for relics, from its inception. The principles that Paul taught but gradually the Antioch church weakened, became pertaining to the thorough training of Christian workers affected by Arian heresy at one point, and eventually (2 Ti. 2:2) and the necessity of pastors being grounded submitted to Rome.

in the faithful Word (Titus 1:9) would no doubt have been practiced at Antioch, his sending church.

What text of the New Testament was used at Antioch? The text of the church at Antioch was the Ignatius was a prominent pastor at Antioch until his Traditional Text. This is why Hort called the Received death in the early part of the 2nd century. It is probable Text “the Antiochan text” and “the Syrian text.” Hort that he, along with Polycarp, knew the apostle John and said, “The fundamental text of the late extant Greek had heard him preach. Ignatius was martyred in Rome MSS. generally is, beyond all question, identical with between 107 and 115 A.D. by being thrown to the wild the dominant Antiochian or Graeco-Syrian text of the beasts.

second half of the IVth century” (Westcott and Hort, The Theophilus was a prominent pastor at Antioch in the Greek New Testament, Introduction, p. 92). John Burgon, second half of the second century, having been ordained who looked carefully into the history of the early in about 170 A.D. He died in about 193 A.D. He was biblical text and particularly into the writings of “church converted to Christ from heathenism by studying the fathers” (his index of quotations from early church Scriptures and wrote an apology for the Christian faith leaders handled more than 86,000 references), testified in the form of three letters to his friend Autolycus that that the New Testament text used by Chrysostom (a are still extant. “The work shows much learning and pastor at Antioch until A.D. 398, when he moved to more simplicity of mind” and “contains a more detailed Constantinople) was practically identical to that of the examination of the evidence for Christianity, derived Traditional Text of the Reformation ( The Revision both from Scripture and from history” ( McClintock & Revised, p. 296).

Strong). Theophilus was the author of other works, It is unreasonable to think that the church at Antioch including writings against the heresies of Marcion and would look to any other realm in textual matters or would have countenanced any sort of “recension” that 76

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“conflated” three competing texts. In fact, it is

“Egypt shares no such glory. It has always been looked unreasonable to believe that it would have allowed the upon as a symbol of the world-system which is cherished apostolic text to become corrupted in a mere opposed to the things of God. God would not allow His three centuries.

Son (Mt. 2), His nation (Ex. 12), His patriarchs (Ge.

50), or even the bones of the patriarchs (Ex. 13:19) to

“Why should the great apostolic and mission-minded remain there. The Jews were warned repeatedly not to church at Antioch send to Alexandria or any other return to Egypt, not to rely upon it for help, not to center for Scripture copies by which to correct her even purchase horses there, etc. Thus, in contrast to own? The Church at Antioch, conscious of her heritage what is being claimed today, it is hard to believe that and the excellence of her own first copies of the Egypt and Alexandria would have been the central Scriptures, would have little reason to consider the place where God would preserve His Holy Word.

resources of others superior. .... Antioch may well have Frankly, it was the last place on earth that one could been the prime source of the earliest copies of most of trust in doctrinal and biblical matters. It certainly the New Testament Scriptures for newly established wasn’t safe to get a Bible there! Even Bruce Metzger, a churches. ... It might appear more logical to reason supporter of the Alexandrian Text, is compelled to that if Antioch would send anywhere for copies of New catalogue the vast amount of religious corruption Testament Scriptures in order to purify its own text, it which came from Alexandria: ‘Among Christians which would most likely send to Ephesus, Galatia, Colosse, during the second century either originated in Egypt or Thessalonica, Philippi, Corinth, and Rome in order to circulated there among both the orthodox and the acquire more perfect copies of the epistles originally Gnostics are numerous apocryphal gospels, acts, sent to these locales. Another reason for questioning epistles, and apocalypses. Some of the more Antioch’s dependence upon manuscripts whose noteworthy are the Gospel according to the Egyptians, provenance was Alexandria is the difference of attitude the Gospel of Truth, the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel toward Scripture and its interpretation which existed of Philip, the Kerygma of Peter, the Acts of John, the between the theological schools of the two cities.

Epistle of Barnabas, the Epistle of the Apostles, and the Beginning as early as Theophilus (died before 188) Apocalypse of Peter. There are also fragments of who, as an advocate of the literal interpretation of exegetical and dogmatic works composed by Scripture, is considered a forerunner of the ‘School of Alexandrian Christians, chiefly Gnostics during the Antioch,’ Antioch developed a school of literal second century. We know, for example, of such teachers interpretation which was almost diametrically opposed as Basilides and his son Isidore, and of Valentinus, to the ‘School of Alexandria’ with its principles of Ptolemaeus, Heracleon, and Pantaenus. All but the last-allegorical interpretation. This makes it difficult to mentioned were unorthodox in one respect or believe that Antioch would look to Alexandria for help another.* In fact, to judge by the comments made by in either the earliest period or later when the Clement of Alexandria, almost every deviant Christian differences between the schools became even more sect was represented in Egypt during the second marked” (Harry Sturz, The Byzantine Text-type, pp.

century; Clement mentions the Valentinians, the 104, 105, 106).

Basilidians, the Marcionites, the Peratae, the Missionary Jack Moorman describes the battle Encratites, the Docetists, the Haimetites, the Cainites, between the traditional text and the modern critical text the Ophites, the Simonians, and the Eutychites. What as “A Tale of Two Cities.”

proportion of Christians in Egypt during the second

“There is one point upon which both sides of the century were orthodox is not known’ (Metzger, The current Bible text-version debate agree: the early Early Versions of the New Testament, Clarendon Press, transmissional history of the New Testament is a ‘tale 1977, p. 101). [* Metzger errs in implying that of two cities’, Antioch and Alexandria. And just as Pantaenus was orthodox. In fact, he mixed pagan surely as the KJV Text was woven into the spiritual life philosophy with Christianity.]

of Antioch in Syria, so was also the Modern Version

“Let it be said again: Alexandria was the worst possible Text in Alexandria. ... The choice is a clear one, as place to go for a Bible! Yet it is precisely the place that there is very little common ground between them.

our present-day translators have gone in gathering the

“Certainly Antioch has by far the more glorious Biblical major sources of the modern Bible” (Jack Moorman, heritage. It became to the Gentile Christians what Modern Bible Versions: The Dark Secret).

Jerusalem had been to the Jews, and superseded What do these facts about the early centuries have to Jerusalem as the base for the spread of the Gospel. The do with the modern Bible versions?

‘disciples were called Christians first in Antioch’ (Acts First, the Westcott-Hort principle that “oldest is best”

11:26). It was the starting point for the Apostle Paul’s in regard to Greek New Testament manuscripts is missionary journeys. Mark, Barnabas, and Silas were there; as was Peter and probably Luke. The Book of proven to be bogus. In light of the conditions that Acts leaves us with no doubt that Antioch was the existed in the Post-Apostolic centuries, “oldest” means centre of early church activity.

absolutely nothing in regard to the purity of New Testament manuscripts. An ancient Greek manuscript could as easily represent a corrupted text as it could a Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 77

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pure one, and if it came from Egypt, the likelihood that Mark 9:24 -- “Lord” is omitted in both Sinaiticus it is corrupt is multiplied greatly.

(Aleph) and Vaticanus (B)

Second, the “Antiochian text” has the best claim to Mark 16:9-20 -- These verses are omitted in Aleph purity. Asia Minor was where the apostolic churches and B, thus ending Mark’s gospel with the were located; it is where Greek was spoken natively.

disciples in fear and confusion, with no resurrection and glorious ascension.

Egypt, on the other hand was a hotbed of antichrist heresy and Gnostic fanaticism. “The use of such Luke 2:33 -- “Joseph” is changed to “the child’s father” Aleph, B

designations as ‘Syrian,’ ‘Antiochian,’ and ‘Byzantine’ for the Majority Text reflects its general association with

---- 23:42 -- “Lord” changed to to “Jesus” in Aleph and B, thus destroying this powerful reference that region. I know of no reason to doubt that the to Christ’s deity.

‘Byzantine’ text is in fact the form of the text that was John 1:18 -- “the only begotten son” changed to known and transmitted in the Aegean area from the

“the only begotten God” in Aleph and B. John beginning. In sum, I believe that the evidence clearly Burgon proved that this reading, which appears favors that interpretation of the history of the text which in only five Greek manuscripts, could be traced sees the normal transmission of the text as centered in to the heretic Valentinus, who denied the the Aegean region, the area that was best qualified, Godhead of Jesus Christ by making a distinction from every point of view, to transmit the text, from the between the Word and the Son of God. In the very first. The result of that normal transmission is the Received Text there is no question that the

‘Byzantine’ text-type. In every age, including the second Word is also the Son and that both are God. The and third centuries, it has been the traditional Word is God (Jn. 1:1); the Word was made flesh text” (Wilbur Pickering, The Identity of the New and dwelt among us (Jn. 1:14); the Word is the Son (Jn. 1:18). By changing Jn. 1:18 to “the Testament Text, ch. 5).

only begotten God,” Valentinus and his Third, the ancient Greek manuscripts most favored followers broke the clear association between by modern textual criticism are Egyptian. This includes the Word and the Son.

Vaticanus, Sinaiticus, Alexandrinus, Ephraem Syrus,

---- 1:27 -- “is preferred before me” omitted in Freer Washington, the Beatty Papyri, and the Bodmer Aleph, B

Papyri (Pickering, Identity of the New Testament Text, ch.

---- 3:13 -- “who is in heaven” omitted by Aleph and 6).

B

Fourth, the Vaticanus and Sinaiticus contain many

---- 6:69 -- “the Christ, the Son of the living God” is readings that denigrate the full deity of Jesus Christ and changed to “the Holy One of God” in Aleph and give evidence that they are representatives of B

manuscripts that were corrupted by heretics. Consider

---- 9:35 -- “Son of God” changed to “Son of man” in the testimony of nineteenth-century Presbyterian Robert Aleph and B.

Dabney:

---- 9:38 -- “Lord, I believe. And he worshipped

“The Sabellian and Arian controversies raged in the Him” omitted in Aleph, thus removing this 3rd and 4th centuries and the copies now held in such powerful and incontrovertible confession of high repute among scholars were written in the 4th Christ as God

and 5th centuries. THE HOSTILITY OF THESE

Acts 2:30 -- “according to the flesh, he would raise DOCUMENTS TO THE TRINITARIAN DOCTRINE

up Christ” omitted in Aleph and B, thus IMPELS THE MIND TO THE CONCLUSION THAT

destroying this clear testimony that Christ THEIR OMISSIONS AND ALTERATIONS ARE NOT

himself fulfills the promise of David

MERELY THE CHANCE ERRORS OF TRANSCRIBERS,

---- 20:28 -- “church of God” changed to “church of BUT THE WORK OF A DELIBERATE HAND. When we the Lord” in Aleph and B; the Traditional Text remember the date of the great Trinitarian contest in says plainly that it was God who died on the the Church, and compare it with the supposed date of cross and shed His blood, whereas the these documents, our suspicion becomes much more Alexandrian text allows for the heretical view pronounced. ... The so-called oldest codices agree with that Jesus is the Lord but that he is not actually each other in omitting a number of striking testimonies God. Jehovah’s Witnesses, for example, follow to the divinity of Christ, and they also agree in other in the footsteps of ancient 2nd century heretics, omissions relating to Gospel faith and practice” (Robert claiming Jesus as Lord but not as God.

Dabney, “The Doctrinal Various Readings of the New Romans 14:10 -- “judgment seat of Christ” changed Testament Greek,” Southern Presbyterian Review, April to “judgment seat of God” in Aleph and B, thus 1871).

destroying this plain identification of Jesus Following are some examples:

Christ with Jehovah God (Isaiah 45:23) 1 Corinthians 15:47--“the Lord” omitted in Aleph, B

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Ephesians 3:9--“by Jesus Christ” omitted in Aleph, B

judicious and trustworthy” (Robert Dabney, 1 Timothy 3:16 -- “God” is omitted and replaced Discussions: Evangelical and Theological, pp. 354, 55).

with “who” in the Sinaiticus (the Vaticanus does Westcott and Hort despised the Greek Received Text.

not contain the epistle to Timothy)

Following is what F.J.A. Hort wrote in 1851, when he 2. WE HOLD TO THE KING JAMES BIBLE BECAUSE

was only 23 years old and before he had developed his WE REJECT MODERN TEXTUAL CRITICISM.

textual theories or done any serious research in this Consider some facts about modern textual criticism: field: “I had no idea till the last few weeks of the Textual criticism is the application of modern linguistic importance of texts, having read so little Greek theories to the recovery of ancient documents. The Testament, and dragged on with THE VILLAINOUS

theories of modern textual criticism were initially TEXTUS RECEPTUS...Think of THAT VILE TEXTUS

developed over a period of roughly 100 years from the RECEPTUS leaning entirely on late MSS.; it is a blessing late 1700s to the late 1800s. During that introductory there are such early ones” ( Life and Letters of Fenton period its popularity was limited to textual scholars, for John Anthony Hort, vol. 1, p. 211). Textual critic Ernest the most part, while it was resisted by Bible believers in Colwell observed that Hort’s goal was to dethrone the general. After the publication of the Westcott-Hort Received Text (Colwell, Scribal Habits in Early Papyri, The Greek New Testament in 1881, the theories of modern Bible in Modern Scholarship, Abingdon, 1965, p. 370).

textual criticism quickly gained dominancy in the field Wilbur Pickering observes: “It appears that Hort did not of biblical scholarship.

arrive at his theory through unprejudiced intercourse with the facts. Rather, he deliberately set out to Modern textual criticism was devised largely by men construct a theory that would vindicate his preconceived who treated the Bible as another book and who either animosity for the Received Text” ( Identity of the New did not believe in the doctrine of Bible preservation or Testament Text, ch. 3). Note, too, that Hort was deceived refused to predicate their textual theories on this into thinking that the Received Text leans “entirely on doctrine. Consider two examples. Karl Lachmann, the late manuscripts.”

first textual critic to entirely reject the Received Text, was a “classical scholar” who approached the Bible in Bruce Metzger calls the TR “CORRUPT” and the same way that he approached ordinary classical C h r i s t i a n

p e o p l e ’ s

l o v e

f o r

i t

books. Bruce Metzger, who says Lachmann is one of the

“SUPERSTITIOUS” (Metzger, The Text of the New most important names in the history of modern textual Testament, 1968, p. 106). He further calls it “DEBASED”

criticism, admits that Lachmann “ventured to apply to and “DISFIGURED” (Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the New Testament the criteria that he had used in the Greek New Testament, 1975, xxi, xxiii).

editing texts of the classics” (Metzger, A Textual Barbara Aland called the TR “FLAWED, preserving Commentary on the Greek New Testament, 1975, p. xxiii).

the text of the New Testament in a form FULL OF

Westcott and Hort, the editors of the influential Greek ERRORS” (Barbara Aland, “A Century of New Testament New Testament of 1881, operated under the following Te x t u a l C r i t i c i s m 1 8 9 8 - 1 9 9 8 , ” h t t p :

principle: “In matters of textual criticism the Bible is to w w w . b i b l e r e s o u r c e c e n t e r . o r g /

be treated like any other ancient book. No special vsItemDisplay.dsp&objectID=BF4714BC-53F6-48EB-94F

considerations are to be made concerning its claims of EA6BF73FD88A5&method=display).

inspiration and preservation” (Westcott and Hort, The This bias, based upon a mythical “recension,” has New Testament in the Original Greek, Introduction and tainted most of the serious research into ancient texts Appendix, 1881).

and translations since the beginning of the 20th century.

Modern textual criticism claims that the Traditional Modern textual critics are so biased against the Received Greek Text, the Text underlying the Reformation Bibles, is Text as to be undependable as witnesses to the textual corrupt and has a special distaste for it. This was evidence. After examining the way influential textual recognized in the 19th century by Presbyterian scholar critics misuse the manuscript evidence, Wilbur Pickering Robert Dabney:

observed, “It seems clear that the ‘Byzantine’ text cannot

“Their common traits may be said to be AN ALMOST

win in a court presided over by a judge of Kenyon’s CONTEMPTUOUS DISMISSAL OF THE RECEIVED

bent” and “there is reason to ask whether editors with TEXT, as unworthy not only of confidence, but almost an anti-Byzantine bias can be trusted to report the of notice; the rejection of the great mass of the codices evidence in an impartial manner” (Pickering, Identity of of the common text as recent and devoid of nearly all the New Testament Text, ch. 4).

authority; and the settlement of the text by the The Greek text produced by modern textual criticism is testimony of a very few MSS. for which they claim a much shorter than the Received Text New Testament.

superior antiquity, with the support of a few fathers and versions, whom they are pleased to regard as It is shorter by 2,886 words. This is equivalent to removing the entire books of 1 and 2 Peter from the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 79

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Bible (Jack Moorman, Missing in Modern Bibles: Is the of Isis and Mercury. The “Cathedra Petri” or “Chair of full Story Being Told, Bible for Today, 1981). Modern Peter” contains woodcarvings that represent the labors textual criticism removes or questions dozens of entire of Hercules. The massive obelisk in the center of St.

verses:

Peter’s Piazza is a pagan object from Egypt. Near the Matthew 17:21; 18:11; 23:14

main altar of St. Peter’s is a bronze statue of Peter sitting Mark 7:16; 9:44, 46; 11:26; 15:28; 16:9-20

in a chair. It is reported that this statue was originally Luke 17:36; 23:17

the pagan god Jupiter that was taken from the Pantheon John 5:4; 7:53-8:11

in Rome (when it was a pagan temple) and moved into Acts 8:37; 15:34; 24:7; 28:29

St. Peter’s Basilica and renamed Peter! Jupiter was one of the chief gods of ancient Rome and was called the Romans 16:24

“pater” (father) in Latin. One foot of the statue is made 1 John 5:7

of silver and Catholic pilgrims superstitiously touch or It further removes a significant portion of 147 other kiss it. In fact, the Vatican is one gigantic idol. The great verses.

altar over the supposed tomb of St. Peter is Modern textual criticism was not popular until the overwhelmed by massive, golden, spiraling columns that publication of the Westcott and Hort Greek N.T. in 1881.

look like coiling serpents. One can almost hear the The first two English versions of any influence based sinister hiss. The Vatican is also a graveyard. Beneath on this text were the English Revised Version of 1881

“St. Peter’s” Basilica are rows of marble caskets and the American Standard Version of 1901.

containing dead Popes! A life-size statue of each Pope is Modern textual criticism favors A FEW GREEK UNCIAL

carved in marble and reclines on the lid of his casket.

MANUSCRIPTS (e.g. Sinaiticus and Vaticanus) and a Candles and incense are burning profusely. In the small number of other manuscripts of similar character supposed tomb of Peter, 99 oil lamps are kept burning over the vast majority of the 5,471 Greek manuscripts and day and night. For those familiar with pagan religions, lectionaries extant.

such as Hinduism and Buddhism, the origin of such things is obvious. The place is as eerie and pagan as any Writing in 1883, John Burgon observed, “...especially temple in darkest India. Pitifully deluded Catholics light B [Vaticanus] and Aleph [Sinaiticus], have within the their pagan candles in a vain attempt to merit God’s last twenty years established a tyrannical ascendancy blessing after the fashion of benighted Hindus. There is over the imagination of the Critics, which can only be no biblical authority for any of it. The Lord Jesus fitly spoken of as a blind superstition” ( The Revision warned the Pharisees, “Full well ye reject the Revised, p. 11). Since the discovery of the Egyptian commandment of God, that ye may keep your own papyri in the 20th century, the number of Alexandrian tradition” (Mark 7:9). The Vatican is one of the last manuscripts has increased; but compared to the vast places on earth one would expect to find the preserved number that support the Traditional text, they still Word of God.

represent a very tiny and “eccentric” minority.

Westcott and Hort preferred the Vaticanus The Vaticanus (B) Greek manuscript gets its name manuscript as their chief authority above all other Greek from its location, which is the Vatican Library. Its history manuscripts. It was “their touchstone” (Aland, The Text is unknown prior to 1475, when it first appeared in that of the New Testament, p. 14).

library’s catalog. It is thought to date from the mid-4th century and to have originated in Egypt (Frederic The Vaticanus is very strange and corrupt. It was Kenyon, The Text of the Greek Bible). The home of Codex corrected by revisers in the 8th, 10th, and 15th Vaticanus is unholy and is certainly not the place one centuries (W. Eugene Scott, Codex Vaticanus, 1996). The would expect to find the preserved Word of God. I entire manuscript has been mutilated.

toured the Vatican in 1992 and again in 2003 and 2005

“...every letter has been run over with a pen, making and was astounded at how pagan the place is. It exact identification of many of the characters reminds me of the many idolatrous temples we have i m p o s s i b l e ” ( Va t i c a n u s a n d S i n a i t i c u s -

ww.waynejackson. freeserve.co.uk/kjv /v2.htm). This visited during our years of missionary work in Asia.

was probably done in the 10th or 11th century. All of Fitting to the home of the man who claims the titles and the revision and overwriting “makes precise position of Jesus Christ and who accepts adulation, the paleographic analysis impossible” (Scott, Codex Vatican is a monument to idolatry and blasphemy and Vaticanus). Dr. David Brown observes: “I question the man’s shameless rebellion to God’s revelation. There are

‘great witness’ value of any manuscript that has been statues and paintings of all sorts of pagan gods and overwritten, doctored, changed and added to for more goddesses; there are statues of Mary and the Popes and than 10 centuries” ( The Great Uncials).

the “saints” and angels and the infant Jesus and Missing portions were supplied in the 15th century crucifixes. The Vatican Library contains large paintings by copying other Greek manuscripts. This segment 80

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(pages 1519-1536) of the manuscript “is catalogued unparalleled, but happily rather unusual in documents separately as minuscule 1957” (Aland, The Text of the of first-rate importance.’ On many occasions 10, 20, 30, New Testament, p. 109).

40 words are dropped through very carelessness. Letters In the Gospels it leaves out 749 entire sentences and and words, even whole sentences, are frequently written 452 clauses, plus 237 other words, all of which are twice over, or begun and immediately cancelled; while found in hundreds of other Greek manuscripts. The total that gross blunder, whereby a clause is omitted because number of words omitted in B in the Gospels alone is it happens to end in the same words as the clause 2,877 as compared with the majority of manuscripts preceding, occurs no less than 115 times in the New (Burgon, The Revision Revised, p. 75).

Testament” (John Burgon, The Revision Revised). It is Vaticanus omits Mark 16:9-20, but a blank space is clear that the scribes who copied the Sinaiticus were not left for that section of Scripture. John Burgon first wrote faithful men of God who treated the Scriptures with about this in The Last Twelve Verses of the Gospel of St.

utmost reverence. The total number of words omitted in Mark Vindicated, 1871, pp. 86-87.

Aleph in the Gospels alone is 3,455 compared with the Greek Received Text (Burgon, p. 75).

Vaticanus identifies itself as a product of gnostic corruption in John 1:18, where “the only begotten Son”

Mark 16:9-20 is omitted in the Sinaiticus, but it was is changed to “the only begotten God,” thus originally there and has been erased.

perpetuating the ancient Arian heresy that disassociates Like the Vaticanus, the Sinaiticus exhibits gnostic the Son of God Jesus Christ from God Himself by influence upon its face by changing “the only begotten claiming that the Word was not the same as the Son.

Son” to “the only begotten God” in John 1:18.

John’s Gospel identifies the Son directly with the Word These manuscripts bear evidence of being corrupt (John 1:1, 18), but by changing “Son” to “God” in verse above all other Greek uncials or minuscules. Consider 18, this direct association is broken.

this important testimony by John Burgon, who The Sinaiticus (Aleph) codex was discovered by dedicated much of his life to the study of Greek Constantine Tischendorf at St. Catherine’s Monastery manuscripts and who personally analyzed the Vaticanus (Greek Orthodox) at Mt. Sinai. He discovered the first in Rome:

part in 1844 and the second in 1859. Like Catholicism,

“When we study the New Testament by the light of the Greek Orthodox Church has a false gospel of grace such Codexes as B Aleph D L, we find ourselves in an plus works and sacraments and holds the unscriptural entirely new region of experience; confronted by doctrine of venerating relics. St. Catherine’s Monastery phenomena not only unique but even portentous. The has one entire room filled with skulls!

text has undergone apparently AN HABITUAL, IF NOT

SYSTEMATIC, DEPRAVATION; has been manipulated The Sinaiticus was written by three different scribes throughout in a wild way. Influences have been and was corrected later by several others. (This was the demonstrably at work which altogether perplex the conclusion of an extensive investigation by H.J.M. Milne judgment. The result is simply calamitous. There are and T.C. Skeat of the British Museum, which was evidences of persistent mutilation, not only of words published in Scribes and Correctors of Codex Sinaiticus, and clauses, but of entire sentences. The substitution of London, 1938.) Tischendorf counted 14,800 corrections one expression for another, and the arbitrary in this manuscript (David Brown, The Great Uncials, transposition of words, are phenomena of such 2000). Dr. F.H.A. Scrivener, who published A Full perpetual occurrence, that it becomes evident at last that which lies before us is not so much an ancient Collation of the Codex Sinaiticus in 1864 testified: “The copy, as an ancient recension of the Sacred Text. And Codex is covered with alterations of an obviously yet not by any means a recension in the usual sense of correctional character--brought in by at least ten the word as an authoritative revision; but only as the different revisers, some of them systematically spread name may be applied to the product of individual over every page, others occasional, or limited to inaccuracy or caprice, or tasteless assiduity on the part separate portions of the Ms., many of these being of one or many, at a particular time or in a long series contemporaneous with the first writer, but for the of years. There are reasons for inferring, that we have greater part belonging to the sixth or seventh century.”

alighted on five specimens of what the misguided piety Thus it is evident that scribes in bygone centuries did of a primitive age is known to have been fruitful in not consider the Sinaiticus to represent a pure text. Why producing. ... THESE CODEXES ABOUND WITH SO

MUCH LICENTIOUSNESS OR CARELESSNESS AS TO

it should be so revered by modern textual critics is a SUGGEST THE INFERENCE, THAT THEY ARE IN FACT

mystery.

INDEBTED FOR THEIR PRESERVATION TO THEIR

A great amount of carelessness is exhibited in the HOPELESS CHARACTER. Thus it would appear that an copying and correction. “Codex Sinaiticus ‘abounds with evil reputation ensured their neglect in ancient times; errors of the eye and pen to an extent not indeed and has procured that they should survive to our own, long after multitudes which were much better had Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 81

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perished in the Master’s service” (Burgon and Miller, because they must allegedly be recovered after having The Traditional Text of the Holy Gospels Vindicated, been corrupted for 1,500 years.

1896, pp. 32, 33).

Thus, modern textual criticism is built upon the Not only do Vaticanus and Sinaiticus disagree in premise that the original text of the New Testament thousands of places with the vast majority of other needed to be restored in the 19th century.

Greek manuscripts, they disagree with one another in as If this goal is true, then divine preservation is false. In many or more places! There are 3,036 differences fact, most standard works on textual criticism do not between the Vaticanus and the Sinaiticus in the Gospels even mention divine preservation. Following are a few alone, not counting minor errors such as spelling examples:

(Herman Hoskier, Codex B and Its Allies, Vol. II, p. 1).

The New Testament in the Original Greek In spite of these facts, Vaticanus (B) or Sinaiticus (Introduction) by Westcott and Hort (1881) (Aleph), either individually or together, are the source The Text of the New Testament by Kirsopp Lake of most of the omissions and glaring changes in the (1900, 1949)

modern versions. We have already listed a few of these Introduction to the Textual Criticism of the Greek that touch on the doctrine of Christ’s deity and of the New Testament by Eberhard Nestle (1901) Trinity.

The Canon and Text of the New Testament by Casper Biblical “common sense” informs us that these Rene Gregory (1907)

manuscripts owe their amazing survival solely to the The Text and Canon of the New Testament by fact that they are so corrupt. John Burgon, who calls B

Alexander Souter (1912)

and Aleph “TWO FALSE WITNESSES,” observes: “We The Text of the Greek Bible by F.G. Kenyon (1936, suspect that these two Manuscripts are indebted for 1975)

their preservation, SOLELY TO THEIR ASCERTAINED

New Testament Manuscript Studies by Parvis and EVIL CHARACTER; which has occasioned that the one Wikgren (1950)

eventually found its way, four centuries ago, to a The Text of the New Testament by Bruce Metzger forgotten shelf in the Vatican library: while the other, (1968)

after exercising the ingenuity of several generations of The Text of the New Testament by Kurt and Barbara critical Correctors, eventually (viz. in A.D. 1844) got Aland (1981)

deposited in the waste-paper basket of the Convent at Modern textual criticism’s theories are strange and the foot of Mount Sinai. Had B and Aleph been copies of unscriptural.

average purity, they must long since have shared the While not all of the following principles are held by inevitable fate of books which are freely used and highly any one textual critic, these are standard principles that prized; namely, they would have fallen into decadence have been promoted by prominent textual critics at and disappeared from sight” (Burgon, The Revision various stages in its history.

Revised, p. 319; see also pp. 30-31). If these two witnesses were put on a witness stand in a court of law, Note: The theories of modern textual criticism are they would be rejected. Not only do they disagree examined more thoroughly in Faith vs. the Modern Bible together against the vast majority of other witnesses, Versions and in The Modern Bible Version Question-but they also disagree with one another as much as they Answer Database, available from Way of Life Literature.

disagree with the majority!

Modern Textual Criticism Principle: In matters of (For a study of the Papyri see the book Why We Hold textual criticism the Bible is to be treated like any other to the King James Bible, which is available from Way of ancient book.

Life Literature.)

No special consideration is to be made concerning its Modern textual criticism’s goal is unscriptural.

claims of inspiration and preservation. “The principles of criticism explained in the foregoing section hold good Constantine Tischendorf stated the goal of modern for all ancient texts preserved in a plurality of textual criticism as “the struggle to REGAIN the original documents. In dealing with the text of the New form of the New Testament” (Metzger, The Text of the Testament no new principle whatever is needed or New Testament, p. 126). This implies, of course, that the legitimate” (Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in original form of the New Testament had been lost prior the Original Greek, vol. 2, Introduction and Appendix, to the 19th century when Tischendorf lived.

1881). The Bible cannot be treated like any other book, The very title of Bruce Metzger’s popular book -- The because it alone has the divine and supernatural New Testament’s Transmission, CORRUPTION, AND

element, which holds true not only for its origin but also RESTORATION -- describes modern textual criticism’s for its history. Other books were not written by divine principle that the Scriptures were not divinely preserved, inspiration or preserved by divine providence. Other 82

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books are not hated by the devil and attacked by false skilled Ecclesiastics of the highest theological teachers.

attainment. Bearers are they perforce of a vast number Modern Textual Criticism Principle: The Greek Received of Copies of the Scriptures, and (by the hypothesis) the Text is the product of an official ecclesiastical revision.

latest possible dates of any of these Copies must range

“Nearly all text critics assume that between 250 and between A.D. 250 and 350. But the Delegates of so 350 A.D. there was a revision of the Greek text which many ancient Sees will have been supremely careful, produced the traditional text” (A.H. McNeile, An before starting on so important and solemn an errand, Introduction to the Study of the New Testament, p. 428).

to make diligent search for the oldest copies anywhere The theory of recension is how Westcott and Hort discoverable: and when they reach the scene of their accounted for the dominance of the Greek Received Text deliberations, we may be certain that they are able to in the manuscript record, but there is no historical appeal to not a few codices written within a hundred evidence that the Traditional Text was produced by a years of the date of the inspired Autographs themselves.

Recension. John Burgon, who knew as much about the Copies of the Scripture authenticated as having history of the Bible text as any man in the last two belonged to the most famous of their predecessors,--and centuries, called Hort’s theory “an excursion into cloud-held by them in high repute for the presumed purity of land; a dream, and nothing more” and “mere their Texts,--will have been stowed away--for purposes moonshine.” Frederic Cook was just as blunt: “The of comparison and avoidance--specimens of those supposition [of a Lucian Recension] is a manifest dreaded Texts whose existence has been the sole reason absurdity” ( The Revised Version of the First Three Gospels why (by the hypothesis) this extraordinary concourse of Considered, 1882, p. 202).

learned Ecclesiastics has taken place. After solemnly invoking the Divine blessing, these men address If Hort’s theory of a formal ecclesiastical recension themselves assiduously to their task; and (by the were true, it would mean that the most influential hypothesis) they proceed to condemn every codex church leaders of the 3rd and 4th centuries rejected the which exhibits a ‘strictly Western,’ or a ‘strictly Egyptian text as corrupt, which would be a powerful Alexandrian,’ or a ‘strictly Neutral’ type. In plain testimony IN FAVOR OF the Traditional Text! John English, if codices B, Aleph, and D had been before Burgon observed this in his masterpiece The Revision them, they would have unceremoniously rejected all Revised, and it is a fact that devastates the modern three... When, therefore, at the end of a thousand and textual criticism’s theory of recension. Consider the half a thousand years, Dr. Hort ... proposes to reverse following very carefully. “Somewhere between A.D. 250

the deliberate sentence of Antiquity,--his position strikes and 350, therefore,--(‘it is impossible to say with us as bordering on the ludicrous. ... Yes, we repeat it,--

confidence’ [Hort, p. 137] what was the actual date, but Dr. Hort is in direct antagonism with the Fathers of the these Editors evidently incline to the latter half of the IIIrd and the IVth Century. HIS OWN FANTASTIC

IIIrd century, i.e. circa A.D. 275);--we are to believe that HYPOTHESIS OF A ‘SYRIAN’ TEXT,’--the solemn the Ecclesiastical heads of the four great Patriarchates of expression of the collective wisdom and deliberate Eastern Christendom,--Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, judgment of the Fathers of the Nicene Age (A.D. 250--

and Constantinople,--had become so troubled at A.D. 350),--is the best answer which can by possibility witnessing the prevalence of depraved copies of Holy be invented to his own pages,--IS, IN OUR ACCOUNT, Scripture in their respective churches, that they resolved THE ONE SUFFICIENT AND CONCLUSIVE REFUTATION

by common consent on achieving an authoritative OF HIS OWN TEXT. ... The essential thing to be borne in Revision which should henceforth become the standard mind is that, according to Dr. Hort,-- on two distinct Text of all the Patriarchates of the East. ... The inference occasions between A.D. 250 and 350--the whole Eastern is at least inevitable that men in high place at that time Church, meeting by representation in her palmiest days, deemed themselves competent to grapple with the deliberately put forth that Traditional Text of the N.T.

problem. Enough was familiarly known about the with which we at this day are chiefly familiar. That this character and the sources of these corrupt texts to make is indeed his view of the matter there can at least be no it certain that they would be recognizable when doubt. ... Be it so. It follows that the text exhibited by produced; and that, when condemned by authority, they such codices as B and Aleph was deliberately condemned would no longer be propagated, and in the end would by the assembled piety, learning, and judgment of the cease to molest the Church. This much, at all events, is four great Patriarchates of Eastern Christendom. At a legitimately to be inferred from the hypothesis. Behold period when there existed nothing more modern than then from every principal Diocese of ancient Codices B and Aleph,--nothing so modern as A and C,--

Christendom, and in the Church’s palmiest days, the all specimens of the former class were rejected, while most famous of the ante-Nicene Fathers repair to such codices as bore a general resemblance to A were by Antioch. They go up by authority, and are attended by common consent pointed out as deserving of confidence Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 83

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and recommended for repeated transcription” (Burgon, consideration? Why, for example, can Kurt and Barbara The Revision Revised, pp. 278-287).

Aland say of a “great many” of the uncials that “since That being said, it is evident that Burgon turned they offer nothing more than a Byzantine text ... they Hort’s Syrian recension theory on its head and are in consequence quite irrelevant for textual demonstrated that if such a thing actually occurred it criticism” ( The Text of the New Testament, p. 104)? They would provide devastating evidence AGAINST Hort’s do so on the ground that this text was allegedly created Alexandrian text. If churches actually met together in in the 4th century by means of a recension, thus the 3rd or 4th centuries to revise the New Testament allowing them to treat the thousands of Traditional text text so as to purge away any impurities that had crept manuscripts merely as so many copies of one alleged in, they would surely have had the resources and and, in their eyes, inauthentic revision. Without such a understanding to accomplish such a task. They lived theory, they have no reason to despise the witness of the only a short time from the passing of the apostles. They majority of manuscripts. “But it is clear that with this would have had the testimony of the apostolic churches hypothesis of a ‘Syrian’ text,--the immediate source and themselves, because they still existed. They would have actual prototype of the commonly received Text of the had the testimony of countless treasured manuscripts N.T.,-- stands or falls their entire Textual theory. Reject it, that have long since disappeared from the record. They and the entire fabric is observed to collapse, and subside would have had an intimate knowledge of the devises of into a shapeless ruin” (Burgon, The Revision Revised, p.

heretics that had operated in the previous century or 294).

two. For scholars of the 19th and 20th centuries to claim Modern Textual Criticism Principle: The shorter that they are better able, with the pathetically slim reading is to be preferred, because corruption by addition manuscript evidence that has survived from those is more likely than corruption by omission.

earliest centuries, to discern the apostolic text than the This rule was stated by Westcott and Hort in their majority of churches in the 3rd and 4th centuries is Introduction to the New Testament in the Original Greek, simply ridiculous.

but it was invented by Johann Wettstein, a Unitarian, Some contemporary textual critics have abandoned and Johann Griesbach, a modernist. It has not been the idea that the Received Text was created through one proven by actual textual evidence; it is merely a theory historical revision, replacing this with the theory that it designed to support the shorter Alexandrian text. In was created over a long process. But whereas the first fact, the evidence points in the other direction, as stated idea has no historical evidence, the second is absurd by B.H. Streeter: “The notion is completely refuted that upon its very face. Zane Hodges wisely observes: “No the regular tendency of scribes was to choose the longer one has yet explained how a long, slow process spread reading. ... The whole question of interpolations in out over many centuries as well as over a wide ancient MSS has been set in an entirely new light by the geographical area, and involving a multitude of researches of Mr. A.C. Clark, Corpus Professor of Latin copyists, who often knew nothing of the state of the text at Oxford. ... in The Descent of Manuscripts, an outside of their own monasteries or scriptoria, could investigation of the manuscript tradition of the Greek achieve this widespread uniformity out of the diversity and Latin Classics, he proves conclusively that the error presented by the earlier [Western and Alexandrian]

to which scribes were most prone was not interpolation forms of text ... An unguided process achieving relative

[addition] but accidental omission” (Streeter, The Four stability and uniformity in the diversified textual, Gospels: A Study of Origins, 1930).

historical, and cultural circumstances in which the New Everyday experience demonstrates the truth of this.

Testament was copied, imposes impossible strains on When copying something, it is easier to omit things than our imagination” (Hodges, “The Implications of add things. And when heretics are tampering with the Statistical Probability for the History of the Text,”

text, it is easier to get away with omissions than Appendix C in Wilbur N. Pickering, The Identity of the additions.

New Testament Text, 1980 edition, p. 168). Indeed.

The vast majority of extant manuscripts throughout If modern textual criticism’s principle of a Recension the church age have the “longer readings” that are left were true, it would destroy the doctrine of Bible out of or questioned in the modern versions, such as the preservation in any conceivably practical sense, because

“long” ending to Mark 16.

it would mean that the apostolic text was, for all Modern Textual Criticism Principle: The hard reading practical purposes, discarded for 15 centuries!

is to be preferred to the easy reading.

If modern textual criticism’s principle of a recension This was one of Johann Bengel’s principles as stated is rejected, the entire superstructure falls to the ground.

in his Greek New Testament, p. 420. It is another theory Why do the modern textual critics reject the Traditional or Majority Text out of hand and give it no serious 84

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that is backed by no evidence but was devised We would also point out that the principles of specifically to support the Alexandrian text.

modern textual criticism are very complicated. They Bengel developed this principle because he believed involve such things as conflation, recension, inversion, orthodox Christian scribes tended to simply difficult eclecticism, conjectural emendation, intrinsic and texts. Thus he believed that orthodox Christians transcriptional probability, interpolation, statistical corrupted their own New Testament! This flies in the probability, harmonistic assimilation, cognate groups, face of the love that Bible-believing Christians have for hypothesized intermediate archetypes, stemmatic the Scriptures and their fear of tampering with God’s reconstruction, and genealogical methods. It is Word (De. 4:2; Pr. 30:6; Is. 66:2; 2 Th. 2:17; Re.

impossible to reconcile this scholarly complexity with 22:18-19).

the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Co. 11:3) and with the The Bible warns that it is the devil that corrupts the scriptural fact that God has chosen the weak of this simplicity of God’s truth (2 Co. 11:3).

world to confound the mighty (Mt. 11:25; 1 Co.

1:20-29).

This theory ignores the fact that there were countless heretics tampering with manuscripts and creating Modern textual criticism has resulted in uncertainty in spurious ones in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Wilbur the Biblical text.

Pickering observes, “In any case, the amply documented Whereas prior to the late 19th century the vast fact that numerous people in the second century made majority of Bible-believing Christians were confident deliberate changes in the text, whether for doctrinal or that the Masoretic Hebrew and the Greek Received texts other reasons, introduces an unpredictable variable were the preserved Word of God, today there is no real which invalidates this canon. Once a person arrogates to certainty where textual criticism has been accepted. The himself the authority to alter the text there is nothing in Masoretic Hebrew has been challenged by the Dead Sea principle to keep individual caprice from intruding or Scrolls, the Septuagint, and other sources, so that some taking over--we have no way of knowing what factors twenty to thirty thousand textual changes have been influenced the originator of a variant (whoever he was) suggested for the Old Testament. The Greek Received or whether the result would appear to us to be ‘harder’

Text has been replaced with a constantly changing so-or ‘easier.’ This canon is simply inapplicable” (Pickering, called “eclectic” text. Note the following statements by The Identity of the New Testament Text, chapter 4).

prominent textual critics of the last 100 years testifying This theory ignores the fact that many Egyptian to the gross uncertainty produced by modern textual manuscripts contain nonsensical readings created by the criticism. For more of these see Faith vs. the Modern carelessness and ineptitude of the scribes. The papyri Bible Versions.

are notorious for this. A nonsensical reading would be

“[The New Testament text is more unsettled] than ever, the harder reading, but it is foolish to think that it is and PERHAPS FINALLY, UNSETTLED” (Rendel Harris, correct.

Side Lights on New Testament Research, 1908, p. 3).

“The ultimate text, if there ever was one that deserves We see that the principles of modern textual criticism to be so called, IS FOR EVER IRRECOVERABLE” (F.C.

are strange and unscriptural.

Conybeare, History of New Testament Criticism, 1910, p.

Note that the modern textual critic’s rules are loaded 129).

in favor of his theories.

“In spite of the claims of Westcott and Hort and of von

“You will not have to look at these ‘rules’ for long Soden, WE DO NOT KNOW THE ORIGINAL FORM OF

before realizing that they are ‘weighted’ in the THE GOSPELS, AND IT IS QUITE LIKELY THAT WE

direction of their own predetermined preference for NEVER SHALL” (Kirsopp Lake, Family 13, The Ferrar the Alexandrian Text. For example, if the Alexandrian Group, Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, Text is shorter than the Traditional, then one firm rule 1941, p. vii).

is ‘The shorter reading is to be preferred.’ And, if

“... it is generally recognized that THE ORIGINAL TEXT

ninety percent of the manuscripts support the OF THE BIBLE CANNOT BE RECOVERED” (R.M.

Traditional Text and the remaining ten percent must be Grant, “The Bible of Theophilus of Antioch,” Journal of divided between the Alexandrian, Western and Biblical Literature, vol. 66, 1947, p. 173).

Caesarean texts, then of course, ‘numerical

“...the optimism of the earlier editors has given way to preponderance counts for nothing, the Traditional Text that SKEPTICISM WHICH INCLINES TOWARDS

is merely one of four competing text types.’ And, REGARDING ‘THE ORIGINAL TEXT ’ AS AN

should it be pointed out that the Alexandrian Text is UNATTAINABLE MIRAGE” (G. Zuntz, The Text of the less distinct doctrinally: then it is an established fact Epistles, 1953, p. 9).

that ‘there are no signs of deliberate falsification of the

“The primary goal of New Testament textual study text for doctrinal purposes during the early centuries.’

remains the recovery of what the New Testament And on it goes!” (Jack Moorman, Early Manuscripts writers wrote. We have already suggested that TO

and the Authorized Version, A Closer Look, 1990, p. 6).

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ACHIEVE THIS GOAL IS WELL NIGH IMPOSSIBLE.

light of the following documentation. The following Therefore we must be content with what Reinhold portions of the Word of God should be read very Niebuhr and others have called, in other contexts, AN

carefully in this light, as they contain warnings about

‘IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBILITY’” (R.M. Grant, A Historical the believer’s association with apostasy: Ro. 16:17-18; 2

Introduction to the New Testament, 1963, p. 51).

Co. 6:14; Col. 2:8; 1 Ti. 6:20; 2 Ti. 2:16-18; 3:5; 2 John

“...every textual critic knows that this similarity of text 7-11; Re. 18:4.

indicates, rather, that WE HAVE MADE LITTLE

PROGRESS IN TEXTUAL THEORY SINCE WESTCOTT-The following information is abbreviated from The HORT; THAT WE SIMPLY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO

Modern Bible Version Hall of Shame, which is available MAKE A DEFINITIVE DETERMINATION AS TO WHAT

from Way of Life Literature.

THE BEST TEXT IS; THAT WE DO NOT HAVE A CLEAR

This information is the fruit of 25 years of research.

P I C T U R E O F T H E T R A N S M I S S I O N A N D

When I first began studying the Bible text-version issue ALTERNATION OF THE TEXT IN THE FIRST FEW

in about 1979, I wanted to check my sources and base CENTURIES; and, accordingly, that the Westcott-Hort my research upon primary documents as much as kind of text has maintained its dominant position largely by default” (Eldon J. Epp, “The Twentieth possible, and I have pursued that goal over the past Century Interlude in New Testament Textual Criticism,”

quarter century. Today my personal library contains a Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol. 43, 1974, pp.

large percentage of the books that have been published 390-391).

in this field in English in the past 200 years. I have Suggestions for further reading on this topic: (1) The researched this issue at libraries in many parts of the Modern Bible Version Question-Answer Database goes world.

into the issue of modern textual criticism in some detail.

Bible believers of the sixteenth, seventeenth, (2) John Burgon’s exposure of the error of the Westcott-eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries were busy Hort theories, as contained in The Revision Revised, is rejoicing in, preaching, and obeying the Scriptures. On devastating. David Otis Fuller published an abbreviated the other hand, the textual critics were flying in the face form of this in True or False? (3) Another scholarly of the doctrine of preservation. Rejecting the Traditional critique of the Westcott-Hort textual theories is The Text that had been handed down to them by Bible-Identity of the New Testament Text by Wilbur Pickering believing Christians, they were groping around in dark (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1977). This is available monasteries and papal libraries trying to rediscover the online at http://www.esgm.org/ingles/imenu.html.

supposed lost Word of God. Their ears were attuned to Pickering, who has a Ph.D. in Linguistics from the the vain philosophies emanating from Germany, and University of Toronto, dismantles the principles of they were applying secular principles of textual criticism Westcott and Hort point by point. The research for the to the biblical text.

first edition of this book was done for a master’s thesis While not every adherent of modern textual criticism Pickering submitted to the Dallas Theological Seminary is a modernist or a Unitarian or a skeptic or a in 1968. The thesis was published in 1973 in True or rationalist, most of its chief architects and proponents False? (We strongly disagree with Pickering’s support for have been. Evangelicals such as the Baptist A.T.

the Hodges-Farstad Majority Text and his proposed Robertson and the Presbyterian B.B. Warfield did not revision of the Greek Received Text and the King James develop textual criticism but merely rehashed and Bible, but one does not have to agree with all of passed along that which they received from the Pickering’s conclusions to benefit from his extensive rationalistic fathers in this field. The same was true for research in this field.) (4) Edward F. Hills’ The King Samuel Tregelles in England. Presbyterian scholar James Version Defended contains a masterly refutation of Robert Dabney in 1871 observed that evangelicals modern textual criticism. (5) An excellent brief adopted the critical text “FROM THE MINT OF INFIDEL

summary of the Westcott-Hort theory of textual criticism RATIONALISM” (Dabney, “The Doctrinal Various is contained in Jack Moorman’s Modern Bibles-- the Dark Readings of the New Testament Greek,” Discussions S e c r e t . T h i s i s a v a i l a b l e o n l i n e a t h t t p :

Evangelical and Theological, pp. 361; this first appeared www.wayoflife.org/fbns/fbcdarks.htm. All of these are in the Southern Presbyterian Review, April 1871).’

available in print from Bible for Today, 900 Park Ave., George Samson, president of Columbian College and Collingswood, NJ 08108.

Rutgers Female College, observed that “studied effort to 3. WE HOLD TO THE KING JAMES BIBLE BECAUSE

undermine the integrity of the Textus Receptus began in THE MODERN TEXTS AND VERSIONS ARE A Germany, among the rejecters of the supernatural PRODUCT OF END-TIME APOSTASY.

interposition clearly manifest in the Old and New Another of the reasons why we reject modern textual Testament records,” and, “It was fostered by German criticism is its affinity to and intimate association with speculative tendencies of thought” ( The English Revisers’

end-time apostasy. I don’t see how this can be denied in Greek Text, 1882, p. 97).

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The Trinitarian Bible Society issued the following 400 and the number of Catholic colleges from two to wise warning: “We must not permit our judgment to be 29.

overawed by great names in the realm of biblical Many of the prominent early textual critics were

‘scholarship’ when it is so clearly evident that the Unitarians, including Daniel Mace (1685-1753), Johann distinguished scholars of the present century are merely Wettstein (1693-1754), Alexander Geddes (1737-1802), reproducing the case presented by rationalists during Edward Harwood (1729-94), George Vance Smith the last two hundred years. Nor should we fail to (1816-1902), Ezra Abbot (1819-84), Joseph Henry recognise that scholarship of this kind has degenerated Thayer (1828-1901), and Caspar Rene Gregory into a skeptical crusade against the Bible, tending to (1846-1917). Unitarians influenced not only the lower it to the level of an ordinary book of merely development of modern textual criticism, but also human composition” ( If the Foundations Be Destroyed, worked directly on key Bible translations such as the T.B.S. Article No. 14, p. 13).

English Revised of 1881 and the American Standard of Zane Hodges, former professor of New Testament 1901.

Literature and Exegesis at Dallas Theological Seminary, Consider just a few of the prominent modern textual gave the same warning: “The acceptance of the newer criticism of past and present:

critical editions of the New Testament does not rest on Johann Jakob Griesbach (1745-1812).

factual data which can be objectively verified, but rather upon a prevailing consensus of critical thought. IT WILL

Griesbach, a German, was one of the most important BE THE PURPOSE OF THIS DISCUSSION TO SHOW

names in the development of modern textual criticism.

THAT CONTEMPORARY CRITICAL TEXTS ARE, IN

W h i l e s o m e ( p a r t i c u l a r l y e v a n g e l i c a l s a n d FACT, THE FRUIT OF A RATIONALISTIC APPROACH TO

fundamentalists) have tried to downplay his role, he NEW TESTAMENT TEXTUAL CRITICISM” (Hodges, was, in fact, extremely influential. Marvin R. Vincent

“Rationalism and Contemporary New Testament Textual says, “With Griesbach, really critical texts may be said to Criticism,” Bibliotheca Sacra, January 1971, pp. 27-35).

have begun” (Marvin Vincent, A History of the Textual Criticism of the New Testament, 1899, p. 100). Westcott Edward F. Hills, who had a doctorate in modern and Hort said that in certain matters they venerated the textual criticism from Harvard University, said: name of Griesbach “above that of every other textual

“WEAKENED BY DEAD ORTHODOXY AND PIETISM, critic of the New Testament” ( New Testament in Greek, CONSERVATIVE PROTESTANTS OF THE LATE 17TH

1881, vol. 2, p. 185). They adopted many of his AND 18TH CENTURIES FAILED TO RESIST THE RISING

principles of textual criticism and popularized them in NEUTRAL WORLD-VIEW AS VIGOROUSLY AS THEY

their writings. A.T. Robertson states that Hort held SHOULD HAVE DONE. Instead of taking their stand Griesbach “to be the great man in textual criticism upon God’s revelation of Himself in holy Scripture and before his own day” ( An Introduction to Textual pointing out that the neutral world-view is not really Criticism, p. 30). In fact, Hort felt that “he was in reality neutral but antichristian and full of contradictions, they taking up the work of Griesbach afresh” (Robertson, An began to adopt it themselves, especially in those areas Introduction, p. 29). Bruce Metzger observes: “Griesbach of thought not specifically covered by their Reformation laid foundations for all subsequent work on the Greek creeds, namely, philosophy and biblical introduction and text of the New Testament ... The importance of above all New Testament textual criticism” (Edward Griesbach for New Testament textual criticism can Hills, The King James Bible Defended, pp. 1, 44).

scarcely be overestimated” (Metzger, The Text of the New The last half of the nineteenth century, when modern Testament, pp. 119, 121). Metzger reminds us that textual criticism was developed, was an hour of Westcott and Hort did not collate any manuscripts or deepening apostasy. Theological modernism was provide a critical apparatus; rather they “refined the blossoming. Human philosophy was brazenly exalting critical methodology developed by Griesbach, itself against God’s Word (e.g., Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, L a c h m a n n , a n d o t h e r s , a n d a p p l i e d i t Ingersoll). Unitarianism was making great gains.

rigorously” (Metzger, The Text of the New Testament, p.

Evolution, Communism, and Cults such as Mormonism, 129).

Jehovah’s Witness, Theosophy, Unity, and Christian Griesbach was influenced from his undergraduate Science were on the rise. Roman Catholicism was also days by the rising tide of Rationalism sweeping over making new advances and was sweeping through Germany and “was a foe of orthodox Christianity” (D.A.

England on the back of the Oxford Movement. In 1840

Thompson, The Controversy Concerning the Last Twelve there were not 500 Roman priests in all of England, but Verses of the Gospel According to Mark, p. 40).

by 1890 there were 2,600 (H.G. Guinness, Romanism Griesbach was strongly influenced by his teacher at and the Reformation, 1891, pp. 2-3). In the same period Halle, the modernist Johann Semler (1725-91). Semler the number of Catholic convents rose from 16 to over is “often regarded as the father of German Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 87

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rationalism” (Metzger, The Text of the New Testament, p.

B.F. Westcott was Canon of Peterborough, Regius 115). Semler rejected the view that the entire canon of Professor of Divinity at Cambridge, and Bishop of Scripture is infallibly inspired. He taught that the Durham (consecrated 1890). F.J.A. Hort was Hulsean writers of the New Testament accommodated the Professor of Divinity at Cambridge. These two men teachings of Christianity to the needs of various classes edited the critical Greek N.T. published in 1881 and of people, “which explains the appeal to miracles.” He were on the British committee that produced the looked upon the book of Revelation as “the production English Revised Version (ERV). They secretly introduced of an extravagant dreamer” and argued that it was not their pre-publication critical Greek New Testament to inspired or canonical.

the ERV committee, beginning in 1870.

George Vance Smith (1816-1902) Zane Hodges of Dallas Theological Seminary said: Smith was on the British committee that produced

“The charge of rationalism is easily substantiated for the English Revised Version New Testament (1870-81).

Westcott and Hort and may be demonstrated from direct He was the Unitarian minister of St. Saviourgate statements found in their introduction to The New Chapel, York, denying the deity and atonement of Jesus Testament in the Original Greek. To begin with, Westcott Christ, the personality of the Holy Spirit, and the divine and Hort are clearly unwilling to commit themselves to inspiration of Scripture. Consider some of the heresies the inerrancy of the original Scriptures” (Zane C.

and blasphemies that came from the pen of this man.

Hodges, “Rationalism and Contemporary New The following are from his book The Bible and Popular Testament Textual Criticism,” Bibliotheca Sacra, January Theology, which appeared in 1871 and continued to be 1971).

published until 1901. (For more documentation of Alfred Martin, Vice President of Moody Bible Smith’s heresies, see The Modern Bible Version Hall of Institute, in his 1951 doctoral dissertation to the faculty Shame.) He denied the deity of Jesus Christ, the of the Graduate School of Dallas Theological Seminary personality of the Holy Spirit, and the Trinity. He denied said: “At precisely the time when liberalism was carrying the substitutionary atonement, the infallible inspiration the field in the English churches the theory of Westcott of Scripture, and the necessity of the new birth.

and Hort received wide acclaim. These are not isolated When an attempt was made to have Smith removed facts. Recent contributions on the subject--that is, in the from the ERV translation committee, four other present century--following mainly the Westcott-Hort members of the committee (Westcott, Hort, Stanley, and principles and method, have been made largely by men Thirlwall) stood by him and threatened that they would who deny the inspiration of the Bible” (Alfred Martin, “A resign if Smith were removed. The sordid story is given Critical Examination of the Westcott-Hort Textual by A.G. Hobbs in the foreword to the Centennial Edition Theory.” Th.D. Thesis, Dallas Theological Seminary, May of Burgon’s The Revision Revised: “[Smith’s participation 1951, p. 70).

in the communion service] led to a public protest signed Donald Waite, who studied 1,291 pages of their by ‘some thousands of the Clergy.’ The Upper House writings, concluded that, among other things, Westcott passed a Resolution that ‘no person who denies the and Hort did not affirm the infallibility of Scripture; Godhead of our Lord Jesus Christ ought to be invited to they undermined the vicarious substitutionary join either company to which was committed the atonement of Christ; they embraced the Fatherhood of Revision of the Authorized Version of Holy Scripture: God and evolution. Dr. Waite warns that the heresy of and that it is further the judgment of this House that Westcott and Hort is subtle. Like many neo-orthodox any person now on either Company should cease to act and modernistic theologians, Westcott and Hort did not therewith.’ This Resolution was also passed by the so much deny the doctrines of the Word of God directly; Lower House. And still they could not get this non-they undermined orthodox doctrine with clever doubt believer off the Committee. Here is a real shocker: Dean and with subtle questioning. Dr. Waite’s books on this Stanley, Westcott, Hort, and Bishop Thirlwall all refused subject ( The Theological Heresies of Westcott and Hort: As to serve if Smith were dismissed. Let us remember that Seen in Their Own Writings and Heresies of Westcott & the Bible teaches that those who uphold and bid a false Hort) are available from Bible for Today, 900 Park Ave., teacher God speed are equally guilty. ‘For he that Collingswood, NJ 08108, http://www.biblefortoday.org.

biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds’ (2

Consider the testimony of the biographies of Westcott John 9-11). No wonder that the Deity of Christ is played and Hort published by their sons (Arthur Fenton Hort, down in so many passages!” (A.G. Hobbs, foreword, The Life and Letters of Fenton John Anthony Hort, London: Revision Revised Centennial Edition).

MacMillan and Co., 1896, and Arthur Westcott, Life and Brooke Foss Westcott (1825-1901) and Fenton John Letters of Brooke Foss Westcott, Sometime Bishop of Anthony Hort (1828-1892)

Durham, London: MacMillan and Co., 1903). The following are some samples from these biographies. For 88

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BIBLE VERSIONS

further quotes see The Modern Bible Version Hall of there is no literal salvation, and if the first chapters of Shame.

Genesis are myth the rest of the Bible is nonsense.]

“But I am not able to go as far as you in asserting the

“I am inclined to think that no such state as ‘Eden’ (I infallibility of a canonical writing” (Hort writing to mean the popular notion) ever existed, and that Westcott in 1860, cited in Life and Letters of Fenton Adam’s fall in no degree differed from the fall of each John Anthony Hort, Vol. I, p. 422). [ COMMENT: Hort o f h i s d e s c e n d a n t s , a s C o l e r i d g e j u s t l y plainly denied the infallible inspiration of Scripture; as argues” (Westcott, Life and Letters of Brooke Foss we will see, Westcott also rejected this doctrine.]

Westcott, Vol. I, p. 78). [ COMMENT: This is a plain

“For I too ‘must disclaim settling for infallibility.’ In the denial of the Bible and also of Jesus Christ and the front of my convictions all I hold is the more I learn, Apostles, for they testified plainly to the historicity of the more I am convinced that fresh doubts come from the early chapters of Genesis and of the account of my own ignorance, and that at present I find the Adam’s fall. See Mt. 19:4-6; 23:35; Ro. 5:12, 14; 1 Co.

presumption in favor of the absolute truth--I reject the 15:22, 45; 2 Co. 11:3; 1 Ti. 2:13-14; Jude 14.]

w o r d i n f a l l i b i l i t y - - o f t h e H o l y S c r i p t u r e

“... the popular doctrine of substitution is an immoral overwhelming” (Westcott writing to Hort in 1860, cited and material counterfeit. ... Certainly nothing could be in Life and Letters of Brooke Foss Westcott, Vol. I, p.

more unscriptural than the modern limiting of Christ’s 207). [ COMMENT: This is standard Westcottism. He bearing our sins and sufferings to his death; but indeed wants to hold the Bible as absolute truth but not as that is only one aspect of an almost universal infallible, which is impossible except to deluded minds heresy” (Hort to Westcott, 1860, cited in Life of Hort, such as Westcott’s. His writings often appear to be Vol. I, p. 430). [ COMMENT: What Hort called heresy is, doctrinally sound but he will redefine terms so that in fact, the truth. The atonement of Christ was made what he seems to say is not what he really means; and through His literal blood and death, not by His life. We he contradicts himself as he does in this exchange with are justified by His blood and reconciled by His death Hort, speaking the truth on the one hand while taking (Ro. 5:9-10). Note that Hort decries a “material”

it away on the other. In this, Westcott was a contrast to doctrine of the atonement, referring to literal blood Hort, who was more forthright about his unbelief.]

and death. The heresy is on Hort’s side, and it is not

“I am glad that you take the same provisional ground merely heresy; it is “damnable heresy” (2 Pe. 2:1), as to infallibility that I do” (Hort writing to Lightfoot in meaning that those who hold it cannot be saved.]

1860, Life of Hort, Vol. 1, p. 424). [ COMMENT: Thus, Westcott and Hort were instrumental in getting the after corresponding with his friend Lightfoot, another Unitarian Christ-rejecter George Vance Smith on the translator of the English Revised Version, on the issue ERV translation committee, and when an outcry was of biblical inspiration, it was Hort’s understanding that made by Anglican ministers against the Unitarian’s Lightfoot held the same heretical view of inspiration presence on the committee, these men threatened to that he held.]

resign unless he remained.

“But the book which has most engaged me is Darwin.

Westcott was exceedingly clever in the statement of Whatever may be thought of it, it is a book that one is proud to be contemporary with. ... My feeling is strong his heresies and ordinarily refused to state things that the theory is unanswerable” (Hort writing on April plainly. He acknowledged that those of his party hid 3, 1860, Life of Hort, Vol. 1). [ COMMENT: their views so as to avoid “persecution” ( Life and Letters Darwinianism is a direct assault upon the Scriptures of Westcott, Vol. I, p. 229). After studying Westcott’s and upon the Gospel (which is predicated upon man’s writings, Dr. Donald Waite observed: “Westcott’s attack literal creation, fall, and subsequent need of on the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is not redemption).]

by any means a direct clash of out-and-and denial, but

“No one now, I suppose, holds that the first three r a t h e r A N A D R O I T, S K I L L F U L , O B L I Q U E

chapters of Genesis give literal history--I could never UNDERMINING of the bodily resurrection of Christ BY

understand how any one reading them with open eyes MEANS OF A REDEFINITION OF TERMS” (Waite, could think they did--yet they disclose to us a Gospel.

Westcott’s Denial of Bodily Resurrection). Writing in So it is probably elsewhere [in the Bible]” (Westcott, 1922, modernistic textual critic Kirsopp Lake stated: writing to the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1890, cited in Life and Letters of Brooke Foss Westcott, Vol. II, p. 69).

“Bishop Westcott is really the author of the great change

[ COMMENT: Westcott wrote this in his old age. It is

[in the doctrine of the resurrection]. He entirely obvious that even when he spoke of the Gospel, he was abandoned belief in the resurrection of the flesh as speaking allegorically, because in his view the very formulated in the creed; BUT HE NEVER SAID SO. On foundation of the Bible was not literal history. Like the contrary he used all HIS MATCHLESS POWERS OF

Plato, Westcott held that myth could present spiritual SHADING LANGUAGE, so that the change from white to truth. Of course, the denial of the historicity of Genesis black appeared inevitable, natural, indeed, SCARCELY

1-3 is a denial of Redemption and of Jesus Christ, who PERCEPTIBLE” (Lake, Immortality and the Modern Mind, taught a literal Adam and Eve. If there is no literal fall pp. 38-40).

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Ezra Abbot (1819-1884)

joined the editorial committee in 1967 (until his Abbot, a Harvard theology professor and one of the retirement in 2002), and the Pontifical Biblical Institute foremost textual critics in America, was on the American in Rome became a partner in the project at the same Standard Version (ASV) translation committee (1901).

time. Johannes Karavidopoulos and Barbara Aland are Abbot was a Christ-denier. He authored the footnotes in listed on the editorial committee beginning with the the ASV that say that Christ should not be worshipped fourth edition (they joined the work in or before 1981).

and that question his deity. For example, at John 9:38, Carlo Maria Martini (1927-2012) the wicked footnote states, “The Greek word denotes an Martini is a Jesuit priest and the Archbishop Emeritus act of reverence, whether paid to a creature (as here) or of Milan. He was consecrated Archbishop of Milan by to the Creator.” I cite this from an edition of the 1901

Pope John Paul II in January 1980 and proclaimed a ASV that I have in my library. He argued that the last Cardinal on February 2, 1983. His diocese in Europe is clause of Romans 9:5 was a doxology to God and does the largest in the world, with two thousand priests and not refer to Christ. In Acts 20:28 Abbot led the five million “laity.” Martini was a professor at the committee to remove “God” and replace it with “the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, which promotes the Lord,” thus corrupting this powerful witness to the deity theory of evolution and the modernistic documentary of Jesus Christ. Unitarians and theological modernists views of biblical studies, etc. Carlo Martini is also and even Jehovah’s Witnesses alleged that Jesus is “the committed to strange universalistic, New Age doctrine.

Lord” but they deny that He is actually God. Abbot Kurt Aland ( 1915-1994)

wrote a long article arguing for the omission of “God” in 1 Timothy 3:16.

Aland was co-editor of the Nestle-Aland Greek N.T.

as well as one of the editors of the United Bible Joseph Henry Thayer (1828-1901) Societies Greek New Testament. He rejected verbal Thayer was also on the American Standard Version inspiration, calling it merely an “idea.” As a contributor translation team and was the translator and reviser of to the 1982 revised edition of Peake’s Commentary, the Greek Lexicon that bears his name today. A Harvard Aland put his stamp of approval upon its modernistic professor of New Testament criticism, he was assistant theology, which claimed, for example, that the Old to Unitarian Ezra Abbot and succeeded him in 1884 as Testament contains myths and the Gospels were the Bussey professor of New Testament criticism and product of uncertain naturalistic processes. Aland even interpretation. Like Abbot, Thayer was a Unitarian who claimed that the canon of Scripture is yet unsettled.

denied the deity of Jesus Christ and the infallibility of Barbara Aland (b. 1937) Scripture.

Barbara, the wife of the late Kurt Aland, is a Eberhard Nestle (1851-1913)

professor of New Testament and Ecclesiastical History at Nestle was the editor of an influential Greek New the University of Munster, Germany, and (since 1983) Testament that has become a standard among those Director of the Institute for New Testament Textual committed to the critical text. He was an influential Research (Institut für neutestamentliche Textforschung), father of modern textual criticism and authored Munster. She was co-editor of the Nestle-Aland text with Introduction to the Textual Criticism of the Greek New her husband beginning in 1979. She is listed as an Testament (London: Williams and Norgate, 1898, 1901).

editor of the United Bible Societies Greek New Nestle denied the infallible inspiration of the Bible. In Testament beginning with the fourth edition and started Introduction to Textual Criticism he claimed that it is work with that committee in about 1981. That Barbara possible that the authors of the New Testament did not Aland shares her late husband’s theological modernism write what they “thought or intended to be read” (p.

is evident from her writings.

23). He believed the writing of the New Testament was Bruce Metzger (1914-2007)

completely happenstance. Like most other fathers of modern textual criticism, Nestle believed the Bible is to Metzger was probably the most influential textual be treated like any other book. One of his foundational critic of this generation. Every book defending the principles was that “… the task and the method [of modern versions lists his works. He is popular across all textual criticism] are the same for all literary denominational lines, Catholic, liberal Protestant, productions.”

evangelical, even fundamentalist. His 1997

autobiography, Reminisces of an Octogenarian, omitted United Bible Societies Greek New Testament any reference to a personal salvation experience.

Consider, too, the editors of the United Bible Metzger denied the infallible inspiration of the Bible. In Societies Greek New Testament. The original editors of the notes to the Reader’s Digest Condensed Bible, of the UBS Greek text were Kurt Aland, Bruce Metzger, which he was the chairman, he questioned the Matthew Black, and Allen Wikgren. Carlo M. Martini authorship, traditional date, and supernatural 90

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inspiration of books penned by Moses, Daniel, Paul, BINNUI (familyship). Ezr. 8:33.

James, and Peter. In the notes to the 1962 New Oxford BIRD. A fowl (Ge. 7:14; Le. 14:6-7; Pr. 1:17; 6:5; Annotated Bible RSV, which he co-edited with Herbert 7:23; 26:2; 27:8; Mt. 8:20). The bird is used May, Metzger said the O.T. is “a matrix of myth, legend, symbolically of demons and of evil things in Christ’s and history.” He denied the worldwide flood, called Job parable in Mt. 13:32. Compare Mt. 13:4 and 19; Re.

an “ancient folktale,” claimed there are two authors of 18:2.

Isaiah, called Jonah a “popular legend,” and otherwise BIRSHA (thick, strong). Ge. 14:2.

attacked the divine inspiration of Holy Scripture.

BIRTHRIGHT. The inheritance right of the firstborn The previous information is only the “tip of the son. The father’s rank and position as head of the family, iceberg.” We have merely touched on a few of the high or tribe, passed at death to the eldest son. By right, he points of the apostasy of the past 200 years, and it is in received a double portion of the father’s property (De.

the midst of and in the context of this end-time apostasy 21:15-17). The firstborn of the king succeeded to the that the unscriptural theories of modern textual throne (2 Ch. 21:3), unless set aside by divine criticism were developed and have gained favor and the appointment, as when Solomon was chosen (1 Ki. 1).

modern English versions have appeared to challenge the King James Bible. The book The Modern Bible Version BIRZAVITH (olive well). 1 Ch. 7:31.

Hall of Shame features extensive documentation of this BISHLAM (peace). Ezr. 4:7.

fact. Also, the book Faith vs. the Modern Bible Versions BISHOP (overseer). 1 Ti. 3:1-2; Tit. 1:7. [See Pastor.]

gives a 10-fold defense of the King James Bible. Both of BISHOPRIC. Oversight; office (Ac. 1:20). [See these are available from Way of Life Literature.

Apostle, Judas.]

We commend to our readers the Greek Received Text BITHIAH (daughter of Jehovah, worshipper). 1 Ch.

and faithful translations thereof. You will never be 4:18.

disappointed if you build your life and church upon this BITHRON (broken or divided place). 2 Sa. 2:29.

Eternal Rock. The Bible warns, “...remove not the ancient BITTER. (1) Sharp or biting to the taste (Ex. 12:8; landmark, which thy fathers have set” (Pr. 22:29).

15:23; Nu. 5:18-27; Ja. 3:11; Re. 8:11). (2) Pointed;

[For discussion of the authenticity of Mark 16:9-20

angry; painful to the feeling; hurtful; unsympathetic and see Resurrection. See also Bible, Cut Off, Dynamic unkind (Col. 3:19; Ja. 3:14). (3) Painful; piercing; hard Equivalency, Erasmus, Inspiration, King James Bible, (Ge. 27:34; Ex. 1:14; Es. 4:1; Job 3:20; Ec. 7:26; Is.

Living Bible, Masoretic Text, Paraphrase, Preservation, 33:7).

Westcott-Hort.]

BITTERNESS. (1) Sharpness; pain; discomfort; BICHRI (youth, firstborn). 2 Sa. 20:1.

unpleasantness (1 Sa. 1:10; Job 7:11; 10:1; Pr. 14:10; BID. To speak; to call; to invite (Ge. 43:17; Lk.

17:25; Is. 38:15; Eze. 3:14). (2) Hard, angry, hurtful 10:40; Mt. 22:3).

words and thoughts (Ro. 3:14; Ep. 4:31; He. 12:15).

BIDKAR (servant of Kar). 2 Ki. 9:25.

[See Anger, Evil Speaking.]

BIER. A light frame or couch on which the dead BITTERN. A creature which inhabited places of ruin could be carried (2 Sa. 3:31; Lk. 7:14). The Hebrew (Is. 14:23; Zep. 2:14) (Analytical).

word mittah is often translated “bed” (Ge. 47:31) BIZJOTHJAH (place of Jehovah’s olives). Jos. 15:28.

(Concise). [See Burial, Cremation, Death.]

BIZTHA (eunuch). Es. 1:10.

BIGTHA (given by fortune). Es. 1:10.

BLAIN. A serum-filled blister on the skin (Ex.

BIGVAI (with exultation, happy). Ezr. 2:2.

9:8-11).

BILDAD (son of contention). Job 2:11.

BLAMELESS. Having no just cause for blame. This BILEAM (place of conquest). 1 Ch. 6:70.

word is used in two different ways in regard to the BILGAH (bursting forth). 1 Ch. 24:14.

Christian: He is blameless positionally in Christ (Ep.

BILHAH (tender). Ge. 29:29.

1:4), and he is to be blameless in his testimony before the world (Ph. 2:15; 1 Ti. 3:2, 10). The pastor is to be BILHAN (tender). Ge. 36:27.

blameless in the qualifications listed in 1 Ti. 3 and Tit.

BILL. Writing; ledger account (De. 24:1; Is. 50:1; Je.

1. [See Pastor.]

3:8; Mk. 10:4; Lk. 16:6).

BLASPHEME. Slandering God, or using His name BILLOWS. A heap (Ps. 42:7; Jon. 2:3).

lightly (Ps. 74:18). “To hurt or blast the reputation, or to BILSHAN (searcher). Ezr. 2:2.

smite with words, or reports; when applied to men BIMHAL (circumcised). 1 Ch. 7:33.

denotes injurious speaking, or calumny; and when used BINEA (wanderer). 1 Ch. 8:37.

in reference to God signifies speaking impiously of his Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 91

BLASTED - BOIL

nature, attributes, and works” (Treasury). [See Capital murdered (2 Sa. 11-12). [See Guilty of Blood, Guilty of Punishment, Evil speaking.]

Death.]

BLASTED. Scorched; withered (Ge. 41:6; 2 Ki.

BLOOD THIRSTY. The violent (Pr. 29:10).

19:26; Is. 37:27).

BLOODY. (1) Murderous; violent (2 Sa. 16:8; Ps.

BLAZE. To spread far and wide (Mk. 1:45).

5:6; 26:9; 55:23; 59:2; Eze. 7:23). (2) Cruel (Ex.

BLESS. (1) To pronounce divine favor and benefits 4:25-26). Moses’ wife unjustly thought him to be cruel (Ge. 1:22; 9:1-7; 39:5). God blessed Adam, but Adam because he required the circumcision of his son.

lost God’s blessing by his sin. God blessed Noah and his BLOODY FLUX. Dysentery (Ac. 28:8).

sons that they might repopulate the world (Ge. 9:1).

BLOW UP. Blow loudly (Ps. 131:3).

God blessed Abraham and promised him an everlasting BOANERGES (sons of rage, soon angry). Mk. 3:17.

nation (Ge. 12:1-3). [See Covenant.]]The eternal blessing of God comes through Jesus Christ upon those BOAR. A swine (Ps. 80:13).

who believe (Ep. 1:3). (2) To set apart or consecrate BOAST. To brag, to praise greatly. The Bible speaks (Ge. 2:3; Lk. 9:16). (3) To praise God for His benefits of wrong boasting, which is the exaltation of self or of (Ps. 16:7; 34:1; 96:2; 100:4; 103:1-2, 20-22; 134:1-2; sinful man, or a prideful confidence in man apart from 145:1-2). (4) To be thankful for and to bestow benefits God (2 Ch. 25:19; Eze. 35:13; Ps. 10:3; 49:6; 52:1; upon something in a general sense; to speak well of and 94:4; 97:7; Pr. 27:1; Ja. 3:5). This kind of boasting is a to desire God’s blessing upon (2 Sa. 6:20; 8:10; 1 Ki.

great sin before God (Ro. 1:30; 2 Ti. 3:2). There is a 1:47; Pr. 30:11; Mt. 5:44; Ro. 12:14).

proper boasting, which is praise to and confidence in BLIND. (1) Unable to see with the natural eyes (Ge.

God and in His work (Ps. 34:2; 44:8; 2 Co. 7:14; 8:24; 19:11; Ex. 4:11; De. 28:29). The Mosaic law provided 10:15-16; 11:16). Salvation is by grace alone through for the blind (Le. 19:14; De. 27:18). Job cared for the faith alone without works or sacraments so that man blind (Job 29:15). The prophets said the Messiah would has no place for boasting in himself or in his religious open blind eyes (Ps. 146:8; Is. 29:18; 35:5; 42:7). Christ works; our boasting is exclusively of the Lord Jesus healed the blind (Mt. 9:27, 28; 11:5; 12:22; 15:30, 31; Christ (Ep. 2:8-9; Ro. 3:27). [See Grace, Humble, 20:30; Mk. 8:22, 23; 10:46-51; Lk. 4:18; 7:21-22; Pride.]

18:35; Jn. 9:1-41; 10:21; 11:37). (2) Spiritually BOAZ (cheerfulness). The wealthy man who married hardhearted and unable to discern God’s truth (Mt.

Ruth (Ru. 2). Ruth and Boaz were grandparents of King 23:16-26; Jn. 12:40; Ro. 11:7, 25; 2 Co. 4:4; Ep. 4:18).

David (Ru. 4:13-22), thus they are in the family line of (3) Justice clouded by the giving of gifts (Ex. 23:8; De.

the Lord Jesus Christ (Mt. 1:1-6). Boaz was Ruth’s 16:19; 1 Sa. 12:3). (4) Carnal; spiritually undiscerning kinsman redeemer (Le. 25:25) and as such pictures (2 Pe. 1:9; Re. 3:17). [See Vail.]

Christ. As Boaz was willing and able to redeem the BLOOD. The life of man is in the blood (Le. 17:11, Gentile Ruth, even so does Christ redeem and receive 14). God’s law demands death AND the shedding of Gentiles today. As Boaz made Ruth to share his name blood for transgression (Le. 17:11; Eze. 18:4; Ro. 6:23; and wealth, even so do Christians inherit Christ’s glory.

He. 9:22). The O.T. sacrifices depicted how God’s Son, Ruth became Boaz’s wife and friend, and Christians Jesus Christ, would pay the price for sin (He. 9-10; 1 Pe.

become Christ’s bride (Ep. 5) and friend (Jn. 15:15).

1:18-19). Jesus’ death alone could not save us; His

[See Covenant, Gospel, Jesus Christ, Jubilee, Kinsman blood was required. In Ro. 5:9-10 we see the two Redeemer, Type.]

together. Verse 9 says we are justified “by his blood,”

BOCHERU (youth). 1 Ch. 8:38.

and v. 10 says we are reconciled “by his death.” What BOCHIM (weepers). Ju. 2:1.

Jesus’ blood does for the believer: Justifies (Ro. 5:9), BODY OF HEAVEN. The very substance or form of unifies (1 Co. 10:16), provides eternal redemption and heaven; clear and lovely like the heavens (Ex. 24:10).

forgiveness (Ep. 1:7; 1 Pe. 1:18,19; He. 9:12), brings us This is a description of the clearness and beauty of the near to God (Ep. 2:13), grants peace (Col. 1:20), purges firmament beneath the Lord. In Revelation 4:6 the sea our conscience (He. 9:14), grants access into God’s before the throne of God is described as “a sea of glass presence (He. 10:19), sanctifies (He. 13:12), cleanses like unto crystal.” This might be the same as or similar from all sin (1 Jn. 1:7), frees from sins (Re. 1:5), gives to that which was seen by Moses on the mountain. [See victory over Satan (Re. 12:11). [See Atonement, Gospel, Glory, Heaven.]

Justification, Propitiation, Redemption, Offering.]

BOHAN (stumpy). Jos. 15:6.

BLOOD GUILTINESS. Guilty of causing man’s death BOIL. A sore swelling of the skin. Boils were the (Ps. 51:14). David cried out to God to be delivered from sixth Egyptian plague (Ex. 9:9-11). Job was afflicted by

“blood guiltiness” because he had caused Uriah to be boils (Job. 2:7).

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BOISTEROUS . Strong (Mt. 14:30).

therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by BOLLED. Swollen; podded; in pod (Ex. 9:31) the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19).

Concise).

There is not one hint in the Bible that Christians are BOLSTER. Pillow (1 Sa. 19:13, 16).

to save the bones of the dead and make keepsakes of BOND MAN. Slave (Ge. 43:18; Le. 25:46).

them for any purpose whatsoever. This is pagan and occultic. When the first martyr Stephen died, the church BONDSERVICE. Enforced service; slavery (1 Ki.

at Jerusalem did not keep his bones. They did not hack 9:21).

off a few pieces and distribute them to the other BONES. The Roman Catholic Church has a strange churches. They buried the man (Acts 7:2). All of him!

and unscriptural relationship with human bones. For Even in Old Testament times the bones of the saints example, in 1998 bones allegedly belonging to San (every child of God through faith in Christ is a saint—1

Diego de Alcala were brought to Chicago. San Diego is Co. 1:2) were not kept and incorporated into their the “saint” for whom the ever-sunny southern California worship. The body of Joseph was kept, not to use in city is named. He died 535 years ago in Spain. Two of worship but to carry to the Promised Land to give him a his bone fragments—the Catholic Church calls them proper burial there (Ge. 50:25; Exodus 13:19; Joshua

“first-class relics”—now reside at Loyola University.

24:32). God buried the body of Moses to prevent any They will be proudly displayed in a silver showcase. An possibility that his bones would be used as holy relics article in the Chicago Sun Times notes that these are not (De. 32:5-6). “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from the only holy relics in Chicago. “A bone from the right idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14). “Little children, keep arm of Mother Cabrini, who died in 1917 and was yourselves from idols. Amen” (1 John 5:21).

declared a saint in 1946, is on display at the National BOOTH. A temporary structure made with branches Shrine to St. Frances Cabrini at Columbus Hospital” and (Ge. 33:17; Le. 23:39-43).

“at least three pieces of leg bone, believed to belong to St. Jude, one of Jesus’ 12 Apostles, are encased at the BOOTIES. Plunder; booty (Hab. 2:7).

National Shrine to St. Jude.” Further, priest Thomas BOOZ. The Greek form of Boaz. [See Boaz.]

Poprocki, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago, said BORN AGAIN. The new birth is a sinner receiving there are at least 378 relics in Chicago “because every new life from God (Jn. 3:1-16) and being born into church in Cook and Lake counties would have one or God’s family (Jn. 1:12-13). Other Bible terms that refer more embedded under its altar stone. Not all are bone to the New Birth are “born of the Spirit” (Jn. 3:5-6, 8), fragments. Relics can be skin, clothing or instruments

“born of God” (1 Jn. 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18), “new connected to a martyr.”

creature” (2 Co. 5:17; Ga. 6:15), “washing of Catholic leaders cited in the article protest that the regeneration” (Tit. 3:5), “new man” (Ep. 4:24; Col.

relics are not worshipped but are simply “venerated” as 3:9).

“a piece of memory.” There is very little difference How the New Birth Is Like the First Birth: (1) It is a between venerate and worship. I’ve seen Catholics powerful event. The natural birth is a very significant lighting candles and incense and bowing before relics in event. Many people are affected, not only the mother many parts of the world—at the Vatican in Rome, at St.

and father, but all of the relatives and friends and Joseph’s Cathedral in Montreal, at shrines in Slovakia acquaintances. Births are very dramatic things. So is the and Ireland and India and England. This, my friends, is new birth. (2) It happens at one time. A man is not born idolatry. Those who visit these places hope that the over a period of a week or month or year. A birth holiness of the relics will somehow make their prayers happens in one day. So does the new birth. There are more efficacious, and they are taught to pray directly to many things leading up to the birth, but the birth itself the “saints” represented by the relics. All of this is happens in one day. (3) Others know it when it happens.

forbidden by the Word of God. Nowhere are we taught When a child comes into this world, everyone around to pray to anyone other than Almighty God. To do so is knows that a new life has been born. Likewise, when a blasphemy and idolatry. There are no prayers to Mary or person is born again, those around him are going to to saints in the Bible. The Lord Jesus Christ taught us to know it.

pray to God the Father.

The Means of the New Birth: This new life is received We don’t come to God through bones; we come by trusting Christ to be one’s Saviour from sin (Jn.

through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. “But now in 3:7-16; 1:12; 1 Jn. 5:1). People are born again by Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made hearing and believing the Gospel of Christ (1 Co. 4:15; nigh by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). “In whom Ja. 1:18; 1 Pe. 1:23). The Source of the New Birth: It is we have redemption through his blood, even the the Holy Spirit who imparts this new life (Tit. 3:5; 1 Co.

forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14). “Having 6:11).

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BORROWER - BOW

The Result of the New Birth: Those who are born loan money to someone who has proven that he is again have eternal inheritance and are preserved by unwise with money or to someone who is already in God (1 Pe. 1:3-5). Their lives, also, are completely debt. Don’t loan money to someone with bad character changed by the power of the indwelling Spirit (2 Co.

(for example, lying, stealing, hiding from creditors, 5:17; 1 Jn. 3:14). [See Adoption, Convert, Eternal having a bad testimony in his or her Christian life) Security, Gospel, Grace, Justification, Regeneration, (Prov. 4:14-17). When we enable people to do evil, we Repentance, Salvation.]

become partakers of their evil deeds (1 Ti. 5:22; 2 Jn.

BORROWER. One who borrows money and makes a 10-11; Re. 18:4).

debt (Pr. 22:7). The Bible warns about unwise BOSSES. The thickest, strongest part (Job 15:26).

borrowing and making unwise business contracts (Pr.

BOTCH. An incurable skin disease (De. 28:27, 35).

6:1-5). Following are some biblical lessons on this BOTTLE. (1) A bag of animal skins for holding water subject: (1) If you see that you have made a mistake, try or wine (Jos. 9:4, 13; Ps. 119:83; Mt. 9:17). “The Arabs to find a way out of it (for example, wrong marriage keep their water, milk and other liquids in leathern engagement, wrong business partnership, wrong job, bottles. These are made of goatskins. When the animal wrong education). If the obligation has been finalized, is killed they cut off its feet and its head, and draw it in you are responsible to fulfill the contract, but it is wise this manner out of the skin without opening its belly.

to do everything possible to get out of it if at all The great leathern bottles are made of the skin of a he-possible, such as working a second job to pay off a debt goat, and the small ones, that serve instead of a bottle quickly. (2) The borrower becomes a servant (Prov. 22:7).

of water on the road, are made of a kid’s skin” (Smith).

A business obligation is a contract before man and God.

(2) An earthen jar (Je. 19:1).

Don’t borrow unless you are certain you can pay it back.

Consider the terrible plight of the prophet’s family in 2

BOTTOMLESS PIT. The place where certain Kings 4:1. God holds us responsible when we make a demonic powers are confined until they will be released promise. He requires us to speak the truth (Zec. 8:16; during the Great Tribulation (Re. 9:1-11). The Greek Ep. 4:25). We are bound by our promises, whether it is word for the Bottomless Pit is abussos, abyss, and is in a marriage contract or a business contract. I know of translated “the deep” in Lk. 8:31. In Re. 11:7 and 17:8

some believers who have filed for bankruptcy in the Bottomless Pit is mentioned in connection with the America in order to escape their debts, but that is not Antichrist. Apparently this mysterious personage the Christian way. It might be necessary under certain ascends out of this pit with the demons. The devil will conditions to renegotiate the contract and extend the be confined in the Bottomless Pit for 1,000 years terms of payment, but debts must be paid. It is a matter following Christ’s return (Re. 20:1-3). [See Antichrist, of Christian honesty. (3) It is especially unwise to borrow Devils, Prophecy, Satan.]

on bad terms. A friend in South Asia recently told me BOW. (1) The bow and arrow (Ge. 27:3). (2) To bow that he went to a bank to inquire about a loan. They down; to honor; to worship (Ge. 18:2; 23:12; 1 Ki.

were going to charge him 20% interest, plus he had to 19:28). (3) The rainbow (Ge. 9:13-16). [See Rainbow.]

deposit 20% of the borrowed amount into the bank and (3) The bow and arrow (Ge. 27:3). “The bow was the pay interest on that, too! Many people in this same part principal weapon of offense among the Egyptians, of the world borrow from private lenders who charge Assyrians, and Hebrews. That of the Egyptians was a 30% interest plus various fees and penalties. People who round piece of wood, from five to five and one half feet agree to such contracts are not wise. God has promised long, either straight or bending in the middle when to provide our needs and to make a way for us if we will unstrung. The string was made of hide, catgut, or string.

obey Him and walk in His paths, and we must trust Him The Assyrian archer was equipped in all respects like the and not make foolish decisions in desperation. To do the Egyptian, the bow being either long and slightly curved latter is to act in unbelief rather than faith, but without or short and almost angular. Among the Hebrews the faith it is impossible to please God (He. 11:6). (4) Be bow and arrow are met with very early in their history, very careful about lending money. There is a right time to both for the chase (Ge. 21:20; 27:3) and war (48:22).

lend (Ps. 37:26; Lk. 6:35). But it is unwise to lend to In later times archers accompanied the armies of the anyone who asks. The lending must be done with Philistines (1 Sa. 31:3; 1 Ch. 10:3) and of the Syrians (1

wisdom (Ps. 112:5). Don’t loan to strangers (Pr. 11:15).

Ki. 22:34). Among the Hebrews, captains high in rank Don’t loan to a lazy person or someone who doesn’t (2 Ki. 9:24), and even kings’ sons (1 Sa. 18:4), carried work hard (2 Th. 3:10; Pr. 6:6-10). Don’t loan money to the bow, and were expert in its use (2 Sa. 1:22). The an undependable person with a poor testimony (Pr.

tribe of Benjamin seems to have been especially 25:19; Lk. 16:10). Don’t loan money to someone who is addicted to archery (1 Ch. 8:40; 12:2; 2 Ch. 14:8; involved in a get-rich-quick scheme (Pr. 28:20). Don’t 17:17); but there were also bowmen among Reuben, Gad, Manasseh (1 Ch. 5:18), and Ephraim (Ps. 78:9). Of 94

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BOWELS - BRETHREN

the form of the bow we can gather almost nothing. It of the underlying Greek word, mache, is translated seems to have been bent by the aid of the foot (1 Ch.

“fighting” (2 Co. 7:5; Ja. 4:1) and “striving” (Tit. 3:9).

5:18; 8:40; 2 Ch. 14:8; Is. 5:28; Ps. 7:12, etc.). Bows of

[See Anger, Controversy.]

steel, or rather brass, are mentioned as if specially BRAY. To pound; grind; beat (Pr. 27:22). The strong (2 Sa. 22:35; Job 20:24). The arrows were impossibility of changing a fool’s nature apart from carried in quivers hung on the shoulder or at the left divine intervention is presented in this verse. Even if he side. They were probably of reed, and mostly tipped were pounded and crushed in a mortar with a pestle, with flint points; others were of wood tipped with the fool would retain his foolishness. This is why the metal, about thirty inches long and winged with three Lord Jesus Christ said a man must be born again to see rows of feathers” (People’s Bible Dictionary). [See the kingdom of God (John 3:1-16). He must be given Military.]

new life through the righteousness of Christ. [See Born BOWELS. (1) Procreation organs (Ge. 15:4; 25:23).

Again.]

(2) Intestines (Nu. 5:22; 2 Ch. 21:15-19; Ac. 1:18). (3) BREACH. Damage; break; leak (1 Ki. 12:5).

Emotions; compassion (Ge. 43:30; 1 Ki. 3:26; 2 Co.

BREAKING FORTH. To burst out (1 Ch. 14:11; Ho.

6:12; Ph. 1:8; 2:1; Co. 3:12; 1 Jn. 3:17). [See Belly, 13:13).

Heart, Soul, Spirit.]

BREAKING UP. To force entry (Ex. 22:2).

BOWMAN. Archer (Je. 4:29). [See Military.]

BREAST. (1) Woman’s breast (Ge. 49:25; Job 3:2; BOZEZ (height, shining). 1 Sa. 14:4.

Ps. 22:9; Pr. 5:19; Song 1:13; 4:5; 7:3, 7-8; 8:1, 8, 10; BOZKATH (height). Jos. 15:39.

Is. 28:9; Eze. 16:7; 23:3, 8; Ho. 2:2; 9:14; Joel 2:16).

BOZRAH (fortification, restraint, sheepfold). “It is (2) The chest (Da. 2:32; Lk. 18:13; 23:48; Jn. 13:25; assigned in Je. 48:24 to Moab, so that it seems to have 21:20; Re. 15:6). (3) The part of the quadruped animal been at one time in the dominion of Edom, and at which corresponds to man’s breast, between the neck another in that of Moab (Is. 63:1; Je. 49:13, 20) and the forelegs (Le. 7:30, 31, 34; 8:29; 9:20, 21; (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown).

10:14, 15). (4) The breast is used symbolically to depict BRAMBLE. A thorn (Ju. 9:14-15; Ps. 58:9).

bounty and blessing (Job 21:24; Is. 60:16; 66:11).

BRANCH. A name used by the O.T. prophets to refer BREASTPLATE. (1) A garment worn by the high to Christ (Is. 11:1; Je. 23:5; 33:15; Ze. 3:8; 6:12-13; Mt.

priest (Ex. 28:15-30). (2) Righteous character as a 1:1; Is. 9:6-7; Re. 22:16). It identifies Christ as the seed protection from spiritual enemies (Is. 59:17; Ep. 6:14; 1

of David and refers to Him as the heir to David’s throne.

Th. 5:8). (3) Military armament (Re. 9:9, 17). [See

[See also Jesus Christ, Messiah.]

High Priest.]

BRASEN. Made of brass (Ex. 27:4). [See Brass BREED. (1) To increase; to multiply; to bear Serpent.]

offspring (Ge. 8:17; Ex. 16:20). (2) A particular type of BRASS. (Ge. 4:22). [See Iron.]

cattle (De. 32:14).

BRASS SERPENT. When the Israelites were bitten by BREEDING. Overrunning; possession (Zep. 2:9).

fiery serpents in the wilderness, Moses was commanded BRETHREN. (1) Brothers and sisters in Christ; those to make a serpent of brass and place it upon a pole.

who have been born again through faith in the blood of Looking upon this with faith in the promise of God, the Jesus Christ (Ep. 6:1; Ja. 3:1). [See Christendom, Israelites were healed (Nu. 21:8-9). The lifting up of the Christian.]

brazen serpent on a pole was likened by Jesus to His (2) DESCENDANTS OF GERMAN SEPARATISTS.

death on the cross (Jn. 3:14-15). Sinners are saved by

“American descendants of early German Protestants, the having faith in Jesus’ blood and death, just as the Brethren are authentic Pietists. The inner spiritual life, Israelites were healed by looking to the brazen serpent.

piety, is cultivated in prayer and study of Scripture and The serpent, representing God’s curse (Ge. 3:14), through association with fellow believers. The local typifies the fact that the Lord Jesus was made a curse church is central, claiming their primary loyalty ...

for us on the Cross (Ga. 3:14). Brass, representing Brethren do not emphasize tight doctrinal standards. ...

judgment, typifies the Lord Jesus Christ taking the They live in a simple, unadorned life. In their early sinner’s judgment upon Himself (2 Co. 5:21; 1 Pe.

decades in Europe and America, Brethren were 2:24). [See Nehushtan.]

separatists from the state church and conventional BRAVERY. Beauty; splendid attire; proud worldly churches. or immerse,’ and is identified with the appearance (Is. 3:18).

peculiar method of immersion employed by this group BRAWLER. Quarrelsome; fighter; contentious; not of churches—triple immersion—in which the believer is peaceable. Pr. 21:9; 25:24; 1 Ti. 3:3; Tit. 3:2. The root immersed not once but three times, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. ... It might be said Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 95

BRETHREN

generally that these Dunkers, or Brethren, are former Greek to aid Christians in Bible study. [See Bible German Reformed bodies which took their theology and Versions.]

much of their practice from the Pietists of the 17th and

“As a result of a division in England in 1848, there 18th centuries. Most Pietists were Lutherans who had are two basic types of Brethren assemblies, commonly become unhappy with the formal worship and ritual in known as exclusive and open. most of the movement’s their state church and the general ‘barrenness’ of well-known Bible teachers—Kelly, Grant, Mackintosh, German Protestantism. They took the N.T. literally and

[Darby himself], and others. ... Open assemblies were endeavored to put its teachings into practice, even in led by George Muller, well known for his orphanages the least detail of their living. ... From those German a n d l i f e o f f a i t h . o n l y 2 5 0 e x c l u s i v e Pietists came Church of the Brethren, Brethren Church, groups” (Handbook).

Old German Baptist Brethren, and Fellowship of Grace

“Within these churches, the common terminology is Brethren Churches. Another group historically unrelated simply Brethren, or assemblies, or Brethren assemblies.

to these, known as River Brethren, also took its ideology The term Plymouth Brethren is not used by the Brethren from the German Pietists. That group includes Brethren themselves, but was a label outsiders gave to them in in Christ, Old Order Brethren, and United Zion Plymouth, England. The matter of names is a sensitive Church” (Handbook). Some of the Brethren distinctives issue among Brethren, reflecting a historical emphasis are foot washing, plainness of dress and the disavowal on the unity of all believers. The early Brethren of worldly fashions, head coverings on women, envisioned a basis for Christian unity—not in the anointing the sick, eschewing worldly amusements, ecumenical merging of denominations, but rather in refusing to take oaths, pacifism and refusal to go to war.

forsaking denominational structures and names in order As with the Amish and Mennonites, there is a general to meet simply as Christians. ... names like Bible Chapel tendency for these European Brethren descendants to or Gospel Hall, usually prefixed with the name of a city, retain only the outward form of their past spirituality, community, street, or some biblical term like Grace, and to be barren today of the new birth.

Bethel, or Bethany, are preferred to Church when (3) PLYMOUTH BRETHREN. The Plymouth Brethren naming a building” (Ibid.).

is a Christian movement which originated in England in The Brethren have been zealous for Bible doctrine the 19th century. According to Roy Huebmer, a Brethren and hold to the evangelical Bible faith in areas such as historian and author of Precious Truths Revived and Inspiration, Salvation, God, the Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Defended Through J.N. Darby, this movement can be Holy Spirit, Resurrection, heaven, and hell. Though traced to 1827 when John Nelson Darby (1800-1882) Bible prophecy was interpreted allegorically by most and three other men began to conduct Bible studies and Christians in the 19th century, the Brethren were to break bread together in Dublin. Darby was the instrumental in popularizing the dispensational method grandson of Lord Nelson of Trafalgar fame. He gave up of interpretation, which views biblical history as a law practice to work as a deacon in the Church of dispensations or eras in which God has been worked out England and to preach and do visitation work. He left His purposes through men, and which interprets Bible the Anglican Church in the summer of 1827. He never prophecy in a consistent literal-historical manner. The married, and he used his personal estate to support Brethren believe that God’s promises to the nation Israel himself. Eventually Darby moved to Plymouth, England, will be fulfilled literally, that the Tribulation and and the church he established there grew to over 1,200

Millennium will be fulfilled literally. The Brethren members by 1845. Darby was a diligent student and emphasized the imminent coming of Christ for His own prolific writer. William Kelly compiled and published 34

in the Rapture of the saints, though they did not fall large volumes of J.N. Darby’s works (in the Collected into the error of setting dates. The writings of Darby, Writings). Seven volumes of Darby’s Notes and William Kelly, C.H. Mackintosh, and other Brethren Comments were published from his notebooks dispensationalists had a powerful influence on C.I.

posthumously. Darby also produced translations of the Scofield, and these views are reflected in the popular Bible in German, French, and English. The Darby Scofield Reference Bible of 1909. Another well-known English translation follows the Received Text for the Brethren was Sir Robert Anderson, who was chief of most part, though it does contain a number of Westcott-Scotland Yard and who wrote books on Bible prophecy Hort omissions and other departures from the TR. For which were widely distributed.

example, the eunuch’s testimony in Ac 8:37 is omitted, as is the trinity statement of 1 Jn. 5:7. He did not intend Some of the distinctives of the Plymouth Brethren that his versions replace the Luther German and King movement are as follows: (1) The remembrance James English translations; his stated goal was to meeting held each Sunday, during which the Lord’s provide very literal interpretations of the Hebrew and Supper is received. All men of the assembly are free to take part in the service and to testify. (2) Though the 96

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BRIBE - BURDEN

Brethren believe in preachers, they do not believe in BRUISE. The expressions “bruise thy head” and strong pastoral leadership. The assemblies are ruled by

“bruise his heal” in Ge. 3:15 form a Messianic prophecy.

a plurality of elders. They reject any form of clergy/laity In this verse God is addressing the serpent after man’s divisions, and refuse the title “Reverend.” Brethren fall. The seed of the woman will bruise the heel of the preachers normally receive no regular salary. (3) Many serpent’s seed, and the serpent will bruise the head of of the Plymouth Brethren have been opposed to the use the woman’s seed. It is a strange expression, because of musical instruments, which they traced to the ordinarily the man is said to have seed, not the woman.

influence of Cain’s descendants.

In this case it is the woman’s seed because it is a Two Brethren publishers in the U.S. are Loizeaux in prophecy of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. The seed of Neptune, New Jersey, publisher of Harry Ironside’s the serpent will bruise Christ’s heel on the cross, but the many popular books and Bible Truth Publishers in Seed of the woman will bruise the head of the serpent Addison, Illinois.

on that same cross (He. 2:14). [See Jesus Christ, Satan.]

While the Plymouth Brethren have been strong in BRUISED REED. [See Reed.]

Bible teaching, pure Christian living, and evangelism in BRUIT. Report (Je. 10:22; Na. 3:19).

days gone by, that is changing rapidly, as it is in most BRUTE. Like an animal; irrational; without reason (2

Christian groups. Sadly, there is a general tendency Pe. 2:12; Jude 10). The Greek word, alogos, is translated toward spiritual lethargy and evangelistic coolness

“unreasonable” in Ac. 25:27.

today. [See Allegorical, Church, Pastor, Lord’s Supper, BRUTISH. Like a brute beast; ignorant; foolish; Prophecy, Rapture.]

wicked; hurtful (Ps. 49:10; 92:6; 94:8; Pr. 12:1; 30:2; BRIBE. “A price, reward, gift or favor bestowed or Is. 19:11; Je. 10:8, 14, 21; 51:17; Eze. 21:31). The promised with a view to pervert the judgment, or same Hebrew word, baar, is translated “eaten up” (Is.

corrupt the conduct of a judge, witness or other person.

3:14), “wasted” (Nu. 24:22), and “burnt” (Is. 24:6). It A bribe is a consideration given or promised to a person, particularly speaks of the destructiveness of the wicked.

to induce him to decide a cause, give testimony, or BUCKLER. A small shield used by archers and perform some act contrary to what he knows to be swordsmen (1 Ch. 5:18). [See Shield.]

truth, justice or rectitude” (Webster). The Bible condemns giving and taking of bribes: Ex. 23:8; De.

BUFFET. To strike with the fist; to beat; to punish 16:19; Ps. 26:10; Pr. 17:23; 29:4; Is. 1:23; 33:15; Am.

(Mt. 26:67; Mk. 14:26; 1 Co. 4:11; 2 Co. 12:7; 1 Pe.

5:12. Samuel testified that he refused bribes (1 Sa.

2:20).

12:3), but his sons took bribes (1 Sa. 8:3). Hezekiah BUILDED. Built (Ge. 4:17).

took a gift from the king of Babylon (2 Ki. 20:12). [See BUKKI (mouth of Jehovah). 1 Ch. 6:5.

Government.]

BUL (changing). The 8th month of the Hebrew BRIGANDINES. Protective armor worn on the person calendar (1 Ki. 6:38), corresponding to parts of October (Je. 46:4; 51:3). [See Military.]

and November. The seed time (Potts). [See Calendar.]

BRIGHTNESS OF HIS GLORY. [See Express Image.]

BULLOCK. A young bull (1 Ch. 29:21; Je. 31:18; 1

BRIM. The brink of a river or the edge of a container Co. 9:9). The bullock was used in some O.T. offerings of water (Jos. 3:15; 1 Ki. 7:23; Jn. 2:7).

and in such pictures Christ as the willing Servant of the BRIMSTONE. Burning sulphur. Brimstone is used to Father (He. 10:7). [See Jesus Christ, Offerings.]

describe the place of eternal punishment for Satan and BULRUSH. A plant that grows in swamps and which unsaved men (Re. 14:10; 19:20; 20:10-15; 21:8). [See can be twisted into ropes (Ex. 2:3; Job 41:2; Is. 9:14).

Gehenna, Hell.]

BULWARK. A mound used by those besieging a city BRINK. Edge (Jos. 3:8).

(De. 20:20); a rampart (Is. 26:1) (Analytical).

BROIDED. Braided (1 Ti. 2:9).

BUNAH (understanding). 1 Ch. 2:25.

BROIDERED. Embroidered (Eze. 16:10, 13).

BUNNI (my understanding). Ne. 9:4.

BROUGHT ON THE WAY. The phrase “brought on BURDEN. (1) A solemn pronouncement of judgment the way” in the N.T. (Ac. 15:3) speaks of the support (Is. 13:1). “a ‘burden,’ is the Hebrew word massa, given by churches to traveling preachers (Ro. 15:24; 1

referring to a heavy, weighty thing. It is a message of Co. 16:6; 2 Co. 1:16; Tit. 3:13; 3 Jn. 6). These passages judgment. It is ‘heavy’ because the wrath of God is in it, teach that the churches are responsible to fully meet the and grievous for the prophet to declare” (Scofield). (2) needs of the men who minister to them and who are Something difficult or troublesome; a weight (Mt.

passing through on the Lord’s business. [See Lucre, 20:12; Ac. 15:28; Re. 2:24). The Greek word translated Missions, Possessions, Tithe.]

“burden” in these verses is baros. It is also translated

“weight” (2 Co. 4:17) and “burdensome” (1 Th. 2:6).

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BURIAL - BYZANTINE TEXT

Strong defines this as “a weight; a load.” (3) A BUSYBODY. Meddling, without authority, in the responsibility; a duty; a task of service (Mt. 11:30; 23:4; affairs of others (2 Th. 3:11; 1 Ti. 5:13; 1 Pe. 4:15).

Lk. 11:46). The Greek word translated “burden” here

[See Backbite, Evil Speaking, Gossip, Intermeddle, ( phortion) is defined by Strong as “as invoice (as part of Slander, Talebearer, Tattler, Whisperer.]

freight), i.e. a task or service.” “In Ga. 6:2 and 5 both BUZ (contempt). Ge. 22:21.

words are employed: ‘Bear ye one another’s burdens BY AND BY. Immediately (Mt. 13:21; Mk. 6:25; Lk.

( baros) ... for every man shall bear his own burden 17:7; 21:9).

( phortion).’ We may and should in sympathy bear one another’s troubles, and so on; but each one is BY COURSE. In due order; one by one (1 Co. 14:27).

responsible for his own duty: he cannot transfer it to

[See Course.]

another” (Concise). [See Prophecy, Suffering, Trial.]

BY THAT. Before (Ex. 22:26).

BURIAL. The common type of burial for the Jews BY STRENGTH OF HAND. By his power (Ex. 13:3 , was to lay the body in a cave, whether natural or man-14, 16).

made (Ge. 25:9-10; Jn. 11:41-44; Mt. 27:60) or to BY THE HAND OF. By; by means of (Ge. 38:20).

lower it into the ground (2 Ki. 13:20-21). The body is BYWORD. A proverb (2 Ch. 7:20).

buried by faith in the resurrection (1 Co. 15:42-44).

BYZANTINE TEXT. A name for the Greek Received

[See Cremation, Crucifixion, Death, Resurrection.]

Text underlying the King James Version and other BURNING BUSH. The manner in which God first Reformation Bibles. “This Majority Text is usually called appeared to Moses (Ex. 3:2-3; Mk. 12:26).

the Byzantine Text by modern textual critics. This is BURNT OFFERING. [See Offerings.]

because all modern critics acknowledge that this was BURSTING. Breaking (Is. 30:14).

the Greek New Testament text in general use BUSHEL. [See Weights and Measures.]

throughout the greater part of the Byzantine Period (312-1453) (Edward F. Hills, ”The magnificent Burgon,"

Which Bible? , p. 89). [See Bible Versions, Erasmus, Masoretic Text, Preservation.]

98

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-C-

CAB. [See Weights and Measures.]

buildings were covered with beautiful mosaic patterns CABINS. A vault or arched cell (Je. 37:16).

created with colorful tiles. The city had fountains and CABUL (dry, sandy). Jos. 19:27.

pools and a public bathhouse with hot, warm, and cold water. Herod’s palace was built out into the sea on a CAESAR. The name of the ruling family of the causeway and featured a large indoor pool carved from Roman empire from the 3rd century B.C. Cæsar was the the rock. Water was brought to Caesarea from miles title taken by each of the Roman emperors (Mt. 22:17, away via an aqueduct built by the Roman Tenth Legion.

21; Jn. 19:12, 15; Ac. 11:28; 17:7; 25:8-21; 26:32; A large segment is still standing 2,000 years later. When 27:24; 28:19; Ph. 4:22).

the water reached the city via the aqueduct, it was CAESAREA. A Roman seaport city on the channeled into pipes to provide water and to power a Mediterranean. It was called Caesarea Maritima to sewer system. Caesarea had a 4,000-seat theater that distinguish it from Caesarea Philippi, which was a was used for speeches, trials, plays, and gladiatorial different city located at the foot of Mt. Hermon (Mt.

contests. Caesarea had a 10,000-seat hippodrome (also 16:13). Caesarea Maritima is mentioned 15 times in the called a circus) used for chariot races, Greek athletic book of Acts. Cornelius, a centurion who commanded contests, gladiatorial contests, and other events.

100 soldiers, was saved and baptized here after hearing CAIAPHAS (depression, humiliation). Mt. 26:3.

Peter preach the gospel (Acts 10). It was here that Herod Agrippa was eaten of worms because he failed to CAIN. The first son of Adam and Eve. Cain became give God the glory (Acts 12:19-23). Philip the evangelist the first murderer when he killed his brother, Abel, who lived here (Acts 21:8). After Paul was arrested in was a prophet (Lk. 11:50; 1:70; Ac. 3:21). Cain was the Jerusalem he was sent to Caesarea and spent two years inventor of false religion, as he refused to approach God imprisoned there until he was sent to Rome. It was here in the prescribed manner (Ge. 4). “The way of that he appeared before Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa Cain” (Jude 11) is (1) the way of religion by good works (Acts 23:23 - 26:32). (This Agrippa was a great rather than by God’s grace in Christ, (2) the way of grandson of Herod the Great.) It was here that Pontius those who believe that man is basically good and can do Pilate lived in luxury and splendor as the Roman prefect acceptable works before God, (3) the way of rejecting or governor of Judea (AD 26-36). Built by Herod the Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God, (4) the way of Great, Caesarea Maritima became the capital of the following man’s thinking rather than God’s Word, (5) Roman province of Judea. The place was originally a the way of claiming that there are multiple paths to Phoenician coastal station called Stratos Tower, after the God, (6) the way of those who reject God’s warning and name of a Sidonian king. Herod’s Caesarea Maritima refuse to repent (Ge. 4:6-8), (7) the way of persecuting was one of the crown jewels of the Roman Empire and the true saints of God, (8) the way of those who want a its manmade harbor was the largest artificial harbor bloodless religion. Cain replaced the blood and death of ever built in the open sea to that time. “The scale and an innocent sacrifice with fresh vegetables from his own complexity of this project, along with the rapidity of its garden. He is the father of theological modernists who execution, are remarkable even if judged by modern deny the necessity of Christ’s blood atonement. For standards. It ranks as one of the most impressive example, the Today’s English Version changed the word engineering accomplishments of the Augustan Age.” The

“blood” to “death,” because of the modernistic theology 100-acre harbor formed a safe shelter to anchor Roman of its translator Robert Bratcher. [See Abel, Atonement, fleets as well as quays for cargo. “It seems that the outer Blood, Gospel, Grace, Repentance, Offerings, Sacrifice, basin was designed to accommodate passing fleets; Type.]

probably the great grain fleets sailing from Alexandria CAINAN (acquisition). Ge. 5:9.

to Rome” (Zaraza Friedman, “Caesarea Maritima”). At CALAH (firm, old age). Ge. 10:11.

the harbor entrance there were six colossal statues, CALAMITY. Misfortune; trouble; loss (De. 32:35; Ps.

three on each side. At the top of the harbor was a 18:18; 57:1; Pr. 1:26; 6:15; 17:5; 19:13; 24:22; 27:10; temple devoted to Caesar worship, with a massive Je. 18:17; 46:21). [See Suffering.]

enthroned statue patterned after the Zeus at Olympia in CALAMUS. Sweet-scented cane. It is a knotty root, Greece. The Roman name for Zeus was Jupiter, and he reddish without and white within, and filled with a was the empire’s chief god. The city had colonnaded spongy substance (Ex. 30:23) (Webster).

streets and all sorts of magnificent buildings and sprawling private villas. Many of the floors of Roman CALCOL (sustaining). 1 Ch. 2:6.

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CALDRON - CAMEL

CALDRON. A pot in which meat is boiled; often used Sebat (corresponding to parts of January and symbolically of God’s judgment (Je. 52:18-19; Eze.

February)

11:3, 7, 11).

Adar (corresponding to parts of February and March)

CALEB (forcible, bold). One of the 12 spies who investigated the land of Canaan for Israel. Of the 12,

[See Ab, Adar, Bul, Chisleu, Elul, Ethanim, Friday, only Caleb and Joshua gave a good report and had faith Nisan, Sabbath, Sebat, Sivan, Sunday, Tebeth, that God would give them the land (Nu. 13). God Thammuz, Watch, Zif.]

rewarded Caleb for his faith and obedience (Jos.

CALNEH (fort of Ana or Anu). Ana or Anu was one 1:12-15, 20; 14:7).

of the chief objects of Babylonian worship (Ge. 10:10) CALENDAR. “Like so many ancient peoples, the (Young). [See Idolatry.]

Hebrews also used the period during which the moon CALVARY (a skull). [See Cross, Crucify, Golgotha, accomplishes its changes as a unit of time—the month.

Hang.]

Their year was made up of twelve moon-months of 29

CALVINISM. [See Elect, Presbyterian.]

days each. The Hebrews were also acquainted with the CAME TO HIS HAND. That which he has in solar year. The discrepancy between the solar and lunar possession (Ge. 32:13).

year they then smoothed over by means of an CAMEL. Camels are mentioned more than 60 times intercalary month inserted about every third year which in the Bible, beginning with Abraham (Ge. 12:16). The was called Veadar, that is, the additional Adar, bringing Arabian camel, called a dromedary, has long legs, short the number to 13. No notice, however, is taken of such a hair, and one hump. This is the type of camel commonly month in the Bible. The usual method of designating the found in Israel and Egypt. The Bactrian camel has months is by their numerical order, e.g., ‘the second shorter legs, long hair, and two humps. The name comes month’ (Ge. 7:11), ‘the fourth month’ (2 Ki. 15:3), was from ancient Bactria, on the Oxus River in northern generally retained even when the names were given; Afghanistan. The camel was used for war (Jud. 7:12). It e.g., ‘in the month Zif, which is the second month’ (1 Ki.

can run 40 MPH for short distances and can maintain 25

6:1), ‘in the third month, that is, the month of MPH for several hours. The camel is used as a beast of Sivan’ (Est. 8:9). The identification of the Hebrew burden (Ge. 37:25). It can carry hundreds of pounds of months with our own cannot be effected with precision goods. The camel is also used for transportation (Ge.

on account of the variations that must inevitably exist 24:61). The Arabian camel is up to 7.5 feet tall at the between the lunar and the solar month” (Potts).

hump, 11 feet long, and weighs up to 1,500 pounds. It We should also note the difference in the Roman day, kneels down to allow people to get on its back, first the Jewish day, and our present day. THE ROMAN DAY

kneeling on its front knees, then sitting down on its rear began at 6:00 A.M. and closed at 6:00 the next legs. At about age five months it develops callus-like morning. THE JEWISH DAY began at sunset and closed bare spots on its knees and chest to support its weight at the next sunset (or from about 6:00 P.M. to the next when kneeling. The camel seat is called “furniture” (Ge.

6:00 P.M.). OUR DAY begins at midnight and closes the 31:34). The camel can eat thorny desert plants without next midnight (James Crumpton).

injuring its mouth or thick lips. It can even eat leather Hebrew Months Listed in Order:

shoes. It can kick in four directions with each of its legs.

Abib or Nisan (corresponding to parts of March and It can spit a foul-smelling green fluid from its stomach April)

as a defense. Called “the ship of the desert,” the camel is Zif (corresponding to parts of April and May) designed by God to use water very efficiently and can go Sivan (commencing with the new moon of June) many days without drinking. The camel doesn’t sweat Thammuz (corresponding to parts of June and until 106 degrees F thus preserving body fluid. Its July)

internal thermostat can vary within a 10 degree Ab (corresponding to parts of July and August) Elul (corresponding to parts of August and parameter to suit the condition. Its nostrils trap water September)

vapor which is returned to its body as fluid. Its coat Ethanim (corresponding to parts of September and reflects sunlight and insulates from heat. The camel’s October)

red blood cells are oval shaped so they can flow even Bul (corresponding to parts of October and when dehydrated rather than clumping as human blood November)

cells do. The camel is the only mammal to have this type Chisleu (corresponding to parts of November and of red blood cells. The camel can lose 25% of its body December)

fluid without getting dehydrated and being in danger of Tebeth (commencing with the new moon in dying, whereas most mammals can lose only 15%. Its January)

hump stores up to 80 pounds of fat and can release one gram of water for every gram of fat. As the fat is 100

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CAMON - CANON

consumed to hydrate the animal, the hump shrinks and CANON (a straight rod or rule). Canon refers to loses solidity until it falls over. It will return to its testing something by a set rule. First used in the 4th original shape after the animal drinks its fill and has a century A.D., today it is the term commonly used to rest. The baby camel doesn’t have a hump until it starts describe the books of the Bible which are regarded as eating solid food. A camel can drink 25-40 gallons of the pure Word of God. This term is used because the water in about 15 minutes. This shows how diligent books of the Bible were tested, or measured, before young Rebecca was (Ge. 24:19-20).

being accepted as God’s Word and because the books CAMON (standing place). Ju. 10:5.

are themselves the rule by which truth is tested. The CAMP. (1) An encampment or stopping place for Lord Jesus Christ promised that the Holy Spirit would travelers (Ex. 14:19). (2) Apostate religion (He.

guide the Christians “into all truth” (Jn. 16:7-15). The 13:13-14).

epistle of 1 John also promises that the Holy Spirit will guide the believers in the truth. It is the Holy Spirit who CAMPHIRE. A thorny shrub with fragrant white taught the sincere Christians to accept the New flowers (S.S. 1:14; 4:13).

Testament Scripture and to reject everything that was CANA. The location of Christ’s first miracle.

erroneous. Our confidence in this matter is not in men, Mentioned only three times in the Bible (Jn. 2:1,11; but in God who has given us these promises.

4:46; 21:2). [See Jesus Christ, Wine.]

O.T. CANON. “The collecting and recognition of the CANAAN (subjected). The land God gave to Israel.

books of the O.T. took considerable time. Some believe

“Canaan” was a son of Ham (Ge. 10:6-19; 1 Ch. 1:8-16; the process was finished by the time of Ezra, in the 5th Nu. 13:29; Jos. 11:3). Canaan was the father of the century B.C. References by Josephus (A.D. 95) and in 2

Philistines, the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, Esdras 14 (A.D. 100) indicate that the Hebrew and the Hivites (1 Ch. 1:8-16; De. 20:16-18). The exact Scriptures then contained the same 39 books as our nature of Ham’s offense is not known, but all of the O.T. ... Most significant, however, is the statement of the nations which descended from him were idolatrous and Lord (Lk. 11:51) ... when He accused the scribes of immoral (Le. 20:10-23). “The nations which God being guilty of slaying all the prophets God had sent destroyed before Israel were descended from Canaan; Israel from the time of Abel to the time of Zacharias.

and so were the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians, Abel’s death is recorded in Genesis; Zacharias’ in 2 Ch.

who were at length subjugated with dreadful 24:20-21, which is the last book in the Hebrew Bible. ...

destruction by the Greeks and Romans. The Africans Jesus was saying that the Jews’ guilt was recorded from who have been bought and sold like beasts, were also the beginning to the end of the Hebrew Scriptures. He his posterity” (Treasury). [See Ham, Israel, Japheth, excluded all of the Apocrypha, all of which was in Noah, Shem.]

existence at that time” (Ryrie).

CANDLESTICK. The seven-lamp candlestick was N.T. CANON. There is no exact record in early church located in the Tabernacle built by Moses (Ex. 25:31-40; history regarding how the N.T. canon was formed. As He. 9:2). The lamps were to be kept burning day and we have noted, the Lord Jesus Christ had promised that night (Le. 24:3-4). The candlestick pictures Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit would guide into all truth, and we know as the Light of the world (Jn. 8:12; 12:35-36). He gives that is exactly what He did—though we do not know all light to every man (Jn. 1:4-9), and illumines the things of the details of how this transpired. True believers had of God to those who are born again (1 Co. 2:14-16).

the witness of the Spirit to guide them in knowing The candlestick also depicts the Holy Spirit who is which books were Holy Scripture and which were not.

representing the Lord Jesus in the world today and Gradually all of the 27 N.T. books were collected and giving spiritual enlightenment to men (Jn. 16:7-15; 1

recognized by God’s saints.

Co. 2:10-12; 1 Jn. 2:20-27). [See Conscience, Creation, In A.D. 367 Athanasius, a well-known defender of Holy Spirit, Inspiration.]

the faith, published a list of Old and New Testament CANKER. A cancerous, growing sore (2 Ti. 2:17).

books which he said were “handed down and believed The Lord warns that false teaching, unless rooted out to be divine.” This list contained all of the 27 books and avoided, will spread like a cancer. Error cannot be which are in our N.T. today. By the 4th century, the ignored; it must be dealt with biblically and canon of Scripture was settled and the inspiration and aggressively. [See Doctrine, False Teaching, Separation, was not seriously doubted until the modern era. Though Timothy.]

there are indications that a few of the leaders of the CANKERWORM. A worm which devours vegetation.

Protestant Reformation might have expressed private God used them to judge Israel (Joe. 1:4; 2:25; Nah.

reservations as to the authority of certain of the N.T.

3:15-16).

epistles, all of the Reformation confessions of faith CANNEH (set up, distinguished). Eze. 27:23.

upheld the 66 books of the Bible as divine Scripture.

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CAPERNAUM - CAPTIVITY

This included the Reformed Confession of 1534, the death of the murderer long before the giving of the Law Helvetic Confession of 1536, the Belgic Confession of (Ge. 9:6).

1561, and the Westminster Confession of 1643. The The deterrent effect of capital punishment. Some think Baptist Philadelphia Confession of Faith, 1742, says the the Mosaic law was barbaric in its dealings with serious 66 books of the Bible were “immediately inspired by crime. On the contrary. It is barbaric to allow God, and, by his singular care and providence, kept pure wickedness to go unpunished. When severe justice is not in all ages, are therefore authentical; so as in all meted out to capital offenders, evil spreads like leaven controversies of religion the church is finally to appeal throughout society. The wicked become increasingly unto them.” The Twenty-Five Articles of faith brazen. Fear of God diminishes. God is not only a God of formulated by John Wesley in 1784 made this comment love, but a God of holiness and justice. The Bible speaks as to the authority of the Bible canon: “In the name of of the deterrent factor of capital punishment: De. 13:11; the Holy Scriptures, we do understand those canonical 17:7,13; 19:20; 21:21; Ro. 13:3-4. The Bible also says books of the Old and New Testament, of whose that only by taking the life of the murderer can the stain authority was never any doubt in the church.” This of murder be cleansed from the land (Nu. 35:31-34; De.

statement was followed by a listing of the 66 books of 19:13).

the Bible. To question the authority of any biblical book When compared to the law codes of many ancient is to fly in the face of the testimony of the Bible itself nations, the Mosaic law seems mild. In Alleged and of 19 centuries of pious faith. [For a study on the Discrepancies of the Bible, John Haley says: “In the completion of the Bible, see Inspiration.] [See also English code, about 200 years ago, there were 148

Adam, Apocrypha, Bible, Bible Versions, Daniel, capital crimes, ‘many of them of a trivial nature, as petty Masoretic Text, Preservation, Timothy.]

thefts and trespasses upon property.’ In England, in the CAPERNAUM (village of Nahum). A city on the 18th to century, it was a capital crime to break down the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee (Mt. 4:13; 8:5; mound of a fish-pond, to cut down a cherry-tree in an 11:23; 17:24; Jn. 4:46; 6:17, 24, 59).

orchard, to steal a handkerchief or other trifle, above CAPHTOR (cup). De. 2:23.

the value of twelve pence, privately from another’s CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. It is not murder to put person. In Sir William Blackstone’s time (A.D.

criminals to death for heinous crimes. The Bible plainly 1723-1780), no less than 160 offences (almost ten times says that the man who takes a life is to forfeit his own as many as the Mosaic code), were declared by act of life (Ge. 9:6). The Law of Moses called for capital parliament to be capital crimes, worthy of instant punishment in at least 11 categories of crime: murder death.’ These facts should silence those who are (Le. 24:17; Nu. 35:116-19; De. 19:11-13), idolatry (Le.

perpetually inveighing against the ‘barbarity of the 20:2; De. 13:6-10; 17:2-7), witchcraft (Le. 20:27), Mosaic code.” [See Adultery, Blaspheme, Cities of adultery (Le. 20:10; De. 22:21-24), homosexuality (Le.

Refuge, Die the Death, Idolatry, Kill, Pacifism, 20:13), bestiality (Le. 20:15, 16), rape (De. 22:25-27), Presumptuous, Sodomy, Witchcraft.]

incest (Le. 20:17), blasphemy (Le. 24:11-16,23), CAPPODOCIA. An elevated table-land, intersected by presumption (De. 17:12-13), kidnapping (De. 24:7), mountain chains in the eastern part of Asia Minor, and rebellion against parents (Le. 20:9) bounded on the N. by Pontus, W. by Lycaonia, S. by The avenger of death in O.T. times was a relative or Cilicia, and E. by Syria and Armenia Minor (Young) (Ac.

friend of the victim who put the murderer to death (De.

2:9; 1 Pe. 1:1).

19:11-13). [See Avenger of Blood.] God allowed this; in CAPTAIN. An officer over a number of soldiers (2 Sa.

fact He required it (Nu. 35:16-19), and made cities of 18:2; 2 Ki. 1:9; Ac. 21:31-32).

refuge as a provision for those who had killed someone CAPTIVITY. Bondage in a foreign land. In the Bible, accidentally. In this dispensation God has given civil captivity usually refers to Israel’s captivity. There have government the authority to put offenders to death. In been four major captivities: (1) The captivity in Egypt Ro. 13 we see that God has given nations the authority (Ex. 1-4). (2) The captivity of the northern tribes in to “bear the sword” against evil. This obviously refers to Assyria (2 Ki. 15:29 17:6-23). (3) The captivity of the capital punishment. The sword certainly does not speak southern tribes (Judah) in Babylon (2 Ki. 24-25). This of a fine or of imprisonment! We do not believe God was the 70 year captivity (Je. 25:8-12; Ezr. 1). (4) The wants the civil government today to impose the Mosaic worldwide captivity following the destruction of law. This Law was intended for a Theocracy, but there Jerusalem by Roman armies in 70 A.D. It is from this are certain heinous crimes against humanity, captivity that the Jews have begun to return to Palestine particularly murder and rape, which require the death in recent decades.

penalty in any dispensation. God’s Word called for the 102

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CARBUNCLE - CATECHISM

CARBUNCLE. A bright, shining gem. (Ex. 28:17; CAST. (1) Throw; discard; toss or lay aside; drop 39:10; Is. 54:12; Eze. 28:13). “The Hebrew root (Ge. 21:10; 37:20; Ex. 15:4; 28:40). (2) Fashion; mold; suggests a ‘shining stone’ (Revell). “Bareketh, from form (Ge. 31:51; Ex. 25:12). (3) Set up; build (2 Ki.

barak, to lighten, glitter, a very elegant gem, of a deep 19:32; Je. 6:6). (4) Meditate upon; consider (Lk. 1:29).

red color, with a mixture of scarlet” (Treasury).

CAST A BANK AGAINST. Set up a fortification (2 Ki.

CARCAS (severe). Es. 1:10.

19:32). [See Military.]

CARCASS. Dead body of a man or animal (Le. 5:2; CAST ABOUT. To return; come again; go about; 11:8-40; De. 14:8; 28:26; 1 Ki. 13:24-30; 2 Ki. 9:37).

compass (Je. 41:14).

CARCHEMISH (citadel of Chemosh). 2 Ch. 35:20.

CAST IN THE MIND. Meditate upon; consider (Lk.

CAREFUL. Anxiety; worry; concern. What we should 1:29).

not be careful for (in the sense of worrying and fretting): CASTAWAY. Disapproved; rejected. This term in 1

(1) Daily needs (Mt. 6:24-33; Ph. 4:11-12; Ps. 37:25).

Co. 9:27 refers to Paul’s fear that he would be rejected (2) Tomorrow (Mt. 6:34). (3) Guidance (Pro. 3:5-6; Ps.

by God in terms of his service and usefulness and 37:23). (4) Life’s responsibilities (Lk. 10:41). (5) Evil reward. The context of 1 Corinthians 9:27 is Christian men (Ps. 37:1). (6) Security in Christ (1 Jn. 5:11-13; 2

service (1 Co. 9:24-26). The subject is running a race Ti. 1:12; Ro. 8:28-39). What we should be careful for (in and winning a prize, whereas salvation is a free gift (Ep.

the sense of being deeply concerned for and looking 2:9-10).

after): (1) Our own spiritual condition and growth (1

CASTOR. The Castor and Pollux in Ac. 28:11 were Co. 9:24-27). (2) The souls of the unsaved (Ps. 142:4; the two names of the sons of Jupiter, regarded by sailors Ro. 9:1-3) (3) The welfare of other Christians (1 Th.

as their tutelary divinities, appearing in the heavens as 3:5; Ga. 4:19-20; 2 Co. 11:28; He. 3:12-13). (4) The the constellation of the Gemini or Twins. On shipboard welfare of our country and government leaders (1 Ti.

they were recognized in the phosphoric lights which 2:1-2). (5) Our testimony before men (1 Pe. 4:15). (6) play about the masts and sails. Hence Roman poets so The church (1 Co. 7:11). (7) Our families (1 Ti. 5:8; often allude to these divinities in relation to navigation Pro. 23:26-28). (8) The welfare of strangers (Lk.

(Young).

10:34-35). (9) The return of Christ (Re. 22:20). [See CATABAPTIST. A term, meaning immersion, which Anxious, Take Thought For.]

was applied at various times to the various anabaptist CARMEL (fruitful place). A mountain in the groups, such as the Waldenses and the Albigenses.

northwest of Israel (Jos. 12:22). It was a favorite place Historian John Christian notes: “The Baptists preferred of Baal worship in the time of Ahab and Jezebel, and it the name Catabaptists to that of Anabaptists. Indeed, is where Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal (1 Ki. 18).

they always repudiated the word Anabaptist, since they CARMI (fruitful, noble). Jos. 7:1.

did not consider that they practised anabaptism. They CARNAL. (1) Pertaining to the sinful nature of man simply baptized; never attempted to rebaptize. They did (Ro. 8:7). The Christians at Corinth were called carnal think they practised catabaptism, namely, immersion.

because they were living in many ways like unsaved They never would have admitted the name as applicable men, they were living under the power of the carnal to them if it meant despisers of baptism. They practised nature (1 Co. 3:1-4). “To be ‘carnal’ or fleshly denotes baptism; they rejected infant baptism. ‘They naturally an unhealthy Christian state. To be ‘carnal’ is equivalent disowned,’ says Gieseler, the able historian, ‘the name to a condition marked in Scripture as babyhood, Anabaptist, as they declared infant baptism invalid and requiring ‘milk,’ and not ‘solid food’ (He. 5:12-14). Our called themselves Catabaptists’ (Gieseler, A Compendium safety is in walking in the power of the Holy Ghost (Ro.

of Ecclesiastical History, V. 255,256) (Christian, A History 8:13-14)” Handbook). (2) Physical, material things (Ro.

of the Baptists, Vol. 1, p. 110). [See Baptism -

15:27; 1 Co. 9:11; 2 Co. 10:4). [See Flesh, Natural, Immersion, Baptism - Infant, History - Church.]

Sanctification, Sin, Worldly.]

CATACOMB. Underground burial places. The CARPUS (fruit). 2 Ti. 4:13.

catacombs around Rome were used as hiding places by CARRIAGE. Vessels; baggage (1 Sa. 17:22; Is. 46:1).

Christians during the Roman persecutions in the early centuries.

CARSHENA (slender). Es. 1:14.

CATECHISM. A form of instruction by means of CASEMENT. Window, latticework (Pr. 7:6).

questions and answers, particularly in the principles of CASIPHIA (white, shining). Ezr. 8:17.

religion (Webster). Catechisms are popular in the high CASSIA. The bark of an aromatic plant resembling church denominations, such as the Roman Catholic and cinnamon, the Arabian cassia (Ex. 30:24; Ps. 45:8; Eze.

Lutheran.

27:19).

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CAUL - CHAPTER

CAUL. (1) The deep fold of fat above the liver. The CHALCEDONY. A type of quartz; transparent; caul and other inner parts of the animal sacrifices were brilliant green. It is used in the wall of the New burned as an offering (Ex. 29:13,22; Le. 3:4). (2) Net Jerusalem (Re. 21:19).

for the hair (Is. 3:18).

CHALCOL (sustaining). 1 Ki. 4:31.

CAUSELESS. Needlessly; without cause (1 Sa. 25:31; CHALDÆA. (1) The country of Babylon (Ge. 11:28, Pr. 26:2).

31; 15:7; Job 1:17; 2 Ki. 24:2; Ezr. 5:12; Je. 50:10; CEDAR. (1) A stately and large evergreen tree, the 51:24; Eze. 11:24; 16:29; 23:15-16). Chaldea is first wood of which is prized for its durability and fragrance mentioned in reference to Abraham’s home town, Ur of (Ps. 104:16). The cedars of Lebanon were used by the Chaldees (Ge. 11:28, 31; 15:7). The land became Solomon in building the temple (1 Ki. 5:13, 14; 6:9, 10; identified with Babylonia. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Ezr. 3:7). The cedar is used to illustrate strength and Babylon, is called a Chaldean (2 Ch. 36:17; Ezr. 5:12).

stability (Ps. 92:12, 13). It is used symbolically to refer Apparently the Chaldean’s were not congregated as a to the pride of sinful man (Is. 2:12-17; Eze. 31:3). The nation until the Assyrian Empire was formed (Is. 23:13).

cedar is used in connection with the hyssop, a small (2) A class of learned men identified with the magicians bush, to refer to the creation in general, serving as and astrologers (Da. 5:11). [See Babel, Babylon.]

specimens of the smallest and the largest plants (1 Ki.

CHALICE. The cup used in the Catholic mass. [For a 4:33; Le. 14:4, 6, 51, 52). (2) It is possible that some study on the golden cup of Revelation 17:4, see Cup.]

references to cedar in the Bible are to the cypress family CHALK STONE. Lime stone (Is. 27:9).

of trees and shrubs in general. This includes the small junipers (Nu. 24:6).

CHALLENGE. To claim (Ex. 22:9).

CEDRON (dark, torrent). This is the brook Kidron CHAMBERING. This term is used only one time and (Jn. 18:1). [See Kidron.]

refers to immorality (Ro. 13:13). Strong says the term is from a Greek word meaning “a couch; by extension, CELESTIAL. Heavenly; relating to heaven; dwelling cohabitation; by implication the male sperm.” The same in heaven (Webster) (1 Co. 15:40).

Greek word ( koite) is translated “conceive” (Ro. 9:10) CELIBACY. The Roman Catholic Church requires that and “bed” (He. 13:4). [See Immoral.]

its priests and nuns take a vow of celibacy and forbids CHAMBERLAIN. The person in charge of a king’s them to marry. [See Roman Catholic Church.]

quarters or harem; an officer (Est. 1:10, 12,1 5; Ac.

CENSER. A container for burning incense; coals were 12:20).

placed in the censer from the altar of sacrifice and the CHAMELEON. A lizard which is able to change incense was sprinkled upon the coals and reacted to the colors to match its surroundings (Le. 11:30).

heat to form a fragrant cloud (Le. 16:12-13; Nu.

16:6-48; 1 Ki. 7:50; 2 Ch. 4:22; He. 9:4; Re. 8:3, 5).

CHAMPAIGN. Plain (De. 11:30).

Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire in their censers, CHANCE. [See Hap.]

probably referring to the fact that they gathered their CHANCELLOR. Master of counsel (Ezr. 4:8, 9, 17).

coals from some source other than the altar of sacrifice CHANGEABLE SUITS OF APPAREL. This term in (Le. 10:1-7). God is very concerned that the pattern of itself refers merely to a change of clothes (Is. 3:22). The truth and worship in His Word to be followed in strictest same Hebrew word is translated “change of raiment” in detail (1 Co. 11:2; 1 Ti. 6:13-14, 22). It is apostasy to Ze. 3:4. In Isaiah 3:22 the term probably refers to the supplant the doctrine and practice of Holy Scripture multiplying of costly apparel by the proud women who with man’s tradition. [See Incense, Strange Fire, were being rebuked for their sinful ways. The Coverdale Tabernacle.]

Bible translated it “holy day clothes,” and the Geneva CENTURION. The commander of a unit of 100

and Bishop’s Bibles, “costly apparel.”

soldiers in the Roman army (Mt. 27:54; Ac. 21:32; CHAPITER. A crown (1 Ki. 7:16-42).

22:26; 27:1,3, 43).

CHAPMAN. A traveling merchant (2 Ch. 9:14).

CEPHAS (a stone). A name given by Jesus to Peter CHAPT. Cracked (Je. 14:4).

(Jn. 1:42). [See Peter, Pope.]

CHAPTER. A division of the books of the Bible into CERTIFIED, CERTIFY. To make known; to tell (Es.

major sections. “Divisions of both Old and New 2:22; Ezr. 4:14; Ga. 1:11).

Testaments into sections of various sizes existed from CHAFED. Angry; discontented (2 Sa. 17:8).

very early times; but our modern chapter-division was CHAFF. The refuse of grain which is separated in the the work of Stephen Langton [circa A.D. 1220], then a winnowing process (Job 21:18; Ps. 1:4; Is. 17:13; Ho.

doctor of the University of Paris, afterwards Archbishop 13:3; Zep.2:2; Mt. 3:12).

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which gave birth to Magna Charta” (Kenyon, p. 190).

imbibed of the worldly, ecumenical spirit of the

[See Bible, Verses.]

Charismatic movement.

CHARGE. (1) To put to one’s account (Ps. 35:11; Ac.

THE HISTORY OF THE PENTECOSTAL-CHARISMATIC

7:60). (2) A command; a solemn mandate; to deliver to MOVEMENT

one’s trust (Nu. 5:19; 1 Ti. 5:16). (3) To be a burden (2

Pentecostalism was one of the many unscriptural Co. 11:9).

doctrines which arose from the end-times frenzy CHARGEABLE. Burdensome (2 Sa. 13:25; 2 Co.

permeating the United States after the Civil War during 11:9).

the last half of the 19th century. The roots of the CHARGER. A dish or platter (Nu. 7:13-85).

Pentecostal latter rain doctrine reach into the holiness CHARASHIM (craftsmen). 1 Ch. 4:14.

movement which swept the country. Influential leaders such as Charles Finney, William Booth, and Phoebe CHARIOT. A horse-drawn carriage used for Palmer promoted various forms of the doctrine of transportation and war (Ge. 41:43; Ex. 14:6). Other

“complete sanctification,” claiming that the dedicated animals were also used to draw chariots. Is. 21:7

believer can experience a condition of perfection of mentions asses and camels. Some chariots were for some sort in this life. A similar doctrine had been taught single occupants and others were for multiple riders (2

in the Methodist denomination from its inception. The Ch. 18:33; Ac. 8:28-31). Elijah went up to heaven in a doctrine of entire holiness usually involved a belief that chariot of fire (2 Ki. 2:11). [See Military.]

the individual could experience a “second work of CHARISMATIC, CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT. The grace” or a “second blessing” whereby the sin nature Pentecostal-Charismatic movement is distinguished from was either eradicated or conquered, thus placing the other Christian movements by its belief in the entirely sanctified Christian above the normal struggles continuation of the apostolic sign gifts. The term with sin.

“Pentecostal” dates to the early part of the 20th century By the late 19th century the stage was set for and refers to a desire to recapture the miraculous Pentecostalism to be birthed. The holiness movement experience of Pentecost. Many denominations have had produced a frenzy of spiritual excitement and a grown out of the Pentecostal movement, including the lusting after “second blessings” and “second baptisms.”

Assemblies of God, International Church of the To the holiness “second work of grace,” the early Foursquare Gospel, Church of God in Christ, Church of Pentecostal leaders added yet another crisis experience God (Cleveland, Tennessee), Pentecostal Church of God, labeled “the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial United Pentecostal Church, and Church of God of evidence of tongues.” Men such as John Dowie and Prophecy. The “Charismatic” movement is of more Frank Sandford had also set the stage with their recent origin and refers to the ecumenical tongues-emphasis on divine healing, the expectation of an end-speaking phenomenon that has spread through non-times miracle revival, and the reestablishment of Pentecostal Baptist and Protestant denominations as apostolic sign gifts, including tongues speaking.

well as the Roman Catholic Church since the 1960s.

By any reckoning Charles Parham (1873-1929) is a While there used to be significant differences key figure in the birth of Pentecostalism. In a restless between old-line Pentecostalism and the Charismatic search of religious instruction he sat under the movement, the differences are rapidly blurring. The ministries of a number of strange holiness teachers, terms are often used synonymously today. Even the picking up various heresies along the way, which he Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements merged together into his Pentecostal theology. Prior to notes this. “The terms Pentecostal and charismatic are the turn of the century, Parham observed the meetings often used interchangeably. Indeed, they do have many of Benjamin Irwin, founder of the Fire-Baptized features in common, and even for the expert it is Holiness Church. Irwin believed there were three frequently difficult to draw a dividing line. ... [by the

“blessing” experiences—the blessing of conversion, the 1990s] many Pentecostals recognized that the Holy blessing of entire sanctification, and the blessing of fire Spirit was accomplishing a new work and sensed an baptism. Irwin taught that it was necessary for the affinity with it. The charismatic renewal brought Christian to seek the baptism of fire for power and pressure on the Pentecostals to broaden their perfection. His meetings were characterized by identification within the universal church to groups emotional phenomena such as shouts, screams, previously considered apostate” ( International

“tongues,” trances, holy dances, holy laughs, and the Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements, jerks (Vincent Synan, The Holiness-Pentecostal Tradition, revised and expanded, 2002, pp. xxi, xxii). Though p. 52). Parham was deeply influenced by Irwin’s “third there are some notable exceptions, the mainstream, old-blessing” doctrine. Pentecostal historian Vinson Synan line Pentecostal denominations have by and large admits this connection:

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“The Fire-Baptized Holiness Church served as an forbids the use of medicine by exclaiming, “We say yes, important link in the chain that later produced the most emphatically YES.”

modern Pentecostal movement. By teaching that the In the March 22, 1899, issue of Parham’s Apostolic baptism of the Holy Ghost was an experience separate from and subsequent to sanctification, it laid the basic Faith magazine (the first month of its publication), he doctrinal premise of the later movement. It is probable listed his beliefs: “salvation by faith; healing by faith, that Charles F. Parham, the man who initiated the laying on of hands, and prayer; sanctification by faith; Pentecostal revival in Topeka, Kansas, in 1901, coming (pre-millennium) of Christ; the baptism of Holy received from Irwin the basic idea of a separate Ghost and Fire, which seals the Bride and bestows the baptism of the Holy Ghost following sanctification.

gifts.” Thus we see the combining of the various Indeed, for a time in 1899, Parham promoted the doctrines he had gathered in his travels.

‘ b a p t i s m o f f i r e ’ i n h i s A p o s t o l i c F a i t h After his visit with Sandford, Parham moved to magazine” (Synan, The Holiness-Pentecostal Tradition, p. 59).

Topeka, Kansas; and in October 1900, he established the Bethel Bible School. Parham was convinced that Christ’s Parham also adopted some heresies from a Quaker return would be preceded by a latter rain outpouring of friend, David Baker (Parham married Baker’s signs and wonders and he believed that tongues-granddaughter). He denied the eternal punishment of speaking is the evidence of the baptism of the Holy the wicked, claiming, rather, that that the unsaved Spirit. He further believed that the tongues are real would be annihilated in hell.

earthly languages that would enable missionaries to In 1898 Parham came under the influence of the preach the gospel to the ends of the earth without aforementioned Frank Sandford, who operated a having to learn foreign languages. According to religious community named Shiloh and the Holy Ghost Parham’s teaching, those who received the latter rain and Us Bible School in Durham, Maine. Sandford baptism would form the bride of Christ and would rule promoted a latter rain type theology, believing the final with Him at His coming.

work of God on earth would include the performance of Parham urged his students to seek this experience, signs and wonders to separate humanity into two and in this context he laid hands on one of his Bible groups, Christ’s and Antichrist’s. He was striving to school students, Agnes Ozman, on January 1, 1901, and return to “apostolic life and power.” Several of she allegedly began to speak in Chinese and later in Sandford’s students claimed to speak in tongues, and it Bohemian and was unable to speak in English for three is said that Sanford himself believed in the restoration days after this experience. She spoke while in a trance of tongues at least until 1901. That was the year he ( Topeka State Journal, Jan. 9, 1901). Ozman had been baptized A.J. Tomlinson (who later founded the Church influenced by the Fire-Baptized Holiness movement.

of God of Prophecy) with his “restored baptism.”

Subsequently, Parham and others at the small Bible From Sandford, Parham picked up the heresy of school also allegedly began to speak in tongues. Parham Anglo-Israelism, that white Anglo-Saxons are said that language professors and other linguistically descendants of the “ten lost tribes” of Israel. Sandford, educated people confirmed that the tongues the and Parham after him, confused the church with Israel students were speaking were languages, but this has and believed Britain and America have inherited never been confirmed. Newspaper reporters of the day promises granted to Israel.

described the phenomenon merely as “gibberish.”

In 1900 Parham traveled to Chicago to study the One of the students, S.J. Riggins, left the school, ministry of John Alexander Dowie, the father of healing claiming that the others were merely speaking evangelism, and to witness Dowie’s newly organized

“gibberish.” He told the Topeka Daily Capital: “‘I believe Zion City, “where doctors, drugs, and devils were not the whole of them are crazy. I never saw anything like allowed.” Dowie believed he was at the forefront of an it. I do not believe their senseless jargon means end times apostolic miracle movement. In 1901 Dowie anything. I am trying to be an earnest Christian” (Jan. 6, proclaimed that he was “Elijah the Restorer” who was to 1901).

precede the Lord’s coming and that he was the first Consider this description by Parham of what his apostle of the renewed end-time church. He emphasized students were doing the day after Ozman began her a sinless perfection experience and healing in the tongues-speaking career: “The next day I went down atonement. Parham, too, taught that healing was town and upon my return found ALL THE STUDENTS

promised by Christ’s atonement and railed against the SITTING ON THE FLOOR TALKING IN UNKNOWN

use of medicine and doctors. He claimed that it was TONGUES, NO TWO TALKING THE SAME LANGUAGE, always God’s will to heal sicknesses. For example, in the AND NO ONE UNDERSTANDING HIS OR HER

Sept. 13, 1899, issue of his Apostolic Faith magazine, NEIGHBOR'S SPEECH” ( Topeka Mail and Breeze, Feb.

Parham replied to the question of whether the Bible 22, 1901).

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This is contrary to the Bible’s instruction about the in the spirit, “tongues,” jerking, hysteria, strange animal use of tongues. The Bethel Bible School “tongues” in noises, “holy laughter,” spiritual muteness” (people January 1901 was confusion, which the Bible says is not trying to speak and unable to do so), etc. The seekers of God (1 Co. 14:33). The Bible says that tongues are would be “seized with a strange spell and commence a not to be used unless they are interpreted and even jibberish of sounds.” A very sympathetic biographer of then, the gift is to be exercised by only one speaker at a William Seymour admits that “at times the meetings time (1 Co. 14:23-28). Further, women are not to speak would become so boisterous that the police were (1 Co. 14:34).

called” (Martin, The Life and Ministry of Seymour, p.

Parham claimed that Ozman was unable to speak in 188).

English for three days after her initial tongues One man shook so violently under Seymour’s experience. Her own testimony was that “many times ministry that an ambulance was called. When the man we could only talk in other tongues” (Martin, The who was shaking told the doctor, “Don’t touch me, this Topeka Outpouring of 1901, p. 88). To the contrary, the is the power of God,” the doctor wisely replied, “If that Bible says a genuine prophet or tongues-speaker is in is the power of God it is giving you a devil of a control of himself. “And the spirits of the prophets are shaking” (Martin, p. 306).

subject to the prophets” (1 Co. 14:32). Ozman’s Though there were many reports about healing and uncontrollable “tongues” were not of God.

financial miracles at Azusa, the bank eventually Parham moved to Texas and established a string of foreclosed on the church’s property and Seymour died churches near Houston. The new movement was called young at 52 years old, having been in poor health for a the Apostolic Faith, and it grew quickly and split into long before that. A few months before his death many different directions. The Dictionary of Pentecostal Seymour was described as “worn, tired, and and Charismatic Movements notes that “Parham’s decrepit” (John Matthews, Speaking in Tongues, 1925, p.

contributions to Pentecostalism included the particularly 14).

acute level of ‘latter rain’ millenarianism.” He THE LATTER RAIN COVENANT

considered himself a latter days John the Baptist, In my library is a book published in 1910 by David announcing a new dispensation of the Spirit. He gave Wesley Myland (1858-1943) entitled The Latter Rain himself the title “Projector of the Apostolic Faith.”

Covenant. It was an influential book that developed the One of the students at Parham’s newly founded latter rain doctrine in a systematic fashion. When he Houston Bible school was William J. Seymour heard of the Azusa Street “outpouring” in 1906, he (1870-1922), a black evangelist who accepted Parham’s accepted the Pentecostal doctrine and was eventually doctrine and carried it to Los Angeles, California. The forced to leave the Christian Missionary Alliance.

mission established by Seymour on Azusa Street in 1906

Myland believed the Latter Rain Covenant is based on has become famous as the birthplace of Pentecostalism.

Deuteronomy 11:14, in which God promised to give Meetings were held three times a day, seven days a Israel the early and latter rains if she would obey His week, for three years. Visitors attended from around the law. The term “latter rain” appears six times in the Old world, seeking their own “personal Pentecost,” and Testament, and it always refers to actual rain upon the these and missionaries sent out from the Azusa Street land of Israel, but Myland believed the promise of the mission created a whirlwind of growth for the latter rain had a threefold application: first, to the burgeoning Pentecostal movement.

nation Israel and the land of Palestine; second, to the The meetings began in the mornings and continued Christian life; and third, prophetically to a latter rain for 10 hours and more. There was no order of services outpouring preceding Christ’s return.

and usually no one was leading. “Whoever was anointed According to latter rain doctrine, the coming of the with the message would stand and deliver it. It might be Holy Spirit in his apostolic miracle-working power and a man, woman, or child” (Larry Martin, The Life and prophetic outpouring has two stages, the early and the Ministry of William J. Seymour, p. 186). Seymour rarely latter rains. Just as there was a sign-miracle outpouring preached. Instead, much of the time he put his head during the days of the apostles, there allegedly will be a down in an empty packing crate that served as the similar outpouring at the end of this age before Christ pulpit and prayed. Pastoral oversight was minimum, to returns.

say the least. People sang out at the same time but “with The only mention of the latter rain in the New completely different syllables, rhythms, and Testament, though, is in James 5:7, and there is not melodies” (Ted Olsen, “American Pentecost, Christian even a hint there of the doctrine of an end-time miracle History, Issue 58, 1998).

revival. It is something that must be read into the The services were characterized by much confusion: passage. The New Testament prophecies describing the dancing, jumping up and down, falling, trances, slaying Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 107

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end of the church age speak of false miracles, not true From the beginning, the AOG ordained women ones. See Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; preachers.

Revelation 13:13.

Another of the influential Pentecostal denominations To develop the Latter Rain doctrine, Myland used that arose from the Apostolic Faith and the Azusa Street fanciful allegorical interpretations of the Old Testament movements was the International Church of the passages mentioned above. He wrote: “The corn is a Foursquare Gospel. This was established in 1923 by type of the divine manifestation in the life of Jesus …

Pentecostal evangelist-pastor Aimee Semple McPherson The Holy Spirit is the wine … the oil is the type of the (1890-1944), whom the Dictionary of Pentecostal and Father, the manifestation of God in beauty, in dignity, in Charismatic Movements calls “the most prominent glory and power…” ( The Later Rain Covenant, p. 22).

woman leader Pentecostalism has produced to date” (p.

Myland’s book is filled with this type of allegorizing 570). McPherson was very influential in the promotion whereby he applies things that belong to Israel directly of the latter rain theology. The “foursquare” gospel she to the New Testament churches. In reality, the latter rain promoted was Jesus Christ as Saviour, Baptizer in the miracle revival doctrine has no basis in the Word of Holy Spirit, Healer, and Coming King. “She also did God.

much to popularize a restorationist view of church In the section on the errors of Pentecostalism we deal history with her vision the ‘Dispensation of the Holy with Acts 2:16-20.

Ghost’ repeatedly shared in her very popular sermon

‘Lost and Restored’” (Ibid., p. 571). One of McPherson’s PENTECOSTAL DENOMINATIONS

music compositions was titled “Former and Latter Rain.”

Every Pentecostal denomination can trace its history McPherson claimed that physical healing is part of to the latter rain frenzy of the early part of the century.

the gospel and boasted of the healings that allegedly The Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements took place during her meetings, but the fact is that most has this comment about the aftermath of the Azusa that came for healing were not helped. To go through Street “revival” —

McPherson’s healing line required obtaining a card and

“Sometimes existing denominations were split, while these were normally limited to 75 people. Arno others were totally transformed into Pentecostal Gaebelein examined McPherson’s healing claims and vehicles. Among these were the Church of God in Christ, the Church of God (Cleveland, Tenn.), and the published his report in the 1925 book The Healing Pentecostal Holiness Church. … But new groups were Question. He did not find any genuine healings.

formed as well. The Apostolic Faith (Portland, Oreg.), THE NEW ORDER OF THE LATTER RAIN/ THE

the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (Los Angeles), SHARON MOVEMENT

and in 1914 the Assemblies of God, fell into this In 1948 teachers associated with the Sharon category. Indeed, nearly every Pentecostal Orphanage and Schools in North Battleford, denomination in the U.S. traces its roots in some way or other to the Apostolic Faith Mission at 312 Azusa Saskatchewan, began experiencing “spirit slaying” and Street” (“Azusa Street,” Dictionary of Pentecostal and

“tongues” and other “miracles.” A female student at the Charismatic Movements, p. 35).

school prophesied that a great worldwide revival was Though varying in doctrinal beliefs, all of the about to begin. The movement that arose from these Pentecostal denominations originally believed experiences focused on the latter rain restoration of themselves to be part of an end times latter rain revival apostolic miracles. They expected end-time apostles and movement.

prophets to arise to lead the latter rain. There was an emphasis upon the imparting of the Holy Spirit and The Assemblies of God (AOG) is the largest spiritual gifts by the laying on of hands and a focus on Pentecostal denomination. It was formed in 1914, a few

“personal directive prophecy,” which became an years after the Azusa Street meetings had ended. One of instrument of control in the hands of some. The the early general superintendents of the AOG, E.S.

“revival” influence spread rapidly during and after a Williams, was baptized at Seymour’s Azusa Street Camp Meeting in July 1948, which thousands of people mission. Several of the early AOG leaders were also attended from Canada the United States.

from John Dowie’s Zion City. The AOG’s major denominational distinctives are as follows: (1) The The Sharon movement was disciplined by the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an experience to be sought Assemblies of God, not for the latter rain doctrine itself, subsequent to the new birth. (2) The baptism of the but for excesses and abuses. In particular, many AOG

Holy Spirit is evidenced by tongues’ speaking. (3) A leaders disagreed with the teaching that apostles would Christian can lose his salvation. (4) Physical healing is arise and they disliked the use of “personal promised to the Christian because of Christ’s atonement.

prophecies” (a form of soothsaying) and the practice of bestowing spiritual gifts by the laying on of hands.

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MANIFEST SONS OF GOD

O'Clock in the Morning and The Holy Spirit and You. The Many well-known Pentecostal leaders have been movement spread quickly among Episcopalians, proponents of the most extreme views of latter rain.

Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, and other One of these, called Manifest Sons of God, claims that a Protestant denominations. It was promoted by the Full select group of Christians will be perfected and Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International led by immortalized during the latter rain miracle revival and Demos Shakarian (1913-93).

this band of perfected saints, led by end-time apostles, The Charismatic movement penetrated Roman will go throughout the world performing miracles.

Catholicism in the latter half of the 1960s. In January Manifest Sons of God theology claims that this miracle 1967 students at the Roman Catholic Duquesne revival will result in most of the world being saved and University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began having will usher in the Lord’s return.

Pentecostal-type experiences, speaking in “tongues,”

This doctrine was taught by John Robert Stevens, a falling, weeping, prophesying. By 1974, 30,000

disciple of William Branham. Stevens was the “apostle”

attended the annual charismatic Catholic conference at of the Church of the Living Word in Redondo Beach, Notre Dame. The next year 10,000 charismatic Catholics California. Though discredited by many scandals, the traveled to Rome to hear Pope Paul VI welcome them to Manifest Sons of God theology has been revived by the Vatican. It is important to understand that the various Pentecostal “prophets,” including Paul Cain who charismatic experience does not draw Catholics to the has been aligned with John Wimber and the Vineyard truth, but confirms their Catholic doctrine. After Roman movement in recent years and with Todd Bentley and Catholics associated with Notre Dame University began the “Lakeland Outpour” of 2008.

exhibiting charismatic phenomena in 1967, a The strange Manifest Sons of God theology is based Pentecostal ex-missionary asked them, “Now that you on a faulty interpretation of Romans 8:19-23, among have received the Holy Spirit when are you thinking of other passages. It is a result of dispensational confusion.

leaving the Roman Catholic Church?” The astonished In reality, Romans 8:19-23 encourages the child of God Roman Catholic charismatics replied, “But we have to be patient with the troubles and imperfection he absolutely no intention of leaving the Church” (Fernand experiences in this present world, knowing that when Legrand, All about Speaking in Tongues, p. 4).

Christ returns we will experience that which we long The Charismatic leaders and organizations promote a for: resurrection bodies, immortality, sinless perfection, number of newer teachings. Chief among these are the the glory of God, the transformation of the earth.

positive confession doctrines, which claim that the Manifest Sons of God proponents do not believe this believer can have healing and prosperity through refers to something which will occur after Christ’s channeling his faith (of which we will say more in the return, but before.

next paragraph). Typically they chase all sorts of other Though most of the current Pentecostal-Charismatic unscriptural doctrines and practices. The “laughing revivalists would reject certain aspects of Manifest Sons revival,” which began under the ministries of Rodney of God theology, such as immortalization, they also hold Howard-Browne and John Arnott and swept through to some aspects. They believe, for example, that the countless charismatic churches, is an example. Having coming of Christ will be preceded by miracles which will loosed themselves from principle that the Bible is the be greater even than those of apostolic times, and they final and sole authority for faith and practice, having believe that current Pentecostal revivals such as those in accepted the possibility of new revelation, and having Toronto and Pensacola are a harbinger of those put an undue emphasis upon signs and wonders and miracles.

experiences, they are adrift upon the uncertain sea of confusion and apostasy.

THE CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT

T H E P O S I T I V E C O N F E S S I O N / W O R D - FA I T H

In the 1960s Pentecostalism became ecumenical and MOVEMENT

moved into the mainstream denominations. This began with the outbreak of “tongues speaking” at St. Mark’s The Word-Faith movement is a very influential part Episcopal Church in Van Nuys, California. The priest, of the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement today. It is Dennis Bennett (1917-1991), supported the move and also known as “Positive Confession” or simply the became a leader in promoting it in many other

“Faith” movement. It has no organizational or churches. Bennett was forced to resign from St. Mark’s denominational structure or hierarchy but it is and subsequently moved to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church promoted by many prominent Pentecostal leaders who in Seattle, Washington. Bennett has had a wide have large and prosperous ministries. The Word-Faith influence through his frequent travels and speaking movement is powered by massive amounts of money engagements and his bestselling books, including Nine that its teachers raise through their promise of healing and prosperity and power. It is represented by the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 109

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Trinity Broadcasting Network, a half-billion dollar of the 1960s; and the third wave has been occurring corporation that beams Word-Faith teaching throughout since the 1980s among evangelicals.

the world.

The Third Wave is characterized by the following: In general it holds that healing is guaranteed to those (1) An acceptance of tongues speaking as legitimate; (2) who have faith, that Jesus was rich and that He desires an openness to divine healing as something promised by for His followers to be financially prosperous, that faith God; (3) a yearning for experiential worship that is a creative force that can be used to shape one’s world, involves yielding to charismatic style contemporary that when Adam fell he forfeited the nature of God and music; (4) a focus on charismatic style spiritual warfare, took the nature of Satan and that salvation requires including the concept of territorial spirits that must be removing Satan’s nature from mankind, that Jesus did identified and bound by prayer before evangelism can not make the atonement for sin by His death and blood be successful; (5) an openness to the continued gift of but by taking upon Himself the nature of Satan on the prophecy.

cross then going to hell and overcoming the devil there EXPLOSIVE GROWTH

and being born again and thus erasing Satan’s nature As we have noted, at the turn of the 20th century from man, that Jesus is establishing a new race of little there were no Pentecostals. Even 50 years ago Christs that are equal to Him and that can do what He Pentecostalism was a very minor part of Christendom, did.

but things are different now. The ten largest churches in While the Word-Faith teachers hold certain things in the world are Charismatic. The Charismatic movement common and while all of them hold to most of the is probably the fastest growing segment of Christianity.

aforementioned doctrines, they are highly individualistic It dominates the Christian media in the West and and do not necessarily hold to every single one.

permeates such influential organizations as the Some of the proponents of the Word-Faith doctrine Christian Booksellers of America and the Christian are Kenneth Hagin, Sr., Kenneth Hagin, Jr., Kenneth Broadcasting Association. Some of the largest mission Copeland, Benny Hinn, David Yonggi Cho, Paul Crouch, groups are Charismatic, including Youth With A Mission, John Avanzini, Robert Tilton, R.W. Shambach, Rod with its 21,000 workers. Statistician David Howard Parsley, Fred Price, Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, Marilyn claims that 372 million Christians—one in every five—

Hickey, Charles Capps, Peter Popoff, Morris Cerullo, identifies with the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement John Bevere, Markus Bishop, Juanita Bynum, Kim (Press Release, Indianapolis ‘90, Aug. 16, 1990). He Clement, Paula White, and Rodney Howard-Browne.

claims that Charismatics are growing by 54,000 per day, At its heart is the doctrine that whatever a believer and that 80% of all conversions are Charismatic. While claims by faith, he will have. The late Kenneth Hagin, these statistics are doubtful, there can be no doubt that Sr., said, “Your confession of faith in God’s Word will it is a massive movement.

bring healing or whatever it is you need from God into THE ERROR OF THE PENTECOSTAL MOVEMENT

the present tense and make it a reality in your Though there are many sincere Pentecostal Christians life!” (Hagin, The Word of Faith, Dec. 1992).

who love the Lord, particularly among that extreme THE THIRD WAVE

minority of old-line Pentecostals who have not accepted Prior to the 1970s, evangelicals looked upon the the Charismatic movement, we believe they are Pentecostal-Charismatic movement as fanaticism and sincerely misled. The Pentecostal-Charismatic worse. By the 1970s, this attitude had changed movements share several dangerous, unbiblical dramatically. In March 1972, Christianity Today characteristics. The Bible says the Holy Spirit is the observed: “A new era of the Spirit has begun. The SPIRIT OF TRUTH (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 1 John charismatic experience moves Christians far beyond 4:6), but the fruit of the Pentecostal-Charismatic glossalalia [tongues-speaking]. ... An evangelical movement is not truth but doctrinal error. While not renaissance is becoming visible along the Christian every Pentecostal or Charismatic holds every one of the highway, from the frontiers of the sects to the high errors described in the following study, he holds many places of the Roman Catholic communion. This appears of them.

to be one of the most strategic moments in the church’s 1. WE REJECT THE PENTECOSTAL-CHARISMATIC

history.” Many of the evangelicals that have adopted a MOVEMENT BECAUSE OF THE FALSE DOCTRINE OF

positive view of the Charismatic movement do not call AN END-TIME, LATTER RAIN MIRACLE REVIVAL.

themselves Charismatic. Fuller Seminary professor Peter One of the keynotes of the Pentecostal movement Wagner coined the term “third wave” in the 1980s. He since its inception has been the doctrine that the Lord’s said the first wave was Pentecostalism in the early coming will be preceded by a worldwide revival of signs 1900s; the second wave was the Charismatic movement and wonders. Acts 2:16-20 is used as a proof text. They 110

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say, “See, sons and daughters will prophesy and young throughout the age. The Spirit of God warned that “evil men will see visions and old men will dream dreams,”

men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, but this verse is ripped from its context.

and being deceived” (2 Ti. 3:13). Ultimately this

“But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; progression of error will blossom into the final apostasy And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I described in Revelation 17-18.

will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons The Bible warns that the end of this age will be and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young characterised by false miracles. Consider the following men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream Scriptures:

dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, many” (Mt. 24:11).

and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very and notable day of the Lord come.”

elect” (Matthew 24:24).

First of all, Peter says the Joel prophecy was fulfilled in

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the his day with the events of Pentecost. Peter explained to Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and those gathered before him on the day of Pentecost that shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even the events they were witnessing, the tongues whereby him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” (2 Th. 2:8-9).

“every man heard them speak in his own language” (Acts 2:6), was prophesied by Joel. Peter tells us in this

“And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in passage that the prophesying was fulfilled in his own the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the day, at the beginning of the church age. The earth, that they should make an image to the beast, prophesying of Acts 2:17-18 was connected directly which had the wound by a sword, and did live” (Re.

with the tongues and the prophesying that occurred on 13:14).

the day of Pentecost and the ministry of the apostles.

The Lord Jesus Christ said an evil generation seeketh The rest of the New Testament confirms this. Paul after a sign (Mt. 12:39; 16:4).

explains that tongues were a sign for the unbelieving 2. WE REJECT THE PENTECOSTAL-CHARISMATIC

Jewish nation (1 Co. 14:20-22). As a nation they MOVEMENT BECAUSE IN PRACTICE IT EXALTS

rejected the sign of the tongues and were dispersed in EXPERIENCE OVER SCRIPTURE.

A.D. 70 by the Roman armies.

Though Pentecostals and Charismatics pay lip service Second, there are two parts to the prophecy that Peter to the sufficiency of the Bible, in reality experience and cited: first the prophesying and second the signs in the

“personal revelation” are commonly the higher heavens. The signs in the heavens are said to be in the authorities.

future (“I WILL shew wonders in heaven...”), and we know from other Scriptures that the last half of Joel’s Some even admit this. Tommy Tenney, author of the prophecy will be fulfilled at the Lord’s coming. These popular book The God Chasers, says: “A true God chaser things will not occur until the time of the Tribulation is not happy with just past truth. He must have present and the return of Christ. The heavenly signs are truth. God chasers don’t want to just study from the described in the book of Revelation.

moldy pages of what God has done; they’re anxious to see what God is doing.” Henry Frost says, “We are not to Third, the “last days” is a period of time that began in say, therefore, that the word is sufficient” ( Miraculous the days of the apostles and that extends throughout this Healing, p. 110). Michael Harper says the world is tired present church age and includes the events surrounding of “the airy-fairy doctrines of theologians” and “awaits a the lord’s return. It begins with true signs and revelation fresh manifestation of Christ” ( A New Way of Living, from God, and it ends with false signs and revelation from 1973, p. 12). Larry Christenson says: “... the baptism the devil. The apostle John said, “Little children, it is the with the Holy Spirit is not a theology to be discussed last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, and analyzed. It is an experience one enters even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know into” ( Speaking in Tongues, 1968, p. 40).

that it is the last time” (1 John 2:18). John taught that there will be an antichrist, singular, who will arise at the In his book Rise and Be Healed Benny Hinn describes end of this age, but that there are also antichrists, his alleged intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit plural, which will operate throughout the age. This and says: “You may ask, ‘Was it the result of a systematic describes the general course of the church age which is Bible study?’ No, it happened when I invited the Holy described in the New Testament. Apostasy, a turning Spirit to be my personal friend” ( Rise and Be Healed, p.

away from the apostolic faith has increased and spread 48).

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It is not uncommon to find Pentecostals and feature of Pentecostalism and it is certainly a feature of Charismatics ridiculing a “Bible only” position. John the modern Charismatic movement.

Wimber warned against “worshipping the book” and For example, in 1994 Phillip Johnson visited the mocked those who judge everything strictly by the Bible, Anaheim Vineyard, pastored by the late John Wimber, saying they have “God the Father, God the Son, and God and he and the rest of the congregation were told by the Holy Book” (Wimber, as cited in Hank Hanegraaff, one of the Vineyard pastors:

Counterfeit Revival, p. 109). On another occasion

“In a moment I’m going to call down the Holy Spirit.

Wimber warned against being “too rigid” and “too Things like you’ve never seen will begin to happen. …

heavily oriented to the written Word” (Ibid.). To the Don’t be alarmed by anything you see … And above contrary, the Psalmist said the written Word “is a lamp all, don’t try to rationally evaluate the things you will unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105). It see. … SUBJECTING THE REVIVAL TO DOCTRINAL

is impossible to be too strongly oriented toward the TESTS IS THE SUREST WAY TO PUT OUT THE

Bible! In his healing seminar, Wimber made the FIRE” (Phillip R. Johnson, “My Visit to the Anaheim following amazing statement, “It is evil when you hide Vineyard,” 1995, www.gty.org:80/~phil/articles/

behind doctrinal beliefs that curtail and control the laught.htm).

work of the Spirit. … The Church today is committing At the same meeting a woman church staff member evil in the name of sound doctrine. And they are led in public prayer with these appalling words: quenching the work of the Holy Spirit” (Wimber,

“We refuse to critique with our minds the work that Healing Seminar Series, cited from Testing the Fruit of the You want to do in our hearts. WE REFUSE TO

Vineyard by John Goodwin). This mindset undermines SUBJECT YOUR WORK TO OUR LITTLE DOCTRINAL

the authority of the Bible and leaves one open to TESTS.”

spiritual delusion. If the Holy Spirit operates contrary to In his book The Touch of God, Rodney Howard-the Word of God in any sense whatsoever, there is no Browne warns, “If you come in and try to analyze or try way to discern between the true Spirit and false spirits to work out what’s happening in these meetings with and the Bible cannot be the sole and final authority in your mind, you’ll miss it” (p. 99). When dealing with the believer’s life.

people who come forward to receive “the anointing,”

Charismatic Anglican Michael Harper warns about Howard-Browne repeatedly instructs them, “Don’t pray.

those that “set up alarm systems and squat nervously GET YOUR MIND OUT OF THE WAY!”

behind protective walls” ( These Wonderful Gifts, p. 107).

When Dale Brooks, pastor of an Assemblies of God Of those that believe “the Bible is God’s final word,”

congregation in Tampa, Florida, shut down his own Harper says, “[For them God] has been silent ever since.

services and urged his people to attend the Rodney He is not allowed to address His people except through Howard-Browne crusade in Lakeland in 1993, he the words of the Bible” ( These Wonderful Gifts, p. 104).

advised: “Don’t fight it. Enjoy it. Walk in it. DON’T TRY

This is a complete misrepresentation of what we believe TO FIGURE IT OUT” ( Charisma, August 1993).

and it is a trick that is typical of Pentecostal-Colin Dye, a promoter of the Pentecostal Laughing Charismatics. We do not believe that God has been Revival in England, says: “We must not dare test the silent since the completion of the Scripture or that He is work of the Spirit!” ( Directions magazine, April 1995).

not allowed to speak except through the words of the In a Brownsville Assembly of God service on Feb. 22, Bible. We believe, rather, that the canon of Scripture is 1996, Stephen Hill said he could discern that the devil settled and that whereas the preaching and teaching of had sent analyzers to the service and warned the the Word under the Holy Spirit’s unction is legitimate, congregation against analyzing. “He went on to say, speaking by fresh revelation is not. We believe that

‘LET YOURSELVES GO: DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT

every doctrine and practice must be and can be tested WHAT YOU ARE DOING; forget about those around you by the Scripture and we do not believe that God speaks and what they are doing. Release your mind; release anything that is different from or contrary to the your spirit; and let the mighty river of the Holy Ghost Scripture. We believe that God personally leads His take you wherever He wants you to go’” (Jimmy people by His Spirit but He never leads contrary to the Robbins, Revival … Or Satanic Counterfeit. Feb. 1996, Bible.

Southern Pines, NC: Midnight Cry Ministries, The Pentecostal-Charismatic movement typically www.midcry.org/revival.htm).

encourages people to be open to new doctrines and Dennis Bennett, an Episcopalian priest who was experiences and not to “put God in a box” by carefully influential in the founding of the Charismatic movement testing everything with Scripture. There have been in the early 1960s, tells many stories of how people exceptions, of course, but this has been a common were “baptized by the Holy Spirit” after they stopped analyzing and just “opened themselves to God.” For 112

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example, in the book Nine O’Clock in the Morning, This is a very significant testimony. Arnott had been Bennett describes an experience he had at a meeting in unable to receive the “anointing” BECAUSE HE WAS

Oregon:

ANALYZING IT BY THE BIBLE. When he finally broke

“... one young minister challenged me. He wasn’t down in desperation and stopped analyzing it, he began ungracious; he just didn’t agree with my theology. He to receive the strange unscriptural experiences.

held a mild debate with me in the presence of others Even those Pentecostals that are the highly there--mostly businessmen--and then departed, feeling theologically oriented and that seemingly base their that he had made his point. Shortly after he left, a thinking most solidly upon the Bible commonly exalt young businessman asked for and received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. He was so overcome with the joy of experience and “personal revelation” to the same level the Lord that he, like others on the Day of Pentecost of divine authority in practice.

itself, looked as if he was filled with new wine. I could Consider Derek Prince. He reminds his listeners that not miss the sad contrast between the young minister he has studied Greek since he was 10 years old and departing in intellectual triumph, but still dry and taught it at Cambridge University, but in spite of his hungry in his soul, and the young businessman, filled intimate knowledge of the biblical languages he with the joy which he had accepted from God in launches off into the strange waters of extrabiblical simplicity and trust. ... We too, like the young minister, doctrine. For example, he says:

CAN GET SO TANGLED IN INTELLECTUAL

QUESTIONINGS that we may spend all our time

“When you are baptized in the Holy Ghost, you having ‘great reasonings among ourselves,’ and miss become a kind of prayer wheel. The Holy Spirit turns the glory of God!” ( Nine O’Clock in the Morning, p.

you around and prays through you. ... A lady who is 248).

known to many was born and raised in the Roman Catholic religion in Ireland. She came to London, This is an extremely dangerous position. Observe where she was saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit.

how that Bennett portrays the young preacher in a At the time, she worked as a maid in a hotel in negative light, as strictly intellectual and as not properly London, and she shared a room with another Irish open to God’s leading and as spiritually dry (a judgment Catholic girl. One day, the other girl said to her, ‘I want that Bennett was not in a position to make). In contrast, to ask you something. I hope you don’t mind, but every he portrays the gullible businessman in a completely night after you have gone to bed and you seem to be positive light because he asked for something the Bible asleep, I hear you talking some foreign language. What never instructs us to ask for and received an experience is that language?’ That young lady got to know for the never described in the New Testament (“the baptism of first time that every night after the body was asleep, the Holy Spirit and spiritual drunkenness).

the Holy Ghost was praying through her” (Prince, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, pp. 56-57).

The fact is that the “young minister” was right. To There is nothing like this in the New Testament and question a doctrine and to analyze spiritual practices thus it is far more likely that the unintelligible dream and experiences by the Word of God is not only right, it mutterings he has described are demonic or carnal. Yet is necessary. It is obedience to God’s command (i.e., Acts in spite of boldly adding to and contradicting the Word 17:11; 1 Th. 5:21; 1 John 4:1).

of God, Derek Prince would profess that the Bible is his In November 1993, John Arnott, pastor of the Airport sole authority for faith and practice.

Church in Toronto, flew to Argentina with his wife to Consider FourSquare pastor Jack Hayford.

have Claudio Friedzon lay hands on them. They were Christianity Today magazine calls him “The Pentecostal searching for a new experience of “anointing.” This Gold Standard” ( Christianity Today, July 2005), but occurred during an Argentinean pastors’ conference when Hayford’s theology and practice are placed under organized by Luis Palau’s brother-in-law, Ed Silvoso.

the microscope we find that his position is not the This event is described as follows by Guy Chevreau, who untarnished gold of Scripture but the rust and corrosion works with Arnott in Toronto:

of extrabiblical “revelation.” Speaking at St. Louis

“John was standing with his hands up, posturing his 2000, for example, Hayford told of how his daughter openness to the Lord, and Claudio looked at him and approached him one day with a concern about her said, ‘Do you want it?’ He said, ‘Yes. I really want it.’

Then Claudio said, ‘Then take it!’ and he slapped John

“tongues speaking.” She was afraid that she was on both of his hands. John fell again. BUT THIS TIME

speaking mere gibberish, but he encouraged her that the HE DIALED DOWN A LOT OF THE ANALYSIS AND

believer must first learn to speak in baby tongues before SAID, ‘I DON’T CARE, I’M JUST GOING TO TAKE

he speaks in adult tongues. There is absolutely no Bible WHAT GOD HAS TO GIVE.’ Something clicked in his support for such nonsense and it denies the heart at that moment” (emphasis added) (Chevreau, Pentecostal’s claim that the Bible is his sole authority for Catch the Fire, p. 24).

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California, God spoke to him and instructed him not to correction, and for instruction in righteousness. Nothing judge the Roman Catholic Church. He says he heard a other than the Bible is needed for these things. We don’t message from God saying, “Why would I not be happy need a personal revelation or a personal prophecy for with a place where every morning the testimony of the doctrine or a “word of knowledge” for correction.

blood of my Son is raised from the altar?” (“The

“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, Pentecostal Gold Standard,” Christianity Today, July when we made known unto you the power and coming 2005) Based upon this “personal revelation,” Hayford of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his adopted a neutral approach to Catholicism, yet upon the majesty. For he received from God the Father honour authority of the Bible I know that the message that and glory, when there came such a voice to him from Hayford heard was demonic. The atonement of Jesus the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I Christ is NOT glorified on Roman Catholic altars. The am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy Mass is an open denial of the doctrine of the once-for-all mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; atonement that we find in the book of Hebrews. Note whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light what the Vatican II Council said about the Mass: “For in that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and it Christ perpetuates in an unbloody manner the the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, sacrifice offered on the cross, offering himself to the that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private Father for the world’s salvation through the ministry of interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time priests” ( The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they

“Instruction on the Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery,”

were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:16-21).

Intro., C 1, 2, p. 108). This is only a small part of Here Peter exalts the Scripture over mystical Rome’s wicked heresies, and it is impossible that God (experiential) visions and voices. Peter was an would encourage Jack Hayford to look upon the Roman eyewitness of Christ’s glorification on the Mount of Catholic Church in any sort of positive, non-judgmental Transfiguration and heard the actual voice of God from manner. If Hayford based his theology about the Roman heaven and saw Moses and Elijah, but he says the Catholic Church strictly upon the Bible, he would never Scripture is “a more sure word of prophecy.” A greater fall for such delusion.

exaltation of the Bible as the sole authority for faith and Thus, regardless of what the Pentecostal and practice could not be made. The Scripture is “more sure”

Charismatic say about holding the Bible as the sole than visions and voices because these can be authority for faith and practice, this claim is almost demonically imitated and fallibly interpreted. Many always found to be untrue when it is examined carefully.

Pentecostals, such as William Braham and David It is a case of “what you are doing speaks louder than DuPlessis, have heard voices that led them away from what you are saying.”

biblical truth, causing them to do such things as deny Observe the following Scriptures carefully: the Trinity and to accept “latter rain” heresies and

“second baptisms” and ecumenism and many other

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is errors.

profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2

of the common salvation, it was needful for me to Timothy 3:16-17).

write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once It is the Scripture (rather than tradition or delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).

experience or personal revelation or a prophecy or a

“word of knowledge” or a voice or a vision or an out of Here we see that the New Testament faith was “once body experience) that is given by divine inspiration and delivered unto the saints.” This means that it was the Scripture is able to make the man of God perfect, completed during the days of the apostles. It is not still throughly furnished unto all good works. Notice the being delivered. The Lord Jesus promised to lead the exceedingly strong emphasis here on the Scripture’s disciples into all truth. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of sufficiency. Observe the words that are used: “able,”

truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall

“perfect,” “throughly furnished,” “all good works.” Thus not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that it is obvious that God’s people need nothing beyond the shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (Jn.

Scripture. The Pentecostals and Charismatics admit that 16:13). This was fulfilled in the writing of the New their prophecies and dreams and visions and Testament and the completion of the canon of Scripture.

experiences are not “scripture,” and in light of 2

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of Timothy 3:1617 it is obvious that they are not needed.

the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that The canon of Scripture was completed 2,000 years ago, are written in this book: And if any man shall take and it is sufficient for doctrine, for reproof, for away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God 114

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shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out Th. 5:20-21 is that all preaching and teaching must be of the holy city, and from the things which are written proven by Scripture and only that which is found to be in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19).

in accordance with Scripture is to be received.

This warning applies not only to the individual book I am convinced that the doctrine of the sole authority of Revelation but to the entire Book of which Revelation of the Scripture refutes the Pentecostal and Charismatic forms the final chapter. When the canon of Scripture movements.

was completed with the writing of the final book of the 3. WE REJECT THE PENTECOSTAL-CHARISMATIC

New Testament, it was sealed with a most solemn MOVEMENT BECAUSE OF ITS EMPHASIS ON THE

warning not to add to it nor subtract from it. The MIRACULOUS RATHER THAN A SIMPLE WALK OF

Revelation is finished. Ever since then, those who have FAITH.

claimed to speak by prophecy and other extrabiblical revelation have been deluded. This includes the The Pentecostal and Charismatic movements Montanists, Roman Catholic popes and councils and definitely emphasize the miraculous. John Wimber

“saints,” the prophets of St. Medard, the Cevennol believed the miraculous is necessary for effective prophets, the Irvingites, the Shakers, Seventh-day evangelism and called it “doing the stuff.” I could list Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, and hundreds of books written by Pentecostals and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Charismatics that focus on a miraculous experience and, Pentecostal prophets.

commonly, the more radical and outrageous the better!

The Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship has published

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in many books and countless articles emphasizing them” (Isaiah 8:20).

charismatic experiences. One book titled “The Happiest In Old Testament times, the Scripture was the sole People on Earth” has a testimony that is typical. After authority for faith and practice and every teaching was describing the glorious things that allegedly occurred to be compared to it and every teaching that was after one couple was “baptized in the Holy Spirit,” one contrary to it was to be rejected. The Scripture is the of them said to the effect, “Even if there is no heaven, sole and final test of truth. Anything that is spoken that this is so good that it wouldn’t matter.” That is some is not in accordance with the Scripture must be rejected powerful experiential Christian living! I picked up a as darkness and those who speak such things are not copy of that book in a restaurant in Cody, Wyoming, in following the light. This is the infallible test.

the 1980s and at the time my experience was the very opposite of that testimony. I was sick, broke, lonely, and

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in discouraged! I was tempted to find a Pentecostal or that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things Charismatic to lay hands on me so that I, too, could were so” (Acts 17:11).

have such a glorious testimony at all moments of my The same standard is true in the New Testament Christian life, but when I prayed earnestly about the dispensation. The Bereans were called “noble” because matter and meditated upon the Word of God, I came to they tested everything by the Scriptures. This practice is my senses and remembered that God promises no such exalted by the Spirit of God as noble Christianity, and experience for the present. Paul described the “normal any type of Christianity that tries to add anything to the Christian life” in Romans 8:18-23, and it is nothing like same level of authority as the Scriptures and any type of the testimonies given by Charismatics.

Christianity that draws back from testing everything Paul says the present Christian experience is one of carefully by the Scripture is ignoble and wrong.

suffering and bondage to corruption (which refers to the

“Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast indwelling sin nature and this body of death) and that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).

waiting for the glory that is to come when we will Here the Spirit of God gives two interconnected finally experience the resurrection and the kingdom of commandments. Prophesying is not to be despised but Christ.

all things are to be tested. This is what we see in 1

Paul described his own Christian experience in many Corinthians 14:29: “Let the prophets speak two or three, places in his epistles, and it, too, was nothing like the and let the other judge.” In the apostolic churches experiences described by Charismatics. In 2 Co. 1:5 he prophesying involved both preaching and revelation, testified that “the sufferings of Christ abound in us.” He but the revelation aspect ceased with the completion of told the Corinthians, “We would not, brethren, have you the canon of Scripture. Paul defined prophesying as ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we speaking to men “to edification, and exhortation, and were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch comfort” (1 Co. 14:3), which is a ministry that continues that we despaired even of life” (2 Co. 1:8). When he in the churches throughout the age. The chief point of 1

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described suffering rather than glory, care rather than I am convinced that the doctrine that the Christian lightheartedness (2 Co. 11:23-28).

life is a walk of faith and that faith is based upon the Other examples of the experience orientation among Word of God rather than experience and the warnings of the Charismatics are the writings of Dennis Bennett Christ against lusting after miracles refutes the (“Nine O’Clock in the Morning” and “The Holy Spirit Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.

and You”), an Episcopalian priest who was influential in 4. WE REJECT THE PENTECOSTAL-CHARISMATIC

the founding of the Charismatic movement in the early MOVEMENT BECAUSE OF THE FALSE DOCTRINE THAT

1960s. These books are literally filled with “charismatic”

THE MESSIANIC MIRACLES CAN BE REPRODUCED

style experiences that are offered as evidence of the TODAY.

reality of the “Spirit baptized life.” Another example is Many have taught that Jesus performed miracles as

“Overcome by the Spirit” by the Anglican charismatic an example for Christians to follow. I have heard Larry Francis MacNutt. This book contains the experiences of Lea say that we need a “red letter” Christianity, referring people who have been “slain by the Spirit.”

to the words of Christ in the Gospels that are printed in What you won’t find in books like these is a red ink in some New Testaments.

description of the simple and humble walk of faith, but This idea ignores the fact that Jesus healed and consider the following important Scriptures: performed miracles as a sign that He was the Messiah,

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the the promised Saviour, the Son of God. Jesus’ healing evidence of things not seen” (He. 11:1).

ministry was not an example for us to follow but was

“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Co. 5:7).

part of His unique credentials as the Christ. Consider

“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not John 5:36; 10:25, 37-38; 14:11; 15:24; 20:30-31.

hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

These Scriptures leave no doubt as to the purpose of But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with Christ’s miracles. Even the apostles could not do all of patience wait for it” (Ro. 8:24-25).

the amazing things that Jesus did (i.e., quieting storms Faith or hope is the opposite of something that is and feeding the multitudes), and had they done so the seen (or felt or even experienced). Faith is waiting sign nature of Christ’s miracles would have been patiently for something that one does not yet possess.

rendered ineffective.

The believer has all spiritual blessings in heavenly What about John 14:12 -- “Verily, verily, I say unto places (Ep. 1:3), is seated in the heavenlies with Christ you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he (Col. 3:1), and has an inheritance reserved in heaven (1

do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because Pe. 1:4), but he does not yet enjoy all of these blessings.

I go unto my Father”? This cannot mean that believers We are waiting for them. We do not have kingdom through the centuries would be able to do greater sign authority because the kingdom has not yet come. We do miracles than Jesus. That would be impossible. What not have perfect health because the resurrection body could be greater than turning water into wine, feeding has not yet been given. We do not live in splendid multitudes, walking on the water, and raising the dead?

wealth because we have not yet been glorified. The Jesus did not say that the disciples would do greater Christian life is a life of faith and that means we are miracles; He said they would do greater works. Though patiently waiting for those things that God has promised the word “works” is sometimes used to describe Jesus even while we live in this present cursed world and in a miracles, it is not limited to that. Whereas Jesus

“body of this death” (Ro. 7:24).

ministered only in Palestine and saw only a relatively Further, the Lord Jesus Christ rebuked the lust after few souls saved under His direct ministry, His disciples miracles in the strongest of terms. See Matthew have ministered throughout the world and have seen 12:38-39; 16:4; Mark 8:11-12.

multitudes of souls saved. Whereas Jesus wrote no The believer is not to lust after the miraculous; he is books, the apostles completed the canon of Scripture.

to walk humbly by faith, obediently serving while God’s people have enjoyed the power to live holy lives patiently waiting for the coming of Christ (1 Th.

in the face of a godless generation, to withstand the 1:9-10).

most searing persecution, and to preach the gospel to Miracles do not produce faith. Multitudes witnessed the ends of the earth. God’s people have continued to Christ’s mighty miracles but only a few believed. Faith experience miracles and have done great works, but comes only by the Word of God. “So then faith cometh by they have not done the Messianic sign miracles.

hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Ro. 10:17).

I am convinced that the doctrine that Christ’s The miracles that the believer needs to support his miracles had a specific temporal purpose refutes the faith are found in the written Word of God. Consider Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.

John 20:29-31.

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5. WE REJECT THE PENTECOSTAL-CHARISMATIC

In fact, this is so far from what we believe that it is MOVEMENT BECAUSE OF THE FALSE DOCTRINE THAT

libelous. We believe that the Bible teaches that the sign THE APOSTOLIC MIRACLES CAN BE REPRODUCED

gifts exercised by Christ and the apostles were special TODAY.

and had a temporary purpose and thus ceased, but we The Pentecostal-Charismatic movement has taught do not believe that God’s miraculous power has ceased.

that apostolic miracles should be performed by the Jesus Christ is indeed the same yesterday, today, and churches in general and particularly by the churches at forever, but He does not do exactly the same thing in the end of the age when the “latter rain” is poured out.

every dispensation. He is not instructing men to build Kathryn Kuhlman said, “Every church should be seeing arks to escape a worldwide flood nor is He confounding the healings of the Book of Acts” (Jamie Buckingham, tongues as at the tower of Babel nor is He giving the Daughter of Destiny, p. 104).

Law on Mt. Sinai with lightnings and thunderings nor is In fact, though, the healing ministry of the apostles He being born in a manger today nor is He dying for our was unique and was for the purpose of authenticating sins nor is He coming forth from the tomb nor is He their work. See 2 Corinthians 12:12; Mark 3:14-15; Acts shedding forth Pentecost with the sound as of a rushing, 2:43; 3:6-8; 4:33; 5:12, 15; 9:40-41; 19:12; 28:3-5, 7-9.

mighty wind. Nor is He doing “the signs of an apostle”

today, because the work of the apostles was completed All Christians could not do the sign miracles. The in the first century.

only exceptions were a few men closely associated with the apostles and upon whom the apostles had laid This is not to say, though, that God no longer does hands. If such miracles could be done indiscriminately miracles. He has done great miracles in every century of by Christians in general, the sign would be rendered the church age and He is doing great miracles today. He ineffective. If I tell a stranger that is meeting me at the is spiritually raising the dead and giving light to the airport that I will be wearing a red hat when I come off blind and conquering rebellious souls by the power of of the plane, the red hat is the sign of recognition; but if the gospel and supplying the needs of His churches and other people on my flight disembark wearing red hats granting spiritual understanding and guidance to His the sign is destroyed. There simply was no general people and healing the sick in answer to prayer miracle-working experience among the first churches. If according to James 5 and granting supernatural power there had been, Paul could not have pointed to his to those who are persecuted and oppressed and many miracles as “the signs of an apostle” in 2 Co. 12:12. If all other things. God works this type of miracle today, but believers could have performed miracles as a matter of the sign miracles had a temporary purpose that ceased course, the brethren at Joppa would not have called for with the apostles.

Peter to come and raise Dorcas from the dead (Acts We see the same thing in the Old Testament 9:36-42). Peter’s miracle that day was the “sign of an dispensation. There were only two great periods of the apostle.”

miraculous. First, miracles were done during the days of It has never been God’s will for all Christians to Moses when God confirmed Moses’ authority to perform sign miracles and to heal everyone. It did not establish Israel as a nation and gave her the Law.

happen in the first century and it certainly is not Second, miracles were done during the early days of the happening today. Don’t be deceived. Don’t seek that prophets to confirm their authority to rebuke Israel and which God has NOT promised and thereby leave to complete the canon of Old Testament Scripture. The yourself open to spiritual deception. Jesus warned that sign-type of miracle was not done indiscriminately an evil generation seeks a sign (Mt. 12:39). Let’s not be throughout the Old Testament dispensation nor is it identified with evil. Let us rather seek those things that done throughout the New Testament dispensation.

God HAS promised and that He wants to do in and for I am convinced that the doctrine that the apostolic and through us to the glory of Christ. Let us rather seek miracles had a specific temporal purpose refutes the to live holy lives and to preach the gospel and to walk Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.

by faith and to see souls saved and lives changed for the 6. WE REJECT THE PENTECOSTAL-CHARISMATIC

glory of God and to be looking for Christ’s return.

MOVEMENT BECAUSE OF THE FALSE DOCTRINE

It is common for Pentecostals and Charismatics to ABOUT THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

misrepresent the non-Charismatic position on miracles, From the beginning, most Pentecostal denominations claiming that we do not believe in the miraculous.

have taught that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an Michael Harper says, “According to them it is as if God is experience that must be sought subsequent to salvation now paralysed. He does not intervene any more in our and that it is accompanied by tongues speaking.

lives. His hand is shortened” ( These Wonderful Gifts, p.

For example, the Assemblies of God’s Statement of 105).

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“All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect spiritual footing when they believed in Christ, and God and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the also demonstrated to the Samaritans that salvation is of baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the the Jews. By waiting to impart the Holy Spirit until the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the apostles from Jerusalem laid hands on them, God was normal experience of all in the early Christian Church.

showing the Samaritans that they must accept the With it comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in Jewish apostles as His representatives. The fact that the work of the ministry. … This experience is distinct there was an interval of time between when they from and subsequent to the experience of the new believed and when they received the Holy Spirit was not birth.”

accidental and was not an example for the entire church Michael Harper concurs:

age. It had to do with the special situation that existed

“I believe we can see this distinction as two operations then.

of the one Holy Spirit [i.e., regeneration and the

“There were religious, racial and cultural barriers empowering by the Spirit]. In the first, the Holy Spirit between them. They hated each other. When the comes to give new life and the new birth. ... While in shortest route in a journey would mean passing the other the Spirit anoints or empowers Christians for through Samaria, the Jews, unlike the Lord Jesus, their witness and ministry. ... It is baptism in the Spirit would not hesitate to lengthen their trip by going the which has initiated millions of Christians into the life long way around. The Samaritans, make no mistake of renewal. ... Royal power, once we have received it, about it, gave as good as they got. One evening, when leads us into a new dimension of Christian Jesus and His disciples stopped in a little Samaritan living” ( These Wonderful Gifts, pp. 28, 29, 33).

village with the intention of spending the night there, no one would take them in because they were heading The baptism of the Holy Spirit was a historic event that for Jerusalem! (Luke 9:52, 56). The [Jewish] disciples was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost.

saw red. Wanting to emulate Elijah (2 Kings 1:10, 12), It was prophesied by Jesus Christ during His earthly they asked, ‘Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to ministry (John 14:16, 26; 16:7-17). And after His come down from heaven, and consume them, even as resurrection, Jesus told the disciples that the time for its Elias did?’ Wow! They were certainly the last ones who fulfillment was near (Acts 1:4-5).

would have laid hands on the Samaritans for them to receive the Holy Spirit ... And no Samaritan would ever Though Pentecost was never repeated, the reception of have let a despised Jew put a hand on him. ...

the Holy Spirit was in three parts in the book of Acts: for

“So, had the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit at the the Jews (Acts 2), for the Samaritans (Acts 8:14-17), moment of conversion, in that state of mind, the and for the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-47).

terrible abyss that separated them would have The special coming of the Holy Spirit beyond the day continued into the Christian Church. It would have of Pentecost upon the Samaritans and the Gentiles was been a negation of the baptism of the Holy Spirit of to demonstrate to the Jews that God was doing a new which it is written, ‘For by one Spirit are we all thing and was creating a spiritual entity composed of baptized into one body’! The Samaritans had to be Jews and Gentiles.

brought to admit that what was happening with them was not a ‘Samaritan Pentecost’ and that there was In Acts 8 the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit only one birth of the Church. The Pentecost in The Samaritans were despised by the Jews because Jerusalem was the beginning of a new era, whereas the their religion was a mixture, partly Jewish and partly evangelization in Samaria was only their entering into pagan. Samaria had been the center of idolatry in the the blessings of that era and not the inauguration of it.

northern tribes of Israel (1 Ki. 13:32; 16:32). When THE EPISODE IN SAMARIA WAS PART OF THE

Samaria was taken captive by the king of Assyria, CHURCH’S GROWTH, AND NOT ITS BIRTH. IT WAS

pagans from other lands were brought in to populate it VITAL THAT ALL THOSE PRESENT IN SAMARIA SHOULD KNOW THAT THERE WERE NOT TWO

and the Old Testament Jewish religion became BODIES, TWO CHURCHES, BUT ONLY ONE. ...

intertwined with paganism (2 Ki. 17:5-6, 24-29).

“It was crucial that the Samaritans acknowledge what Thus the Jews hated the Samaritans and the Jesus had said to the Samaritan woman, ‘Salvation is Samaritans hated the Jews. When Jesus conversed with of the Jews’ (John 4:22), as well as recognise the the woman at the well in Samaria, she said, “How is it authority of His apostles, the depositories of the Truth.

that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a THE INTERVAL, THEREFORE, BETWEEN THE

woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with MOMENT THE SAMARITANS RECEIVED CHRIST AND

the Samaritans? ” (Jn. 4:29).

WHEN THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS NOT

ACCIDENTAL. It was deliberate because, just as the By treating the Samaritans in a special manner in Samaritans had to see that they were dependant on the Acts 8 God demonstrated to the Jews that He loved the authority of the Jewish apostles, it was equally Samaritans, too, and was putting them on the same necessary for the apostles (those same apostles who 118

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wanted to pray for the fire of heaven to come down Gentiles (Acts 10) into one new spiritual Body (Ep.

and incinerate the Samaritans) to understand that 2:16).

these people with whom they had only a very brittle What about Acts 19:1-7?

relationship, were to enter into the same Church, have the same Christ, the same salvation, the same God and The last occasion of speaking in tongues in the book the same Holy Spirit. ... BY DOING THINGS IN THIS

of Acts is in chapter 19. Paul found some men who had WAY, THE HOLY SPIRIT BROUGHT DOWN THE

been baptized with “John’s baptism” but did not have BARRIERS OF BITTERNESS AND DESTROYED THE

the Holy Spirit. Apparently he observed something SEPARATING WALL RIGHT FROM THE START (Ep.

about them that made him question whether they were 2:14)” (Fernand Legrand, All about Speaking in true Christians, and after preaching Jesus Christ to Tongues, pp. 84, 85).

them, Paul baptized them and then laid his hands on In Acts 10 the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit them and they received the Holy Spirit and spoke in The Gentiles, of course, were hated by the Jews even tongues.

more than the Samaritans. Thus God gave a special It is common in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles demonstration in Acts 10 to the Jews that He was to treat this passage as a proof text for the doctrine that accepting believing Gentiles on the same spiritual the baptism of the Holy Spirit is something that occurs footing. On this occasion He gave two signs to the Jews: after salvation and is accompanied by speaking in Peter’s triple vision and tongues speaking. In the tongues.

account in Acts 10 it is obvious that Peter was still For the following reasons we reject this reluctant to preach the gospel to the Gentiles even interpretation:

though he had seen the sign of tongues on the day of Pentecost and had even preached on that day that God First, it is obvious that the men had not believed the was going to pour His Spirit upon all flesh (Acts 2:17) gospel of Jesus Christ but had only believed in a corrupted and that “whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord version of John the Baptist’s message. These were not shall be saved” (Acts 2:21). The Lord Jesus Christ had saved men who had not yet received the Holy Spirit.

commanded the Jewish disciples to preach the gospel to These were unsaved men. Though they had been every nation (Acts 1:8) but the chief of them were still

“baptized with John’s baptism,” they didn’t know John’s hesitating in this matter because of their deep-seated message. We say this for the following reasons: For one racism and spiritual pride. The vision that Peter saw in thing, John preached salvation through Jesus Christ Acts 10:9-16 was given to prepare him to receive the (John 1:29), but these men did not understand this Gentiles and to stop looking upon them as unclean and salvation, apparently knowing only the ritual of baptism outside of God’s love, and it had its intended effect.

without its significance. Further, John preached the Because of this vision Peter was willing to go to coming of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11), but these Cornelius and to preach the gospel to him and his men did not know about the Holy Spirit. The men in Gentile friends.

Acts 19 were emigrant Jews who had heard a semblance of John’s message and had been baptized but had never But it was the sign of tongues that fully broke down heard or believed the gospel of Jesus Christ and were the barrier (Acts 10:44-46). Observe that it was the sign not in association with the believers in Ephesus.

of tongues that astonished the Jews, showing them as it did that God had definitely and unmistakably saved Second, observe that the laying on of hands was by an these believing Gentiles and bestowed upon them the apostle (v. 6). This pattern cannot therefore be followed Holy Spirit. The tongues on that occasion was a sign to today, since there are no apostles. The situation in Acts the Jews, just as Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 19 was unique. These men were Jews and they spoke in 14:20-22.

tongues as a sign of the truth of Paul’s message and as another evidence to them and to other Jews that God When Peter recounted the experience of Cornelius to was doing this new thing.

the Jewish church at Jerusalem he said:

“The episode in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7), where twelve

“Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he men suddenly speak in tongues, is along the same said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be lines. These Jews ... lived in communities or mini-baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God colonies, guarding their Jewish cultural identity gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed jealously in the midst of the pagan population.

on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could However, the gospel had started to penetrate these withstand God?” (Acts 11:16-17).

pagan masses and churches were already being formed Thus Peter associated the event in Acts 10 directly among them. Faced with their natural refusal to with that in Acts 2. In this manner the Holy Spirit believe that they could become ONE with these showed conclusively that He was offering the gospel to surrounding peoples, the Holy Spirit seized hold of all people and was placing both Jews (Acts 2) and their lips and made them praise, in the pagans’

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tongues, the God of Israel who was not becoming, in rejoicing, but he did not speak in tongues and there was their Jewish eyes, the God of the nations. These twelve no laying on of hands.

men, part of THIS PEOPLE [1 Co. 14:21], needed the The Gentiles in Acts 10. These received the Holy Spirit sign of tongues in order to be taught about the worldwide dimension that their Yahveh was now through hearing and believing the gospel and they giving to His salvation” (Legrand, All about Speaking in spoke with tongues. This is one of only three places in Tongues, p. 34).

the book of Acts that speaking in tongues followed faith THERE WERE VARIOUS METHODS AND EVIDENCES

in Christ. The tongues in this case was not “the initial OF RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE BOOK OF

evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit” but was a ACTS, BUT ONE METHOD PREDOMINATED.

bold and effective sign to the Jews present that God was extending salvation to the Gentiles. This is emphasized To say that we should receive the Holy Spirit like the in Acts 10:45-46 and 11:15-18.

Jews in the upper room on Pentecost did in Acts 2 or like the Samaritans did in Acts 8 or like the Gentiles did The people at Antioch in Acts 11:20-21. The firstfruits in Acts 10 or like the Ephesians did in Acts 19 is to of the church at Ephesus believed on Jesus Christ but ignore the fact that these were unique situations that they did not speak in tongues and there is no record contradicted one another and that were not repeated.

that they were later “baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

The Jews in Acts 2:1-4. The Jews waiting in the upper Lydia and her household in Acts 16:13-15. These room on the day of Pentecost received the Holy Spirit as believed and were baptized but did not speak in tongues they waited for Jesus’ promise. This was in fulfillment of and there is no record that they were “baptized with the prophecy. When the Holy Spirit came, the evidence was Holy Spirit” at some later point.

a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and The Philippian Jailer in Acts 16:30-33. The jailer cloven tongues like as of fire sitting on the head of each believed on Jesus Christ and was baptized but he did person and tongues speaking. If Pentecostals want to not speak in tongues and there is no record that he later repeat Pentecost, they should expect an exact was “baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

duplication of all of this evidence, but they focus rather Those who believed in Thessalonica and Berea and on tongues speaking because this can be worked up and Athens in Acts 17:4, 12, 34. All of these believed in Jesus manipulated whereas a mighty wind and cloven tongues Christ but none of them spoke in tongues and there is like as of fire cannot.

no record about them being “baptized with the Holy The Jews in Acts 2:41-42. Those who believed Peter’s Spirit” on a later occasion.

preaching on that same day did not exhibit any of the Crispus and other Corinthians in Acts 18:8. Though previous signs. There was no mighty wind for them, no these believed and were baptized, they did not speak in cloven tongues like as of fire, and no tongues speaking.

tongues and they did not have a separate “baptism of They simply received the gospel, were baptized, and the Holy Spirit.”

demonstrated the reality of their salvation by continuing The disciples at Ephesus in Acts 19:4-6. These received steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship.

the Holy Spirit by believing on Christ and being The Jews in Acts 4:4. These believed the preaching of baptized and by the laying on of Paul’s hands. This was the gospel, but there is no indication that they spoke in a unique situation that is never repeated in Acts and tongues or exhibited any type of “Pentecostal”

was a sign of Paul’s apostleship to the Gentiles. This is phenomena and there is no record that they later were the third and final time that those who believed in the

“baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

book of Acts spoke in tongues, and in each case Jews The Jews in Acts 6:7. Again, there is nothing in the were present. In the case at Ephesus, those who spoke record about these believers speaking in tongues or that were Jews and their tongues were a sign to all of the they had to be “baptized with the Holy Spirit” on a dispersed Jews that God was extending salvation to the separate occasion.

Gentiles and that Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles was The Samaritans in Acts 8:14-17. These received the authentic.

Holy Spirit through the laying on of the hands of the Those who believed in Ephesus in Acts 19:17-19. There apostles from Jerusalem. This demonstrated the is nothing in this record about anyone speaking in authority of the apostles. There is no record that the tongues or about the necessity of seeking the “baptism Samaritan believers spoke in tongues when they of the Holy Spirit.”

received the Holy Spirit. Many Pentecostals and Thus we see that there were many ways that the Charismatics claim that the Samaritans must have Holy Spirit was received during the period covered in spoken in tongues, but they read this into the Scripture.

the book of Acts. He was received with a rushing mighty The Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:35-39. This man wind and cloven tongues like as of fire and tongues believed and was baptized and went on his way speaking in Acts 2:1-4. He was received by the laying on 120

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of hands of the apostles and no tongues in Acts 8. He 12. Verse 13 says all have been baptized by the Holy was received by the laying on of the apostle’s hands Spirit but verse 30 says not all speak in tongues.

accompanied by tongues in Acts 19. In all other cases, Thus the baptism of the Holy Spirit occurred once on the Holy Spirit was received by simply believing on the day of Pentecost but there was a special reception of Jesus Christ and no laying on of hands or tongues were the Holy Spirit for the Samaritans in Acts 8 and for the involved. This conforms to the teaching of Romans 8:9, Gentiles in Acts 10. Those were unique situations in which says, “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, which God was showing the Jews that He was extending he is none of his.”

salvation to the nations. Normally believers participate The doctrine of how the believer receives the Holy automatically in that one spiritual baptism when they Spirit must be found in the majority of these cases. The are saved.

permanent and abiding pattern is for the sinner to put IT IS NECESSARY TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE BOOK

his faith in Jesus Christ and by so doing he is saved and OF ACTS IS A TRANSITIONAL BOOK.

receives the Holy Spirit and everything God wants him Not everything that is recorded therein is a pattern to have. There is no “halfway salvation” in the Bible.

for the rest of the church age. Pentecostals and Everything God has is in Jesus Christ, and by receiving Charismatics often talk about a “book of Acts type of Jesus Christ and believing on him the individual Christianity” or “apostolic Christianity,” but there are receives everything.

many things that the apostles did and that we find in We see the permanent method of receiving the Holy Acts that have not been done in New Testament Spirit in Acts 2:37-42, which describes the first believers churches since then. The ministry of the apostles was under the new dispensation after the coming of the Holy unique. The apostles could lay hands on people to Spirit. The law of first mention is an important method receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18; 19:6). They had of Bible study. These men and women received the Holy special sign miracles to authenticate their ministry.

Spirit by repenting and gladly believing on the name of

“Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in Jesus Christ with water baptism as the outward sign of all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” (2

their inward faith. The evidence that followed the Co. 12:12). If miracles could be done indiscriminately reception of the Holy Spirit was not tongues speaking or by believers in general even in the first century, wherein a mighty wind or cloven tongues of fire or shaking or was the sign?

falling to the ground. Rather, “They continued stedfastly THE NEW TESTAMENT NEVER INSTRUCTS

in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of BELIEVERS TO SEEK THE HOLY SPIRIT OR TO SEEK TO

bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

BE BAPTIZED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.

We also see the abiding method of receiving the Holy Pentecostals and Charismatics teach that the baptism Spirit in the epistles to the churches. Consider Ephesians of the Holy Spirit is an experience in addition to 1:12-14.

salvation and that it must be sought by the believer.

“That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first Michael Harper presents four things that are allegedly trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye required for the reception of Spirit baptism: faith, heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: prayer, action, and a sign (tongues). In the early 1980s I in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest attended a service in Nepal led by a Pentecostal of our inheritance until the redemption of the

“prophet” from England, and he urged his listeners to purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

“come forward and be baptized by the Holy Spirit.” The Here we see that the Holy Spirit is received when the only text that he read to support this doctrine was 1 Co.

sinner hears the gospel and puts his trust in Jesus 12:13, but this verse does not say “come and be Christ. The believer is thus sealed with the Holy Spirit baptized”; it says “for by one Spirit ARE we all until his resurrection and glorification.

baptized.”

The only mention of the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Two passages that are used to support the doctrine the epistles is in 1 Co. 12:13 and here we see that it is that the baptism of the Holy Spirit must be sought are something that is a reality for all believers.

Luke 11:13 and Luke 24:49. Luke 11:13 cannot be talking about asking for the baptism of the Holy Spirit,

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond because not one example is given of such a thing in Acts or free; and have been all made to drink into one or the Epistles. Luke 11:13 refers, rather, to asking for Spirit.”

the continual filling of and assistance of the Holy Spirit That tongues-speaking is not the evidence of being in accordance to the clear instructions of Ep. 5:18 and baptized with the Holy Spirit is plain in 1 Corinthians other passages.

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The commandment of Luke 24:49 was given only through their struggles step by step. They didn’t need to one time in Scripture and that was to the disciples that leap by means of a “miracle”; they needed to walk met in the upper room and waited for the coming of the humbly by faith.

Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Their tarrying did not bring The Bible warns that there are false spirits that the Holy Spirit and nothing they did while tarrying imitate the Holy Spirit, and we need to be very careful brought the Holy Spirit. He came in fulfillment of Bible about seeking something that the Bible does not say we prophecy. The Old Testament feasts described in should seek. Paul was afraid for the church at Corinth Leviticus 23 typified New Testament doctrine. The because of this danger. “But I fear, lest by any means, as passover signified the cross of Christ (Lev. 23:4); the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your firstfruits signified Christ’s resurrection (Lev. 23:10); minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Pentecost signified the coming of the Holy Spirit (Lev.

Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, 23:15-16). It occurred exactly 50 days after the feast of whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another firstfruits, and the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2

spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, occurred exactly 50 days after Christ rose from the which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with dead.

him. ... For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, There is simply no command or example in the New transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And Testament for believers to seek the Holy Spirit or to seek no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel the Holy Spirit baptism or to seek a second baptism or a of light” (2 Co. 11:3-4, 13, 14).

second blessing of any sort.

I am convinced that the doctrine that the baptism of It is the filling of the Spirit that is commanded. See the Holy Spirit is part of salvation and is not an Ephesians 5:18-21.

experience to be sought subsequent to salvation refutes Every believer has the Holy Spirit and has been the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.

baptized by the Holy Spirit and is thus instructed to be 7. WE REJECT THE PENTECOSTAL-CHARISMATIC

filled with the Spirit. This means to yield to the Spirit’s MOVEMENT BECAUSE OF THE WAY THAT IT EXALTS

control.

THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The marks associated with the filling of the Holy The Pentecostal-Charismatic movement could be Spirit in Ephesians are singing spiritual songs to the called a “movement of the Holy Spirit.” There is a focus Lord, giving thanks unto God, and submission to one on the Holy Spirit rather than upon the Lord Jesus another. There is no mention of tongues or of emotional Christ. It is common for Charismatic leaders to invite experiences such as “inner healing” or shaking or falling the Holy Spirit to come when they are seeking or laughing.

manifestations. The Airport Christian Church in Toronto If the baptism of the Holy Spirit were something that has a “Come Holy Spirit” service on Friday nights.

the believer needed in addition to his salvation, if he One of the prominent individuals in the modern needed it for power and effectiveness and sanctification, Pentecostal-Charismatic movement is Benny Hinn. His the Scripture would clearly state this and would clearly unscriptural doctrine of the Holy Spirit is described in describe how to receive it. If Pentecostal doctrine were his book Good Morning, Holy Spirit. Hinn prays to the true, the apostles would have instructed the churches Holy Spirit, seeks the Holy Spirit, invites the Holy Spirit, along this line. In writing to the carnal church at throws the Holy Spirit upon people, etc. None of this is Corinth, for example, Paul would have explained to based upon the testimony of Scripture.

them that they needed a baptism in the Spirit or a The true Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity.

baptism in fire or a second touch of the Spirit or He is not merely an emanation of God but is very God something of that sort and he would have described Himself. He came upon the church at Jerusalem on the how they could have this experience. Instead, Paul said day of Pentecost and empowered the believers for the these believers were already enriched by God in work of the Great Commission (Acts 1:8). The Lord everything (1 Co. 1:5), were baptized by the Holy Spirit Jesus Christ plainly foretold what role the Holy Spirit (1 Co. 12:13), and were sealed by the Spirit (2 Co.

would have in this age-long program:

1:22). Rather than instructing them about a “second

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will baptism” or a “second blessing,” Paul instructed them guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of about holy living. They didn’t need to receive the Holy himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he Spirit; they needed to walk in obedience to the Holy speak: and he will show you things to come. HE SHALL

Spirit they already had. They didn’t need more of the GLORIFY ME: for he shall receive of mine, and shall Holy Spirit; He needed more of them. They didn’t need show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are to leap above their spiritual struggles by means of a new mine: therefore said I, that HE SHALL TAKE OF MINE, experience; they needed to faithfully walk in victory AND SHALL SHOW IT UNTO YOU” (John 16:13-15).

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The Holy Spirit does not promote Himself or draw will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Mt.

attention to Himself. He came to promote and glorify 3:12)

the Lord Jesus Christ. Nowhere in the New Testament This could not be plainer. The baptism with fire do we find the apostles praying to the Holy Spirit or refers to the day when Christ will return and visit worshipping the Holy Spirit or inviting the Holy Spirit to unbelievers with everlasting punishment in the lake of come into their midst or in any other way promoting or fire. Compare Is. 66:15-16; Mal. 3:2-4:1; 1 Th. 1:9-11; seeking the Spirit Himself. The Lord Jesus Christ taught and Re. 19-20.

us to pray to the Father, not to the Holy Spirit (Mt. 6:6, The Scriptures warn that the baptism of fire is 9; Jn. 16:23). Christ’s own prayers were always eternal torment. We can praise God that because of the addressed to the Father (Mt. 11:25; 26:39; Jn. 11:41; blood of Christ no born again Christian will ever be 12:28; 14:16; 17:1). The apostle Paul taught us to pray baptized by fire.

to God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ by the The word “fire” is used 83 times in the New Holy Spirit (Ro. 1:8; 7:25). The Holy Spirit promotes Testament, and in the vast majority of instances it refers the Lord Jesus Christ and focuses the believer’s attention to judgment by fire in hell. In only one verse is fire”

upon Christ. The believer does not even receive the Holy used in connection with the Holy Spirit’s ministration to Spirit by seeking the Holy Spirit; he receives the Holy saved people in this present life, and that is the “cloven Spirit by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ (Ep. 1:12-14).

tongues like as of fire” in Acts 2:3. To claim that this 8. WE REJECT THE PENTECOSTAL-CHARISMATIC

verse is a fulfillment of the baptism with fire of Mt.

MOVEMENT BECAUSE OF THE FALSE DOCTRINE

3:11-12 is to ignore the plain context of that passage ABOUT THE “BAPTISM OF FIRE.”

and is also to ignore the consistent biblical usage of fire Since its inception the Pentecostal movement has as a term of judgment.

held various doctrines pertaining to a baptism of fire for 9. WE REJECT THE PENTECOSTAL-CHARISMATIC

Christians. Some Pentecostal groups have even named MOVEMENT BECAUSE OF THE FALSE DOCTRINE THAT

themselves such things as “Fire Baptized Holy Ghost”

TONGUES SPEAKING IS FOR TODAY.

people. In his history of the Assemblies of God Carl The view that tongues is a gift for every believer and Brumback observes: “Many shades of Protestantism that it is to be exercised today has been an integral part lurked in the background of these men and women, but of the Pentecostal movement from its inception.

now they formed a sort of ‘United Denominations,’ fused Tongues-speaking, according to most Pentecostals and by a baptism of fire into a single Pentecostal body” ( Like Charismatics, has a threefold purpose: First, it is a sign a River: The Early Years of the Assemblies of God, p. 13).

of the “baptism of the Holy Spirit.” In this capacity it is a This idea of being baptized by the Holy Spirit and sign both to the believer himself as well as to those who fire is also seen in the titles of books about the are observing. Second, it is a means whereby God Pentecostal-Charismatic movement, such as that by communicates to the church. This allegedly occurs as Ralph Martin entitled Fire on the Earth published in the messages of tongues are interpreted. Third, it is a 1976. The Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship hosts

“private prayer language” whereby the user edifies

“Catch the Fire” conferences. One of Toronto’s favorite himself. Under this category the private edification is songs is “A Festival of Joy” by Toronto Airport worship said to produce a wide assortment of benefits, including leader Jeremy Sinnott. It calls upon God to “let fire fill encouragement during spiritual trials, physical healing, this place.” Another Toronto favorite is “Let It Burn” by spiritual guidance, even a sleep aid!

David Ruis.

Consider some quotes from Pentecostals and The concept of being baptized by the Holy Spirit and Charismatics:

fire comes from the prophecy of John in Matthew 3:11.

“The distinctive doctrine of the Pentecostal churches is Pentecostals have taken this prophecy and applied it that speaking with tongues is the ‘initial evidence’ of to themselves, but like many other Pentecostal-the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This article of belief is Charismatic doctrines, this one ignores the context of now incorporated in the official doctrinal schedules of the Scriptures and thus results in error. John the Baptist practically all Pentecostal denominations” (Donald was speaking to the Jews when he quoted this prophecy.

Gee, Now That You’ve Been Baptized in the Spirit, Those that believed were indeed baptized with the Holy 1972).

Spirit on the day of Pentecost, but the baptism of fire is

“God took the baptism in the Holy Spirit out of the not a promise of blessing for the believer, but a warning of theoretical by giving the believer an undeniable physical evidence when the believer was filled. That judgment for the unbeliever. John explains this in the evidence is speaking with other tongues. ... The fact is following verse:

those who receive the gift of the Holy Spirit will speak

“Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge in tongues” (Charles Crabtree, “How Practical Is the his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he Pentecostal Lifestyle?”, Questions and Answers about Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 123

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the Holy Spirit, 2001, p. 70; Crabtree is assistant FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE BIBLE

general superintendent of the Assemblies of God).

REASONS WHY WE REJECT THE PENTECOSTAL-

[Note that he uses the terms “baptism in the Holy CHARISMATIC DOCTRINE OF TONGUES.

Spirit” and “filling of the Holy Spirit” as synonyms.]

Let me say, first, that I am convinced that there are

“Speaking in tongues is always manifested when some details pertaining to tongues speaking that we people are baptized in the Holy Ghost” (Kenneth Hagin, Sr., Concerning Spiritual Gifts, 1974, p. 89).

cannot understand today, since the legitimate gift has not been practiced for almost 2,000 years. There are

“Speaking in tongues is not the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but it is what happens when and as you are many things in Scripture like this. We know almost baptized in the Spirit, and it becomes an important nothing about the operation of the Urim and Thummim, resource to help you continue...” (Dennis Bennett, The for example, even though it is mentioned in seven Holy Spirit and You, p. 71).

passages in the Old Testament. We know that it was

“I say to all those who have a problem of insomnia due something that was kept in the breastplate of the high to their thoughts and reasoning, ‘speaking in tongues priest (Ex. 28:30) and it was a means whereby the and you will sleep’. ... If you speak in tongues in your priest ascertained God’s will (Nu. 27:21; 1 Sa. 28:6).

bed, your reasoning will cease and you will soon be Beyond this we know nothing at all. We don’t even asleep. ... The remedy is infallible” (G. Ramseyer, You know what the Urim and Thummim looked like and we Think Too Much).

don’t know how they were used to determine divine

“Even your physical and cerebral fatigue will disappear direction. Since the Urim and Thummim are not in

[as you speak in tongues]” (Thomas Roberts, late operation in our day, it is enough to believe what the French Pentecostal leader, cited from Fernand Legrand, Bible says and to draw general spiritual applications for All about Speaking in Tongues, 2001, p. 123).

our time. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime In his autobiography, David DuPlessis said God were written for our learning, that we through patience showed him that tongues was a means for determining and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Ro.

the divine will. “… the light clicked on. I was speaking 15:4).

to God in tongues, and He was speaking back to me in This is the situation that we face in regard to my mind. I began to find beautiful revelation that tongues-speaking. Even by the late 4th century the way. ... Praying in tongues proved to be a wonderful preacher John Chrysostom (c. 347-407) made this step in working my way out of such an impasse [in not comment on 1 Corinthians 12-14: “This whole place is being able to discern God’s will]. I would merely pray in very obscure: but the obscurity is produced by our tongues, and if the idea held firm, then I knew it was ignorance of the facts referred to, and by their cessation, real” ( A Man Called Mr. Pentecost, pp. 76-78).

being such as then used to occur but now no longer take We would note that some within the broader place” (“Homilies on 1 Corinthians,” Vol. XII, The Nicene Charismatic movement today de-emphasize tongues as a and Post-Nicene Fathers, Hom. 29:2).

sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. One former Thus, while there are questions in regard to tongues Charismatic wrote: “James Robison and others came up that I cannot answer with complete confidence, I don’t with the idea that you can be baptized in the Holy Spirit believe that I am obligated to answer every question.

(2nd experience after salvation) and demonstrate it by WE ARE OBLIGATED TO FORM OUR DOCTRINE ON

another sign gift or by the fruit of the Spirit (esp. by THIS (OR ANY OTHER SUBJECT) UPON THE

love). That was a much more commonly held belief in TEACHING OF THE CLEAREST SCRIPTURES, AND THE

the Pentecostal-Charismatic churches we attended MORE OBSCURE ONES WILL TAKE CARE OF

outside of the Assemblies of God. We attended Church THEMSELVES. The false teacher takes exactly the of God of Cleveland, TN; Assemblies of God; the opposite approach. He builds his pet doctrines upon Foursquare denomination; Calvary Chapel; Vineyard; relatively obscure and difficult Scriptures while ignoring Open Bible denomination; various independent and overthrowing the clearest ones. The Charismatic Charismatic churches and People of Destiny churches will hang his doctrine of a “private prayer language”

(now PDI Sovereign Grace Churches” (Dave and Tami composed of unintelligible mutterings upon 1 Co.

Lee, March 31, 2006).

14:15, even though that is a doubtful interpretation at Therefore, the sign aspect of tongues is less widely best, while ignoring the clear teaching of Scripture that held today than it was before the onslaught of the tongues were languages that were supernaturally Charismatic movement.

spoken as a sign to the nation Israel.

Thus, while the following study is relevant to the First, biblical tongues were real earthly languages.

Pentecostal-Charismatic movement as a whole, not A foundational fact about biblical tongues is that every part of it is applicable to every Pentecostal-they were real languages, not some sort of unintelligible Charismatic church.

mutterings.

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The law of first mention is an important rule of Bible was a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 28:11-12 that interpretation, and the first time we see the exercise of was directed to the Jews.

tongues in the New Testament is in Acts 2. Here we see

“For with stammering lips and another tongue will he that the gift of tongues was the miraculous ability to speak to THIS PEOPLE. To whom he said, This is the speak in a language that one had never learned.

rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and

“Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear” (Is.

came together, and were confounded, because that 28:11-12).

every man heard them speak IN HIS OWN LANGUAGE.

The miraculous tongues was a sign to the And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one unbelieving Jews that God was speaking to all nations to another, Behold, are not all these which speak of men and calling them into one new spiritual body Galilaeans? And how hear we every man IN OUR OWN

composed of both Jews and Gentiles. “This people”

TONGUE, wherein we were born? Parthians, and refers to the Jewish nation to whom the prophet Isaiah Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in was speaking.

Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, Each time we see the gift of tongues exercised in the and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers book of Acts Jews were present (Acts 2:6-11; 10:46; of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we 19:6). On the day of Pentecost and in Acts 19 it was the do hear them speak IN OUR TONGUES the wonderful Jews themselves that spoke in tongues. Fernand works of God” (Acts 2:6-11).

Legrand, a former Pentecostal, makes this important At least 14 or 15 different languages are mentioned observation:

here. These were normal earthly languages spoken by

“It is worth noting that wherever the sign appears, it is men in that day, and the Jewish disciples were able to always in the presence of JEWS, and where we do not speak in these languages even though they were not find Jews, as in Athens or in Malta, neither do we find their native tongues and they had never learned them the sign. ... It is in the very nature of the sign that we and never before spoken in them.

find the nature of their unbelief. ... The sign denounced or corrected their lack of faith concerning There is no reason to believe that the gift of tongues the salvation of those who spoke languages that were mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12-14 is any different from foreign to their own, that is, the Gentiles. .... But this that mentioned in the book of Acts. In both places the was precisely what the Jews did not want to believe. In tongues involved speaking in earthly languages that one fact, they were ‘contrary to all men: forbidding us to had never learned.

speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved’ (1 Th.

The same Greek word “glossa” is used for both. This 2:15-16). ... The idea of now being made one with word refers to the tongue itself (Mk. 7:33) or to a foreigners was more than the first-century Jews could language spoken by the tongue.

stand. The thought alone was enough to fire up their Hebrew atavism. Yet that was the first thing they had Second, biblical tongues were a sign to unbelieving to understand and finally admit. So God gave them the Israel regarding the founding of the church and they best sign possible to make them understand what they ceased when this purpose was completed.

could not or would not believe; HE MIRACULOUSLY

Another foundational truth about biblical tongues is MADE JEWS SPEAK IN THE LANGUAGES OF

that they were chiefly a sign to Israel that God was FOREIGNERS. IN SO DOING, GOD PUT JEWISH

extending the gospel to all nations. Note the following PRAISE INTO THESE PAGAN TONGUES. ...

teaching that Paul gave to the church at Corinth:

“A simple but attentive reading of the Bible reveals the scenario of fierce Jewish opposition towards everything

“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit that was not specifically Jewish. We see Jonah who in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

hates the men of Nineveh to the point of disobeying In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and God. ... In his frustration he goes as far as asking for other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all his own death. If Nineveh lives, may Jonah die! ... This that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore spirit of opposition and unbelief will only be reinforced tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to over the centuries. The Jews belong to Yahveh and them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for Yahveh to them, in a closed circle of bigotry; everyone them that believe not, but for them which believe” (1

else is cursed. ...

Co. 14:20-22).

“Daring to suggest that people with a tongue different The Corinthians were abusing the spiritual gifts and from their own could benefit from the goodness of were particularly enamored with tongues. As spiritual God, was to risk one’s life. They led Jesus to the top of infants (1 Co. 3:1), they were “showing off” to one a hill to throw Him off because He had just said: ‘many another. Paul tells them to stop being children and to be widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the men by understanding the true purpose of tongues. It heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; but unto Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 125

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none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city MIGHT GO, AND FALL BACKWARD, AND BE BROKEN, of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.’ Jesus AND SNARED, AND TAKEN” (Isaiah 28:11-13).

added to their immense rage: ‘And many lepers were in Isaiah not only prophesied that God would give the Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of sign of tongues to Israel but he also prophesied that them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian’ (Luke Israel would reject it and be judged, which is exactly 4:25-27). This was, in their eyes, more than enough to deserve death. ...

what happened.

“What a narrative in Acts 22! The prisoner Paul stands In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul taught the church at Corinth on the steps of the fortress. He motions to the crowd that the gift of tongues would cease:

with one hand and asks to speak. As he begins in

“Charity never faileth: but whether there be Hebrew, silence falls upon the crowd. ... But at the very prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, instant that he starts, ‘And he said unto me, Depart: for they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles,’ the vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in sentence freezes in mid-air. They listened as far as that part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that word Gentiles (or nations); and threw dust into the air, which is in part shall be done away” (1 Co. 13:8-10).

shouting, ‘Away with such a fellow from the earth: for This passage is talking about the revelatory gifts of it is not fit that he should live.’ What made them prophecy, tongues, and knowledge. It is not knowledge explode like that? Simply the idea that God could also itself that will cease; it is the gift of knowledge. It is not be the God of every man and every tongue. It is now easier to understand why speaking in tongues is the tongues that will cease; it is the gift of tongues.

sign of this great truth and that for ‘this people’ it was When will these gifts cease? The passage indicates the means of access to it. ...

that they will cease in two stages. The gift of tongues is

“They alone had to be convinced to abandon this treated separately from the gifts of prophecy and particular unbelief and to consider no longer impure knowledge. The gift of tongues is mentioned in verse 8

the people and the languages that God considered and then is not mentioned again, whereas the gifts of pure, languages pure enough to be spoken by His Holy prophecy and knowledge are mentioned again in verses Spirit. ... This sign in foreign languages, like the triple 9-10. I believe that this teaches that the gift of tongues vision of Peter, taught them that salvation was for would cease of its own accord prior to the cessation of

‘whosoever,’ for ‘all flesh,’ for ‘every tongue.’ ...

the other two gifts. We can see this in the book of Acts.

“But WHO in today’s Church composed of peoples, The final time that we see tongues speaking is in Acts tribes, nations and languages, WHO still needs to be 19. By that point in church history there was no convinced by a repeated sign that the Spirit of God is poured out on all peoples, nations, tribes and question that God was calling the Gentiles by the languages?” (Legrand, All about Speaking in Tongues, gospel. That matter had been made crystal clear.

pp. 24-27, 33).

Once a sign has been fulfilled it is foolish to continue It is impossible to have a correct doctrine of tongues with it. If I were to tell someone who is meeting me at without understanding that it was a sign to the nation the airport that he will know me because I will be Israel of the new thing that God was doing, which was wearing a red hat, the red hat is the sign. Once we meet extending the gospel to all men and bringing both Jews and he recognizes me by the sign of the hat the need for and Gentiles into one new spiritual body.

the sign has ceased. If I were to continue to wear a red The need for such a sign ceased entirely in the first hat for the rest of my life, that would be foolish.

century. By 70 A.D. Jerusalem had been destroyed by Thus the gift of tongues ceased even before the the Roman armies led by Titus and the Jews had been events recorded in the book of Acts concluded, but the scattered to the nations. By then, Gentiles had come to gifts of prophecy and knowledge continued to operate Jesus Christ by the tens of thousands and Gentile until “that which is perfect is come,” which was the churches had been established throughout the Roman completed canon of Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says Empire. The purpose for the gift of tongues as a sign to the Scripture is able to make the man of God “perfect, the nation Israel had ended. Israel had rejected the sign throughly furnished unto all good works.” The gifts of and she had been judged just as the prophet foretold.

prophecy and knowledge were used by the prophets and

“For with stammering lips and another tongue will he apostles for the completion of Scripture and then they speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest vanished away. The final book of Scripture to be written wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is was Revelation. John wrote it in his extreme old age in the refreshing: YET THEY WOULD NOT HEAR. But the about A.D. 96 on the Isle of Patmos, and it concluded word of the LORD was unto them precept upon with a solemn divine warning not to add to or to take precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line away from “the words of the prophecy of this book” (Re.

upon line; here a little, and there a little; THAT THEY

22:18-19). This applies not only to the book of 126

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Revelation itself but also to the entire Book of which Fourth, biblical tongues were spoken to God.

Revelation forms the final chapter.

“For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue I am convinced that this clear biblical doctrine about SPEAKETH NOT UNTO MEN, BUT UNTO GOD: for no tongues single-handedly destroys all modern tongues man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaking. When Charles Parham’s Bible School students speaketh mysteries” (1 Co. 14:2).

began speaking in “tongues” in 1901 or when “tongues”

Paul says that biblical tongues were not spoken unto broke out on Azusa Street in 1906, what Jews were men but unto God. This is what we see on the day of present? Had Jews been present, in what way could the Pentecost. Those that heard the disciples speak in tongues speaking have been a sign that God was tongues on that day said, “We do hear them speak in our extending the gospel to all nations and creating a new tongues the wonderful works of God” (Acts 2:11). The body through the Gospel? That sign had already been tongues messages were addressed to God but were given 1,900 years earlier. In what way was that sign not understood by those who heard them in the various entirely fulfilled in the first century? These are the hard languages. The Jewish tongues speakers might even questions that every Pentecostal and Charismatic must have been quoting from the Psalms that day. The Jews answer. If someone would rejoin that the Jews still need that heard them were amazed to hear their own Jewish the sign of tongues, we would ask, “Why, then, has the brethren speaking the praises of God in the “unclean”

Pentecostal-Charismatic movements almost entirely pagan languages. When it came time for God to speak ignored this aspect of tongues?” Parham in Topeka and directly to men that day, He used the preaching of Peter Seymour in Los Angeles did not seek for tongues as a and it was not in tongues. No one was saved through sign to Israel but as a sign of the “baptism of the Holy hearing a message in tongues; they were saved by Spirit.” The same is true for the Assemblies of God and hearing and believing the gospel.

the Church of God of Prophecy and the Foursquare Paul said that the tongues-speaking in the churches Pentecostal Churches and you name it.

was for the same purpose. The tongues were addressed

“Someone, after reading my book, said to me, ‘For you to God, and if they were translated men could it all boils down to being a sign.’ Of course it does!

understand what was being said to God and thus be Take a sign-post for instance; you may discourse at edified. But tongues-speaking was not a message length on its height, its shape, the colour, the addressed directly to men, as prophesying was.

phosphorescence and size of its letters, but however In contrast to this clear biblical teaching, Pentecostals accurate your remarks may be, it is impossible to get around the fact that its sole and ultimate purpose is to and Charismatics everywhere claim that tongues are be a sign-post. And so is it with speaking in tongues.

messages directed to men. Consider the following by However you may look at it, the Holy Spirit said it was former Pentecostal Fernand Legrand:

a SIGN for incredulous Israel. In this matter as in

“After more than thirty years of close contact with others, it can be seen that the rules of the game are not these churches, and after having accepted some of being followed” (Fernand Legrand, All about Speaking their ideas, I have been forced to admit that there is a in Tongues, p. 67).

glaring discordance with the Word of God on this Third, biblical tongues were not a sign to believers.

point. I, first of all, capitulated before the authority of the Scriptures; I then proceeded to verify for myself

“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit what was being taught and practised. On several in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

occasions, talking to people who were deeply anchored In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and in their convictions, I asked the question, ‘When other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all tongues are interpreted in your assembly, what is the that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

context of the message?’ I did not enquire because I WHEREFORE TONGUES ARE FOR A SIGN, NOT TO

did not know the answer, but I wanted to hear it THEM THAT BELIEVE, but to them that believe not: straight from the horse’s mouth, so leaving no place for but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, ambiguity. Without exception, the replies always but for them which believe” (1 Co. 14:20-22).

confirmed what I had already observed. It was a word The Bible plainly states that tongues are not a sign to of encouragement, or prophecy, or exhortation, or even believers. This is a far reaching doctrine, because in the of evangelization. Quite clearly, these were addressed context of the Pentecostal-Charismatic movements to those present, that is, to men and was therefore in tongues are commonly said to be a sign to believers.

complete contradiction with the Holy Spirit who said Tongues-speaking is considered a sign of faith and a sign just the opposite, ‘he that speaketh in an unknown of God’s blessing and a sign of the indwelling Holy tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God.’ ... One Spirit and a sign of power. In all these cases, tongues-of my friends, an enthusiastic pastor, invited me for a speaking is looked upon as a sign to believers. In 1 Co.

Gospel campaign in his church. He told me about a lady who, in a private talk with him, had spoken in 14:20-22 Paul refutes this error in the clearest of words.

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message for myself.’ The opportunity was ideal. I When we come to the Pentecostal-Charismatic simply asked him, ‘How do you reconcile the idea of a movements, the “interpretation of tongues” is a very message addressed to you personally with the biblical strange thing, because there is little semblance between statement that “he that speaketh in an unknown the “tongues” and the “interpretation.” I have oftentimes tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God”? You are h e a r d s h o r t t o n g u e s m e s s a g e s g i v e n l o n g not God!’ It was like hitting him over the head. He was totally speechless. He had just discovered a text that he interpretations, and I have heard tongues messages had never seen before, or that he had not taken the composed of three or four words (i.e., shalalama, time to examine. ...

shalabama, shalanoona, shalalama, shalabama,

“Thirty years later, nothing seems to have changed.

shalanoona) interpreted as a complex spiritual message.

The last interview previously mentioned, finished in Former Pentecostal Fernand Legrand of France the same way as the first. After having once more describes the Pentecostal “interpretation dilemma”--

pointed out that the speaking in tongues in his Church,

“IN ALL THE CASES OF INTERPRETATION THAT I as corroborated by his personal experience and HAVE CHECKED PERSONALLY WITH THE GREATEST

observations, was obviously addressed to men, and CARE AND WITH AN OPEN MIND, I HAVE

that it was contrary to what the Bible says, I asked DISCOVERED NOTHING OTHER THAN HUMAN

him, ‘What will you put aside, the Word of God or your FABRICATION AND DELIBERATE TRICKERY. What experiences; you must make a choice between the two; surprised me was the unacceptable difference between which will it be?’ Without hesitation and twice in the brevity of the tongues and the disproportionate succession, his reply was, ‘I choose experience!’

length of the interpretation. ... Having taken offence at Understandable but wretched obstinacy that is such deceit, I was candidly told that the interpretation explained by the terrible confession of a pastor who was not a real translation but a heart-felt translation!!

said to me on this particular point of doctrine, ‘When So it was just any odd thing left to the fantasy of a this word of Paul began to circulate in our assemblies, pseudo-interpreter. ... Someone else, to try to get it had the effect of a bomb. We could not allow it to himself out of this embarrassing situation, told me that continue, because we WOULD HAVE HAD TO ADMIT

the interpretation was not the translation of what was THAT EVERYTHING DONE UP UNTIL THEN WAS

said in tongues, but the response from heaven to what FALSE!’” ( All about Speaking in Tongues, pp. 12-14).

had just been said! Here we are completely rambling.

Fifth, biblical tongues were accompanied by the Scripture is deliberately trampled underfoot, that very miraculous gift of interpretation.

Word that points out (v. 16) that giving thanks in

“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; tongues must be interpreted so that we may to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; understand ‘what thou sayest,’ so the congregation can to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts show their agreement and join in the thanksgiving by of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working saying, Amen’!

of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning

“Another Pentecostal leader dared even to tell me that of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to the same case of speaking in tongues could very well another the interpretation of tongues” (1 Co. 12:8-10).

have several interpretations!! ... Do you expect that a

“If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by cat can give birth at the same time to kittens, puppies, two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and and chicks? But no one gets upset when, in the let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him spiritual realm, we are asked to believe that ONE kind keep silence in the church; and let him speak to of speaking in tongues brings forth several kinds of himself, and to God” (1 Co. 14:27-28).

interpretation? Does Pentecostal Darwinism exist? Are we witnessing a sort of mutation of the species? Am I The gift of interpretation was a supernatural just supposed to accept all this passively without enablement whereby a believer could give an exact pointing out the fraud? ...

interpretation of a message that had been delivered to

“I personally noted that this counterfeiting was a God in tongues. No tongues speaking was allowed in the known thing in the circles concerned. I was present in church without interpretation, because it is God’s will a meeting when a Christian from the Cape Verde that everyone present in the church services understand Islands had just prayed in his own language, a everything that is said and done and thus be edified Portuguese dialect. Scarcely had he said, ‘Amen,’ that thereby. Thus, even though one or two people might be an elder who was wiser than the others interrupted the present in the service who understood the tongue’s word of interpretation by saying, ‘Our brother has just message because it was given in their native language, given thanks in his native tongue.’ This means that this was not sufficient because everyone needed to without this intervention, there would have been the understand. On the day of Pentecost, no interpretation

‘miracle’ of an interpretation, evangelical in terms of the vocabulary used, but in the spirit as false as the was needed because there were men present from many words of the young fortune teller of Acts 16:17. ...

locations who spoke the languages that were given by

“One can imagine how attentively I listened to one tongues.

incident of speaking in tongues that was as jerky, 128

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staccato and incomprehensible as all the others, in the there never be, an answer to this offer, which is, middle of which suddenly stood out a thrice-repeated nevertheless, an honest one?” ( All about Speaking in

‘spiriti santi’ [Holy Spirits, plural] in Italian. Having Tongues, p. 52).

grasped this triple repetition, I watched for its If Pentecostals and Charismatics have the genuine reappearance in the interpretation. I waited for it in miraculous gift of speaking in languages and of vain....

interpreting the same, let them step forward and prove

“Profoundly saddened by this newly discovered it. Otherwise, their very refusal is sufficient refutation of dishonesty, I made up my mind to move on to a more their practice.

advanced verification. I asked a Scottish brother who had the typical broad accent of his country, to put ‘The In light of the Bible’s warnings about the very real Lord’s Prayer’ twice in a row onto cassette. Armed with danger of spiritual deception, we would be foolish to this recording and that of two other ‘genuine’ tongues accept these things at face value without testing them.

followed by their interpretations taped ‘on location,’ I God has commanded us to “try to the spirits” and “to went to see some very moderate Pentecostal friends, prove all things” and to “search the Scriptures daily for whom exaggerations and digressions were only whether those things were so.” We are warned that found amongst others. No one in the community there will be false christs, FALSE SPIRITS, and false doubted their conversions, or their sincerity, or the gospels (2 Co. 11:4). The Spirit of God Himself has reality of their ‘charisma.’ After praying together, I asked them to interpret the pseudo and ‘real’ tongues.

warned us that in the last days there will be an This was done without objection or reticence. Alas, and onslaught of deception. “The Spirit speaketh expressly, alas again, the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ in English transformed that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, itself into a message of encouragement in French! As to giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1

the rest, it was as different from the first as the Rhone Ti. 4:1). We are warned that “in the last days perilous is different from the Rhine and flows in the opposite times shall come” (2 Ti. 4:1) because professing believers direction. ...

will have “a form of godliness, but denying the power

“Indeed can we still call ourselves Christians when we thereof” and “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and team up so closely with him who disguises himself as worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Ti. 3:5, 13). We an angel of light?

are warned that “the time will come when they will not

“In order to get out of this sticky situation, many endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they people claim, without really believing it, that one does heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they not submit a gift of the Spirit to an electronic test. But shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be it must be pointed out that it is not the test that turned unto fables” (2 Ti. 4:3-4). Could false tongues created the trickery, it only confirmed it and it demonstrated moreover that these so-called gifts are and false interpretations not be among these fables? Of not among those good and perfect gifts that come course, so we must be exceedingly careful.

down from above (James 1:17).

The fact that the Pentecostals and Charismatics

“In addition, what more than sufficiently demonstrates typically do not want their “gifts” to be analyzed that everything is purely human and subjective in carefully is evidence of fraud.

today’s gift of tongues and that the Holy Spirit has Sixth, biblical tongues were bound by apostolic nothing whatsoever to do with it, is that the direction.

interpretation is always the reflection of particular tendencies and feelings. The Roman Catholic Paul said, “Forbid not to speak in tongues,” but he also charismatics show their allegiance to the doctrines of gave many serious restrictions on how tongues could be their Church. The spiritualists find occult revelations.

used. I have never seen the practice of “tongues” in The Pentecostals, being evangelicals, adopt an modern times restrained in the following manner.

evangelical language, as well as phraseology and

* Tongues are to be spoken only by course, one by convictions specific to their group” (Legrand, All about one (“If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be Speaking in Tongues, pp. 47-51).

by two, or at the most by three, and that by course...” 1

Legrand devised a simple test for the interpretation Co. 14:27). In most of the Pentecostal-Charismatic of tongues, but no Pentecostal or Charismatic has meetings I have attended the “tongues” were spoken by offered to submit to it. Here is his proposal: many people at once.

“Prepare a meeting where one of you will speak in

* Tongues must be interpreted (“If any man speak in tongues and three others will make a recorded an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by interpretation in isolation. The interpretations that ought to say more or less the same thing will then be three, and that by course; and let one interpret”1 Co.

compared. ... HERE IN WRITING I STAND BY THIS

14:27). Rarely are the tongues messages interpreted in YET UNANSWERED PROPOSITION AS A CHALLENGE

modern Pentecostalism, and when they are it is often TO ANY CHARISMATIC TONGUES-SPEAKING

obvious that the “interpretation” is something different COMMUNITY. Why has there not yet been, and will than the “tongue.”

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* There is to be no confusion or lack of peace (“For in such a manner that no reproach is brought upon it by God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all our actions. When we think about the deception and churches of the saints” 1 Co. 14:33). Every time I have fraud that is so prevalent in the Pentecostal-Charismatic been in a Pentecostal-Charismatic service where “the movement and when we think about the many times Spirit was moving” I have thought to myself, “This is that women are allegedly overcome by the Spirit and confusing.” Disorder reigns. The “tongues” cannot be fall in an indecent manner and have to be covered, it is understood. Things happen that make no sense and that obvious that all things are not done decently.

are not found in the Bible. But we are told that God is

* Everything is to be orderly (“Let all things be done not the author of confusion, and that covers a lot of decently and in order” 1 Co. 14:40). The God of creation territory.

is the God of order. He is not the God of confusion and

* Women are not allowed to speak in tongues (“Let disorder.

your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not George Gardiner was a Pentecostal for many years, permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to and he said that his journey out of Pentecostalism be under obedience, as also saith the law” 1 Co. 14:34).

“began with nagging questions about the gulf between Paul refers to the Law of Moses, which also said the Charismatic practices and Scriptural statements--a very woman is under the man’s authority (Ge. 3:16; Nu.

wide gulf!” (Gardiner, The Corinthian Catastrophe, p. 8).

30:3-13).

He determined to study the book of Acts. “I reread the Women have been at the forefront of “tongues”

book of Acts, slowly and carefully, praying as I did, speaking since the inception of Pentecostalism. A

‘Lord, let me see what it says, and only what the Word woman was the first to speak in tongues at Parham’s says. Give me grace to accept it if I have been wrong Topeka Bible School. A woman was the first to speak in and grace to apologize if I have been unduly critical.

tongues at Seymour’s Azusa Street Mission. A reporter The journey through Acts was an eye opener! The with the Los Angeles Times who visited the Mission on actions and experiences of the early churches were far April 17, 1906, observed, “The old exhorter [Seymour]

removed from the actions and ‘experiences’ of the urged the ‘sisters’ to let the ‘tongues come forth’ and the modern movement. In some ways they were completely women gave themselves over to a riot of religious opposite!”

fervor.”

I discovered the same thing as a young Christian.

If you could remove the women from the modern One thing that convinced me that Pentecostalism is not tongues-speaking movement it would collapse, but the scriptural was that their “tongues” were not practiced in Spirit of God plainly forbids them to speak in tongues or a biblical manner. I have attended Pentecostal and to prophecy in the meetings where the saints are Charismatic meetings dozens of times in various parts of gathered together and men are present. Women are the world and I have never witnessed tongues operated allowed to teach women (Titus 2:3-4) and children (2

in a biblical manner.

Ti. 1:5; 3:15) but are forbidden to teach or usurp Seventh, the Pentecostal-Charismatic method of authority over men (1 Ti. 2:12).

“speaking in tongues” is unscriptural and dangerous;

* Those who are truly spiritual will acknowledge biblical tongues were not sought or learned but were Paul’s authority (“If any man think himself to be a sovereignly and miraculously given by God.

prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things If we were to agree that there is such a thing today that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord”

as “tongues speaking” or a “private prayer language”

1 Co. 14:37). Many times when I have shown these and that it would help us live better Christian lives and restrictions to Pentecostals and Charismatics they have if we were to accept the Charismatic’s challenge to “try argued against them and given various reasons why it and see,” the next question is, “How do I begin to they don’t feel obligated to obey them. This only proves speak in this ‘tongue’ or ‘prayer language’?”

that they are not truly spiritual and are not truly The first step, we are told, is to stop analyzing things attuned to and obedient to the voice of Almighty God.

carefully by the Scriptures and to open up to new They are self-deceived, and the evidence is that they will experiences. A chapter in the book These Wonderful Gifts not acknowledge that the things Paul wrote are the by Michael Harper is entitled “Letting Go and Letting commandments of God.

God,” in which the believer is instructed to stop

* Everything is to be decent (“Let all things be done analyzing experiences so carefully and strictly, to stop decently” 1 Co. 14:40). The Greek word translated

“setting up alarm systems” and “squatting nervously decent is “euschemonos,” which is also translated behind protective walls.” He says the believer should

“honestly” (Ro. 13:13; 1 Thes. 4:12). It carries the idea step out from behind his “walls and infallible systems”

of moral decency and sincerity and integrity, of adorning and just open up to God. That is a necessary but the gospel of Jesus Christ and the church of Jesus Christ 130

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unscriptural and exceedingly dangerous step toward same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same receiving the Charismatic experiences.

Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another Having stopped analyzing with Scripture, the prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation standard method of experiencing the “gift of tongues” or of tongues” (1 Co. 12:7-10).

a “private prayer language” is to open one’s mouth and

“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, to start speaking words but not words that one secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that understands and allegedly “God will take control.”

miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, Dennis Bennett says:

diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all

“Open your mouth and show that you believe the Lord prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

has baptized you in the Spirit by beginning to speak.

Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with Don’t speak English, or any other language you know, tongues? do all interpret?” (1 Co. 12:28-30).

for God can’t guide you to speak in tongues if you are Paul asks, “Do all speak with tongues?” The question speaking in a language known to you. ... Just like a is rhetorical and the answer is no.

child learning to talk for the first time, open your mouth and speak out the first syllables and expressions The United Pentecostal Church tries to get around that come to your lips. ... You may begin to speak, but this by making a distinction between tongues as “the only get out a few halting sounds. That’s wonderful!

initial evidence of Spirit baptism” and tongues as a gift You’ve broken the ‘sound barrier’! Keep in with those of the Spirit.

sounds. Offer them to God. Tell Jesus you love Him in

“Some people quote I Corinthians 12:30 in an attempt those ‘joyful noises’! In a very real sense, any sound to prove that not all speak in tongues when they are you make, offering your tongue to God in simple faith, filled with the Spirit: ‘Do all speak with tongues?’

may be the beginning of speaking in tongues” ( The However, this verse refers to the gift of tongues, that is, Holy Spirit and You, pp. 76, 77, 79).

speaking a public message in tongues to be interpreted This is so grossly unscriptural and nonsensical it for the congregation, which is a spiritual gift that a would seem unnecessary to refute it. There is absolutely person may exercise subsequent to the infilling of the nothing like this in the New Testament. To ignore the Spirit. Though both tongues as the initial evidence of Bible and to seek something that the Bible never says the baptism of the Holy Ghost and tongues as a later seek in ways the Bible does not support and to open spiritual gift are the same in essence, they are different in administration and operation” (“Why Did God oneself uncritically to religious experiences like this puts Choose Tongues?” United Pentecostal Church’s web one in danger of receiving “another spirit” (2 Co. 11:4).

site).

The Bible warns Christians that there are deceiving This teaching does not hold up in light of Scripture.

spirits that attempt to influence Christians and that can A simple survey of the book of Acts proves conclusively appear as angels of light and ministers of God (2 Co.

that not all believers in the early churches spoke in 11:13-15; Mt. 24:24). Paul warned the Corinthians that tongues. Even on the day of Pentecost, while the they were in danger of receiving false spirits because of disciples that were in the upper room spoke in tongues their carnal, tolerant, undiscerning condition (2 Co.

(Acts 2:4), those that were saved that day through 11:3-4). The true Christian cannot be possessed by evil Peter’s preaching did not speak in tongues (Acts spirits, but he can certainly be influenced by them.

2:40-42). The Jews that believed in Acts 4:4 and 6:7 did The Bible plainly teaches that tongues-speaking was not speak in tongues. The Ethiopian Eunuch that was a divine miracle and that it was sovereignly given. “But saved in Acts 8:35-39 did not speak in tongues. The first all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, people who were saved at Antioch in Acts 11:20-21 did dividing to every man severally as he will” (1 Co. 12:11).

not speak in tongues. Lydia and her household who The disciples did not seek to speak in tongues on the were saved in Acts 16:13-15 and the Philippian jailer day of Pentecost nor did they take a class on “letting go and his family who were saved in Acts 16:30-33 did not and letting God.” There is no evidence, in fact, that they speak in tongues. Those who were saved in even expected to speak in tongues. In every instance in Thessalonica and Berea and Athens in Acts 17:4, 12, which Christians spoke in tongues in the book of Acts and 34 did not speak in tongues. Cripus and others who the tongues were sovereignly given. In no instance were were saved at Corinth in Acts 18:8 did not speak in the recipients trying to speak in tongues.

tongues. Those who believed in Ephesus in Acts Eighth, biblical tongues were not spoken by all 19:17-19 did not speak in tongues.

Christians even in the first century.

There is no emphasis whatsoever on tongues-

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every speaking in the New Testament. It was exercised only man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit three times in all the book of Acts and the vast majority the word of wisdom; to another the word of of the believers did not use it. To create the sort of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the emphasis upon tongues-speaking that one finds in the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 131

CHARITY - CHERUBIM

Pentecostal-Charismatic movement one must read many CHEER. To be glad; to be encouraged (De. 24:5; Ec.

things into the Bible that are not there, and this is not 11:9; Ac. 27:22, 25, 36). This is a term frequently used the way that honest brethren use the Scriptures.

by the Lord Jesus Christ to encourage His disciples (Mt.

(For more about the doctrine of tongues speaking 9:2; 14:27; Mk. 6:50; Jn. 16:33; Ac. 23:11). The Greek and for a fuller study of this subject see The Pentecostal-words which are 5 times translated “be of good cheer”

Charismatic Movements: Its History and Error, which is are also 3 times translated “be of good comfort” (Mt.

available from Way of Life Literature.) 9:22; Mk. 10:49; Lk. 8:48). [See Cheerful, Comfort, CHARITY. Godly love (1 Co. 8:1; 13:1-13; 14:1; Dancing, Delight, Glad, Happy, Hope, Jesting, Joy, 16:14; Co. 3:14; 1 Th. 3:6; 2 Th. 1:3; 1 Ti. 1:5; 2:15; Laughter, Merry, Mirth, Music, Oil of Gladness, Rejoice.]

4:12; 2 Ti. 2:22; 3:10; Tit. 2:2; 1 Pe. 4:8; 5:14; 2 Pe.

CHEERFUL. To be glad (Pr. 15:13; Ze. 8:19; 9:17; 2

1:7; 3 Jn. 6; Re. 2:19). [See Love, Mercy.]

Co. 9:7). The Greek word translated “cheerful” in 2 Co.

CHARMER. In Ps. 58:5; Je. 8:17 the allusion is to 9:7, hilaros, is used only one time in the N.T. It “signifies those who can charm serpents, probably by soft and that readiness of mind, that joyousness, which is prompt gentle sounds. In De. 18:11; Is. 19:3 it is associated with to do anything” (Vine). [See Cheer, Joy, Merry.]

idolatry and sorcerers: these also carry on their CHELAL (completeness). Ezr. 10:30.

incantations with low mutterings (Concise). [See CHELUB (Boldness). Ezr. 10:35.

Witchcraft.]

CHEMARIMS. A reference to idolatrous priests in CHARRAN. [See Haran.]

Zep. 1:4. “Chemarims” is defined as “an ascetic (as if CHASTE. Pure; clean; consecrated (2 Co. 11:2; Tit.

shrunk by self-maceration), i.e. an idolatrous 2:5; 1 Pe. 3:2). The Greek word hagnos, in its various priest” (Strong). The word is used only in the plural, forms, is translated “purify” (Jn. 11:55; Ac. 21:24,26; suggesting groups, or monkish orders. [See Celibacy, 24:18; Ja. 4:8; 1 Pe. 1:22; 1 Jn. 3:3), “by pureness” (2

Idolatry, Vegetarian.]

Co. 6:6), and “sincerely” (Ph. 1:16). [See Discreet, CHEMOSH. [See Idolatry.]

Modesty, Nakedness, Sanctification, Separation, World.]

CHERAN (union) Ge. 36:26.

CHASTEN. Chastening involves the entire work of CHERETHITES (executioners). (1) A Philistine tribe discipline, not only correction, but teaching and guiding (1 Sa. 30:14; Eze. 25:16; Zep. 2:5). (2) David’s and encouraging (He. 12:5-11). The Hebrew word bodyguards (2 Sa. 8:18; 15:18; 20:7, 23; 1 Ki. 1:38; translated “chasten” (Pr. 22:15) is translated 1:44; 1 Ch. 18:17).

“discipline” (Job 36:10), “doctrine” (Je. 10:8), CHERITH (trench). 1 Ki. 17:3.

“instruction” (Pr. 8:33), and “rebuke” (Ho. 5:2). The Greek word for chasten, paideia, is translated CHERUBIM. The cherubim are the living creatures

“learned” (Ac. 7:22), “taught” (Ac. 22:3), “instruct” (2

which appear to guard the presence and secrets of God.

Ti. 2:25), “nurture” (Ep. 6:4), “punish” (Lk. 23:16), and They are probably “spirit beings.” Three times they

“teach” (Tit. 2:12). Thus the Bible doctrine of appear in the Scriptures: (1) They guarded the tree of chastening incorporates the entire realm of child life (Ge. 3:24). (2) They were carved upon the ark in training—instructing and guiding in the right way and the Tabernacle and in the holy of holies in Solomon’s correcting the erring one. How Does God Chasten? (1) Temple (Ex. 25:18-20; 1 Ki. 6:23-28). As these were Through the Scriptures (2 Ti. 2:25; 3:16). (2) Through patterns of things in heaven (He. 8:5; 9:23), we see that preachers and teachers (2 Ti. 4:2; Titus 2:15). (3) the cherubim stand over the very presence of God in Through grace (Tit. 2:12). Grace is a powerful Glory. (3) They were seen by Ezekiel (Eze. 10:1-22). It motivator. The more the believer learns about God’s is in Ezekiel’s vision that we find the most instruction goodness and mercy, the more he wants to serve Him.

about the cherubim. They are associated with the glory We love him because he first loved us (1 Jn. 4:10, 19; of God (Eze. 10:4). They have four wings which make a Ps. 116:1). (4) Through Satan (1 Ti. 1:20). (5) Through great sound when they fly (Eze. 10:5, 21). They have sickness and death (1 Co. 11:32; Ps. 38:1-8). (6) hands like a man’s (Eze. 10:8). They have many eyes Through the circumstances of life (Ja. 1; Ro. 5; 1 Pe. 1) (Eze. 10:12). They have four faces, one like a cherub,

[See Admonish, Affliction, Bible, Chasten, Child one like a man, one like a lion, and one like an eagle Training, Church Discipline, Convince, Correction, (Eze. 10:14). They have wheels that accompany them Counsel, Exhort, Guidance, Instruct, Pastor, Rebuke, wherever they go and in which is their spirit (Eze.

Reproof, Suffering, Timothy, Trials.]

10:16-17). The wheels appear as a wheel in the midst of a wheel and they are the color of a beryl stone, which is CHEBAR (joining). Eze. 1:1.

sea green (Eze. 10:9-10). “The beryl is a gem of a green CHECKER. Lattice work (1 Ki. 7:17).

colour, passing from one side into blue, on the other CHEDORLAOMER (sheaf band). Ge. 14:1.

side into yellow” (Adam Clarke). They transport the 132

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throne of God (Eze. 1:22, 25-28; 10:18-19). [See Angel, parents (Ju. 13-16); Hannah (1 Sa. 1-2);. Eli (1 Sa. 2:12

Gabriel, Michael, Seraphim.]

- 3:14); Samuel (1 Sa. 7:15 - 8:3); David (1 Ki. 1:5-6); CHESALON (fortress). Jos. 15:10.

Job (Job 1:1-5); Solomon (Pr. 10-10); Timothy’s mother CHESIL (fleshy, fat). Jos. 15:30.

(2 Ti. 1:5; 3:15); the lady (2 Jn. 1-4).

CHESULLOTH (fatness). Jos. 19:18.

Principles of Child Training in Proverbs. (1) Instructions must be repeated. Solomon was guided by CHEZIB (deceitful). Ge. 38:5.

the Holy Spirit to repeat the same truths almost CHIDE. To scold at; to reprove; to utter words in monotonously. (2) The foremost thing we are to teach anger, or by way of disapprobation; to rebuke; to blame; children is that God is to be preeminent in their lives to reproach; to quarrel (Webster) (Ex. 17:2, 7; Ju. 8:1; (Pr. 1:7). This means trusting Jesus Christ for salvation Ps. 103:9).

and seeking God and His perfect will. (3) The subject of CHIDON (destruction). 1 Ch. 13:9.

immorality should be dealt with frequently and plainly CHILD TRAINING. Following is a survey of the (Pr. 2:16-22; 5:1-23; 6:23-35; 7:1-27; 9:13-18). (4) Bible’s teaching on this subject:

Youth must be shown that only a personal appropriation What Makes a Good Parent? (1) Salvation and of wisdom will protect from sin (Pr. 2:10-11). (5) Youth wholehearted love for the Lord (De. 6:4-5; Pr. 20:7). (2) must be shown that God does not look lightly upon God’s Word dwelling in the heart (De. 6:6). (3) A those who reject instruction (Pr. 1:24-32). (6) The diligent teacher of the Scriptures (De. 6:6-9). (4) One teacher should have a serious attitude. Contrary to the who corrects the child and does not draw back because philosophy and attitude so prevalent in youth ministries of his protests (Pr. 13:24; 19:18). (5) A good example today, the mood of the instruction given in Proverbs is (Pr. 4:11). (6) Provide the children’s physical needs (1

serious. Proverbs is not a party book! (7) Instruction Ti. 5:8). (7) Train the child in the nurture and should be plain and direct. The parent must not fear admonition of the Lord (Ep. 6:4). (8) Do not provoke being negative; this is the style of Proverbs. (8) The law the child to wrath and discourage the child by your of sowing and reaping should be emphasized; this is a inconsistency and unreasonableness and unspirituality major theme of Proverbs (Pr. 5:22). (9) God should be (Ep. 6:4).

portrayed as the exciting Source of every good thing, as Training the Child to Know God. (1) Lead the child to the One who personally, urgently seeks men and desires Jesus Christ (Mt. 19:13-15). (2) Teach the child the their love in return (Pr. 1:20-23; 8:1-36; 9:1-12).

Bible (De. 6:6-9). (3) Correct the child (Pr. 13:24; The Seven Most Important Truths to Teach to Children.

19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15, 17). (4) Warn the child Proverbs was written especially for children. The phrase to stay away from evil (Pr. 1:10; 4:14-27; 5:1-23;

“my son” is repeated throughout the book. By 19:27). (5) Exhort the child to seek God with all his examining the first nine chapters of this book we can heart (Pr. 2:1-9; 4:1-9; 7:1-27). (6) Teach the child how see the seven most important truths that God wants to be godly and wise in his everyday life (Pr. 6:1-19; children to be taught: (1) Teach them to put God first 10:1—31:31). (7) Rear the child in faithfulness to the (Pr. 1:7). (2) Teach them to submit to parents and church (Ac. 2:41, 42; 1 Ti. 3:15; He. 10:25).

authority (Pr. 1:8-9). (3) Teach them to separate from The Blessings of Proper Child Training. (1) The evil companions (Pr. 1:10-19). (4) Teach them to put disciplined child goes the right way (Pr. 22:6). (2) The God’s Word first (Pr. 2:1-4). (5) Teach them to flee disciplined child is wise (Pr. 29:15). (3) The disciplined immorality (Pr. 2:16-22; 5:1-6; 6:23-35; 7:1-27; child is saved from eternal wrath (Pr. 23:13-14). (4) The 9:13-18). Fleeing immorality involves the following disciplined child is not foolish (Pr. 22:15). (5) The things: staying away from every source of temptation disciplined child is obedient and submissive to authority (Pr. 5:7-8; 7:24-25); remembering that this sin will ruin (Pr. 13:1). (6) The disciplined child causes the parents the person’s life (Pr. 5:8-12); waiting for the right joy (Pr. 15:20; 23:24-25; 29:17).

husband or wife (Pr. 5:15-18); staying away from worldly females (Pr. 6:24-25; 7:10-13)—she will be Woes of the Wayward Child. (1) Parental shame (Pr.

identified by her seductive speech (Pr. 6:24), her 29:15; 19:26). (2) Disobedient children (Pr. 13:1; immodest dress and the suggestive way she carries 15:20). (3) Sorrow and bitterness (Pr. 17:25; 19:13).

herself (Pr. 6:25; 7:10), and by her flirting eyes (Pr.

(4) Financial loss (Pr. 29:3). (5) Foolish children (Pr.

6:25); staying away from promiscuous males (Pr.

22:15). (6) Eternal destruction if the child does not get 30:18-19); remembering that God hates and judges sin saved (Pr. 23:13-14).

(Pr. 7:27; 9:13-18). (6) Teach them to receive God’s free Bible Examples for Parents. Abraham (Ge. 17:9-11, salvation (Pr. 9:1-5). (7) Teach them to love and serve 23-26; 22:1-18); Lot (Ge. 19); Isaac and Rebekah (Ge.

the Lord Jesus Christ (Pr. 8). [See Chasten, Fornication, 25:28); Moses’ parents (Ex. 2:1-3; He. 11:23); Samson’s Friend, Harlot, Home, Instruct.]

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CHILIASM - CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

CHILIASM. A term which refers to the 1,000 year describe Christ’s followers. (1) They are called millennial reign of Christ in Revelation 20. The term DISCIPLES (Ac. 1:15; 6:1-2, 7; 9:1, 19, 25, 26, 38;

“millennium” is Latin for 1,000, while the term 11:26, 29; 13:52; 14:20, 22, 28; 15:10; 18:23, 27; 19:1,

“chiliasm” is Greek for 1,000. The latter is pronounced 9, 30; 20:1, 7, 30; 21:4, 16). (2) They are called kill-e -azm. [See Millennium, Prophecy.]

BELIEVERS (Ac. 5:14; 1 Ti. 4:12). (3) They are called CHILDREN OF GOD. Children of God refers to those SAINTS sixty times in the N.T. (for example, Ac. 9:13; who have been born again into God’s family through 26:10; Ro. 8:27; 12:13; 16:2; 1 Co. 6:1; 16:1; 2 Co. 1:1; faith in Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:12; 11:52; Ro. 8:26). [See Ep. 1:1; Ph. 1:1; Col. 1:1; 1 Th. 3:13; 1 Ti. 5:10; 2 Ti.

Adoption, Born Again, Christian, Gospel, Justification.]

1:10; Phile. 7; He. 6:10; Jude 3; Re. 5:8). (4) They are CHILION (wasting away). Ru. 1:2.

called BRETHREN 73 times in Acts and the Epistles (for example, Ac 9:30; 12:17; Ro. 1:13; 1 Co. 1:10; 2 Co.

CHIMHAM (longing). 2 Sa. 19:37.

1:8; Ga. 1:2; Ep. 6:10; Ph. 1:12; Col. 4:15; 1 Th. 1:4; 2

CHINNERETH (circuit). District around the Sea of Th. 1:3; 1 Ti. 4:6; 2 Ti. 4:21; He. 13:22; Ja. 1:2; 1 Pe.

Galilee (Nu. 34:11; De. 3:17; Jos. 11:2; 1 Ki. 15:20).

1:22; 2 Pe. 1:10; 1 Jn. 2:7; 3 Jn. 3; Re. 22:9). Each of CHISLEU (rashness, confidence). The 9th month of these terms emphasizes a different truth. “Christian”

the Hebrew sacred calendar, corresponding to parts of speaks of Christlikeness. “Disciple” speaks of dedication November and December (Ze. 7:1) The beginning of to Christ to His service. “Believer” speaks of faith in winter (Potts). [See Calendar.]

Christ and in His Word. “Brethren” speaks of Christians CHISLON (strong). Nu. 34:21.

as members of one spiritual family.

CHISLOTH TABOR (loins of Tabor). Jos. 19:12.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH. [See Churches of Christ.]

CHITTIM (giants, terrible). Nu. 24:24; Is. 23:1,12; CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES. [See Adam, Apostasy, Je. 2:10; Eze. 27:6; Da. 11:30.

Apostate, Bible, Bible Versions, Canon, Daniel, CHIUN. [See Idolatry.]

Evolution, Fable, False Prophet, False Teaching, Flood, CHODE. To chide; to scold; to reprove; to clamor; to Foolish Questions, Heresy, Heretic, Inspiration, Isaiah, find fault; to contend in words of anger; to quarrel Jesus Christ, Jonah, Modernism, Preservation, Prophecy, (Webster) (Nu. 20:3).

Red Sea, Separation, Star, Timothy, Tyre, Zidon.]

CHOLER. Anger; rage; bitterness (Da. 8:7; 11:11).

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE. The Church of Christ, The same Hebrew word, marmar, is translated Scientist, was founded in Boston in 1879 by Mary Baker

“grieved” (1 Sa. 30:6), “bitter” (Ex. 1:14), Glover Patterson Eddy (1821-1910). Today there are

“provoke” (Ps. 78:40,56), “vex” (2 Ki. 4:27).

approximately 1,886 functioning congregations in 66

countries which follow Christian Science (Handbook).

CHORASHAN (smoking furnace). 1 Sa. 30:30.

Most of these operate “reading rooms” open to the CHOZEBA (deceitful). 1 Ch. 4:22.

public. Though the denomination does not give CHRIST. Anointed One (Mt. 16:16). [See Jesus membership statistics, the US News & World Report for Christ, Messiah.]

Nov. 6, 1990, estimated membership at less than CHRIST’S DEITY. [See Jesus Christ.]

170,000. If accurate, this is a significant decline from CHRISTENDOM. A name used to describe everything the membership of 268,915 reported in 1936. The which calls itself Christian, including those who do not number of congregations has declined by nearly 500 in follow the Bible, such as the Roman Catholic Church, the past two decades. It is possible that the decline has Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and the liberal reversed in recent years. It should also be kept in mind Protestant denominations yoked together in the World that at any given time there are many who are Council of Churches. [See Anglican Church, Assemblies aggressively studying Christian Science at the reading of God, Baptist, Brethren, Charismatic, Christian rooms and through their literature but who are not Science, Churches of Christ, Fundamentalism, Jehovah’s formally members. The Christian Scientists publish the Witnesses, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Christian Science Sentinel, Christian Science Journal, Modernism, New Evangelicalism, Presbyterian, Roman Christian Science Quarterly, and the Herald of Christian Catholic Church, Seventh-day Adventism, World Council Science. These are published in 12 languages and in of Churches.]

Braille. The Christian Science Monitor, a general news publication operated by the Christian Scientists, had a CHRISTIAN. This term is used only three times in circulation of 158,700 in 1984; and the newspaper’s the Bible, and means Christlike or follower of Christ one-hour radio program, Monitoradio, is heard on 160

(Ac. 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pe. 4:16). In the early churches the stations.

term Christian was first used in Antioch (Ac. 11:26). In the Bible, other words are more commonly used to Between 1875 and 1883 Mary Baker Eddy published Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. She taught 134

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that the Bible contains many mistakes and her “key” is and lessons. There is no pastor as such in Christian necessary to properly interpret the Bible and unlock its Science congregations. There are two “readers,” usually mystical secrets. In 1876 she established the Christian a man and a woman; in all services on Sundays and Scientists Association and three years later changed its Thanksgiving Day, they read alternately from the Bible name to The Church of Christ, Scientist, and it grew and from Science and Health. A midweek meeting, quickly until the first quarter of the 20th century.

conducted by the first reader alone, features testimonies Chronically ill and emotionally unstable, Mary of healing.

Patterson (her second husband’s name) was powerfully Christian Science appeals to intellectuals and influenced by mental healer Phineas P. Quimby mystics. It is a gnostic-type faith, something only the (1802-1866). Quimby, a student of hypnotist Anton supposedly wise and initiated can understand and Mesmer, believed that illness and disease was an illusion appreciate. Those who scoff its strange ideas are created by wrong thinking and that it could be cured oftentimes looked down upon and pitied.

through “correct” and positive thoughts. Mary claimed Many also follow this false religion because it that Quimby cured her through his hypnotism, and after promises physical healing. A large number of its his death in 1866 she even claimed that she was visited followers are elderly. Rather than going to doctors, by his ghost. Though she renounced Quimby, she Christian Scientists try to convince themselves that there derived much of her teaching from his writings, without is no such thing as sickness. Christian Science giving him credit, claiming instead that her teachings Practitioners are called in to help sufferers have faith in came directly from God.

the unreality of illness. It is true that some have been Eddy taught that sickness and death are not real.

healed of various problems, but this does not necessarily Instead of doctors and medicine, Christian Scientists use mean they were healed by God. Witch doctors and New

“Practitioners” who are trained to help the sick person Age practioners sometimes practice successful healings.

see through the “false reality of illness.”

The Bible warns that Satan and false teachers perform Mary Baker Eddy’s “Scientific Statement of Being,”

great miracles (Mt. 7:22-23; 24:24; 2 Th. 2:7-12; Re.

which is read every week in every Christian Science 13:11-15). It is true, also, that many illnesses are congregation, says: “There is no life, truth, intelligence, psychological in nature and therefore respond favorably nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its to mental suggestion. It is also true that God, in His infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all. Spirit is great mercy, extends His blessings even to those who do immortal Truth; matter is mortal error. Spirit is the real not obey His Word (Mt. 5:45). [See Healing.]

and eternal; matter is the unreal and temporal. Spirit is Christians are told to avoid those who teach false God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man things and should therefore avoid the Christian Science is not material; he is spiritual.”

Church (Ro. 16:17-18; 2 Jn. 10-11). [See Doctrine, False Christian Science teaches that men are not sinful and Teaching, Separation.]

that they do not need to be saved. Jesus did not actually CHRISTIANITY. The beliefs and practices of die nor shed His blood. There is no Satan, sin, Christians. Christianity usually refers to everything judgment, or hell. According to Christian Science, God is which claims to be Christian, even to that which is not everything--“all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, patterned according to the N.T. [See Christendom.]

all-loving, and eternal; Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; CHRISTMAS. Christmas is the celebration of the Life; Truth; Love; all substance; intelligence.” Man is a birth of Christ. It refers to Christ’s mass, which obviously part of God and all he needs is to recognize it. Thus has a Roman Catholic origin. Normally it is observed on anything that appears to be evil is only a mirage of sorts December 25. The practice was popularized by the and is not real: “All reality is in God and His creation, Catholic Church, and like many other Catholic harmonious and eternal. That which He creates is good, traditions, it was adopted from paganism; in this case, and He makes all that is made. Therefore the only from the pagan mid-winter solstice marking the turn of reality of sin, sickness, or death is the awful fact that the year. The following is a brief overview of its origin: unrealities seem real to human, erring belief, until God

“Saturnalia extended from December 17 to 24 and in strips off their disguise. They are not true, because they A.D. 274 the emperor Aurelian made December 25 a are not of God.”

feast of the invincible sun. January 6 was sacred to Christian Science congregations are directed rather Dionysus. With the toleration of Christianity under autocratically from the “mother church” in Boston. The Constantine, both December 25 and January 6 became lesson-sermons of Sunday services are prepared by a Christianized feasts (Christmas and Epiphany, central committee and issued quarterly by the Christian respectively). Symbols, originating largely from classical Science Publishing Society, and all congregations or Teutonic-Celtic paganism, such as lights, greenery, throughout the world follow exactly the same program and special foods, gradually became associated with Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 135

CHRISTOCENTRIC - CHRONOLOGY-BIBLE

Christmas, as did St. Nicholas, whose feast on December God, but I have never heard of a Christmas tree being 6 had been a time for giving gifts, especially to used in such a manner. At the same time, it is fearful to children” ( New 20th-Century Encyclopedia of Religious see Christmas trees and such things set up in churches.

Knowledge, pp. 181,182).

At least in my estimation, that is a step toward All of these things can still be observed in some Catholicism. One might as well get some crucifixes and pagan religions. For instance, in Hinduism, there is a pictures of Jesus and a Mary with a halo to put festival of lights in early winter that features bright alongside of it!

lights, special foods, the giving of gifts, the alleged We can’t “put Christ back in Christmas” because He visitation of a goddess who bestows blessings on those never was in Christmas! Christmas really has nothing to who are good, etc.

do with the Bible. Christmas is not Christ’s day. The first The Santa Claus observance is a Roman Catholic/

day of the week is the Lord’s Day, the day of His pagan myth. The Catholic Pocket Dictionary of Saints has resurrection, and it is the only special day God has given this to say about “Saint” Nicholas: “His popularity, Christians. We are to honor Christ’s resurrection, not His already great, increased enormously in the West when birth.

his relics were brought to Bari in 1087, and his shrine The bottom line is that Christmas is a Catholic myth.

was one of the great pilgrimage centers of medieval We know that Christ was not born in December. The fact Europe. He is the patron of storm-beset sailors (for that the shepherds were out in the fields when He was miraculously saving doomed mariners off the coast of born (Lk. 2:8) is evidence that Jesus was not born in the Lycia), of prisoners, of children ... which led to the winter time. There is no indication in the Bible that God practice of children giving presents at Christmas in his wants us to celebrate His birth with a special festival. If name and the metamorphosis of his name, St. Nicholas, He did, He would have told us when He was born and into Sint Klaes, into Santa Claus by the Dutch. It should what we should do on that day. Christianized error is be noted though that the figure of Santa Claus is really error still.

non-Christian and is based on the Germanic god Thor, Dear Christian friend, enjoy your freedom in Christ who was associated with winter and the Yule log and during the Christmas season. If your activities are not rode on a chariot drawn by goats named Cracker and condemned in the Scriptures and you have a clear Gnasher” ( Dictionary of Saints, pp. 369,370).

conscience before the Lord (Ro. 14), you are free to We don’t have to reject every social pleasantry of the enjoy yourself. At the same time, “Little children, keep Christmas season, but God’s people are plainly warned yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21).

to beware of philosophy, the tradition of men, and the CHRISTOCENTRIC. Christocentric means Christ-rudiments of the world which are not after Christ (Col.

centered. Jesus Christ, as Creator and Saviour, is to be 2:8). Christmas can be a pleasant social holiday, and the center of all of life. [See Jesus Christ.]

there is nothing wrong with such things; and I see CHRISTOLOGY. The doctrine concerning Jesus nothing wrong with remembering the wonderful birth of Christ. [See Jesus Christ.]

Christ, so long as the emphasis is not on His birth but on His death, burial, and resurrection.

CHRONOLOGY - BIBLE.

At the same time, we reject the paganism and the Chronological Table of Persons

Catholicism of the occasion. Our children have never B.C.

believed in Santa Claus; we have never had Santa’s 4004—Adam created; lived 930 years (Ge. 1-2).

image in our home. I believe that is idolatry. My wife 3876—Abel martyred; lived 128 years (Ge. 4).

was talking recently with a Hindu woman who thought 3874—Birth of Seth; lived 912 years (Ge. 5:3).

that the Christian’s God is Santa Claus, and that Santa 3769—Birth of Enos; lived 905 years (Ge. 5:6).

Claus had a son who is the Christian’s Saviour. Sadly, for 3679—Birth of Cainan; lived 910 years (Ge. 5:9).

many professing Christians, that is probably close to the 3609—Birth of Mahalaleel; lived 895 years (Ge.

truth; because they glibly and mindlessly follow such 5:12).

pagan traditions.

3544—Birth of Jared; lived 962 years (Ge. 5:15).

As for the Christmas tree, we have often enjoyed one 3382—Birth of Enoch; lived 365 years (Ge. 5:18).

in our home, but we see it as merely a pleasant social 3317—Birth of Methuselah; lived 969 years (Ge.

thing that has nothing to do with our faith in Christ.

5:21).

Some have tried to intimate that Christmas trees are 3130—Birth of Lamech; lived 777 years (Ge. 5:25).

condemned in Jeremiah 10:2-5, but I think that is off 2948—Birth of Noah; lived 950 years (Ge.

base. Jeremiah 10 is condemning idolatry, and I don’t 5:28,29).

know anyone who makes an idol of a Christmas tree.

2448—Birth of Shem (Ge. 5:32).

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2346—Birth of Arphaxad (Ge. 11:10).

825—Jeroboam II rules northern tribes.

2281—Birth of Heber (Ge. 10:21-25; 11:14).

810—Uzziah rules Judah.

2247—Birth of Peleg (Ge. 10:25; 11:16).

773—Zachariah rules northern tribes.

2126—Birth of Terah (Ge. 11:24).

772—Shallum rules northern tribes.

1996—Birth of Abram (Ge. 11:26).

772—Menahem rules northern tribes.

1920—Birth of Ishmael (Ge. 16:15).

761—Pekahiah rules northern tribes.

1896—Birth of Isaac (Ge. 21:2-3)..

758—Jotham rules Judah.

1837—Birth of Jacob and Esau (Ge. 25:24-26).

758—Pekah rules northern tribes.

1758—Birth of Reuben (Ge. 29:32).

742—Ahaz rules Judah.

1757—Birth of Simeon (Ge. 29:33).

730—Hoshea last king of northern tribes.

1756—Birth of Levi (Ge. 29:34).

726—Hezekiah rules Judah.

1755—Birth of Judah (Ge. 29:35).

698—Manasseh rules Judah.

1745—Birth of Joseph (Ge. 30:24).

643—Amon rules Judah.

1571—Birth of Moses (Ex. 2).

641—Josiah rules Judah.

1405—Othniel judges Israel (Jud. 3:9).

610—Jehoahaz rules Judah.

1325—Ehud judges Israel (Jud. 3:15).

610—Jehoiachim rules Judah.

1303—Shamgar judge Israel (Jud. 3:31).

610—Jehoiakin rules Judah.

1285—Barak and Deborah judge Israel (Jud. 4).

599—Zedekiah last king of Judah.

1245—Gideon judges Israel (Jud. 6-8).

Chronological Table of Events

1232—Tola judges Israel (Jud. 10:1).

B.C.

1232—Jair judges Israel (Jud. 10:3).

2348—The Deluge (Ge. 7).

1188—Jephthah judges Israel (Jud. 11).

2247—Confusion of tongues at Babel (Ge. 11).

1182—Ibzan judges Israel (Jud. 12:8).

2218—Nineveh founded (Ge. 10:11).

1175—Elon judges Israel (Jud. 12:11).

1921—Call of Abram (Ge. 12).

1165—Abdon judges Israel (Jud. 12:13).

1912—Lot taken captive (Ge. 14).

1137—Samson judges Israel (Jud. 14-16).

1897—Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed (Ge. 19).

1137—Birth of Samuel (1 Sa. 1).

1728—Joseph sold into Egypt (Ge. 37).

1114—Samuel judges Israel (1 Sa. 3:20).

1706—Jacob and his family go down into Egypt 1085—Birth of David.

(Ge. 46).

1033—Birth of Solomon.

1531—Moses’ flight to Midian (Ex. 22).

975—Rehoboam rules Judah.

1491—The exodus of Israel from Egypt (Ex. 14).

975—Jeroboam rules northern tribes.

1490—The law given by Moswes (Ex. 20).

958—Abijah rules Judah.

1471—The death of Korah and his company (Nu.

955—Asa rules Judah.

26).

954—Nadab rules northern tribes.

1452—Moses writes Pentateuch (Lk. 24:44).

953—Baasha rules northern tribes.

1452—Eleazar becomes high priest (Nu. 20).

930—Elah rules northern tribes.

1451—The river Jordan crossed (Jos. 1).

929—Zimri rules northern tribes.

1444—The land divided (Jos. 24).

918—Ahab rules northern tribes.

1417—book of Joshua written.

914—Jehoshaphat rules Judah.

1116—The ark captured by the Philistines (1 Sa. 4).

897—Ahaziah rules northern tribes.

1063—David slays Goliath (1 Sa. 17).

896—Jehoram rules northern tribes.

1055—Battle of Gilboa (1 Sa. 31).

889—Jehoram rules Judah.

1045—Ark removed to Jerusalem (1 Ch. 15).

885—Ahaziah rules Judah.

1024—Absalom’s rebellion (2 Sa. 15).

884—Athaliah rules Judah.

1017—David numbers the people (2 Sa. 24).

884—Jehu rules northern tribes.

1014—Solomon’s marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter 878—Jehoash rules Judah.

(1 Ki. 3).

856—Jehoahaz rules northern tribes.

1012—Foundation of the temple laid (1 Ki. 7).

839—Amaziah rules Judah.

1004—Dedication of the temple (1 Ki. 8).

839—Jehoash rules northern tribes.

990—Queen of Sheba’s visit to Solomon (1 Ki. 10).

975—Division of the kingdom (1 Ki. 12).

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974—Idolatry established in Israel (1 Ki. 12).

216—Fifty thousand Jews slain at Alexandria.

924—Samaria built by Omri (1 Ki. 16).

204—Formation of the Sadducdean sect.

918—Jericho rebuilt (1 Ki. 16).

197—Palestine conquered by Ptolemy of Egypt.

906—Elijah slays the prophets of Baal (1 Ki. 18).

170—Palestine conquered by Antiochus of Syria.

896—Elijah translated to heaven (2 Ki. 2).

168—Temple dedicated to pagan god Jupiter by 894—Cure and conversion of Naaman the Syrian Antiochus.

(2 Ki. 5).

166—Era of “the bold Maccabees.”

926—Jonah sent to Ninevah (Jon. 1).

166—Judas Maccabeus takes Jerusalem.

771—King of Assyria invades Israel (2 Ki. 15).

155—Palestine free from the Syrian yoke.

753—Rome founded by Romulus, its first king.

65—Syria becomes subject to Rome

724—Samaria besieged by the Assyrians (2 Ki. 17).

63—Judea becomes subject to Rome.

721—Deportation of the N. tribes to Assyria (2 Ki.

54—Crassus, the Roman general, plunders the 18).

temple.

677—Land of Israel colonized by the heathen (2

40—Herod becomes king of Palestine.

Ki. 18).

37—Herod, by Roman assistance, takes Jerusalem, 677—Manasseh carried captive to Babylon (2 Ch.

reigns.

33).

31—Thirty thousand Jews destroyed by an 676—Manasseh’s repentance and restoration (2

earthquake.

Ch. 33).

30—Egypt becomes subject to Rome.

625—Fall and destruction of Nineveh.

28—Augustus becomes first Emperor of Rome.

606—First deportation to Babylon of Judah (2 Ki.

20—Herod commences rebuilding the temple.

24).

6—Roman census or enrollment of the people in 599—Second deportation to Babylon of Judah (2

Judea.

Ki. 24).

4—Birth of John the Baptist.

588—Third deportation to Babylon of Judah (2 Ch.

4—BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST, SAVIOUR OF THE

36).

WORLD

580—Hebrew youths cast into the furnace (Da. 3).

3—Death of cruel Herod.

568—Nebuchadnezzar becomes insane (Da. 4).

Years - Summary

559—Cyrus ascends the Medo-Persian throne (Is.

44:28).

From the creation of man till the flood (Ge. 1-7) —

1656

555—Daniel’s vision of the Beasts (Da. 7).

From the deluge till the call of Abram (Ge. 9-12)—

538—Belshazzar’s impious feast (Da. 5).

427

538—Daniel cast into the den of lions (Da. 6).

From the call of Abram till the law — 430

536—Zerubbabel conducts remnant to Jerusalem From the exodus and the law till Solomon’s temple (Ezr. 2).

— 479

535—Foundation of the new temple laid (Ezr. 3).

From the founding of the temple till the destruction 510—Haman slain by Ahasuerus (Es. 7).

of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar— 426

457—Ezra conducts remnant to Jerusalem (Ezr. 8).

From Jerusalem’s destruction till Christ’s coming —

444—Nehemiah is appointed governor of 586

Jerusalem (Ne. 2).

Total — 4004 (Handbook of the Old Testament) 416—OLD TESTAMENT CANON CLOSED WITH

CHRYSOLYTE. A transparent precious stone, having MALACHI.

the color of gold mixed with green. It has a fine luster 401—Cyrus the younger slain.

(Re. 21:20) (Smith).

359—Philip ascends the throne of Macedon.

CHRYSOPRASUS. A gem; the color was golden 356—Alexander the Great born.

green (Re. 21:20) (Smith).

336—Alexander succeeds to the throne of CHUN (founding). 1 Ch. 18:8.

Macedon.

CHURCH. The word “church” is used 115 times in 332—Alexander’s march against Jerusalem.

the KJV. In 114 of those passages the Greek word 320—Jerusalem taken by Ptolemy, the Egyptian translated “church” is ekklesia. (In one passage, Ac.

king.

19:37, the Greek word hierosulos, meaning “a robber of 320—Great settlement of the Jews in Alexandria.

a sacred place,” is translated “church.”) 312—Palestine becomes subject to Egypt.

138

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The Meaning of the Church. Ekklesia means a lawful, give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven...”).

organized assembly. It is used in three ways in the N.T.

Mt. 18:18 makes it clear that this promise of authority is (1) Israel in the wilderness (Ac. 7:38). (2) A political to the church and not just to Peter.

assembly (Ac. 19:32-41). (3) Christ’s assembly (Mt.

The Beginning of the Church. We believe the church 16:18). Of the 115 N.T. references to the “church,” 111

began to be built during the earthly ministry of the Lord refer to Christ’s assembly. The references to Christ’s Jesus Christ, that it was empowered on the day of church are divided into three categories: (1) The Local Pentecost, and that it was organized and established by Assembly on earth (Ac. 2:47; 13:1). This forms the vast the Apostles as recorded in the Acts and Epistles. Why majority of the Bible references to the church.

do I believe the church began during the earthly Sometimes “church” refers to the local church in a ministry of Christ? (1) There is no statement in general, generic, institutional sense (1 Co. 15:9; Ga.

Scripture which supports the common view that the 1:13; Ph. 3:6). (2) The Heavenly Assembly of the saints church started on the day of Pentecost. (2) In Matthew (He. 12:23; 2:12). (3) The Eternal Assembly of all the 16:18, Christ said he would build His church. Christ is saints of all ages (Ep. 1:10-11; 2:16-22).

the Founder and Rock of the church. I can see no The Bride of Christ. There is endless speculation biblical reason for not assuming that He began building about the bride of Christ, but the Bible says very little the church during His earthly ministry. (3) Matthew about it. The term “bride” is used only five times in the 18:17 implies that the church already existed during New Testament, and only two of those refer directly to Christ’s earthly ministry. (4) Acts 2:41 says those saved the bride of Christ (Re. 21:9; 22:17). Both of these are on the day of Pentecost were “added unto” the applied to the eternal city described in Revelation 21.

congregation which already existed. The four Gospels Ephesians 5:32 says the husband and wife picture Christ and the early part of the book of Acts describe a and the church. One could say, therefore, that the transitional period during which God is turning from church is the bride of Christ, but the Bible does not Israel to the church.

specifically use that terminology so again we are The Constitution of the Church. The book of Titus was speculating about its exact meaning. Revelation 19

written to describe the proper organization of churches.

describes the “marriage of the Lamb” but, again, the There were believers in Crete, but there was still term “bride” is not used and we enter into the realm of something lacking: They needed to be organized into speculation when we try to connect this term with the N.T. churches (Tit. 1:5). According to Titus, the events in Revelation 19. Debating doctrinal positions following are necessary for a proper church: (1) A which are based on assumption and speculation is Proper Gospel (Tit. 1:1-3). The one true Gospel is unprofitable. By the way, whatever the bride of Christ is eternal life through faith in the grace of Jesus Christ. It I do not believe it is a “Baptist” bride. The term Baptist is grace alone and faith alone without admixture.

is a good historical term and can be an important label Anything else is cursed (Ga. 1:6-9). The sound Gospel today if defined correctly; but it is not used even once in also calls for sound ordinances which symbolize the the Bible in direct connection with the church.

Gospel—believer’s baptism as symbolic of the death, The First Mention of the Church. The first mention of burial, and resurrection of Christ (Ro. 6:3-5), and the the word “church” in the N.T. is Mt. 16:16-19. Consider Lord’s Supper as a memorial meal symbolizing Christ’s some important lessons from this passage: (1) The atonement through His shed blood and broken body (1

church is built by Christ (“I will build”). This is one of Co. 11:23-26). Churches which pervert the Gospel also His most important present occupations. (2) The church tend to pervert the ordinances. (2) Proper Leadership is built upon Christ. The Rock upon which the church is (Tit. 1:5-9). The only proper leaders for a N.T. church built is Christ Himself—not Peter (compare 1 Co. 3:11; are the pastors, also called “elders” (Tit. 1:5) and 10:4; Ep. 2:20; 1 Pe. 2:6). (3) The church did not exist

“bishops” (Tit. 1:7). A church is not to be run by a until Christ came. It is an entity distinct from Israel (1 Co.

deacon board, or trustees, or a denominational 10:32). (4) The church belongs to Christ (“I will build my hierarchy. (3) Proper Doctrine (Tit. 2:1). A N.T. church church”). This means that Christ is the sole Head of the is grounded in the whole counsel of God (Ac. 20:27; Mt.

church. He has given this position to no man, not even 28:20), in sound doctrine pertaining to Christ, God, Peter and his so-called successors! Christ is also the sole Man, Sin, Death, Heaven, Hell, Angel, Prophecy, the legislator, lawgiver, of the church. The church itself has Church, and every other Bible truth. (4) Proper Living no lawmaking powers; its sole purpose is to obey those (Tit. 2:2-12). A N.T. church will manifest godliness in laws that Christ has given in His Word. (5) The church Christian life and service. (5) Proper Discipline (1 Co. 5; will be preserved through all generations (“the gates of Tit. 3:10-11). A N.T. church will discipline sinning hell shall not prevail against it”). (6) The church is the members and heretics.

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What the N.T. Church Is Not. (1) The church is not a before God to be faithful to the church. (4) Safety manmade organization, but is a divinely given and (10:25). The believer needs the church because the days designed institution. (2) The church is not a Bible study are evil. (5) Evidence of salvation (10:26-27). By his or merely an unorganized group of believers, but is a faithfulness to the things of God, the believer gives body properly organized according to the N.T. pattern evidence of his salvation. Those who neglect the things (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus). (3) The church is not of God are proving that they are not saved. (6) Training Christianity or some ecumenical body. True churches are (13:7). The believer needs the church in order to be composed of “faithful brethren in Christ” (Col. 1:2).

taught the Word of God. (7) Example (13:7). The Christianity is more properly identified as the Harlot of believer needs the example of his church leaders. (8) Re. 17, and her daughters. (4) The church is not a Discipline, oversight (13:17). The believer needs the national church, or the churches of a particular area.

godly and loving oversight that God-called and qualified The Bible always uses the plural term “churches” to pastors provide. (9) Judgment (13:17). The believer refer to the churches of an area (1 Co. 16:19 — in this needs to be faithful to the church because God will verse we see both church singular and churches plural; judge him in this matter.

Ac. 15:41; Ro. 16:4,16; 2 Co. 8:1; Ga. 12:22; 1 Th.

Lessons from Revelation 1-3. (1) The churches are to 2:14; Re. 1:4). It is wrong to refer to “the church of be independent and autonomous. Revelation addresses Nepal,” or “the church of Germany.” There are churchES

the churchES (plural) of Asia, not the church (singular) in Nepal, and churchES in Germany. (5) The church is of Asia. Each church had its own message from Christ.

not the kingdom of God (2 Ti. 4:1,18). Christians are There was no reference to the establishment of any kind not building the kingdom; that will be built at Christ’s of interchurch union. Each was addressed and respected return (Ac. 1:6-8). Christians are to pray for the as a sovereign, autonomous body. (2) Each church kingdom of God to come, referring to the future when possesses the glory of Christ, which is symbolized by the Christ returns (Mt. 6:9-10). (6) The church is not a

“golden candlesticks” (Re. 1:12). (3) Each church is an denomination. The Bible never uses the term “church”

autonomous light. There was not one candlestick to refer to any particular denomination. It is not proper (singular) in the region of Asia, but seven individual to refer to the “Anglican Church,” or the “Roman candlesticks (plural). Each church is to seek to fulfill the Catholic Church,” or the “Presbyterian Church.”

Great Commission and has every right to do so—to The Importance of the Church. The Holy Spirit in preach, disciple, baptize, ordain, and send forth Scripture has exalted the local church in the following missionaries. Compare Ac. 13:1-4; 1 Th. 1:7-8; Ph.

ways: (1) It is the only institution Jesus is building 2:15-16. (4) Christ is concerned today with the today (Mt. 16:18). (2) It is the pillar and ground of the churches. He is standing in the midst of the churches. In truth (1 Ti. 3:15). (3) It is the house of God (1 Ti. 3:15).

the next age He will be enthroned in the midst of the (4) It is where Jesus is standing (Re. 1). (5) It is the New Jerusalem (Re. 21:22-23; 22:3). (5) The Holy institution to which the Holy Spirit is speaking (Re. 2:7, Spirit is speaking today to Christians particularly 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). (6) It is the recipient of the through the churches (Re. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22).

Great Commission and the headquarters for world Though we know that the Holy Spirit speaks directly to missions (Mt. 16:15-17; 28:18-20; Ac. 11, 13). It is the every believer, it is also true that He speaks to Christians center for the discipline of Christians (1 Co. 5); the corporately through the churches. (6) The church is not exercise of spiritual gifts (1 Co. 12-14); the training of mentioned during the Tribulation period. The church is Christians (He. 13:7); ordaining missionaries (Ac.

mentioned 19 times in the first three chapters of 13:3); supporting missionaries (Ph. 4:16; 2 Co. 11:8); Revelation, but not again until 22:16. Israel comes back Christian service (Tit. 2); and prayer (Ac. 12:5). (7) It is to center stage during the Tribulation (Re. 7:3-8; the institution through which God is to be glorified (Ep.

11:3-13; 12:13) because this is the seventieth week of 3:21). (8) It is God’s church (Ac. 20:28). The term Daniel (Da. 9:24-27). The Harlot “church” also comes to

“church of God” is used 13 times in the N.T. and always center stage in the Tribulation (Re. 17).

of the local church. (9) It is purchased with Christ’s Church Services and “Liturgy.” The Bible says very blood (Ac. 20:28). (10) It is Christ’s body (1 Co. 12:27).

little about the church meetings and gives no set Faithfulness to the Church. Hebrews chapters 10 and

“liturgy” or pattern of worship. We are only given a 13 give at least nine reasons why the believer must be couple of hints about how the early churches conducted faithful to the church: (1) Steadfastness (10:23). The their meetings. We do know that they had organized believer needs the church so he can remain steadfast in meetings that were different from the everyday house to his faith. (2) Fellowship (10:24). The believer needs the house fellowship (1 Co. 11:22; He. 10:25). Paul rebuked fellowship and example of the believers. (3) the Corinthians for treating the church services like a Responsibility (10:25). The believer has a responsibility common activity at home. Thus, even though the church 140

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services were typically conducted in homes in the early biblical justification for the “worship service,” cannot days, the services themselves were to be set apart from find it in the writings of the Apostles. They must go to common Christian activities by an orderliness and godly the Old Testament temple worship or to the book of respect befitting an occasion during which the church of Revelation, but the pattern for the churches is the God assemblies before its Head.

Apostolic writings. There are three key words for

The only specific occasion for regular church worship in the New Testament: worship, praise, and services mentioned in Scripture is the first day of the glorify, and none of these are used in the context of a week (Acts 20:7; 1 Co. 16:2). That is the resurrection corporate church worship service. The only time the day, the day that Christ rose from the dead (Mark 16:9) word “worship” is used in the Acts or Epistles in and the day He first appeared to the disciples (Jn.

connection with the church services is in 1 Co. 14:25, 20:19). This does not mean, though, that Sunday is the and it is speaking of individual worship, not corporate only day that churches can have services. Again, this is a worship. Likewise, the words “praise” or “glorify” are matter that is decided by each church under the never used in the New Testament of corporate worship direction of the Holy Spirit. It is largely a practical in church meetings. They are used, rather, of individual matter of what are the specific needs of that time and praise to God through private thanksgiving and godly place. When the church leaders determine that meetings living (Acts 2:47; Ro. 15:5-6; 1 Co. 6:20; Ph. 1:11; He.

should be held, the members should submit to that 13:15; 1 Pe. 4:16).

decision and support the meetings with their faithful This does not mean that it is wrong for churches to attendance (He. 10:25; 13:7, 17).

worship the Lord together. Just the opposite. Certainly, We know that the early churches had the teaching of that is what we are to do at all times, including during apostolic doctrine, fellowship, Lord’s Supper, and the church services. In fact, there is a gross lack of prayers (Acts 2:41-42). They preached the Word of God conscious worship in the average church service in and ministered spiritual gifts (1 Co. 14). They took up strong Bible-believing congregations today. Everything is offerings (1 Co. 16:2). They sang songs, hymns, and treated with such a lack of solemnity and with such a spiritual songs (Ep. 5:19). They exhorted one another lack of heart-felt praise directed toward God. Even the (He. 10:25).

singing is approached in a “ho hum” manner, more as a The Bible only gives a few very general instructions ritual that we go through than an occasion of directing about the order of church service. (1) We know that one’s heart to God. It often appears that little or no everything is to be done “decently and in order” (1 Co.

godly and wise forethought has gone into the selection 14:40). All speaking is to be done in turn (1 Co. 14:31).

of the songs, and there is commonly no exhortation for (2) There is to be no confusion (1 Co. 14:33). (3) The the people to turn their hearts and minds toward Christ.

women are restricted from speaking (1 Co. 14:34-35).

What, then, is the difference between the typical (4) Nothing is to be done contrary to apostolic contemporary worship service and the biblical pattern instruction (1 Co. 11:2; 14:37).

for worship in the church?

The Worship Service. There is a great emphasis (1) Biblical worship has no emphasis on the use of among churches today on “worship services.”

music. The two mentions of music in the New Testament Commonly this involves the use of a “praise band” and a epistles focus as much on edifying the saints as on

“worship leader.” The traditional hymns are discarded in singing unto the Lord (Ep. 5:19; Col. 3:16). In fact, favor of powerful contemporary rock type songs that biblical worship emphasizes that God is worshipped literally take control of the people. An invitation is given through everything done in the church rather than to the church members to move with the flow of the merely through one particular type of worship offered to music and to abandon themselves in adoration to God.

Him via a praise time (1 Pe. 4:11). In direct There is commonly an emphasis on inviting the Holy contradiction to this, contemporary worship focuses Spirit to minister to the people during these occasions.

almost exclusively on one type of worship to God, that In such circles, it is typical to find a concept that the being the worship that is associated with contemporary Holy Spirit should not be “put in a box,” and that it is music.

not wrong if strange manifestations such as shakings (2) Biblical church worship is submitted to the and fallings occur during the worship. It is not apostolic commandments, which require that everything uncommon to find disorder, confusion, women leaders, be done decently and in order, that there be no and other blatantly unscriptural things in contemporary confusion, that women cannot lead, etc. (1 Co. 11:2; worship services.

14:37). This means that all of the unscriptural things The New Testament does not give any pattern for commonly associated with contemporary worship, conducting a specific corporate worship service in the particularly in charismatic circles, are rejected.

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(3) Biblical church worship emphasizes the nothing like this taught in the New Testament understanding rather than the emotions (1 Co. 14:15).

Scriptures. The Apostles and early churches did not The emphasis is not on “feeling God” but on practice anything like this. When the Corinthians began understanding and knowing God through the truth of to dabble in similar things and were allowing confusion His Word. We see this reflected in the traditional hymns.

and disorder to reign in their midst, the Apostle rebuked The old hymn writers aimed to edify the understanding them and corrected their error. [See Apostle, Baptism -

rather than to create an emotional high. In Immersion, Baptism - Infant, Baptist, Brought on the contemporary worship, though, “songs are chosen in Way, Church Discipline, Daniel, Deacon, Diotrephes, order to induce feelings in the worshippers. . . . [to Doctrine, Footwashing, Holy Spirit, Korah, Lord’s induce] an altered state of consciousness by flagrant Supper, Missions, Ordain, Pastor, Prophecy, Revelation, manipulation” (Alan Morrison, The New Style of Worship Separation, Timothy, Unity.]

and the Great Apostasy).

CHURCH DISCIPLINE. The term discipline might (4) Biblical church worship emphasizes the unity of the sound harsh and cruel to the ears of this pampered, self-faith rather than the ecumenical concept of unity in esteem-mad generation, but true Bible discipline is diversity that is so common in contemporary Christian neither. Bible discipline is training and chastening with worship (Ro. 15:6; Mt. 15:9; John 4:24). There can be the goal of conforming an individual or a church to the no true worship unless there is complete commitment to will of God. It involves teaching, encouragement, sound Bible doctrine. The hodgepodge of doctrine correction and reproof, punishment when required, and present in the typical ecumenical setting does not glorify restoration. Church discipline involves everything God and is not acceptable to Him, regardless of the zeal necessary to keep a church pure before God. It is a matter and enthusiasm exhibited during the worship sessions.

of love—love for God and for holiness, love for the truth, (5) Biblical church worship requires moral purity and love for Christ’s testimony in the church, love for the separation from the world (Ro. 12:1-2; Ph. 1:11), in brethren, and love for the unsaved who are observing the contrast to the contemporary worship which typically church’s testimony. “The discipline of a church consists ignores separation and which builds bridges to the in their admitting or rejecting those who offer world through the use of the world’s music, dress, etc.

themselves to join with them; in the members watching Typical contemporary worship also ignores the necessity over each other; in reproving and admonishing those of moral purity and is very careless about how who walk disorderly, and taking all proper methods to Christians live. It is enough that they enter into the reform them; and in rejecting those who will not be

“worship times” with great enthusiasm. If they divorce reclaimed, but continue obstinate and unreformed, their spouses and commit adultery and are crooked in when all proper means have been previously used to their business practices and dress like harlots and watch bring them to repentance” (Samuel Hopkins). “. . . so filthy television programs and Hollywood movies, that is long as the churches fail to preserve a pure membership, overlooked. Among churches that incorporate so long as they refuse to purge out the obvious leaven, contemporary worship styles, there is little or no so long as they fail to seek to reconcile those who may preaching against the world in any plain and practical have been excluded, there is little hope for any sense and little or no church discipline exercised. There improvement in the condition of the churches, and good are exceptions, but this is the rule.

reason to expect the churches to move in the opposite (6) Biblical church worship is constantly vigilant of direction” (Davis W. Huckabee, The Constitution of the spiritual dangers (1 Pe. 5:8; 2 Co. 11:1-4). At least 11

Church).

times the Apostles warn Christians to be “sober.” Pastors The Neglect of Church Discipline

are to be sober (Titus 1:8); aged men are to be sober One of the root problems with the lack of spiritual (Titus 2:2); the women are to be sober (Titus 2:4); power and zeal in Baptist churches today is the neglect young men are to be sober (Titus 2:6); the wives of of discipline. This affects nations as a whole. When pastors and deacons are to be sober (1 Ti. 3:11). 1

President Bill Clinton committed adultery and lied to Thessalonians 5:6 and 1 Pe. 5:8 explain what it means the country about it and tried to pervert the judicial to be sober; it means to be spiritually alert and watchful system to cover himself, there was a call for his home and vigilant. To the contrary, though, contemporary church to exercise discipline; but the call was ignored.

worship teaches people to open up unreservedly to Bill Clinton is a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in spiritual influences without any sense of danger or fear Little Rock, Arkansas, which is affiliated with the of deception. They instruct the people to “let go and let Southern Baptist Convention. At that time, an God,” to “be open and vulnerable,” to “open yourself to Associated Press article quoted Timothy George, dean of the Spirit,” to “invite the Holy Spirit to come and do his Beeson Divinity School at Samford University (Southern thing,” to “be ready for the unusual.” There is absolutely Baptist) as follows: “Church discipline was common 142

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among Baptists until early this century, when it faded as rapid decline in the practice of church discipline. Most people abused the system to carry out vendettas” (AP, of the big ones simply don’t practice discipline, and have Sept. 12, 1998). Dean Register, president of the not done so for many decades. Even many of the smaller Mississippi Baptist Convention, confirmed this, saying: ones are so busy trying to build impressive numbers that

“It’s very unusual for Southern Baptist churches to take they avoid anything that would interfere with the disciplinary action against an individual” ( The Sun potential for growth. That includes not only discipline of Herald, Biloxi, Mississippi, Sept. 13, 1998). This is a sad the members but also a plain warning ministry. Recent testimony, but there can be no doubt that it is accurate.

history has demonstrated all too evidently that Across the length and breadth of the land there are fundamental Baptist pastors at large can commit unrepentant moral reprobates and heretics on the rolls immorality and other gross sins that should bring of Southern Baptist churches. Billy Graham, Pat serious discipline and discrediting of their pastoral Robertson, and many other radical ecumenists who are qualifications, but instead they simply move to another promoting unity with Roman Catholicism, are members church across the country and continue as if nothing of Southern Baptist congregations. Many politicians, had happened. If someone protests such an action and such as Bill Clinton and Al Gore, who support the calls for the permanent resignation of the sinning pastor, murder of unborn children, are members in good he is treated with a withering blast of mocking reproach standing in SB congregations. More than a million by those who think pastors are above correction.

Freemasons, who are yoked together with idolatrous The Goals of Church Discipline

organizations in disobedience to 2 Corinthians 6, are (1) To maintain a good testimony before the members of SB congregations. Many modernists who unbelieving community (Ph. 2:14-15; 1 Pe. 2:9-12).

deny the infallible inspiration of the Holy Scripture are members of SB congregations. An example is Mercer (2) To protect the church from being permeated with University President R. Kirby Godsey in Georgia. In his sin and false doctrine (1 Co. 5:6-8; Ga. 5:7-9). Both of 1979 book, When We Talk about God, he said, “the these passages are written in the context of church notion that God is the all powerful, the high and mighty discipline. In fact, the very letters themselves (1

principal of heaven and earth should be laid aside.”

Corinthians and Galatians) are examples of the process Wicked heresy such as this is held by thousands of men of church discipline. The Apostle was writing to correct and women who are members in good standing in SB

error and sin; he was teaching, pleading, rebuking, churches. [For more about compromise within the warning. All of these things are involved in church Southern Baptist Convention see my 97-page book HAS

discipline. Sin and false teaching are called “leaven,”

THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION BEEN RESCUED

because if moral and doctrinal impurities are not FROM LIBERALISM, Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box corrected or removed from the assembly, these will 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, permeate the body and destroy the church. Unrepentant fbns@wayoflife.org.] Neglect of discipline is not a sin and false teaching cannot be ignored in the vain problem that is isolated to Southern Baptist churches. It hope that the problem will somehow disappear on its is spread across the entire realm of “evangelicalism.” In own. It must be dealt with in a biblical fashion.

“Church Discipline: The Missing Mark,” R. Albert (3) To keep the church ready for Christ’s return (Tit.

Mohler, Jr., recently observed: “The decline of church 2:11-15). We are warned that those who do not remain discipline is perhaps the most visible failure of the pure and ready for Christ’s appearing will be ashamed contemporary church. No longer concerned with when He comes (1 Jn. 2:28).

maintaining purity of confession or lifestyle, the (4) To please and glorify the Lord. In Tit. 2:14 we contemporary church sees itself as a voluntary learn that a pure church pleases the Lord because this association of autonomous members, with minimal was His purpose in our redemption. In 1 Pe. 2:9, 11-12

moral accountability to God, must less to each other. . . .

we see that a pure church is a praise and glory to the The present generation of both ministers and church Lord.

members is virtually without experience of biblical (5) To correct erring church members (1 Co. 5:5; 2 Co.

discipline. . . . By the 1960s, only a minority of churches 2:6-8). As we exercise church discipline, we must ever even pretended to practice regulative church keep in mind that our goal is not to destroy people, but discipline. . . . Consumed with pragmatic methods of to help them. Even when a member must be put out of church growth and congregational engineering, most the assembly, the goal is to see that one restored.

churches leave moral matters to the domain of the (6) To restrain sin (De. 13:11; 17:12-13; 19:18-20; individual conscience” (from chapter 8 of The Ac. 5:1-11; 1 Ti. 5:20). “Modern psychology objects to a Compromised Church, edited by John H. Armstrong, negative approach and opposes commandments and 1998). Even among fundamental Baptist churches, the warnings. God’s Word does not support such a theory, ones that are so frequently labeled legalistic, there is a Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 143

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for the theory ignores the awful fact of a depraved (3) Preventive discipline is maintained through the human nature. It would be ideal if men could be preaching and teaching ministry of the church. Church encouraged to live godly lives without any warning of discipline is exercised when the leaders teach and judgment upon ungodliness. But to suppose they will do preach the Bible in such a way that God’s people so is idealistic and contrary to all observation, as well as become what they should be. The kind of preaching and to Scripture. God warns of impending judgment and teaching a church has will largely (but not entirely, of says, ‘It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the course) determine what kind of church it will be. The living God’ (He. 10:31). ‘Because there is wrath, word translated “chasten” in He. 12:6 is translated beware...’ (Job 36:18). If sin goes unjudged in a church,

“instruct” in 2 Ti. 3:16, showing that discipline comes we are thereby inviting others to become self-indulgent.

through the Scriptures. Church leaders who faithfully It will not do to plead ‘love’ as a basis for neglect. ...

preach the Bible are thereby disciplining their members.

God does not put love and punishment in opposition to This ministry requires that the Bible be preached plainly each other. He says, ‘For whom the Lord loveth he and that it be applied specifically to the lives of the chasteneth...’ (He. 12:5-11). The church has a solemn hearers. Proverbs 6:23 says “reproofs of instruction are responsibility to restrain sin by proper discipline. If we the way of life.” The modern “self-esteem” type of do not exercise the judgment, the Lord will (1 Co.

ministry will not discipline the church in holiness.

11:31-32)” (Paul R. Jackson, The Doctrine and Preaching in vague generalities and using examples Administration of the Church).

which miss the mark of the actual condition of the The Exercise of Church Discipline

church family, will not get the job done, either. If people PREVENTIVE CHURCH DISCIPLINE. “Prevention is the can sit year after year under the preaching of a pastor best medicine.” This is true in church discipline as well and remain carnal and worldly and unfruitful, there is as in other areas of life. God’s goal in disciplining His something seriously wrong with the man’s preaching.

children is to cause them to live the right kind of lives.

Sound preaching will drive people one way or the other.

He does not want to punish us. He simply wants to It will not allow them to be comfortable in their sin. The instruct us from His Word by His Spirit and have us focus today on “church growth” rather than on strict obey (Ps. 32:8-9). He punishes only when we refuse to faithfulness to God and His Word has encouraged a follow His instructions. Preventive discipline, then, is generation of cowardly preachers who refuse to rebuke everything the church does in an attempt to cause the sin plainly. Such “preaching” will not provide the members to live obedient lives and to avoid the need for discipline that the church needs to remain pure before disciplinary correction.

God.

(1) Preventive discipline is maintained through having (4) Preventive discipline is maintained through the Bible standards for church members (Ac. 2:41-42). This is pastoral ministry of the leaders (1 Th. 2:7-12; Col. 1:28).

a very basic and essential part of church discipline. It is While the preaching ministry of the church is crucial, impossible to keep the church pure unless efforts are there is also the need for a personal, private ministry to made to guard the door into church membership by individuals. Love and personal attention is necessary.

seeking to ascertain if people are born again and This is referred to in the title of “pastor,” meaning committed to the N.T. faith before they are brought onto shepherd. Many Christians have become discouraged the church roll.

because of the failure of church leaders to love and help them on an individual basis. I recall such a case in a (2) Preventive discipline is maintained through having church some years ago. The pastor faithfully and in Bible standards for church officers and workers (1 Ti. 3; great detail taught the Bible, but he did not exercise a Ja. 3:1). One of the most important ways to encourage personal ministry to the members, and it is not unlikely high moral standards in a church body is to maintain that this failure was partially to blame for the high standards for those who teach and who are subsequent divorce of two young married couples in the involved in any capacity of leadership. These are the church. The pastor did not visit the couples and try to people who will set the moral tone for the assembly. The help them privately. He did not have time for them.

average church member cannot be expected to live a Today two of the people involved have returned to the higher standard of Christianity than his officers. If the Lord and to the church, but their lives are marred and teachers and deacons are worldly and participate in broken by the pain of divorce. It was their own sin that questionable practices, their students will normally brought this ruin upon them, but it is also possible that follow this poor example and will be even more worldly the divorces could have been avoided had the pastor than the teachers. It is wise to have written guidelines fulfilled his responsibility as a shepherd. Contrast this which state the various standards which are expected of failure with the following testimony of a genuine pastor any person who is looked upon as a teacher or officer in who recognizes the importance of shepherding his flock: the church family.

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“I truly long to be of service to you as your pastor. When I first (1) The first step in exercising corrective discipline is got saved, I thought pastors were half human and half divine always to attempt to solve the problem and to bring any and that it was good to stay away from them. As a result, I did sinning parties to repentance. We see this in

not grow as I should. Had I known that I could approach my pastor, there were many questions he could have answered for Matthew 18:15-17. This passage speaks of problems me, and there was much needed counseling that he could have between church members. In all cases, though, we given me. ... There is a very tender relationship between the should spare no effort in our attempts to help an erring shepherd and the sheep, and our Lord wills it thus for the person and to bring him to repentance and obedience.

pastor and the members of the church family. When you have The last step of church discipline—dismissal—is a most sickness, problems, and other difficulties, please call me. ... I serious matter, and should be carried out only when am busy, but not too busy to be concerned to help you with other steps fail. Following are the steps outlined in your burdens and heartaches” (James Crumpton, New Matthew 18:15-17: “When one has been offended by a Testament Church Discipline). See Ps. 23; Je. 23:1-4; Jn.

fellow church member, he is to (a) Go to him privately 10:11-30; Ac. 20:28-32; 1 Th. 2; 1 Pe. 5:1-4.

and seek to reconcile that offense. If the offender has Richard Baxter, a 17th-century pastor, spent much of the right attitude, he will want to get right with his his time dealing personally with his people, with brother. The opposite may also be true; the offended amazing results. He found that many of the people did party may not know of the offense. If not, and if the not get much from his preaching but that they offense comes to the knowledge of the offender, he is to responded to his personal ministrations. “I have found seek the reconciliation (Mt. 5:23-24). The Scripture puts by experience, that some ignorant persons, who have the responsibility of reconciliation equally upon both been so long unprofitable hearers, have got more parties. (b) If the first overture is rejected he is to take knowledge and remorse of conscience in half an hour’s one or two more with him and make a second attempt close disclosure, than they did from ten years’ public at reconciliation. If the offender is adjudged guilty of preaching” (Baxter, The Reformed Pastor, 1656). Thus he the offense by the disinterested parties (it is sometimes began the practice of spending two days a week, from the case that the supposedly offended brother is the one morning to evening, with the help of two assistants, who really is at fault) and he refuses to make it right visiting his church members and their neighbors and with his brother, then, and only then, (c) the matter is acquaintances in their homes, teaching them and to be taken before the church for consideration. Even leading them to the truth. This was in addition to the here, there is still opportunity for reconciliation and regular Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday services.

righting of the wrong” (Huckabee). We also see this in When he left that pastorate, there were entire streets Titus 3:10. The church should make one or two where every single family served Christ, whereas when attempts to deal with false teachers and to bring them he began, there had been only one or two families.

to repentance.

(5) Preventive discipline is maintained through the 2 Timothy 2:23-26 offers some instruction about how fellowship of the church member s . It is not enough for the to deal with a disobedient person. (1) Refuse to get church leaders to preach and shepherd the flock. They entangled with foolish questions (v. 23). Those are the are limited in number and simply cannot do everything type of questions that produce strife rather than that is needed for the sanctification of the assembly. The edification, the type of questions that are not asked members must minister to one another day by day.

sincerely but are asked only to cause doubt and Every Christian, therefore, has a vital part in confusion. (2) Maintain a godly attitude when dealing maintaining the discipline of the church. The members with those who are foolish and disobedient (v. 24 — “not are to teach one another (Col. 3:16), exhort and correct strive, gentle, patient”). This is not easy, because one another (He. 3:12-14; 10:24-25; Ro. 15:14), disobedient people can be very unreasonable and minister to one another (1 Pe. 4:9-10), comfort one unkind. (3) Teach the disobedient one, if he will listen (v.

another (1 Th. 4:18; 5:11), love and forgive one another 24 — “apt to teach”). Repentance comes through the (Ro. 12:10; Ga. 5:13; Ep. 4:32; Col. 3:13; 1 Pe. 3:8), power of the Scriptures, so give the Scriptures whenever visit and help the sick and widows (Ja. 1:27), confess possible, even if the person does not believe them. (4) faults to one another and pray for one another (Ja. 5:16).

Remain humble (v. 25 — “in meekness”). Be careful not CORRECTIVE CHURCH DISCIPLINE. Though God to get puffed up at your superior knowledge of the does not desire to punish His children, if a Christian truth. (5) Trust in God’s power to bring repentance (v.

refuses to walk in obedience, he must be corrected with 25). Don’t forget that it is not your responsibility to whatever measures are necessary. There comes a time bring the sinner to repentance; that is God’s work. Only for corrective church discipline when preventive through His great power can a disobedient person come discipline has failed to do the job.

to repentance. (6) Remember that you are dealing with the devil and not with flesh and blood (v. 26; Ep. 6:12).

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Keeping this truth in mind helps us not get frustrated analyzed publicly. Following are some of the verses with the person who is sinning. The warfare is spiritual which give Scriptural authority to do so: and is directed to the spiritual power that is behind the

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1

blind and sinning individual, and that is the devil (2 Co.

Thessalonians 5:21). “The simple believeth every word: 4:4).

b u t t h e p r u d e n t m a n l o o k e t h w e l l t o h i s Romans 15:14 contains two important prerequisites going” (Proverbs 14:15). “Preach the word; be instant in for the exercise of church discipline: (1) Spirituality, season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all

“full of goodness” (compare Ga. 6:1). ( 2) Knowledge, longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2). “And have

“filled with all knowledge.” Those who are involved no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but with carrying out church discipline must have godly rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11). “These were lives and much knowledge of the Word of God and more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they spiritual wisdom and discernment. If church discipline is received the word with all readiness of mind, and exercised by unspiritual or unknowledgeable people, it searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were will probably result in more harm than good.

so” (Acts 17:11). “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to (2) If all efforts to correct the problem fail and those write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful involved refuse to repent, the final step of discipline is to for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should dismiss the sinning party from the church fellowship (Mt.

earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered 18:15-17; 1 Co. 5:11; Tit. 3:10-11). Note that there is unto the saints” (Jude 3).

no higher body of appeal in the N.T. than the local (2) Public Moral Sin That Brings Reproach to the assembly. Denominational practices of establishing Church (1 Co. 5:11). The nature of the sin that calls for headquarters and committees to which the assembly church discipline is as follows: (a) It is public sin (v. 1 —

must appeal its decisions are unscriptural.

“it is common reported”). (b) It is grave sin (v. 11). The The Causes for Dismissal from the Church.

six moral evils referred to in this passage are immorality, (1) Unresolved Personal Conflicts between Church covetousness, idolatry, railing, drunkenness, and Members (Mt. 18:15-17). Please note that this passage is extortion. All of these evils are definite causes for not talking about dealing with heretics (Tit. 3:10-11), church discipline, because the church which allows its with false teachers (Ro. 16:17-18), or with sinning members to partake in such things without exercising church leaders (1 Ti. 5:19-10). Many times I have been discipline becomes a reproach to the name of Christ (2

charged with sin because I do not follow the instructions Sa. 12:14). (c) It is sin that would destroy the church if of Matthew 18 before I warn publicly about the teaching ignored (v. 6). There will always be sin of one sort or and actions of various church leaders. Yet Matthew 18

another in a church that is populated by sinners, but has nothing whatsoever to do with critiquing the there are some sins that have the ability to destroy the ministries of public individuals or analyzing published church if left alone.

materials. New Evangelicals such as Billy Graham or (3) Doctrinal Error (Ro. 16:17; Tit. 3:10-11). The Modernists such as Robert Schuller or Pentecostals such apostle Paul warned the leaders at the church in as Oral Roberts have not trespassed against me Ephesus that false teaching would come from without personally. That is not the issue in such cases, and it and from within (Ac. 20:28-30). This is even more would be impossible to follow Matthew 18 when trying applicable in these closing days of the church age, days to warn such men. Even if I were to attempt to follow of great apostasy from the faith and of serious the first part of the passage, by approaching such men compromise of the faith even among those who claim to personally, it would be impossible to follow the last part.

be Bible-believers. We must be constantly alert to this I have no way to take this issue “unto the church” for danger and deal with every false doctrine which reveals the simple reason that I am not a member of the same itself within the assembly (Ep. 4:11-14). First there church as those men. Their churches have no authority must be a serious attempt to turn those involved away over me, and the church of which I am a member has no from their error. If this fails, those persisting in authority over them. To attempt to follow Matthew 18

promoting false teaching must be dismissed from the in such matters would be confusion.

church. We should note that these passages are not When I am dealing with the ministries and teaching dealing with believers who are merely weak or ignorant of public church leaders, the issue is to critique in the faith, but with those who are stubbornly published material and to warn people when I feel that committed to error.

a danger exists. When men publish their teaching and (4) Refusal to Obey Apostolic Instruction in Practical distribute it widely to individuals and churches, God’s Matters (2 Th. 2:15; 3:6). The example given in 2 Th. 3

people have the responsibility before God to judge that is disorderly conduct in one’s daily life—refusing to teaching. Material that is distributed publicly should be work and becoming a busybody in the affairs of others.

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We believe this principle applies to other instances of (1 Co. 5:5). This refers to turning the unrepentant refusing to obey the Apostolic pattern. It would seem offender over to Satan’s domain, the world, and over to preposterous to think that churches are to discipline Satan’s power for chastisement (Lk. 22:31-32; 13:16; 2

members who refuse to work while ignoring even more Co. 2:7; 1 Jn. 5:16). Though Job was not undergoing serious offences. Other examples are as follows: (a) A church discipline, he does give us an example of how wife who refuses to submit to her husband’s authority in the Lord can use the devil for his good purposes (Job).

the home (Ep. 5:22). (b) A husband who refuses to love The Power for Dismissal (1 Co. 5:4; Mt. 18:18-19).

and care for his family (Ep. 5:25—6:4; 1 Ti. 5:8). (c) A Dismissing someone from the church is not an easy young person who is rebellious against his parents (Ep.

matter. There are often many doubts and fears. Will it 6:1-4) (d) An individual who is a reproach to Christ hurt the church? Has everything possible been done to because of his actions in the workplace (Ep. 6:5-8). (e) correct the problem in other ways? Will some protest A young widow who is idle and a busybody (1 Ti.

and sympathize with the offender? How will the erring 5:11-14). (f) those who refuse to practice Bible one(s) react? How will his or her friends or relatives separation (Ro. 16:17-18; 2 Co. 6:14-17; 1 Ti. 6:3-5; 2

react? I know of a church that had to discipline a Ti. 2:16-21; 2 Jn. 9-11). An example of this would be member for marrying an unsaved man; and the ecumenical evangelists such as Billy Graham and Luis offending party’s mother and sister sided with her, and Palau and leaders of Christian organizations such as Bill all of them left the church. This is very common. The Bright who blatantly ignore the Word of God and power of God is needed in exercising church discipline, fellowship with false teachers. There would not be a though, and the Bible promises that His power and neo-evangelical movement if the churches would have blessing will be available when His people are earnestly exercised discipline toward those who are rebelling trying to walk in obedience to Him. I received the against the Bible in these matters. Billy Graham is a following note from a pastor recently: “I brought a lady member of a Baptist church, and he should have been before our Church back in 1999 because she would not repent disciplined long ago for his great compromise of the of the poker machines [used for gambling] in the restaurant truth and for his efforts to break down the walls of she just purchased. They had her picture on the front page of separation between truth and error. (g) Those who the paper with the poker machines behind her and her smiling.

disregard the N.T. pattern for church order, such as I found out about the poker machines when I got the those who ordain women to the ministry or who newspaper out of the paper box that Sunday morning. She exercise spiritual gifts contrary to the N.T. pattern. It is promised me she would get them out, and I explained to her what we would do if she did not repent. Well to make a long common in these days to despise church doctrine and story short, she held on to the poker machines! After we practice, relegating it to an very unimportant sphere.

excommunicated her out of the Church I sent her a letter to let But this is not what the Apostle Paul taught Timothy.

her know. But she already knew what was going to happen.

The epistle of 1 Timothy was written to teach church She took the letter to the news media and the newspaper. I had doctrine (1 Ti. 3:15), and at the end of the epistle, Paul poker parlors calling my house and screaming and cussing at exhorted Timothy to “keep this commandment without me and threatening to come to our Church and disrupt our spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord worship. There was only one Church that stood with us openly!

Jesus Christ” (1 Ti. 6:14). Thus we see that church truth Every other Baptist Church around, Southern Baptist or is very important before the Lord, that it is to be kept Independent, seemed to dodge the issue. We are an until Christ returns.

Independent Baptist Church. We stood firm upon the Word of God and He has Blessed our Church because of it. I, for one, The Attitude of Dismissal. God’s people must be believe in practising what the Bible says! And I thank God that careful to maintain the proper attitude when dealing the poker parlors were shut down in my state of South Carolina with sinning Christians and not to give the devil a place.

on my Birthday July 1st 2000!”

(1) The attitude of humility (Ga. 6:1). (2) The attitude The Limitations of Church Discipline of love and concern (2 Co. 7:12). (3) The attitude of (1) Church discipline pertains only to matters upon mourning (2 Co. 2:4). (4) The attitude of firmness of the earth. The church cannot open and close the doors purpose (1 Co. 5:3-5, 13).

of heaven at will. Only Christ “openeth, and no man The Meaning of Dismissal. What does it mean to shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth” (Re. 3:7).

dismiss s a member from a congregation? (1) It means (2) Church discipline pertains only to church the members must not have close fellowship with the one matters, not to civil matters. To confuse these things has under discipline (1 Co. 5:11). (2) It means the offender is often been at the root of persecution. The Roman not allowed to partake in the Lord’s Supper (1 Co. 5:11).

Catholic Church of old believed that it held two swords, The eating in this verse can refer to personal social the sword of the Spirit and the physical sword; but this eating as well as to eating the Lord’s Supper (1 Co.

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carnal sword (Ro. 13:-14), but the churches have only CHURCH OF ENGLAND. [See Anglican Church.]

the sword of the Spirit.

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY

(3) Church discipline pertains only to matters within SAINTS. [See Mormons.]

a given church. A church only has the authority to act CHURCH POLITY. A term used to describe church upon disorders within its own ranks. Let me hasten to organization and operation. Polity means government.

say, though, that churches should honor the discipline of

[See Church.]

sister churches. If a believer is under the discipline of a CHURCHES OF CHRIST. The Churches of Christ, church, it is wrong for another church to receive him Disciples of Christ, and Christian Church are groups of until he makes things right. There are rare occasions, of churches which grew out of the early 19th century course, in which a believer is wrongly accused and Restoration Movement on the American frontier. Key wrongly disciplined, but a church is unwise not to look leaders were Barton Stone, Thomas and Alexander into such matters very carefully before making the Campbell (hence the term “Campbellites”), and Walter serious decision to overrule the discipline of a sister Scott, all from Presbyterian backgrounds. These men church. The work of God is much weakened by churches claimed the desire to restore the church to its N.T.

that are so carnal and so eager for new members that purity. These movements were first independent of one they receive people who have been disciplined by a another, later combined, then divided again in the 20th sister church, without even discussing the matter with century.

the leaders. This type of thing has many serious consequences. (a) It renders the discipline ineffective by Alexander Campbell was noted for his abilities in allowing the sinning parties to go on in their service for debating. He loved to argue and even boasted that an Christ as if nothing happened. (b) It weakens the hour of debating was more profitable than an entire day receiving church by bringing into its bosom the of preaching. Sadly, this proud, argumentative spirit has unrepentant sin, rebellion, and bitterness of the sinning often been evident among Church of Christ leaders.

parties. (c) It discourages the hearts of the leaders and The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was members of the disciplining church, tempting them to organized nationally in 1968 with headquarters in think that it is more trouble than it is worth to obey the Dallas, Texas, and has become very ecumenical and Bible and that their struggle to deal with sin was in modernistic. It is represented in the National and World vain. (d) It is also a direct affront to the Lord Jesus Christ, Council of Churches.

who, as the Head of the church, has commanded that Though there have been differences among Church unrepentant sin be disciplined rather than ignored.

of Christ congregations concerning things such as the (4) Church discipline pertains only to the exclusion role of elders in the churches, the formation of of the person from the privileges and fellowship of the denominational structures, and whether or not musical church. No corporal or physical punishment is to be instruments should be used in the services, some key inflicted by the church. Once outside the church, God distinctives are as follows: (1) Salvation is by faith plus administers the judgment, sometimes even to the point good works. (2) Water baptism is an essential means of of taking the life (He. 12:6-8; 1 Co. 11:30-32; 1 Jn.

salvation (baptismal regeneration). (3) The Churches of 5:16) (Huckabee). [See Chasten, Church, Pastor, Christ are the only true churches today. (4) Christians Rebuke, Reproof, Timothy.]

should not be called by names other than “Church of CHURCH HISTORY. [For overview of church history Christ,” “Disciples,” or “Christian.” (5) A Christian can see Prophecy, Roman Catholic Church.] [For particular lose his salvation.

denominations and movements see Anglican, These doctrines are contrary to the teaching of the Assemblies of God, Baptist, Brethren, Churches of N.T.; therefore, the Churches of Christ must be avoided Christ, Eastern Orthodoxy, Episcopal, Lutheran, in obedience to Ro. 16:17-18. [See Baptism -

Mennonite, Methodist, Presbyterian, Prophecy, Immersion, Church, Eternal Security, Gospel, Grace, Protestant Reformation, World Council of Churches.]

Justification.]

CHURCH PROPHECY. [See Prophecy, Roman CHURLISH. Selfish; harsh; unfeeling (Is. 32:5; 1 Sa.

Catholic Church.]

25:3).

CHURCH OF CHRIST. (1) A biblical name for the CIEL. To cover over; panel; overlay (2 Ch. 3:5; Je.

church, emphasizing Christ’s lordship over it (Ro.

22:14; Eze. 41:16; Hag. 1:4).

16:16). This term is used only one time in the N.T. (2) A CIRCUMCISION. The Jewish custom of cutting away denomination. [See Churches of Christ.]

the foreskin of male children. Circumcision was the sign CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST. [See Christian of God’s promise and the sign of Abraham’s faith (“it Science.]

shall be a token” Ge. 17:11). Abraham had already believed and been justified; circumcision was a sign of 148

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his faith. See Romans 4:11. Circumcision signifies the deed” (Barnes). The homicide was required to abide salvation. It signifies the death of the old life and the in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest.

birth to the new life. Circumcision was performed on

“The atoning death of the Saviour cast its shadow before the eighth day, which is the day of resurrection, the day on the statute-book of the Law and on the annals of of the new creation. God rested on the seventh day of Jewish history. The High priest, as the head and the old creation, and Christ rose from the dead on the representative of the whole chosen family of sacerdotal eighth day or the first day of the new creation. When we mediators, as exclusively entrusted with some of the are born again, we are born into the new creation. We chief priestly functions, as alone privileged to make are raised with Christ to new life. God told the Jews to yearly atonement within the Holy of Holies, and to gain, circumcise their hearts (De. 10:16; Je. 4:4). The true from the mysterious Urim and Thummim, special reality of circumcision will happen to Israel when Christ revelations of the will of God, was, preeminently, a type returns (De. 30:6). See also Romans 2:28-29.

of Christ. And thus the death of each successive High Circumcision is the same picture as baptism: it signifies priest presignified that death of Christ by which the dying to the old life and rising to the new life in Christ.

captives were to be freed, and the remembrance of Romans 6:3-5 says that baptism is a “likeness” of transgressions made to cease” (Barnes). The cities of Christ’s death and resurrection and of our spiritual refuge also symbolize Jesus Christ as the sinner’s refuge death and resurrection with Him. No one has ever been from judgment. [See Avenger of Blood, Capital saved by circumcision (Gal. 6:15). The Jews perverted Punishment, Kill, Vengeance.]

the doctrine of circumcision and made it into a saving CITY OF DAVID. (1) Jerusalem, the city where David ritual, believing that all who were circumcised in the reigned (2 Sa. 5:6-9). (2) Bethlehem, David’s original flesh were saved (Lk. 3:8). This is what false Christians home (1 Sa. 20:6; Lk. 2:4). [See Bethlehem, have done with baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They Jerusalem.]

have perverted these simple ordinances that are CLAMOROUS, CLAMOUR. To make a noise; to supposed to symbolize salvation and have turned them complain loudly; to make an outcry; repeated and into “sacraments” or a means of salvation. This is true of urgent complaining (Pr. 9:13; Ep. 4:31). [See Anger, the Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Evil Speaking.]

Church, many of the Protestant denominations, and the Church of Christ with its baptismal regeneration. New CLAVE. The past tense of cleave, meaning (1) to split Testament believers are not obligated to be circumcised (Ge. 22:3; Nu. 16:31) and (2) to adhere to (Ru. 1:14; 2

(1 Co. 7:18). [See Born Again.]

Sa. 20:2).

CIRCUMSPECT. Literally, looking on all sides; CLEAN. (1) Pure; undefiled (Pr. 20:9; Mt. 8:2; Lk.

looking round. Hence, cautious; prudent; watchful on 11:39). (2) Completely (Jos. 3:17; 4:1; Ps. 77:8; Is.

all sides; examining carefully all the circumstances that 24:19).

may affect a determination, or a measure to be CLEAR. (1) To be free; guiltless; innocent (Ge. 24:8).

adopted” (Webster) (Ex. 23:13; Ep. 5:15). The Greek (2) Bright; sunny (2 Sa. 23:4; Song 6:10; Is. 18:4). (3) word translated “circumspect” ( akribos) is also Transparent; like ice or crystal (Re. 21:11, 18; 22:1).

translated “diligently” (Mt. 2:8; Ac. 18:25) and CLEFT. Cleaved; divided; split (De. 14:6). The same

“perfect” (Lk. 1:3; 1 Th. 5:2).

Hebrew word ( shaca) is translated “clovenfooted” (Le.

CISTERN. A tank or reservoir for collecting and 11:3), “cleave” (Le. 1:17), and “rent” (Ju. 14:6).

storing water (2 Sa. 17:18; 2 Ki. 18:31; Je. 2:13; 38:6).

CLERGY. The term “clergy” derives from a Welsh CITIES OF REFUGE. Cities set apart in Israel for the word signifying teachers or learned men of the druidical protection of persons who killed someone by accident order and from a Greek word referring to the lot or (Nu. 35; De. 19; Jos. 20). “Inasmuch as to take estate of those who perform sacred duties (Webster). To another’s life by any means soever is murder, and label church leaders “clergy” is derived from Roman exposes the murderer to the penalty of retaliation; so, if Catholicism, whose priests hold a position similar to the deed be done in enmity, it is in truth very murder, those of the pagan world from whence the term and the murderer shall be slain; but if it be not done in originated. It signifies a special class of “holy men” or a enmity, then the congregation shall interpose to stay the priestly caste. Though the term has come to signify avenger’s hand. ... The homicide was safe only within ordained preachers in general, we do not use it because the walls of his city of refuge. He became a virtual exile of its unscriptural signification and origin and its from his home. The provisions here made serve to mark ecumenical overtones. [See Father, Holy, Laity, Liturgy, the gravity of the act of manslaughter, even when not Rabbi, Reverend.]

premeditated; and the inconveniences attending on CLIFT. Cleft (Ex. 33:22; Is. 57:5). [See Cleft.]

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CLOAK. (1) A mantle; a garment (Mt. 5:40; 2 Ti.

The coats with which the Lord clothed Adam and Eve 4:13). (2) To hide; to cover; pretense; deception (Jn.

covered their nakedness; they also symbolized salvation.

15:22). The phrases “cloak of covetousness” (1 Th. 2:5) In vain Adam and Eve had tried to cover their own and “cloak of maliciousness” (1 Pe. 2:16) mean a cloak nakedness and undo their evil deeds. God showed them or covering for covetousness and maliciousness. In 1 Th.

that He Himself would provide their salvation. He killed 2:5, the Apostle Paul testified that his ministry was not a animals and covered the man and the woman. Some cloak of covetousness, meaning he did not use the lessons from this: (a) Man’s efforts at self-redemption ministry to conceal a motive to make a personal gain.

are unacceptable to God (Is. 64:6). (b) God has False teachers, on the other hand, are characterized by provided full salvation; garments often picture salvation this sin (Ro. 16:18; 2 Pe. 2:3).

(Is. 61:10; Ze. 3:4). (c) This salvation is through the CLOSE. (1) Secret; concealed (Nu. 5:13; 1 Ch.

death and blood of an innocent substitute (Is. 53:6). (d) 12:12). (2) Near (Je. 42:16; Da. 8:7; Ac. 27:13). (3) To This salvation is offered freely; man’s part is simply to enclose; to shut (Am. 9:11).

receive it from God’s hand (Ep. 2:8-9; Ro. 3:24; Tit.

CLOSED. (1) To unite; close up; make whole (Ge.

3:5). (e) God Himself instigated salvation; men do not 2:21). (2) To enclose; cover over (Nu. 16:33). (3) To seek God; God seeks sinful man. His hand has been shut; stop; withhold (Ge. 20:18).

extended to man ever since the Fall. His coat of salvation in Jesus Christ is freely offered to “whosoever CLOSET. Inner room (Mt. 6:6; Lk. 12:3).

will.” (f) Nakedness is no longer a proper condition for CLOTHING. [See Coat, Modesty, Nakedness.]

man because of the sinful condition of his heart. (2) CLOUD. (1) The clouds in the atmosphere and the Body armor (1 Sa. 17:5, 38). (3) Protective armour (1

mist or dew of the morning (Ge. 9:13-16; 1 Ki. 18:44; Sa. 17:5, 38). [See Coat of Mail.] [See Adam, Ho. 6:4; 13:3). As early as in the book of Job the Bible Atonement, Blood, Lamb, Gospel, Justification, Modesty, revealed the fact that water is bound up in the clouds Nakedness.]

(Job 26:8). (2) The cloud of glory. This was the COAT OF MAIL. Protective armor (1 Sa. 17:5, 38).

manifestation of God’s presence during Israel’s

[See Breastplate, Military.]

wilderness wandering. (Ex. 13:21-22; 14:19-24; 19:9, COCKATRICE. Adder; viper (Is. 11:8; 14:29; 59:5; 16; 24:15-18; 34:5; Le. 16:2, 13; Nu. 9:15-22; Nu.

Je. 8:17). [See Adder, Asp, Dragon, Serpent.]

10:11-12, 34; 11:25; 12:5, 10; 14:14; 16:42; De. 1:33; 5:22; 31:15; Ne. 9:19; Ps. 78:14; 1 Co. 10:1-2). The COCKLE. A weed with an unpleasant odor (Job cloud of glory marked God’s approval upon the 31:40). “A weed which grows in cornfields, called also Tabernacle (Ex. 40:34-38) and Solomon’s Temple (1 Ki.

corn-campion: its botanical name is agrostemma githago.

8:10-11; 2 Ch. 5:13-14). [See Holy Spirit.] The cloud of The Hebrew word thus rendered is by some supposed to glory was witnessed by Ezekiel departing from the denote the same plant as the ‘tares’ of Mt. 13:30” (The Temple (Eze. 1:28; 10:3-4, 18). It was witnessed by the Bible Word-Book).

Lord’s apostles (Mt. 17:5; Mk. 9:7; Lk. 9:34-35). Christ CODEX SINAITICUS. An ancient manuscript was received up in a cloud at His ascension (Ac. 1:9) containing parts of the Bible and discovered in 1844 by and will return in a cloud of glory (Lk. 21:27). (3) The Constantine Tischendorf. [See Bible Versions, Codex cloud is used to symbolize God’s forgiveness (Is. 44:22). As Vaticanus, Erasmus, Inspiration, Masoretic Text, when a cloud covers an object so that it cannot be seen, Preservation.]

though it is still there (Eze. 32:7), God’s mercy covers CODEX VATICANUS. An ancient manuscript of the the repentant sinner. Though he is still a sinner, his sin Bible which was kept in the library of the Roman has been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. [See Catholic Vatican in Rome, Italy, and not allowed to be Glory, Holy Spirit, Rainbow, Temple.]

publicly examined until the mid-1800s. It was examined CLOUD OF GLORY. [See Cloud.]

briefly by Constantine Tischendorf, a German scholar, in CLOUTED. Patched; mended clumsily (Jos. 9:5).

1867, and later was used by the translators who worked on the English Revised Version of 1881. [See Bible CLOUTS. Rags; old patched clothes (Je. 38:11-12).

Versions, Erasmus, Inspiration, Masoretic Text, CLOVEN. Divided; split (Le. 11:26; Ac. 2:3).

Preservation.]

COAST. Border; region (Mt. 2:16). This term has COGITATION. Thought; meditation (Da. 7:28).

come to be limited to the narrow strip of land along a COLHOZEH (wholly a seer). Ne. 3:13.

sea, but as used in the Authorized Version it refers to a border or region in general.

COLLOPS. Pieces of flesh (Job 15:27).

COAT. (1) Clothing; a covering (Ge. 3:21; 37:3; Ex.

COLORS. Matchless, marvelous Book of God! As we 28:4; 1 Sa. 2:19; 2 Sa. 15:32; Job 30:18; Song 5:3; Da.

contemplate even the threads comprising its warp and 3:21, 27; Mt. 5:40; 10:10; Jn. 19:23; 21:7; Ac. 9:39).

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COLOUR - COMMENDATION

woof we stand amazed. Let us look a bit just at the color ingenuity, is utterly insufficient. God must provide our scheme that runs through the Bible.

covering. He did it in Eden and in so doing pointed His Throughout the Book GOLD is emblematic of Deity.

finger down the course of time to Calvary to the Lamb The Thread of gold begins in Eden where it is said of that taketh away the sin of the world.

this metal that it “is good.” It plays an important part Again and again, woven into the whole texture of the throughout the whole Old Testament. With it the Book, this blood thread appears. It cannot be escaped. It Tabernacle furniture was covered, as also the walls of is seen climatically at Calvary where sins were expiated the Temple. With it kings were crowned, designating once for all. In this scarlet thread the CROSS has been their divinely-appointed supremacy. Thus throughout woven inextricably into the texture of the Bible—the the Book, it speaks to us of the beauty and preciousness one Book of adequate substitutionary sacrifice for man’s of our God and His Christ.

redemption.

The SILVER thread of redemption also runs through What do these colors mean to YOU? Where do you the Book. Silver was designated as atonement money stand in respect to the Word of life which is nigh thee, and symbolized the one price for all in the experience of even in thy mouth? “If thou shalt confess with thy redemption. Christ paid this price in His own blood at mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart Calvary. WHITE is the thread of righteousness or purity.

that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be Used in the Tabernacle and Temple hangings, it saved. For with the heart man believeth unto portrayed the righteousness of Jehovah. Christ was righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made transfigured before His apostles in the Mount and His unto salvation” (Ro. 10:9-10) (V.C. Oltrogge). [See also

“raiment was white and glistering, so as no fuller on High Priest, Tabernacle.]

earth could white them.” Angelic messengers from His COLOUR. (1) Color (Nu. 11:7). (2) Pretense; holy habitations make their appearances in the white of outward show (Ac. 27:30).

heaven.

COME AT. Come near (Nu. 6:6; Lk. 8:19).

BLACK is not omitted from the sacred page. It made COME BY. (1) To approach by; to pass near (Jos.

its first appearance in the rebellion of Lucifer. In the 7:14; Ro. 15:28). (2) To get possession of (Ac. 27:16).

records of time it first besmirched the restored creation of God in Eden. Satan is its author and it is SIN. At COMELY. Elegant; well-fashioned; attractive; Calvary the ebony hue of sin is beheld in its awfulness; befitting (1 Sa. 16:18; Ps. 33:1; 147:1; Pr. 30:29; Song the sun loses its light and the earth is bathed in 1:5; Is. 53:2; Eze. 27:10; Da. 10:8; 1 Co. 7:35; 11:13; blackness, that portrays the wrath of God.

12:24).

BLUE is the thread of heaven, one of the most COMFORT. Relief from pain; ease; rest or moderate predominant colors in the coverings and trimmings of pleasure after pain, cold or distress or uneasiness of the Tabernacle and Temple. It presents to us the truth body; relief from distress of mind; the ease and quiet that Israel’s system of faith and worship was from which is experienced when pain, trouble, agitation or heaven, a revelation brought down, not a religion affliction ceases; support; consolation; encouragement gotten up.

(Webster) (Ge. 5:29; 18:5; 27:42; 37:35; 2 Sa. 10:2; 1

Ch. 7:22; Job 2:11; Ps. 23:4; Is. 40:1; Lam. 1:2; Mt.

PURPLE is the color of royalty, evident in the 9:22; Jn. 11:19). The child of God has comfort in the drapings of Tabernacle and Temple, typifying the Holy Spirit (Ac. 9:31), the Scriptures (Ro. 15:4), coming regal One whose undisputed right to reign was preaching (1 Co. 14:3), the ministry of the godly contested at Calvary. When He was mocked, they put a preachers (2 Co. 1:4; Ep. 6:22; Col. 4:8; 1 Th. 3:2), the purple robe upon Him. Little did they realize His right fellowship of the brethren (1 Th. 4:18; 5:11, 14). [See to be clothed in royal array. They stripped Him of it Cheer, Consolation, Delight, Hope, Joy, Rejoice, again and with hissing mockery born of hell they cried, Suffering, Trial.]

“Hail, king of the Jews!” But He is again to be clothed in royal purple, for as King of kings and Lord of lords, He COMFORTER. A name for the Holy Spirit, referring is to rule from David’s throne in Jerusalem.

to His ministry of encouraging and strengthening the believer (Jn. 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). [See Holy Spirit.]

SCARLET is the color of blood atonement, without which “there is no remission of sins.” The scarlet thread COMMEND. (1) To commit to (Lk. 23:46; Ac.

of sacrifice begins in Eden. After man had sinned, he 14:23). (2) To approve; recommend (Pr. 12:8; Ro. 16:1; realized his nakedness and sought to cover his shame 1 Co. 8:8; 2 Co. 3:1; 5:12; 10:12). (3) To commend to with fig leaves. But God in mercy and grace, ere He the care of (Ac. 20:32). (4) To make known; to manifest drove man forth, slew the lamb and provided a blood (Ro. 5:8).

covering. Fig leaf religion, that provided by man’s own COMMENDATION. Recommendation; introduction (2 Co. 3:1).

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 151

COMMENTARY - CONCUPISCENCE

COMMENTARY. A discussion on a particular passage COMPREHEND. (1) Understand; perceive (Job 37:5; of the Bible; a Bible exposition; a book containing such Ep. 3:18). (2) Take in; measure; hold (Is. 40:12). The studies.

reference in John 1:5 probably incorporates both of COMMODIOUS. Convenient; suitable (Ac. 27:12).

these meanings. The darkness neither understands nor COMMON LANGUAGE TRANSLATION. [See holds or grasps the light. The Greek word translated Dynamic Equivalency.]

“comprehend” in John 1:5 is also translated

“apprehend” (Ph. 3:12) and “attain” (Ph. 3:11). It COMMOTION. Shaking; trembling; instability, means to lay hold of, either physically or with the mind.

trouble (Je. 10:22; Lk. 21:9).

CONCEIT. Prideful imagination; opinion (Pr. 18:11; COMMUNALISM. [See Private Ownership of 26:5, 12, 16; 28:11).

Property.]

CONCEITS. Plural of conceit. Imagination; opinion COMMUNE. To talk with; fellowship; share in (Lk.

(Ro. 11:25; 12:16).

22:4).

CONCISION (cutting off). Paul used “concision” to COMMUNICATE. (1) To speak with (Ga. 2:2). (2) To refer to Jews who demanded that circumcision was give; to share; to help; to impart (Ga. 6:6; Ph. 4:14-15; necessary for salvation (Ph. 3:2). [See Circumcision, Cut 1 Ti. 6:18; He. 13:16).

Off.]

COMMUNICATION. (1) To speak with; conversation; CONCLUDED. Comprehended; included (Ro. 11:32; exchange of knowledge (2 Sa. 3:17; Ep. 4:29; Phile. 6).

Ga. 3:22).

(2) Associations; relationships (1 Co. 15:33).

CONCORD. Agreement; union; harmony (2 Co.

COMMUNION. (1) Christian fellowship (2 Co. 6:14; 6:15). The Greek word, sumphonesis, refers to 13:14). (2) The Lord’s Supper (1 Co. 10:16). [See Lord’s harmoniousness. It is translated “agree” in Mt. 20:13; Supper.]

Lk. 5:30; and Ac. 5:9 The English word symphony comes COMMUNISM. [See Private Ownership of Property.]

from this term, referring to musical harmony. The COMPACTED. Pressed close; firmly united (Ep.

English word concord comes from the Latin word 4:16). [See Unity.]

concordia, which means “of the heart.” [See Unity.]

COMPANY WITH. Associate with; fellowship with CONCORDANCE. A Bible study aid which lists words (Job 34:8; Pr. 29:3; 1 Co. 5:9; 2 Th. 3:14). [See Church of the Bible and their location by book, chapter, and Discipline, Separation.]

verse. It helps the Bible student understand a particular COMPASS. Circle; encompass (Pr. 8:27; Je. 31:22).

word or subject by enabling him to study Bible words in COMPASSION. Mercy, kindness; tenderheartedness; the various passages. It also helps the student locate a loving care. “A suffering with another; painful particular passage by consulting one of the words in the sympathy; a sensation of sorrow excited by the distress passage.

or misfortunes of another; pity. Compassion is a mixed CONCOURSE. A gathering (Ac. 19:40).

passion, compounded of love and sorrow; at least some CONCUBINE. Wives of lower status than ordinary portion of love generally attends the pain or regret, or is wives. Some O.T. men had concubines (Ge. 25:6; 35:22; excited by it” (Webster). The two Greek words Ju. 8:31; 2 Sa. 5:13; 1 Ki. 11:3; 2 Ch. 11:21). This was translated “compassion” are sumpatheo and sumpathees, never God’s will, though. It has always been God’s will from which the English word “sympathy” is derived. In for one man to have one wife (Ge. 2:20-25; Mt. 19:4-6).

commenting on the meaning of sumpatheo, W.E. Vine God told Israel that kings must not have many wives says: “‘to suffer with another, to be affected (De. 17:17). Those who did were disobeying God in that similarly’ (Eng. ‘sympathy’), to have ‘compassion upon, particular matter, even though some were godly men.

He. 10:34, of ‘compassionating’ those in prison, is David is a key example. He multiplied wives to himself translated ‘be touched with’ in He. 4:15, of Christ as the in spite of God’s command against this, but his lust also High Priest.” Compassion is particularly a characteristic brought him into terrible grief. [See Home, Polygamy.]

of God (De. 13:17; 30:3; 2 Ki. 13:23; Ps. 78:38; 86:15; CONCUPISCENCE. Unlawful desire; illicit lust; a 111:4; 112:4; 145:8; La. 3:2, 32; Je. 12:15; Mi. 7:19; longing for that which is forbidden (Ro. 7:8; Col. 3:5; 1

Mt. 5:32; 9:36; 14:14; 18:27; 20:34; Mk. 1:41; 6:34; Th. 4:5). The same Greek word, epithumia, is translated Lk. 7:13; 10:33; 15:20). Christians are to have

“desire” (1 Ti. 3:1; 1 Pe. 1:12; Re. 9:6), “lust after” (Mt.

compassion (1 Pe. 3:8; 1 Jn. 3:17; Jude 22). [See 5:28; 1 Co. 10:6; Ga. 5:17; Ja. 4:2), and “covet” (Ro.

Charity, Labor, Love, Mercy.]

7:7). [See Adultery, Fornication, Inordinate Affection, COMPEL. To force; to strongly urge; to constrain (Le.

Lascivious, Lust, Modesty, Nakedness, Sodomy.]

25:39; 1 Sa. 28:23; Mt. 5:41; Lk. 14:23).

COMPOUND. Mixing (Ex. 30:25).

152

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

CONDEMNATION - CONSCIENCE

CONDEMNATION. Judgment against (Ro. 5:16; 8:1; shape, or form, with something else; to reduce to a 1 Co. 11:34; 2 Co. 3:9; 1 Ti. 3:6; Ja. 3:1; Jude 4). [See likeness or correspondence in manners, opinions or Damned, Damnation, Hell, Judgment.]

moral qualities (Webster) (Ro. 12:2; Ph. 3:10).

CONDESCEND. To descend from the privileges of CONFOUNDED. (1) To be ashamed (2 Ki. 19:26).

superior rank or dignity; to humble oneself (Ro. 12:16).

(2) To be thwarted in one’s purpose (Ge. 11:7, 9; 1 Co.

[See Humble, Pride.]

1:27). (3) To be brought down (Je. 1:17). (4) To be CONDUCT. To send forward (2 Sa. 19:31; 1 Co.

confused (Ac. 2:6; 9:22). “To pour together, and hence, 16:11).

to mix in disorder, to throw into confusion. In old CONDUIT. A channel for conveying water (2 Ki.

writers the word was used in a much stronger sense 20:20; Is. 7:3).

than at present, and was almost synonymous with

‘destroy,’ which is the rendering in both the Geneva and CONEY. A small mammal mentioned in Leviticus and Bishops’ Bibles of the word translated ‘confound’ in Je.

Deuteronomy as one of the unclean animals that Jews 1:17” (The Bible Word-Book).

were not allowed to eat (Le. 11:5-6; De. 14:7). The coney lives in the rocks (Psa. 104:18; Pr. 30:26). Conies CONFUSION. (1) Unnatural in a wicked sense; are still common in some parts of Israel. We have seen shameful (Le. 18:23; 20:12). (2) Shame; disgrace; them in Ein Gedi where David fled from Saul. They do reproach (Ezr. 9:7; Job 10:15; Ps. 35:26; 44:15; Da.

live in the rocks, and they also climb trees to eat leaves 9:7). (3) Vanity; empty; desolate; worthless (Is. 41:29).

and bark.

(4) Commotion; tumult; disorder (1 Co. 14:33; Ja.

3:16).

CONFECTION. Perfume; compound of spices (Ex.

30:35).

CONGREGATIONAL. The biblical church polity that gives the authority of rule to the local church itself CONFECTIONARY. One who makes perfume or rather than to some body outside of the church. [see mingles spices (1 Sa. 8:13).

Church.]

CONFEDERACY. A covenant; agreement (Is. 8:12).

CONIAH (Jehovah is creating). Je. 22:24.

CONFEDERATE. Banded in league together; CONSCIENCE. The conscience is the knowledge of conspiracy; covenant (Ge. 14:13; Ps. 83:5).

good and evil which God has put in man (Pr. 20:27; Ro.

CONFER. To talk together (Ac. 4:15).

2:15). The Greek word, suneidesis, means “a knowing CONFESSION. [See Fault, High Priest, Priest, Roman with oneself.” It denotes an abiding consciousness Catholic Church, Sin.]

whose nature it is to bear witness to the subject CONFERENCE. To be conferred with; to be reputable regarding his own conduct in a moral sense (Tit.

(Ga. 2:6).

1:15). ... Conscience, accordingly, is the awareness man CONFIDENCE. Trust; hope; certainty (Ju. 9:26; 2 Ki.

has of himself in his relation to God, manifesting itself 18:19; Job 4:6; Ps. 65:5; Pr. 14:26; Is. 30:15). The term in the form of a testimony that is the result of the action

“confidence” is a good definition of saving faith (He.

of the spirit in the heart” (Zodhiates). The conscience 3:6, 14; 10:35). Our confidence must not be in man (Ps.

(1) must be cleansed by the blood of Christ (He. 9:14; 118:8) or in the rulers of this world (Ps. 118:9) or in the 12:22); (2) convicts of sin (Jn. 8:9; Ro. 2:15); (3) flesh (Ph. 3:3), but in the Lord (Pr. 3:26; 14:26). We can should be kept pure and void of offense (Ac. 23:1; have confidence in our relationship with God because of 24:16; 1 Ti. 1:5, 19; 3:9; 2 Ti. 1:3; 1 Pe. 3:16); (4) the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ (Ep. 3:12). Confidence motivates the Christian to do right (Ro. 13:5; 1 Pe.

in the Lord is the source of our strength (Is. 30:15). Our 2:19); (5) can be seared (1 Ti. 4:2); (6) can be defiled confidence in God is affected by our obedience (1 Jn.

(Tit. 1:15); (7) can be weak (1 Co. 8:12). The Bible also 2:28; 3:21). [See Believe, Consolation, Hope.]

uses terms such as “spirit” (Pr. 20:27) and “heart” (1 Jn.

CONFIDENCES. Refuge; that which is trusted or 3:19-21) to refer to the conscience of man. Pr. 20:27

depended upon (Je. 2:37).

says the spirit of man is God’s candle to search the inward parts. How to Have A Good Conscience: (1) CONFIRMATION. To confirm; to establish; to ratify.

Salvation (He. 10:22). (2) Baptism (1 Pe. 3:21). (3) Confirmation is a religious observance practiced by the Diligent obedience to the Bible (He. 5:14; 13:18; 2 Co.

RCC and by many Protestant groups as well.

1:12). (4) Faith in God’s Word (1 Ti. 1:19). (5) Exercise Confirmation is the ritual of receiving a person into the to keep the conscience clear before God (Ac. 24:16).

full privileges of a denomination or church. It also refers

[See Heart, Imagination, Light, Mind, Prick, Sear, to the procedure whereby some denominations approve Spirit.]

bishops. [See Roman Catholic Church.]

CONFORMED. To be fashioned in the same way; to make like, in external appearance; to reduce to a like Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 153

CONSECRATE - CONTROVERSY

CONSECRATE. (1) To devote; to set apart (Ex. 28:3; Scripture in a positive sense (Pr. 28:4) as well as a Nu. 6:12). (2) To make new; to dedicate (He. 10:20).

negative (Pr. 13:10; 17:14). The difference has to do

[See Holy, Sanctification.]

with one’s attitude and motive and goal in the debate.

CONSENT UNTO. Approve of; agree with (Ge.

The Bible instructs us to earnestly contend for the faith 34:15; Ro. 7:16).

once delivered to the saints (Jude 3), and the Apostles CONSOLATION. Comfort; encouragement; did this (Acts 15:1-2). The preaching of the Gospel and satisfaction; alleviation of misery or distress of mind. It the Word of God in this wicked world always involves a is used of the following: (1) The Christian’s eternal certain amount of contention for truth’s sake (1 Th.

consolation in Christ (2 Th. 2:16; He. 6:18). (2) Israel’s 2:2). The Word of God is preached in the context of consolation at the coming of her Messiah (Lk. 2:25). (3) spiritual conflict against the fallen nature of man and God’s consolation in general (Ro. 15:5). (4) Consolation the rulers of the darkness of this world. On the other in Christ in this present life (Ph. 2:1; 2 Co. 1:5; Ac.

hand, contentions for selfish, carnal motives are 15:31). [See Believe, Comfort, Eternal Security, Hope, forbidden by the Word of God (1 Co. 1:11; Tit. 3:9).

Joy, Millennium, Rejoice, Times of Restitution.]

[See Anger, Bitterness, Controversy, Debate, Dispute, Dissension, Malice, Strife, Variance.]

CONSPIRACY. To conspire and secretly agree together to cause injury or overthrow a government (Ac.

CONTRARIWISE. The opposite; on the contrary (2

23:13).

Co. 2:7).

CONSUBSTANTIATION (to unite in one common CONTRARY. (1) Disobedient to God (Le. 26:21-28).

substance or nature). The erroneous belief of some (2) Contradictory; opposed; adverse; antagonistic (Eze.

denominations that after the bread and juice of the 16:34; Mt. 14:24; Ac. 17:7; 26:9; Ro. 11:24; Col. 2:14; Lord’s Supper are blessed by a priest, the literal 1 Th. 2:15). (3) In transgression of; against (Ac. 18:13; presence of Christ is “present in, under, and with the 23:3). (4) In contrast to; contradictory to (Ro. 16:17).

elements so that Christ may be received sacramentally CONTRARY PART. Antagonistic; opposed to (Tit.

by those who observe the ordinance” ( Pictorial Bible 2:8).

Dictionary). This is the doctrine of the Anglican and CONTRITE. Contrite is humility; it is the opposite of Lutheran denominations, and is a compromise between pride (Is. 57:15). Contrite is to be poor (Isa. 66:2), the abomination of the Roman Catholic mass and the which refers to the opposite of self-sufficiency and self-true meaning of the Lord’s Supper as a simple memorial righteousness.To be contrite is to acknowledge that one meal. [See also Lord’s Supper, Mass, Roman Catholic is a sinner before God, that one’s righteousness is filthy Church, Transubstantiation.]

rags, and that apart from God’s grace and the free gift of CONSULT. Deliberate; to take counsel with others; righteousness in Christ there is no salvation, no devise; consult (1 Ki. 12:6; Ps. 62:4; Lk. 14:31; Jn.

relationship with God, no ability to please God. Contrite 12:10).

is to tremble at God’s Word (Is. 66:2). It refers to a holy CONSULTER WITH FAMILIAR SPIRITS. [See respect for God’s Word, a fervent desire to obey God, a Familiar Spirit, Witchcraft.]

holy fear of displeasing Him. Contrite is a broken spirit (Ps. 34:18). Contrite is Jacob after he was crippled CONSUMPTION. Destruction; judgment (Is.

(Gen. 32:24-31). Contrite is the publican who stood afar 10:22-23; 28:22). The “consumption decreed” of Isaiah off and did not so much as lift his eyes to heaven, chapter 10 and 28 is the punishment He had promised saying, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Lk. 18:13).

to rebellious Israel (Le. 26:16; De. 28:22). It points to Contrite is Mephibosheth considering himself a “dead the Great Tribulation. The word translated dog” before king David because he was a cripple (2 Sa.

“consumption” in Is. 28:22 is translated “riddance” in 9:8). The Hebrew word translated contrite ( nakeh) is Zep. 1:18 and “consume” in Eze. 13:13. [See Great translated “lame” in 2 Samuel 4:4 referring to Tribulation.]

Mephibosheth. Contrite is David pouring out his CONTAIN. (1) Hold; comprehend (1 Ki. 8:27). (2) To confession before God (Ps. 51). Contrite is Jeremiah restrain oneself (1 Co. 7:9).

saying, “Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am CONTEMN. (1) To loathe (Ps. 15:4; Song 8:7). (2) a child” (Je. 1:6). Contrite is the servant doing all of his To refuse; reject (Eze. 21:10, 13). (3) To despise (Ps.

duty and then saying, “I am an unprofitable 10:13; 107:11). (4) To be lightly esteemed (Is. 16:14).

servant” (Lk. 17:10). Contrite is not to think more CONTEMPT. (1) To loathe; despise (Job 12:21; Ps.

highly of oneself than is proper (Ro. 12:3). [See 107:30; 119:22; 123:3-4). (2) Abhorrence (Da. 12:2).

Humble, Repentance.]

(3) Look down upon; think nothing of (2 Co. 10:10).

CONTROVERSY. (1) Strife; pleading (De. 17:8; 2 Sa.

CONTEND, CONTENTION. Strive; fight; struggle 15:2). (2) Without argument; spoken unanimously; (De. 2:9; Jude 1:3). The term “contention” is used in without possibility of contradiction (1 Ti. 3:16). [See 154

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

CONVENIENT - CORNET

Anger, Brawler, Clamour, Contend, Debate, Dispute, fault” (Mt. 18:15), “reproved” (Lk. 3:19; Jn. 16:8; Ep.

Dissension, Dispute, Flesh, Malice, Strife, Striker, 5:11, 13), and “rebuke” (1 Ti. 5:20; Tit. 1:13; 2:15).

Variance.]

The conviction of sin comes chiefly through two CONVENIENT. (1) Becoming; fitting; proper (Ro.

channels: (1) The work of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 16:8). (2) 1:28; Ep. 5:4). (2) Right (Je. 40:4-5). (3) Well-timed The preaching of the Word of God (Tit. 2:15). [See (Mk. 6:21). (4) To have time (1 Co. 16:12). (5) Without Admonish, Chasten, Conscience, Correction, Counsel, trouble or difficulty (Mk. 14:11; Ac. 24:25; 1 Co.

Exhort, Guidance, Instruct, Light, Rebuke, Reproof.]

16:12).

CONVOCATION. A religious festival during which no CONVERSANT. To dwell or abide with; to associate work was done (Le. 23:1-3, 16-21; 23:24-28). [See with (Jos. 8:35; 1 Sa. 25:15).

Feasts, Offerings.]

CONVERSATION. (1) Manner of life; deportment; COR. [See Weights and Measures.]

behavior (Ps. 37:14; 50:21; Ga. 1:13; Ep. 4:22; 1 Ti.

CORAL. A shade of red; used ornamentally, such as 4:12; He. 13:7; Ja. 3:13; 1 Pe. 1:15, 18; 2:12; 3:1-2, 16; beads and necklaces (Job 28:18; Eze. 27:16) (Boyd).

2 Pe. 2:7; 3:11). (2) Citizenship (Ph. 3:20).

CORBAN. A gift or offering made to God (Mk.

CONVERSION. [See Convert.]

7:10-11). “The Jews allowed, and perhaps encouraged, CONVERT. To turn; to change. “In a theological or sons to devote their property to God, and then refuse to moral sense, a change of heart, or dispositions, in which assist their parents under the plea that their substance the enmity of the heart to God and his law and the was ‘corban,’ or devoted. The Lord blames the rulers for obstinacy of the will are subdued, and are succeeded by this as one of their traditions by which they had made supreme love to God and his moral government, and a the Word of God of none effect” (Concise).

reformation of life. Conversion is used in Scripture in a CORE. The Greek form of Korah (Jude 11). [See way similar to repentance” (Webster) (Is. 6:10; Ps.

Korah.]

51:13; Mt. 1315; 18:3; Lk. 22:32; Ac. 3:19; 28:27; Ja.

CORIANDER. A round aromatic seed (Ex. 16:31; Nu.

5:19-20). [See Born Again, Eternal Security, Gospel, 11:7).

Justification, Repentance.]

CORMORANT. A large bird that lives upon fish. It CONVICT. To convince of a crime; to find guilty; to dashes down upon its prey and can follow it in the be aware of guilt (Jn. 8:9). “The meaning of conviction water or dive after it if it descends (Le. 11:17; De.

as a law term is being found guilty. In common language 14:17) (Concise).

it means being persuaded or convinced. In theology it CORNELIUS. The first Gentile to be saved through means being condemned at the bar of one’s own the ministry of the Apostles (Ac. 10).

conscience as a sinner in view of the law of God. It is the antecedent to repentance, and is often accompanied CORNERSTONE. The stone that binds together the by a painful sense of exposure to God’s wrath. It is the sides of a building. It refers to the Lord Jesus Christ. “In work of the Holy Spirit, showing the heinousness of sin Is. 28:16, the Lord God lays in Zion ‘for a foundation a and the soul’s exposure to divine wrath. The means of stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure conviction are various: Gospel truth, the law read or foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.’ This heard, reflection, calamity, etc. It often comes suddenly is quoted in 1 Pe. 2:6. In 1 Co. 3:11 we are told ‘other and may be stifled, as it surely is, if not heeded” ( The foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is People’s Bible Encyclopedia). The Greek word translated Jesus Christ;’ and in Ep. 2:20 we read, ‘Jesus Christ

“convict” in Jn. 8:9 ( elegcho) is also translated himself being the chief corner stone.’ Thus the Lord

“reprove” (Jn. 16:8; Ep. 5:11), “rebuke” (1 Ti. 5:20), Jesus Christ is the chief corner stone that binds all

“convince” (Tit. 1:9), and “tell fault” (Mt. 18:15). These together, and is the foundation upon which all rests. In various usages of the Greek word for convict remind us addition to this, as the stone which the Jewish builders of the fact that conviction is for the saved as well as for rejected, Christ has become ‘the head stone of the the unsaved. The child of God needs the continual corner’ (Ps. 118:22; Ze. 4:7; Mt. 21:42; Mk. 12:10; Lk.

reproof of the Word of God and conviction of the Holy 20:17; Ro. 9:33; 1 Pe. 2:7)” (Concise) [See Jesus Christ, Spirit to keep him walking in the light. [See Convince.]

Rock.]

CONVINCE. To make manifest; to convict; to CORNET. There are three Hebrew words translated persuade or satisfy the mind by evidence; to subdue the

“cornet” in the O.T. (1) keren is translated “cornet” in opposition of the mind to truth (Webster) (Job 32:12; Da. 3:5, 7, 10, 15, and is translated “horns” in Da. 7:7-8, Jn. 8:46; Ac. 18:28; 1 Co. 14:24; Tit. 1:9; Jude 15). The 11, 20, 21, 24. It refers to a wind instrument, a horn.

G r e e k w o r d m o s t c o m m o n l y t r a n s l a t e d (2) shophar, the common Bible word for “trumpet” is

“convince” ( elenko) is also translated “tell him his translated “cornet” in 1 Ch. 15:28; 2 Ch. 15:14 and Ps.

150:3. (3) menana, translated “cornet” in 2 Sa. 6:5, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 155

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probably refers to “a rattle which gave a tinkling sound COULTER. A plowshare (1 Sa. 13:20-21; Is. 2:4; Joe.

on being shaken” (Wilson). The text says this 3:10; Mi. 4:3).

instrument was made of “fir wood.” [See Music, COUNSEL (advice, instruction). Bible words Trumpet.]

translated counsel: In the O.T. the Hebrew words most CORRECTION. To be instructed and disciplined (Job frequently translated counsel are yawats (Ex. 18:19), 5:17; Ps. 39:11; 94:10; Pr. 3:12; 7:22; 15:10; 22:15; and aytsaw (De. 32:28). These words are derived from 23:13; 19:19; He. 12:9). [See Admonish, Affliction, the same Hebrew roots and mean the same thing. These Chasten, Child Training, Church Discipline, Convince, Hebrew words are also translated “advise” (1 Ki. 12:6); Counsel, Exhort, Guidance, Instruct, Rebuke, Reproof,

“determined” (2 Ch. 25:16); “purposed” (Is. 14:24, 26); Trials.]

“consult” (Hab. 2:10). The Importance of Right Counsel: CORRUPT COMMUNICATION. [See Evil Speaking.]

(1) The way of man is not in himself (Je. 10:23). (2) CORRUPTION. (1) To spoil; rot; ruin (Ac. 2:27, 31; The heart is perverted (Je. 17:9). (3) By counsel Ja. 5:2). (2) To twist; pervert (2 Co. 2:17). (3) purposes are established (Pr. 15:22; 20:18). (4) By Wickedness (Ep. 4:22, 29; 2 Ti. 3:8).

counsel there is safety (Pr. 11:14; 24:6). (5) To accept counsel is a mark of wisdom (Pr. 1:5; 12:15). Warnings COSMETICS. Preparations for beautifying women (2

against Wrong Counsel: Nu. 31:16; 2 Ch. 10:6-13; Ki. 9:30; Je. 4:30; Eze. 23:40). Isaiah reproved the 22:3-5; Job 5:13; Ps. 1:1; 33:10. A Description of the women of Israel for following the fashions of pagan Right Kind of Counsel: (1) Wise counsel (Pr. 24:6). (2) societies and devoting themselves inordinately to Good counsel (Pr. 20:18). (3) Excellent counsel (Pr.

cosmetics and clothing. They had an unrighteous 22:20). (4) The counsel of the Lord (Pr. 19:21; Ps.

devotion to physical beauty and sex appeal (Is.

33:11). (5) Sweet and hearty counsel (Pr. 27:9). The 3:18-23). The Jewish women imitated the fashion of the Source of Right Counsel: (1) The Word of God (Pr. 2:6; pagan nations such as Egypt and Babylon, just as many 22:17-21; Ps. 16:7; 119:24; 73:24; Is. 28:29; Je. 23:18, Christian women borrow from the world’s pop fashion 22; 32:18-19; He. 6:17). (2) The Lord Jesus Christ (Is.

industry today. The Bible teaches modesty in dress as 9:6). (3) Wise men (Ex. 18:19; Pr. 13:20; 2 Ti. 2:22).

opposed to extravagance and drawing undue attention to one’s person (1 Tim. 2:9-10). Evidence has been How to seek good counsel. One of the important found of this unholy pursuit. The Israel Museum has a parts of making wise decisions in God’s will is to seek display case filled with cosmetics items, such as perfume godly counsel (Pr. 12:15; 19:20). It is mentioned 13

bottles and combs and fancy containers for kohl, which times in Proverbs, the book of practical wisdom. Before the women used to paint their eyes black after the making a major decision--such as marriage, education, a fashion of Egypt. The prophets associated this practice job, or a move--a person should seek godly counsel. But with harlotry (Pr. 6:25-26; Je. 4:30; Eze. 23:40). There it just as important to know where to get the right are also bronze mirrors. These were brought out of counsel and how to weigh it. The classic case in Egypt by the Israelite women and were used to fashion Scripture of someone who listened to unwise counsel is the laver of brass in the Tabernacle (Exodus 38:8).

Solomon’s son Rehoboam (1 Ki. 12:1-16). He followed Some of the mirrors on display at the Israel Museum foolish advice and lost most of his kingdom. This doesn’t have handles fashioned like popular goddesses. Isaiah mean that young people always give bad counsel, while warned that in the judgment of Israel the women would older people always give good counsel. A younger be left without the things they lusted after in their person that walks with the Lord and knows God’s Word vanity (Is. 3:17, 24). This was fulfilled in the Assyrian can give better counsel than an older person who lacks captivity of the northern tribes and the Babylonian these things. In 1 Kings 13 we have the sad case of a captivity of Judah. Archaeologist Henry Layard said that man of God who got out of God’s will by listening to a after the Assyrians attacked, the Jewish women “had backslidden, lying older prophet.

been stripped of their ornaments and their fine raiment, 1. Seek counsel from wise people (Pr. 24:6). What is and were left bare-footed and half-clothed.” God’s a wise counselor? First, wise counselors know God’s people must guard against the temptation to borrow Word. When seeking counsel in a biblical fashion, we from modern Egypt’s immodest, self-centered, self-don’t need human opinions; we need biblically-informed flaunting fashions. [See Modesty.]

wisdom. We are not seeking a word from man, but a COTES. Enclosures for flocks (2 Ch. 32:28).

word from God. Thus, we need to seek counsel from believers who have studied the Bible diligently. Wise COUCH. (1) A piece of furniture for reclining; a bed counselors are spiritually mature and biblically (Ge. 49:4; Job 7:13; Ps. 6:6; Am. 6:4; Lk. 5:19, 24; Ac.

knowledgeable.

5:15). (2) To crouch or bend down (Nu. 24:9).

Second, wise counselors are doctrinally sound and likeminded. Many people in fundamentalist homes have 156

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made bad decisions by seeking counsel from New automotive repair, don’t go to an accountant. Likewise, Evangelicals or Charismatics or Calvinists or even if you need counsel pertaining to preaching, go to a liberals and Roman Catholics or others who are not preacher, or if you need counsel about married life, go likeminded theologically. We think of the sad case of to someone who is successfully married, or if you need Norma McCorvey, who was the plaintiff in the Roe v.

counsel about a missionary calling, go to an experienced Wade case that legalized abortion in America. She missionary. Charles Spurgeon told how that he was rejected abortion and was baptized by an “evangelical”

discouraged from preaching by a godly woman. The fact minister, but later joined the Roman Catholic Church is that a woman does not understand such things, no through close associations with Catholic priests in the matter how godly she is. He said, “I remember well how Right to Life movement.

earnestly I was dissuaded from preaching by as godly a Third, wise counselors have made good decisions in Christian matron as ever breathed; the value of her their own lives and have good character and stability (Pr.

opinion I endeavoured to estimate with candour and 25:19). People who are lazy, don’t pay their bills, lie, patience--but it was outweighed by the judgment of cheat, are unstable, etc., will not give wise counsel.

persons of wider experience” (C.H. Spurgeon, Lectures Young people must especially keep this in mind. God to My Students).

tells the young person to honor his parents, but if the Sixth, wise counselors are willing to speak the truth parents are not people of good character they are not (Prov. 27:6). If we only seek counsel from those who wise counselors. An “unfaithful man” can also refer to will tell us what we want to hear, or who will only speak someone that is mentally and spiritually unstable. My non-offensive things and pamper us and tiptoe around father fell into that category, because of the mental difficult issues, we are wasting our time. We need to damage he sustained fighting in the Pacific Islands seek out counselors who will speak the truth no matter during World War II. He was never right after that and what it entails. When a child of God seeks counsel only had to be institutionalized from time to time. He knew from those who tell him what he wants to hear, he the Lord, but was unable to take any kind of pressure or proves that he is not serious about knowing God’s will.

make important decisions and his thinking wasn’t right.

What we need are counselors like the prophet Micaiah As a result my mom and we children had to learn to go who spoke the truth even when it resulted in suffering on without his blessing at times. For example, he (1 Kings 22:27). For this reason, the wicked king Ahab couldn’t keep a job, so Mom had to go back to work in complained said, “I hate him; for he doth not prophesy order to support the family. There was no choice, but he good concerning me, but evil” (1 Kings 22:8). Micaiah was fiercely opposed to it. He couldn’t work and had no was exactly the counselor that Ahab needed, but he was possibility of an income, but he didn’t want her to work.

too foolish and rebellious to discern this.

Mom finally went ahead and the Lord blessed and she 2. Seek counsel from more than one person was able to get back on at the phone company where (“multitude of counselors,” Pr. 11:14; 24:6). This is she had worked before their marriage, and Dad repeated twice in the Proverbs by way of emphasis. One gradually got used to the idea. Ordinarily this would be way that God confirms His will is by the agreement of rebellion on the part of a wife, but not in that case. After godly counselors. If a young person is seeking wisdom I was saved at age 23, I wanted to go to Bible College about marriage, for example, and he or she approaches and train for the ministry. Dad was opposed to it. The his parents and his pastor and teachers and other Lord led me to start writing Christian books. Dad was mature spiritual authority figures, there should be opposed to it. He wanted me to stay there in my home agreement. Again, the best place to find the “multitude town and just work somewhere. I am so glad that I of counsellors” is a God-fearing, Bible-believing church.

followed the Lord rather than my confused, wounded What Charles Spurgeon said of a Bible college is even Dad. Such decisions to go against parental counsel must truer of a godly church: “Meeting as you do in class, in never be made lightly, but sometimes they are necessary.

prayer-meeting, in conversation, and in various religious Fourth, wise counselors are found in good Bible-engagements, you gauge each other; and a wise man believing churches. The first place to find such counsel is will be slow to set aside the verdict of the my own church, assuming I am in a good Bible-believing house” (Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students). This does church. The church is the pillar and ground of the truth not mean that I should never decide against something (1 Tim. 3:15). God has given pastors and teachers for unless the authority figures in my life are agreed, the purpose of training and protecting His people (Ep.

because men can be wrong; but it does mean that I 4:11-12), and they should always be at the top of the should only make such a decision if I have a clear Bible list when it comes to spiritual counsel.

support for it and absolute confidence that it is God’s Fifth, wise counselors have wisdom pertaining to your will. To obtain counsel from a variety of people protects particular situation. If you need advice about the believer from becoming a slave to the will of one Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 157

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person. This is the mistake that was made in the 1970s the counsel from the wise person. Most people who are by the Pentecostal Shepherding Movement. They taught considered wise will not hastily pass out counsel.”

that each believer should submit to a “shepherd” who 6. Seek counsel in fellowship with God and in the was someone appointed by the church. No decision was light of His Word. It is idolatry to put one’s trust in man to be made without consulting this “shepherd.” The rather than God (Je. 17:5-8) or to submit to a man result was widespread abuse. Pastors and teachers and blindly as if he were God. God gives human authorities disciplers are important helpers, but the believer is to and teachers to help us, and they are very important.

have only one Master, which is Christ. I must warn that But ultimately our confidence must be in God and we

“a multitude of counselors” can result in confusion if must get wisdom directly from Him. The Bill Gothard those counselors are not godly, biblically wise, and

“chain of authority” approach is to obey the authority doctrinally likeminded!

blindly, but the Bible doesn’t support that. Jesus said 3. Seek counsel from near people (Pr. 27:10). Many that if we love even mother or father more than Him we times people seek counsel from those who are far off are not worthy to be His disciples (Mt. 10:37).

rather than those who are near, and though this is not Obviously, then, there is a time when we must go always wrong, it is often done for the wrong reason. A against what our authority figures demand. And when is lot of strangers have written to me through the years to that? It is when they are leading us contrary to God’s ask my opinion about situations in their family or will as supported by His Word. The apostles taught that church, and I have always thought this to be strange, we must obey God rather than man (Ac. 5:29). One of since I know nothing about them and have no way of the first converts in one of our churches in Nepal was a knowing the full picture. People sometimes want to seek teenage girl. Her Hindu parents and her older sisters counsel from those afar off for the very reason that they forbade her to attend church, but she put Christ first don’t know them and their situation, but it is for this and obeyed God’s Word and attended services every very reason that we should usually seek counsel from chance she got. As a result, nearly her entire family those who are near. For a young person, the first line of came to Christ. We must honor earthly authorities as far counsel should be his or her own parents, particularly if as possible, but Christ must be our first and only Master.

they are believers (Ep. 6:1-3). The next line of counsel As we noted earlier, the bottom line is that we must be would be one’s church leaders. God gives leaders to the Bereans and test everything by God’s Word (Ac. 17:11).

churches to watch over His people and to help them, Let us hasten to emphasize that we must not test like a shepherd with sheep. Godly church leaders “watch counsel by our personal opinions, by the thinking of for your souls” (He. 13:17). They think about the society, by our peers, by the pop culture, by human church members and pray for them and desire the best psychology, or by any other thing other than God’s for each of them, and God gives them particular Word. [See Admonish, Chasten, Convince, Correction, wisdom. In our church we urge the young people who Exhort, Rebuke, Reproof.]

are thinking about marriage to talk with their parents COUNT. (1) To number; estimate (Ex. 12:4; Le.

and then to discuss the matter with their church leaders.

19:23; Nu. 23:10). (2) Account; deem; consider (Is.

If a boy is interested in a certain girl, we urge him not to 5:28; Ac. 20:24; Ja. 1:2; 5:11; 2 Pe. 2:13; 3:9).

pursue the matter until he has talked it over with the COURSE. (1) In due order; one by one (1 Co.

leaders. They know things that the young people don’t 14:27). (2) Company; distribution of service among the know, and they can give good advice about whether it is priests (1 Ch. 27:1; Lk. 1:8). (3) Proper order (Ps.

wise to pursue a certain relationship. Invariably, those 82:5). (4) Way; path; progress (Je. 23:10; Ac. 16:11).

who have ignored this procedure have made a mess of (5) Career; race; assigned duty (Ac. 13:25; 20:24).

things!

COUSIN. A kinsman or kinswoman. The word 4. Seek counsel from caring people. It is wise to seek denotes any one who is not in the first degree of counsel from those who not only know you but who relationship (The Bible Word-Book) (Lk. 1:36, 58).

care about you and are interested in your spiritual welfare. A young person, for example, will get better COUNTENANCE. (1) Face; expression; disposition counsel from a spiritual leader who is praying for him (Ps. 10:4; Da. 5:6). (2) Appearance (1 Sa. 16:7; 17:42; rather than from someone else who is not interested in 2 Sa. 14:27; 25:3; Da. 1:15; Mt. 28:3; Re. 1:16).

his spiritual wellbeing and who is uninvolved in his life COUNTERVAIL. To act against with equal force, or in this way.

power; to equal; to balance; to compensate (Es. 7:4) 5. Seek counsel earnestly (Pr. 20:5). One pastor (Webster).

observed: “Not every counselor will be quick to give COVENANT. A covenant is an agreement and a counsel. The person seeking the counsel has the promise. God has made several covenants with man.

responsibility of sincerely and purposefully drawing out 158

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Noah’s Covenant (Ge. 8). God gave the rainbow to Israel’s national security and future kingdom (Je.

symbolize His covenant with Noah and His promise 31:35-37). (5) It promises Israel’s possession of the land never again to destroy the world with water.

(Je. 32:37, 41-44). (6) It is eternal (Je. 32:40). (7) It The Abrahamic Covenant (Ge. 12:1-3, 7; 13:14-18; promises God’s blessing upon the land (Eze. 36:29-30).

15:1-21). God promised to bless Abraham and his (8) It will be established when Israel is restored and nation and the entire world through Abraham’s Seed.

blessed before the eyes of all nations (Is. 61:8-11; Eze.

Jesus Christ is the Seed who inherits these blessings and 37:21-28). The New Covenant and the Church: If the bestows them upon those who believe (Mt. 1:1; Ga.

New Covenant is not fulfilled in the church (referring to 3:6-29). The national aspects of Abraham’s covenant are the church in a general, institutional sense), why does fulfilled to the nation Israel (Je. 30-33).

the writer of Hebrews apply it to Christians (He. 8:6-13; The Mosaic Covenant (Ex. 19-24). This is also called 10:15-19)? Hebrews does not say the New Covenant is the Old Covenant or the Law of Moses. The Mosaic fulfilled in the church; it says the New Covenant belongs covenant was a system of law God gave to Israel on Mt.

to “the house of Israel” (He. 8:10). Hebrews refers to Sinai. The purpose of this law was to prepare Israel and the New Covenant to show that the law of Moses was the world for the Saviour by (1) revealing that man is a temporary and that even the O.T. promised that one day sinner who cannot keep God’s perfect standard of it would be abolished and replaced by another righteousness; (2) showing God’s way of salvation and covenant. The writer of Hebrews indicates that every pointing to Christ in types such as the tabernacle, the N.T. believer partakes of the spiritual blessings of the Levitical offerings, the priesthood, and the feasts (Ro.

New Covenant through Christ, but nowhere does he say 3:19-10; Ga. 3:10-13). The Mosaic law was also given to that this covenant has been transferred from national separate Israel from other nations that she might remain Israel to the church. The Apostle Paul taught that the pure through the centuries as God accomplished His will New Covenant will be literally fulfilled following the through her (Le. 20:22-26). The Mosaic law was never church age (Ro. 11:25-27). [See Allegorical, Kingdom of intended to be a means of salvation, which has always God, Millennial, Peace, Prophecy.]

been, in every age, through faith in God’s revelation on COVERT. Shelter; hiding place (1 Sa. 25:20; Job the basis of Christ’s shed blood (Ro. 3:19-22; 4:3-13; 38:40; Ps. 61:4; Is. 4:6; 32:2). “Covert” also refers to a Ga. 3). The Mosaic covenant was done away with when covered porch (2 Ki. 16:18) and a den or lair (Je.

Christ died, and the New Testament believer lives by a 25:38).

higher law, which is called the law of Christ and the law COVET. (1) To desire inordinately; to desire that of the Spirit (2 Co. 3; Ga. 3; Ro. 4; He. 7-9).

which it is unlawful to obtain or possess; excessively The Davidic Covenant (2 Sa. 7:12-17). The Davidic eager to obtain and possess (Webster); to be dissatisfied covenant is an extension of the covenant God made with one’s lot; to be greedy. Covetousness is to desire with Abraham. God’s covenant with David (1) that which is not mine or that which is forbidden (Ex.

reaffirmed the Abrahamic covenant (2 Sa. 7:10); (2) 20:17; De. 5:21; Jos. 7:21). Covetousness is to love and promised that the throne of David would be established pursue money and personal gain instead of living in forever through David’s seed (2 Sa. 7:13); (3) promised contentment and pursuing righteousness and the will of chastisement for sin, but never annulment of the God (1 Ti. 6:6-11). Covetousness is to make possessions promise (2 Sa. 7:14-15); (4) established David’s house the focus of one’s life (Lk. 12:15). Covetousness is to and kingdom forever (2 Sa. 7:16). All of this is fulfilled live for self-pleasure instead of living for God’s pleasure through Jesus Christ, David’s Son, who has inherited the (Lk. 12:16-21). Covetousness is to enrich oneself at the throne of David (Mt. 1:1) and who will establish the expense of others; it is to oppress and use others for Davidic kingdom at His return from heaven (Is. 9:6-7).

one’s own selfish ends (Pr. 28:16; Mi. 5:2).

The New Covenant (Je. 31-33; He. 8:7-13; 10:9-22).

Covetousness is the opposite of opening one’s heart and It was given to the nation Israel (Je. 31-34), but goods to others (Pr. 22:26). The opposite of Christians share in the spiritual aspects of the New covetousness is contentment (He. 13:5-6). (2) Covet Covenant through Jesus Christ (He. 8:7-13). The New also means to desire in a positive sense (1 Co. 14:39).

Covenant with Israel promises that God will restore Some key verses on covetousness: Ex. 20:17; Ps. 10:3; them to their promised land and give them a new heart 119:36; Pr. 21:25-26; Eze. 33:31; Mi. 2:2; Mk. 7:20-23; to obey Him. This will happen when Jesus returns from Lk. 12:15; Ep. 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1 Ti. 6:6-11; He. 13:5-6.

heaven (Ro. 11:25-27; Ze. 13-14). The details of the New Bible Truths about Covetousnes s: Covetousness Covenant: (1) It was made with the nation Israel (Je.

renders one disqualified for leadership (Ex. 18:21).

31:31). (2) It will replace the Mosaic covenant (Je.

Covetousness is a product of the fallen nature (Mk.

31:32; He. 10:8-9). It promises regeneration and 7:20-23). It is required of pastors that they not be cleansing from sin (Je. 31:33-34). (4) It reaffirms covetous (1 Ti. 3:3). Covetousness is a characteristic of Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 159

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the unsaved (Ro. 1:29; 1 Co. 5:10; 6:10; Ep. 5:5).

in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, Covetousness is a cause for church discipline (1 Co.

or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things 5:11). Covetousness must to be mortified (Col. 3:5).

were created by him, and for him: And he is before all Covetousness is a mark of the end times (2 Ti. 3:2). It is things, and by him all things consist” (Col. 1:16, 17).

a characteristic of false teachers (2 Pe. 2:3, 14; Jude Two, He is the beginning and the firstborn of the new 11).

creation. Compare Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15, 18.

How to Have Victory over Covetousness: Incline the

[See Evolution, Jesus Christ.]

heart toward Gods Word (Ps. 119:36). Be content with CREATURE. That which is created; every being one’s own things and station in life; do not desire that besides the Creator, or everything not self-existent which belongs to others (Ex. 20:17; De. 5:21; He. 13:5).

(Webster). Anything created, not limited to living Fear the wages of covetousness (1 Co. 5:11; 6:10).

things. The same Greek word translated “creature” in Mortify the old nature and put on the new man (Col.

Ro. 8:19, 20, 21, 29 is translated “creation” in Ro. 8:22.

3:5-10). Remember that the Lord abhors the covetous (1) Those who have been born again into the new (Ps. 10:3). Open your heart and purse strings to others creation in Christ Jesus (2 Co. 5:17; Ga. 6:15; Ja. 1:18).

(Pr. 21:26). Focus on the true purpose of life, which is to (2) The animals and other living creatures of the world know and please and serve God (Lk. 12:15; 1 Ti. 6:11).

(1 Ti. 4:4; Re. 8:9). (3) All persons (Mk. 16:15; Re.

The child of God has been purchased by the blood of 5:13). [See Beast, Creation, Firstling.]

Jesus Christ (1 Co. 6:19-20). We therefore are not our CREED. A statement of belief.

own, and we are not to live for our own self pleasure.

CREMATION. Burning of dead bodies. The following We are to live to glorify God in all things. Focus one’s are the reasons we are convinced that cremation should attention on eternity (1 Ti. 6:17-19). If we live in light not be practiced by Christians:

of eternity, we will not be dazzled by the appeal of this world. [See Employment, Gold, Greedy, Labour, Lucre, Cremation has a heathen origin and purpose. Why do Lust, Money, Possessions, Private Ownership of Property, the Hindus and those of other heathen religions Steal, Stewardship, Tithe.]

cremate? They do it in the belief that the dead are not raised again, whereas the Bible says there is a COZ (nimble). 1 Ch. 4:8.

resurrection of the just and the unjust. The heathen COZBI (deceitful). Nu. 25:15.

practice cremation in the belief that the dead will be CRACKNEL. A light, crisp biscuit (1 Ki. 14:3).

reincarnated; to destroy the body is sometimes CRAFT. (1) Subtlety; guile; cunning (Da. 8:25; Job considered a way of releasing the spirit of the deceased.

5:13; Mk. 14:1; Lk. 20:23; 1 Co. 3:19; 2 Co. 4:2; Ep.

Again, some practice cremation with the heathen idea 4:4). (2) Occupation (Ac. 18:3; 19:25, 27; Re. 18:22).

that by destroying the body of the deceased the fear of

[See Cunning Craftiness, Deceit.]

that individual staying in the vicinity and haunting the CRAFTINESS. [See Craft, Cunning Craftiness, loved ones is diminished. There is nothing Christian Deceit.]

about cremation.

CRANE. A large white bird that “is a wader, God’s people have always practiced burial. Abraham migratory, utters a twittering cry, and goes in vast (Ge. 25:8-10), Sarah (Ge. 23:1-4), Rachel (Ge.

flocks” (Smith) (Is. 38:14; Je. 8:7).

35:19-20), Isaac (Ge. 35:29), Jacob (Ge. 49:33; 50:1-13), Joseph (Ge. 50:26), Joshua (Jos. 24:29-30), CRAVE. To ask for; to urge; desire; beg (Pr. 16:26; Eleazar (Jos. 24:33), Samuel (1 Sa. 25:1), David (1 Ki.

Mk. 15:43).

2:10), John the Baptist (Mt. 14:10-12), Ananias and CREATION. That which God created in the beginning Sapphira (Ac. 5:5-10), Stephen (Ac. 8:2). In Ro. 15:4

as recorded in Genesis 1-2 (Mk. 10:6; 13:19; Ro. 1:20; and 1 Co. 10:11 God tells us that we are to follow the 8:22; 2 Pe. 3:4). REVELATION 3:14— Some misuse this Bible’s examples as well as its direct instructions.

verse to teach the false doctrine that Jesus Christ is a Even in difficult circumstances God’s people in olden created being. To make the verse say this, though, is to days practiced burial. For example, Joseph’s body was ignore what the Bible says about Christ and would kept for over 400 years in Egypt and then carried throw all the rest of the Bible into confusion and through the 40 years of wilderness wanderings before contradiction. Jesus Christ is the Creator of all things being buried in the Promised Land. We read of this in (John 1:1; Col. 1:16), and He had no beginning (He.

Ge. 50:24-25; Ex. 13:19 and Jos. 24:32. How much 7:3). Micah 5:2 says his “whose goings forth have been simpler it would have been for the Israelites to have from of old, FROM EVERLASTING.” The Lord Jesus cremated Joseph, then carried his ashes with them in a Christ is the Eternal God. Revelation 3:14 is speaking of tiny container! This they refused to do. Joseph, a two things: One, He is creator of all things. “For by him follower of the one true God, a man who looked were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are 160

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forward to the bodily resurrection, was given an God practices burial (De. 34:5-6).

honorable burial. From this important example, we Cremation is a sign of God’s curse. Throughout the learn that even if cremation is less expensive or easier Bible the destruction of a human body or of an object by than burial, it is still to be rejected, as the Israelites fire is used as a sign of divine wrath (Ex. 32:20; Le.

rejected the economical and simpler way to transport 10:1-2; De. 7:25; Nu. 16:35; 2 Ki. 10:26; 1 Ch. 14:12; Joseph’s body.

Ac. 19:18-19; Re. 20:15).

Burial looks forward to resurrection. The reason God’s For a person not to have a proper burial was people have always been careful to practice burial is not considered a dishonor (1 Ki. 21:23-24; Ps. 83:9-10).

difficult to understand. We believe in a bodily The Christian’s body belongs to God. The body is not resurrection (Ro. 8:22-23; 1 Co. 15:20-23; 2 Co. 5:1; 1

ours to destroy by fire or by any other means (Ro. 14:8; Co. 15:51-57). Yes, the buried body will decompose in 1 Co. 6:19-20).

time. Yes, there are occasions in which Christians die in ways which render burial impossible—in the sinking of God has plainly called cremation wickedness (Am.

ships, in fires, etc. But when at all possible we bury.

2:1).

Why the trouble? Because it is our certain hope that the The Lord Jesus Christ was buried, and He is our great same individual will be raised in the same body, only example (Jn. 19:38-42).

changed. The physical body is called the seed for the Just as the Lord Jesus Christ was buried in certainty resurrection body. When planted, a seed decomposes, that He would rise again on the third day according to and the new plant comes forth. The Bible uses this to the Scriptures, even so is the Christian said to rest at illustrate resurrection.

death. To be absent from the body is to be present with In 1 Co. 15:35-44 the Apostle answers those who the Lord, as the Apostle Paul testified (2 Co. 5:9 and Ph.

would ask how it is possible for God to raise again a 1:21-23). The body without the spirit is dead (Ja. 2:26).

decomposed body. The terminology used by the Holy The dead body sleeps in the grave while the redeemed Spirit in this passage is that of husbandry—planting soul waits in glory for the great resurrection day.

seed. The farmer does not destroy his seed; he plants it, Of course we cannot force people either to bury or then from the decaying seed comes forth the new life.

not to bury. And we know that the manner of one’s Such is burial and the resurrection. When we bury a burial does not affect one’s salvation or resurrection, but Christian loved one, we are planting the seed for the we do believe these things are important, and we are resurrection body! It is a powerful testimony of our convinced that Christians should take their stand upon unwavering faith in God’s Word regarding the promise the examples of the Word of God. [See Death, Eternal of bodily resurrection.

Security, Gospel, Grace, Resurrection.]

Contrast heathenism. They have no such knowledge CRETE. Island in the Mediterranean (Ac. 27:7-21; or hope. The Hindus and Buddhists, for example, Tit. 1:5). [See Cretes.]

believe in reincarnation. Though they believe in a CRETES. Inhabitants of the island of Crete (Ac.

human soul which is distinct from the body, they do not 2:11). “Called now Candia, a large island in the believe that soul, once departed from the body at death, Mediterranean, about one hundred and fifty miles in will be resurrected in any relation whatsoever to the length and from six to thirty-five wide. It lies midway first body. Rather they believe the soul will be between Syria and Malta. Anciently it possessed its reincarnated in another entirely unrelated body, or into hundred cities. It is mountainous, and its famous peak is a non-physical sphere of existence.

Mount Ida. The vessel carrying Paul on his way to God’s people have always buried their dead with this Rome, sailed along the southern coast of the island, magnificent hope burning in their hearts. “We will see where it was overtaken by a storm (Ac. 27:7-21). The that brother or sister again in that same body, only Cretes are now called Cretans. It seems likely that a very changed, glorified!” Hallelujah! Only through the death early acquaintance existed between the Cretans and the and shed blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ can Jews; and the special mention of the Cretans among we have this certain hope. He has taken upon Himself those attending the great Pentecost (Ac. 2:11) is just on the cross the punishment for our sins, carried our what we should expect. The Cretans had a name in sins into the grave, and risen again in eternal triumph ancient times for being good sailors; also for skill in three days later. When an individual thoroughly archery and expertness in ambushing. Hence they were acknowledges his sinfulness before God, repents of his frequently engaged as light-armed troops by other sin, and receives Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and nations. The ancient notices of their character fully Saviour, the sin debt is paid, and eternal life and glory is agree with the quotation which Paul produces from ‘one promised from God the Father. Part of this heritage in of their own poets’ (Tit. 1:12): ‘The Cretans are always Christ is the glorified resurrection body.

liars, evil beasts, slow bellies’ (literally, idle gluttons).

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The classics abound with allusions to the untruthfulness glory” (1 Pe. 5:4). These may refer to the same crown, of the Cretans; and it was so frequently applied to them viewed in different aspects. The Christian is exhorted to that Kray-tidz-ein, ‘to act the Cretan,’ was a synonym to beware that no man take his crown (Re. 3:11) play the liar” (People’s Bible Encyclopedia).

(Concise). The Greek word diadema is also translated CRETIANS. Inhabitants of the island of Crete (Tit.

crown, referring to a crown of authority (Re. 12:3; 13:1; 1:12). [See Cretes.]

19:12).

CRIB. A rack for feeding animals (Job 39:9; Pr. 14:4; The Crown of Thorns was placed in derision on the Is. 1:3; Lk. 2:7).

head of the Lord Jesus, when he was arrayed in a scarlet CRIMSON. Brilliant red dye (2 Ch. 2:7, 14; Je. 4:30; robe. Though applied to His sacred head by the rough Is. 1:18).

soldiers, it was connived at by Pilate, who presented the Lord in this garb to the Jews, but which only drew forth CRISPING PIN. A pin for curling the hair (Is. 3:22).

their cry, “Crucify Him.” We read that the robe was CROP. (1) A pouch in the gullet of some birds in taken off Him, but nothing is said of the crown, so that which food is prepared for digestion (Le. 1:16). (2) To He may have worn that on the cross. It is supposed to pluck off (Eze. 17:4, 22).

have been made of the Arabian nabk, which has flexible CROSS. Wooden beams used by the Romans to put branches with very sharp thorns, and ivy-like leaves: criminals to death. This was the type of death Jesus mocking the Lord, as some think, both as a king and as suffered. The hands and feet of the person were nailed a victor (Mt. 27:29; Mk. 15:17; Jn. 19:2, 5) (Concise).

to the cross, and it was raised upright (Mt. 27:32, 40,

[See Castaway, Judgment.]

42; Mk. 15:21, 30, 32; Lk. 23:26; Jn. 19:17, 19, 25, 31; CRUCIFIX. A cross with a figure of Jesus fastened on 1 Co. 1:17; Ph. 2:8; He. 12:3). The O.T. prophesied the it. The crucifix is very popular in Roman Catholicism as crucifixion (Ps. 22:16; Jn. 19:34; 20:25; Mt. 27:35).

well as in many of the Protestant denominations. The When Psalm 22 was written, crucifixion was not a crucifix is used inside of churches and homes, and is method of capital punishment; not until hundreds of often worn on a necklace. The Bible forbids the making years later was it employed by the Romans. [See of images such as this (Ex. 20:4; De. 4:15, 16). The Atonement, Blood, Crucify, Gall, Gospel, Grace, Jesus Christian is to walk by faith, not by sight (Ro. 1:16, 17; Christ.]

He. 11:6). The typical crucifix is not an accurate CROWN. The common ensign of royalty and of depiction of the crucifixion, in that Christ was horribly victory (2 Ch. 23:11). It is also used symbolically for maimed and was naked when He was on the cross.

honor or reward, as “a virtuous woman is a crown to Furthermore, the Lord Jesus Christ is no longer on a her husband” (Pr. 12:4). Paul speaks of those whom he cross, but is risen and glorified! We do not worship and had been the means of converting as his “joy and pray to a dead Saviour, but to a Living One. [See crown,” his “crown of rejoicing” (Ph. 4:1; 1 Th. 2:19) Crucify, Roman Catholic Church.]

(Concise). For symbolical use of crown see also Ps. 8:5; CRUCIFY. The manner in which the Lord Jesus was 65:11; 103:4; Pr. 14:8; He. 2:9, 11.

put to death (Mt. 27:26-50; Mk. 15:21-37; Lk.

Crown in the Tabernacle. There was a crown around 23:21-46; Jn. 19:16-30; Ac. 2:26; 4:10; 1 Co. 1:13, 23; the top of the ark of the covenant, the table of 2:2, 8; 2 Co. 13:4; Ga. 3:1; 5:24; 6:14; Re. 11:8). The shewbread, and the altar of incense in the Tabernacle Romans used crucifixion as punishment for serious (Ex. 37:2-27). This symbolized the kingly aspect of crimes such as insurrection and murder. “The Romans these articles, the fact that they pointed to Royalty—to used a short beam fastened to a long upright one, on the King of kings and Lord of lords.

which was placed a piece of wood for the feet to rest on.

The High Priest’s Crown. [See High Priest.]

Nails were driven through the hands and feet. Though Crown in the New Testament. The word commonly historians say that sometimes the feet were only tied, rendered “crown” is stephanos, which often symbolizes we know that Christ’s feet were pierced (Ps. 22:16). The victory. It referred particularly to the wreath which was torture was dreadful, and the thirst, great; but in some given as a prize in the public games or a symbol of cases life lasted three days, none of the vital parts being honor generally (Strong). It is applied to the Son of Man reached” (Concise). The Bible says that the one hanged and to others (Re. 6:2; 14:14) and to the 24 elders in is cursed, and the Lord Jesus Christ thus became a curse heaven, who cast their crowns before the throne (Re.

in the place of sinners (De. 21:23; Ga. 3:13). The 4:4,10); and also to the perishable crown won by the Manner of Crucifixion. C. Truman Davis, M.D., provides victors in the ancient contests, and to the imperishable the following description of a crucifixion from the crown of the Christian (1 Co. 9:25). This latter is further viewpoint of a medical doctor: “The cross is placed on the described as a “crown of righteousness” (2 Ti. 4:8), a ground and the exhausted man is quickly thrown backwards

“crown of life” (Ja. 1:12; Re. 2:10), and a “crown of with his shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire feels for 162

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the depression at the front of the wrist. He drives a heavy, Hezekiah’s Tunnel that the standard Jewish cubit was 18

square, wrought-iron nail through the wrist and deep into the inches. The tunnel is 1800 feet long, and the dedication wood. Quickly he moves to the other side and repeats the inscription, which was found in 1880, says it is 1200

action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to cubits long. That means the standard Hebrew cubit of allow some flex and movement. The cross is then lifted into Hezekiah’s day was 18 inches. [See also Weights and place. The left foot is pressed backward against the right foot, and with both feet extended, toes down, a nail is driven Measures.]

through the arch of each, leaving the knees flexed. The victim CUD. The food which ruminating animals chew at is now crucified. As he slowly sags down with more weight on leisure, when not grazing or eating; or that portion of it the nails in the wrists, excruciating, fiery pain shoots along the which is brought from the first stomach and chewed at fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain—the nails in once (Le. 11:3-26; De. 14:6-8).

the wrists are putting pressure on the median nerves. As he CULT. The term “cult” is from the Latin word cultus, pushes himself upward to avoid his stretching torment, he places the full weight on the nail through his feet. Again he which refers to worship and religious devotion. It is feels the searing agony of the nail tearing through the nerves most commonly used today of a religious sect, between the bones of the feet. As the arms fatigue, cramps particularly those sects which seriously deviate from sweep through the muscles, knotting them in deep, relentless, traditional Bible Christianity. Since the term “cult” is not throbbing pain. With these cramps comes the inability to push a Bible one, there is no absolute definition of it. Websters himself upward to breathe. Air can be drawn into the lungs but College Dictionary gives three basic definitions of a cult: not exhaled. He fights to raise in order to get even one small

“a particular system of religious worship, especially with breath. Finally carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and in the reference to its rites and ceremonies; a group that blood stream, and the cramps partially subside. Spasmodically devotes itself to or venerates a person, ideal, fad, etc.; a he is able to push himself upward to exhale and bring in life-religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or giving oxygen. Hours of this limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint-rending cramps, intermittent partial asphyxiation, searing extremist.” According to the Dictionary of Cults, Sects, pain as tissue is torn from his lacerated back as he moves up Religions and the Occult, a cult is “a relatively small, and down against the rough timber. Then another agony often transitory religious group that commonly follows a begins: a deep, crushing pain deep in the chest as the radical leader. In recent times, orthodox Christians have pericardium slowly fills with serum and begins to compress the used the term to describe those religious groups that heart. It is now almost over—the loss of tissue fluids has deny the Trinity and specifically the deity of Jesus reached a critical level—the compressed heart is struggling to Christ. Their teachings are contrary to historic Christian pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood into the tissues—the orthodoxy.” Walter Martin, in The Kingdom of the Cults, tortured lungs are making a frantic effort to gasp in small gulps defined a cult as “any religious group which differs of air. He can feel the chill of death creeping through his significantly in some one or more respects as to belief or tissues. … Finally, he can allow his body to die. [Editor: We know that the Lord Jesus Christ dismissed His spirit from His practice, from those religious groups which are regarded body; He was in complete control even of the time of His death as the normative expressions of religion in our total (Jn. 19:30).] All this the Bible records with the simple words, culture.”

‘And when they had crucified him …’” (Mk. 15:24). What a Because of this variation and uncertainty in the wondrous love is this! ( The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol.

definition of the term “cult,” it should be employed 8). [See Crown for “Crown of Thorns.”] [See also cautiously and should be plainly defined by the user.

Atonement, Blood, Cross, Death, Gall, Golgotha, Gospel, This editor believes Bible terms describing error are Jesus Christ, Judas, Myrrh.]

much more helpful. These are terms such as “false CRUSE. A small, earthen vessel for holding liquids (1

prophets” (Mt. 7:15; 24:24); “heresies” (2 Pe. 2:1); Sa. 26:11, 12, 16; 1 Ki. 19:6).

“heretic” (Tit. 3:10); “false teacher” (2 Pe. 2:1); “false CRYSTAL. A transparent, colorless quartz (Job 28:17; apostles, deceitful workers” (2 Co. 11:13); “doctrines of Re. 4:6; 21:11; 22:1).

devils” (1 Ti. 4:1); “tradition of men” (Col. 2:8); “evil CUBIT. The standard cubit in Israel was measured workers” (Ph. 3:2); “another gospel” (2 Co. 11:4; Ga.

from the tip of a man’s fingers to the tip of the elbow, 1:6), “antichrists” (1 Jn. 3:18); “evil men and which was about 18 inches. The larger cubit (Eze. 40:5) seducers” (2 Ti. 3:13); “deceivers” (2 Ti. 3:13); “every added a “handbreadth” of three inches to equal about wind of doctrine” (Ep. 4:14); “them which cause 21 inches. “The Babylonians had a ‘royal’ cubit of about divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye 19.8 inches, the Egyptians had a longer and a shorter have learned” (Ro. 16:17).

cubit of about 20.65 inches and 17.6 inches One of the chief errors relating to the use of the term respectively” (R.B.Y. Scott, “Weights and Measures of

“cult” today is in limiting biblical separation to the basis the Bible,” The Biblical Archaeologist, May 1959, pp.

of only a few “cardinal” doctrines. A book published in 22-27, summarized by Whitcomb and Morris, The 1976 entitled Whom Then Can We Believe? (Maurice Genesis Flood). In 1880 evidence was found in Burrell and J. Stafford Wright, Moody Press) dealt with Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 163

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a number of groups commonly labeled as cults:

“another gospel,” and it is therefore cursed of God as Christian Science, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, were the Galatian heretics of old (Galatians 1).

Theosophy, Armstrongism, Spiritualism, and Another example. I do not believe that the Christadelphianism. We believe the authors erred in Assemblies of God is a cult or that those who are limiting their doctrinal tests to “that which all the involved with the AG are necessarily unsaved, but I do churches, Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant, including believe the AG teaches many false doctrines which are the denominational churches, have always regarded as contrary to the Word of God and I therefore cannot the truth about the being of God as drawn from fellowship together with them. For me to contend Scripture.” Denominations are not the standard for earnestly for the whole counsel of God creates a barrier truth; the Bible is! And Scriptural authority is not between me and the AG. These are only two examples limited to part of the Bible or to certain teachings of the of countless which could be given.

Bible, but extends to the whole Bible. God nowhere Thus the term “cult” is not necessarily a helpful one.

instructs us to base our judgments upon or to establish In fact, it can be dangerous. [See Apostasy, Churches of doctrinal unity by finding common ground between the Christ, False Teaching, Mormons, Roman Catholic major denominations.

Church, Seventh-day Adventism.]

We do not dispute the fact that some teachings of the CUMBERED. (1) Hindered and made useless (Lk.

Bible are more important than others, particularly in 13:7). (2) Distressed; distracted; burdened; troubled regard to salvation. The doctrine of the Gospel is more (Lk. 10:40).

important than the doctrine of fasting, for example. Yet the Bible enjoins Gods people to exalt all Bible doctrine.

CUMI. An Aramaic word signifying “arise” (Mk.

We are to preach all Bible doctrine--the whole counsel 5:41).

of God (Acts 20:27; 2 Ti. 4:1-6). We are to earnestly CUMMIN. A seed cultivated and used for seasoning contend for all Bible doctrine--the faith which was (Is. 28:25; Mt. 23:23).

delivered to us (Jude 3). We are to forbid others to CUNNING. Skillful; knowledgeable; clever (Ge.

teach ANY doctrine which is contrary to Bible doctrine 25:27; Ex. 35:33; 1 Ki. 7:14; 2 Ch. 2:7; Is. 3:3; Da. 1:4).

(1 Timothy 1:3). We are to observe Bible doctrine in The Bible speaks of cunning hunters (Ge. 25:27), every detail--without spot (1 Ti. 6:14), as a solemn trust cunning workmen (Ex. 26:1; 31:4; 35:33, 35; 36:8, 35; which has been committed to us (1 Ti. 6:20). The 38:23; 39:3; 1 Ki. 7:14; 1 Ch. 22:15; 2 Ch. 2:13-14), doctrine of baptism is important. The doctrine of the cunning musicians (1 Sa. 16:16; 1 Ch. 25:7), cunning Holy Spirit is important. The doctrine of sanctification is military men (2 Ch. 26:15), cunning women (Je. 9:17), important. The doctrine of the church is important.

cunning wise men (Da. 1:4). [See Cunning Craftiness.]

Eternity security is important. Pastoral standards are CUNNING CRAFTINESS. Skillful in subtlety; crafty important. The woman's role in Christian service is in deceit (Ep. 4:14). This description of false teachers important. Doctrine related to Prophecy is important.

warns of their great cleverness to deceive. It is an ability Doctrine related to separation is important. Doctrine that comes from their father, the devil (Jn. 8:44; 2 Co.

related to evangelism and world missions is important.

11:1-4, 13-15; 1 Ti. 4:1). The Bible repeatedly warns of The passages of Scripture previously cited (Acts the deceitful character of error. [See False Teaching.]

20:27; Jude 3; 1 Ti. 1:3; 6:14, 20; 2 Ti. 4:1-6) do not

[See also Beguile, Deceit, Dissemble, Dissimulation, allow me to pick a few Bible doctrines--such as the Doubletongued, Entice, Feign, Flattery, Hypocrisy, Satan, virgin birth, deity, and resurrection of Christ and Sleight, Subtil, Wind of Doctrine.]

salvation by grace alone--and exalt these as the sole CUP. (1) A small vessel for drinking or pouring or basis for fellowship. We must stand on the whole measuring (Ge. 40:11; 2 Sa. 12:3; Mt. 10:42; 26:27).

counsel of God, and that tends to limit fellowship (2) A symbolic reference to partaking of something, such significantly!

as judgment or suffering or salvation or comfort (Ps.

Let me give a practical example of what I am talking 11:6; 116:13; Je. 16:7; 1 Co. 10:21). God’s judgment is about. Many refuse to label the Roman Catholic Church frequently spoken of as a “cup”: (Ps. 11:6; 75:8; Is.

as a cult, because the Roman Catholic Church believes 51:17, 22; Je. 25:15, 17, 28; 49:12; 51:7; Eze.

in the deity of Jesus Christ and certain other “cardinal”

23:31-33; Ze. 12:2; Re. 14:10; 16:19). (3) A symbolic Bible doctrines. In our estimation, this is a useless reference to one’s portion in life and one’s inheritance debate. Whether or not the Roman Catholic Church is from God (Ps. 16:5; 23:5). The Lord Jesus Christ defined as a cult is not very important. The fact is that referred to the Cross as a “cup” (Mt. 20:22; 26:39, 42; the RCC teaches a false gospel which mixes grace and Mk. 14:36; Lk. 22:42; Jn. 18:11). The following is by sacraments, faith and works together; it teaches Evangelist Al Lacy: We do not believe this refers to a cup of suffering. We do not believe the Lord Jesus Christ 164

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agonized before the Father, so much so that He sweat as CUSTOM, RECEIPT OF. The place where the tax it were great drops of blood, merely because of the collector received tolls and taxes (Mt. 9:9). [See physical suffering He was facing. Rather, we believe He Custom, Publican.]

was looking at the cup of iniquity. The holy, sinless Son CUT OFF. “I would they were even cut off which of God was agonizing over the fact that He was going to trouble you.” This expression in Ga. 5:12 speaks of be made sin on the Cross. He would become sin inside Paul’s desire that the false teachers who were disturbing (1 Pe. 2:24) and outside (Is. 53:6). In the Garden of the churches of Galatia would be cut off from Gethsemene He was not crying out in cowardice, but in association with the saints. The modern translations holiness. We believe He was also contemplating the cup suggest that Paul was desiring that the false teachers of separation from the Father (Mt. 27:46). God the Son would be mutilated physically. The NIV reads, “As for and God the Father have enjoyed intimate communion those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and from all eternity (Jn. 1:1; 17:5). Now in this awful hour emasculate themselves!” This type of reading originated on earth the Son was going to be rejected by the Father with the English Revised Version of 1881: “I would that for the sake of sinners. We believe Christ was agonizing they which unsettle you would even cut themselves off.”

over the cup of iniquity and the cup of separation. (4) A footnote in the ERV says, “or, mutilate themselves.” It The “golden cup” of Revelation 17:4 is the cup of apostasy is not reasonable to believe that Paul was referring to and wickedness which the Harlot religious system has something this crude. Nowhere else in the N.T. do we given to the inhabitants of the world. The papal chalice, read of such an idea. Paul was referring to separation, which is the cup used in the mass, is made of pure gold.

not mutilation. Matthew Henry’s respected 19th century As early as the year 857, the Emperor Michael sent Pope commentary on the whole Bible reflects the Nicholas I a golden chalice, surrounded by precious interpretation of this verse commonly held among godly stones, and with jacinths suspended on gold threads teachers until the critical text came on the scene: “... he round the cup ( Addis & Arnolds’s Catholic Dictionary).

wishes that they were even cut off—not cut off from Until recent times Catholic liturgical law required the Christ and all hopes of salvation by him, but cut off by chalice cup for all Catholic masses to be gold plated the censures of the church, which ought to witness inside if it was not entirely of gold ( Our Sunday Visitor’s against those teachers who thus corrupted the purity of Catholic Encyclopedia). (5) The cup of the Lord’s Supper the gospel.” [See Church Discipline, Separation]

contained the grape juice which symbolized Christ’s CUTTINGS. A heathen practice which was forbidden shed blood (Lk. 22:17-20; 1 Co. 11:25-27). [See Lord’s to the children of Israel (Le. 19:28). God forbade both Supper.]

cuttings and markings of the flesh. The heathen would CUPBEARER. One who serves wine to a ruler or a cut or mark themselves for many reasons, such as wealthy man (Ge. 40:1; 1 Ki. 10:5; 2 Ch. 9:4; Ne. 1:11).

mourning for the dead and showing allegiance to CURIOUS, CURIOUSLY. (1) Wrought with care and deities, commanders, or kings. In Elijah’s day, the priests art; elegantly finished; works of skill (Ex. 35:32; Ps.

of Baal, in a vain attempt to make Baal reply, cut 139:15). (2) Meddlesome; bustling about; to be a themselves until the blood ran (1 Ki. 18:28). [See busybody (Ac. 19:19). The Greek word translated Idolatry, Witchcraft.]

“curious” in Ac. 19:19 is translated “busybody” in 2 Th.

CYMBALS. There are two Hebrew words translated 3:11. (3) Curious arts refer to occultic practices (Ac.

“cymbal”— MESILTAYIM and TSELTSLIM. “The 19:19). [See Witchcraft.]

mesiltayim is referred to by another name in the CURSE. (1) God’s judgment (De. 11:26; 29:19-21; Scriptures, tseltslim (2 Sa. 6:5 and Ps. 150:5). The Pr. 3:33; Da. 9:11; Mal. 2:2; 3:9; 4:6; Mt. 25:41; Ga.

second word comes from salal which means to roll or 3:10, 13). (2) Reviling; mocking; speaking against (Pr.

tumble down of one’s self. It mean a tinkling, ringing, or 26:2; Je. 42:18). (3) Evil speaking and blasphemy (Le.

clanging instrument. The first word, which is the usual 24:10-16; Ps. 10:7; Pr. 29:24; Mk. 7:10; 14:71; Ja.

one, comes from the same root word and is found in I 3:9-10). [See Evil Speaking.]

Ch. 13:8, Ezr. 3:10, and Ne. 12:27. ... the word always CUSH (black). [See Ethiopia.]

appear in the dual form. They are first mentioned in 2

CUSTOM. (1) Established manner; habitual practice Sa. 6:5; again in 1 Ch. 24:1,6; and in 2 Ch. 5:12. The or method; tradition (Ge. 31:35; Ju. 11:39; Ezr. 3:4; Lk.

orchestra director beat the time upon the cymbals for 1:9; 2:42; 4:16; Jn. 18:39; Ro. 13:7). (2) Tax; toll on the whole Levitical choir” (Paul McCommon, Music in goods (Ezr. 7:24; Mt. 9:9; 17:25). [See Custom - Receipt the Bible). [See Music.]

of, Publican, Tradition.]

CYRUS (throne). 2 Ch. 36:22.

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-D-

DABAREH (pasture). Jos. 21:28.

with members of the same sex before the Lord (Ex.

DABBASHETH (height). Jos. 19:11.

15:20-21; Ju. 11:34; 21:21; 1 Sa. 18:6; 2 Sa. 6:14). It is DAGGER. A sharp instrument, especially used as a associated with God’s kingdom (Ps. 149:3; 150:4; Je.

weapon of war; a knife. The one used by Ehud was 31:4, 13). The reason no dancing is mentioned in the roughly 18 inches long and double edged (Jud. 3:16).

N.T. is probably because this is the period of Christ’s

[Military.]

rejection and exile. The Bridegroom is away in a far country (Mt. 9:14-15). Contrast this with Re. 19:7, the DAGON. [See Idolatry.]

marriage of the Lamb. Then will come the time to “be DAILY. (1) Each day (Ex. 5:13; 16:5; Mt. 6:11; Ac.

glad and rejoice,” and the joyful dancing referred to in 2:46). (2) The whole day; all day long (Ps. 61:1-2; Je.

Psalm 149 and 150 and Jeremiah 31 will begin! [See 20:7-8).

Cheer, Heaven, Joy, Millennium, Music, Rejoice.]

DAINTIES. Delicious; pleasurable; sumptuous (Ge.

DANDLE. To play with; to delight in; to rock or toss 49:20; Job 33:20; Ps. 141:4; Pr. 23:3; Re. 18:14).

as a child (Is. 66:12).

DALAIAH (Jehovah is deliverer). 1 Ch. 3:24.

DANIEL (God is my judge). The prophet who wrote DALE. Deep place; valley (Ge. 14:17).

the book of the Bible by his name. He was carried away DALPHON (dropping). Est. 9:7.

captive to Babylon as a youth and there became a high DAMNABLE. Destructive; condemned (2 Pe. 2:1).

official in the Babylonian government (Da. 1-5). To The term “damnable heresies” refers both to the nature Daniel God revealed the main events which would of the heresies and to the effect of the heresies. The happen to Israel from his day until the final setting up heresies themselves are damnable, meaning they are of God’s earthly kingdom (Da. 6-12). Some modernist condemned of God, and they bring destruction and theologians have doubted the historicity of Daniel, but condemnation upon those who follow them. [See the biblical Daniel attested by the prophet Ezekiel (Eze.

Damnation, Heresy, Judgment.]

14:14; 28:3), by the Lord Jesus Christ (Mt. 24:14-15, DAMNATION. Judgment and punishment; 30; 26:63-64; Lk. 21:24), and by the Apostles (He.

condemnation. Sometimes this term is used to refer to 11:13). “The Book of Daniel is especially fitted to be a the eternal punishment of the unsaved (Mt. 23:14, 23; battle-field between faith and unbelief. It admits of no Mk. 3:29; Jn. 5:29; 2 Th. 2:12). Sometimes it refers half measures. It is either Divine or an imposture” (Dr.

only to judgment in a general sense to which even Pusey, quoted by Hodgkin in Christ in All the Scriptures, Christians are subject (Ro. 13:2; 14:23; 1 Co. 11:29; 1

p. 189). [See Inspiration.]

Ti. 5:12). [See Condemnation, Damned, Hell, The question uppermost in the mind of Jewish Judgment.]

survivors of God’s judgment in Daniel’s day was this: Is DAMNED. Condemned; judged (Mk. 16:16; 2 Th.

it all over for Israel? Has Israel been forever cast aside?

2:12). The same Greek word is frequently translated Will she ever gain the glorious, eternal kingdom

“condemn” (Mt. 12:7, 37, 41, 42; 20:18; 27:3; Ro. 2:1; promised in the covenants and affirmed by the etc.). The terms “damned” and “condemned” refer to prophets? Will the heathen always rule over Palestine?

judgment in general and not exclusively to eternal It seems God raised up Daniel especially as His judgment. In Ro. 14:23 we are told that the Christian is mouthpiece to answer these questions. The first vision condemned if he does not live by faith. This does not recorded in Daniel gives a centuries’ broad panorama, mean he loses his salvation; it means he is judged of the spanning the entire period of Gentile dominion over Lord in this life. [See Condemnation, Damnation, Israel until the final establishment of the Messianic Eternal Security, Judgment.]

kingdom. God wants His people and the world to know that things are not over for Israel. She shall yet reign DAN (judge). A son of Jacob and the father of a tribe over the world, but God’s plan calls for many centuries of Israel (Ge. 30:6; Nu. 10:25; Jos. 13:3).

of Gentile dominion before this occurs. This period is DANCING. There are two types of dancing called “the times of the Gentiles” (Lk. 21:24).

mentioned in the Bible: worldly dancing and spiritual Following this encouraging panoramic vision in dancing. Worldly dancing is practiced by men and Daniel chapter two, the book records details of God’s women together and is associated with sin and plan for the times of the Gentiles, of His protection of immorality (Ex. 32:19; Job 21:7, 11-12; 1 Sa. 30:16; the nation Israel through these times, and of the final Mt. 14:6). Spiritual dancing is practiced privately or restitution of Israel’s kingdom. God is shown to be in 166

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control of history (Da. 2:20-22). Things will work out divided (from two legs to the ten toes). This represents just as He promised in the covenants and through the the gradual division of the Roman Empire into the earlier prophets such as Isaiah and Jeremiah. The book eastern and western portions, and its division into the of Daniel says it is not all over for Israel. The Gentiles European powers. (4) It’s existence extends until are having their day in the purposes of God, but a Christ’s return (Da. 2:43-44). The 10 toes represent the brighter day is ahead. God’s plan rolls on.

10 divisions which will exist during the days of the DANIEL 2:31-45. An overall outline of the times of Antichrist. The same picture is given in Da. 7:7. Here the Gentiles.

the 10 divisions are represented by the 10 horns of the The five kingdoms that shall have worldwide reign. (1) fourth beast. Da. 7:24 explains that these 10 horns are The head of gold was Babylon of Daniel’s day. (2) The 10 kings who will be ruling when the Antichrist arises to breast and arms of silver was the Medo-Persian empire power. Re. 13:1-5 gives the same picture. The beast (Da. 5:28). (3) The belly and thighs of brass was the represents the Antichrist. The 10 horns represent the 10

Greek empire (Da. 8:20-22). (4) The legs of iron was divisions of his kingdom (Re. 17:12, 13).

the Roman Empire. The two legs depict the division of The difference between the first four kingdoms and the the Roman Empire into east and west. The feet of iron last. (1) The last is God’s kingdom; the first are man’s (v.

mixed with clay symbolize the revived Roman Empire of 44). (2) The last destroys the first four violently, the last days. In God’s mind it is a continuation of the suddenly, supernaturally (v. 34,35). This will occur Roman Empire of Christ’s day, since prophecy does not when Christ returns. (3) The last is eternal; the first are see the present church age. (5) The stone cut out temporal (v. 44). After Christ returns and destroys the without hands is the Messianic kingdom which will be Gentile kingdoms they will never regain power.

established at Christ’s return.

How do we know the last kingdom is yet future? (1) General observations regarding the image of Da. 2. (1) Ungodly Gentile powers still rule over the world today.

The image represents the Gentile empires from man’s (2) The last kingdom has not yet been established by viewpoint—awesome, beautiful, valuable; whereas the force. (3) All nations and people are not presently beasts of Da. 7 represent the Gentile empires from God’s serving Christ (Da. 7:13-14). (4) God’s saints do not viewpoint—vicious, destructive, evil. (2) There are only presently rule the earth (Da. 7:17-18). (5) The little four world empires from the day of Babylon until horn of Da. 7-11 has not yet arisen. Jesus connected this Christ’s return. The fourth, the Roman empire, extends

“man of sin” with the tribulation period which is to until the days of Antichrist. In God’s eyes, that kingdom come upon the whole world just prior to Christ’s return still exists, and it will be revived to power when (Mt. 24:15-21).

Antichrist arises (Re. 17:8). (3) The fourth empire will DANIEL 7. The Antichrist revealed; the final Gentile not be revived until the day of Antichrist. The European ruler.

nations will remain divided until they give their power The five kingdoms. The beasts of Da. 7 represent the over to the man of sin (Re. 17:12, 13; Da. 7:23-25).

same kingdoms as the image of Da. 2. In Da. 7 we see Many have attempted to reunite the Roman Empire—

the Gentile kingdoms as God sees them—vicious and Charlemagne, Napoleon, Hitler, and Mussolini—but no wicked. History gives us the identity of these kingdoms.

one will be successful until Antichrist arises. (4) The (1) The lion represents Babylon of Daniel’s day (Je.

empires decrease in quality, but increase in power. This 50:17; Hab. 1:8). (2) The bear represents the Medo-is represented by the change from gold to iron. Gold is Persian empire which conquered Babylon. (3) The more valuable than iron, but iron is much stronger. The leopard represents Greece. The leopard’s wings depict Babylonian Empire of Nebuchadnezzar’s day was the speed with which Alexander conquered. The four superior to the others in that it enjoyed a centralized heads represent the division of the Greek Empire authority. Nebuchadnezzar exercised complete following Alexander’s death. (4) The Terrible beast dominion, whereas the subsequent kingdoms have represents Rome. The 10 horns symbolize the 10 kings decentralized governments. On the other hand, the of the last days in the revived Roman Empire who will Roman kingdom was stronger militarily than the be ruled over by the Antichrist (Da. 7:8,23-25). (5) The Babylonian kingdom and exercised authority over much Son of Man foreviews the Messianic kingdom (Da.

more territory.

7:27).

Characteristics of the fourth empire. (1) It receives the The Little Horn. The emphasis of the vision concerns greatest attention by Daniel (Da. 2:40-43). (2) It begins the final kingdom and the powerful king who shall rule as the strongest kingdom but gradually weakens in at the last (Da. 7:15-25). The characteristics of this final power (iron, to iron mixed with clay). This was exactly Gentile ruler are given: (1) He will arise out of and rule what happened with the Roman Empire. (3) From two over the revived Roman Empire (Da. 7:23, 24). (2) He major centers of power, the kingdom becomes greatly will come to power through deception and violence (Da.

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7:8,24; 11:21-23). (3) He will speak great blasphemies The Length of Time of the 70 Weeks. The Hebrew term against God (Da. 7:8,25). (4) He will persecute the for weeks here ( shebuah) simply means “sevens.” The saints, i.e., the Jewish people and the Gentiles who will context must determine whether it is a week of days, or be converted through the ministry of the Jews (Da.

of years, etc. (1) The weeks which have already been 7:21, 25; Re. 7; 13). (5) He will be allowed to rule for a fulfilled demonstrate these are weeks of years rather specific period (Da. 7:25). Re. 13:5 tells us this will be than of days. It was almost 500 years from the 42 months, or the final 3.5 years of Daniel’s 70th Week rebuilding of the temple and of Jerusalem until the (Da. 9:27). (6) He will be overthrown by the Son of God coming of Christ. This fits perfectly the testimony of Da.

(Da. 7:13-14, 21-22). Compare Re. 19:11-21 and 2 Th.

9:25, which places 69 weeks of years (483 years) 2:8.

between the two events. It is only reasonable to believe The Kingdom of God. (1) Begins with judgment that the 70th week shall also be a week of years, or a processes (vv. 9-11, 22, 26; compare Re. 4-18). (2) seven year period. (2) When this Hebrew term is used Given to the Son of Man (vv. 13-14; compare Re. 5). (3) of weeks of days, the word “days” is added (Da. 10:2-3).

Universal (v. 14). (4) Eternal (vv. 14, 18). (5) Righteous (3) The concept of weeks of years was familiar to (vv. 18, 27). [See Kingdom of God, Millennium.]

Jewish thinking (Le. 25:3-9). (4) At the time of the Daniel 8. In this vision Daniel is given more details vision, Daniel had been thinking in terms of weeks of regarding the Medo-Persian and Grecian empires and of years (Da. 9:2 compared with 2 Ch. 36:21).

the Antichrist’s activities in the last days. The angel told The Divisions of the 70 Weeks. The 70 weeks are Daniel that the vision concerned the end time (Da.

divided into distinct groups. (1) During the first 7 weeks 8:19). The ram is identified as Medo-Persia (Da. 8:20), (49 years) Jerusalem was rebuilt in troublous times and the he goat which destroyed the ram is the king of (compare Nehemiah). (2) The next 62 weeks (434

Greece (Da. 8:21). History tells us this was Alexander years) extends from the rebuilding of Jerusalem until the Great. After Alexander’s death, the Grecian kingdom the coming of the Messiah. (3) Between the 69th and was divided into four parts by his generals (Da. 8:22).

70th week is a period of undetermined time during Antiochus Epiphanes. Verses 9-12 and verses 23-25

which the Messiah is cut off (compare Mt. 27), foreview two different men. This is a prophecy of Jerusalem is destroyed by Roman armies (A.D. 70), and Antiochus Epiphanes, and beyond him, to the Antichrist.

there are desolations until the end. The Hebrew word Antiochus Epiphanes arose from the northern division of translated “desolation” is also translated “destruction the Grecian kingdom about 200 B.C. and had a great (Ho. 2:12). It refers to the fact that Jerusalem has been hatred for Israel. He caused the daily sacrifices to cease destroyed and overrun time and again throughout the at the Jewish temple and persecuted the Jews.

interim period between the 69th and 70th weeks.

Antiochus, as evil as he was, only foreshadows a much Unforeseen by Daniel is the interlude of the church age, more evil man—”the man of sin,” the Antichrist. Jesus during which time the Messiah is resurrected and Christ referred to this person and said that he would ascends back to heaven to oversee the calling out of a operate during the Great Tribulation just preceding people for His name from among the nations (Lk.

Christ’s return (Mt. 24:15-30).

19:11-27; Ac. 15:14-18). (4) The 70th week (the final seven years). The prince of the revived Roman Empire The Little Horn. Daniel describes for us the Antichrist: will make a covenant with Israel. That the Antichrist (1) Fierce countenance (Da. 8:23). Antichrist will be arises from the revived Roman Empire is evident by the physically powerful and fearful. (2) Understanding dark fact that he is called the prince of the people who sentences (Da. 8:23). Antichrist will be a master at the destroyed Jerusalem after Messiah’s death; this was human politics and satanic intrigues which control the Rome. In the middle of the seven years the Antichrist present world. (3) Mighty power, but not his own (Da.

will desecrate the Jewish temple (compare Mt. 24:15; 2

8:24). His power will derive from Satan (2 Th. 2:9). (4) Th. 2:3-4). There will be desolations until Christ returns Persecutes the Jewish people (Da. 8:24). (5) Magnifies to overthrow the Antichrist (compare Mt. 24:16-21; Re.

himself (Da. 8:25). [See Antichrist.]

11:2). The abomination that makes desolate marks the DANIEL 9:24-27. God’s timetable for restoring Israel middle of the seven years. Compare Mt. 24:15 where and overthrowing the Gentile powers.

Jesus places this event in the Tribulation period. This The Seventy Weeks. The occasion of the 70 weeks was abomination of desolation probably refers to the Daniel’s prayer that God would have mercy on Israel.

occasion when the Antichrist will set himself up as god The vision of the 70 weeks is God’s answer. In this vision (2 Th. 2:4).

God reveals to Daniel the time schedule and major DANIEL 10-12. Daniel was told by the angel in events which will lead to the establishment of Israel’s chapter 10 that he was “come to make thee understand Messianic kingdom.

what shall befall thy people in the latter days” (Da.

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10:14). Therefore, the visions of Da. 11 and 12 give 1:32, 33, 68-72; Re. 3:7; 5:5; 22:16). David wrote many more detail regarding the events which will precede the of the Psalms of the Bible. [See Covenants.] Was David a establishment of the kingdom promised to Israel. Da.

young teen when he killed Goliath? It is popular to think 11:1-4 repeats the vision of chapter 8 regarding the that David was a 12-or 13-year-old boy when he killed destruction of the Persian Empire by Alexander the Goliath. The truth is that he was a young man, probably Great, and the subsequent division of his kingdom in his 20s. The fact that he is called a youth (1 Sa.

following his death. Da. 11:5-20 gives the history of the 17:33, 55) does not refer to childhood, as it commonly struggles between the southern (Egyptian) and northern does today, but to young manhood. Consider the (Syrian) parts of the Grecian Empire. Da. 11:21-35

following facts: First, before killing Goliath, David foreviews the rule of Antiochus Epiphanes, the man who already had the testimony that he was a “mighty valiant took control of the northern empire and who persecuted man, and a man of war” (1 Sa. 16:18). That the events the Jews. From Da. 11:36-45 the prophecy looks beyond of chapter 16 precede those of chapters 17 and 18 are Antiochus to the last-days’ Antichrist. We are told that plain from 17:15 and 18:10. Second, David could wear this section foreviews “the time of the end” (Da. 11:40).

Saul’s armour (1 Sa. 17:38-39). While he chose not to In Da. 12:1 we are shown the Great Tribulation period wear it, because he had not “proved it,” the fact remains which Jesus also describes in Mt. 24. In Da. 12:4-5, 13

that apparently it fit him. Why would Saul have we are again told that these visions concern the end attempted to put his large man’s armour on a young times. [See Allegorical, Antichrist, Day of the Lord, boy? Third, after killing Goliath, David was immediately Covenant, Dispensationalism, Gog, Great Tribulation, made the head over Saul’s fighting men (1 Sa. 18:1-5).

Judgment, Kingdom of God, Last days, Millennium, David was not a boy when he killed the old giant; he Prophecy, Revelation, Times.]

was a young man. This does not detract in the least DANJAAN (Dan playing the pipe). 2 Sa. 24:6.

from the faith and bravery which he displayed in going DANNAH (low). Jos. 15:49.

against the giant. David was willing to go where the experienced soldiers would not go.

DARIUS (lord-king). There are three Dariuses mentioned in Scripture. (1) Darius the Mede, “the son DAVID, CITY OF. [See City of David.]

of Ahasuerus of the seed of the Medes,” who succeeded DAVIDIC COVENANT. [See Covenant.]

to the kingdom of Babylon on the death of Belshazzar, DAY. (1) A 24-hour day (Ge. 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31).

and was then 62 years of age. He was Cyaxares, and son We know the days of creation were normal 24-hour days and successor of Astyages the king of Media, B.C. 538.

because they are referred to in Ex. 20:10 in the context (Da. 5:31; 6:1; 9:1; 11:1) (Young). (2) Darius, son of of normal days. The creation days are said to be the Hystaspes (Vashtaspa), made king B.C. 521. He same kind of day as Israel’s Sabbath. (2) The daylight conquered Babylon, Scythia, Libya, Thrace, Macedonia hours (Ex. 13:21; Ac. 20:11). (3) A period of time in and some of the islands in the Aegean Sea, but the general. Examples are “the perfect day” (Pr. 4:18), Greeks defeated him at Marathon (B.C. 490). Died B.C.

referring to the Lord’s kingdom and glory; “the day of 485 (Ezr. 4:7). (3) Darius, the Persian. Darius II, trouble” (Ps. 50:15), referring to times of trouble; “the Nothus, king of Persia, B.C. 424-404 (Ne. 12:22) day of temptation” (Ps. 95:8); “the day of (Smith).

prosperity” (Ec. 7:14); “the day of adversity” (Ec. 7:14); DARIC. [See Dram.]

“the day of vengeance” (Pr. 6:34); “the day of DARKON (bearer). Ezr. 2:56.

visitation” (Is. 10:3); “the day of small things” (Ze.

4:10). (4) A period during which God performs a DARLING. Much beloved; my only one (Ps. 22:20; certain work. Examples are “the day of salvation” (Is.

35:17).

49:8; 2 Co. 6:2); “the day of the Lord” (Is. 2:12); “the DART. An arrow or light spear (2 Sa. 18:14; Job last day” (Jn. 6:54); “the day of our Lord Jesus 41:26; Pr. 7:23; He. 12:20). [Military.]

Christ” (1 Co. 1:8; Ph. 1:10; 2:16; 2 Th. 2:2). (5) DATHAN (fount). Nu. 16:1.

Spiritually, a reference to careful, upright living (Ro.

DAUB. To plaster (Ex. 2:3; Eze. 13:10).

13:13). [See Calendar, Eternal, Day of the Lord, DAUGHTER OF ZION. A term describing Jerusalem, Evolution, Forever, Friday, Times, Watch, World.]

the mother city of Israel (Ps. 9:14; Is. 1:8; 2 Ki. 19:21).

DAYSMAN. A mediator or arbitrator (Job 9:33).

[See Jerusalem, Zion.]

Through His death and shed blood, Jesus Christ has DAVID (Beloved). Israel’s best king and a great become the mediator between God and men (1 Ti.

prophet and song writer (1 Sa. 16 - 1 Ki. 2:11; 1 Ch.

2:5-6), thus fulfilling the longing of Job. [See High 11-29). God promised to establish an eternal, earthly Priest, Jesus Christ, Redemption.]

kingdom through David’s seed (2 Sa. 7:12-17). This will be fulfilled through Jesus Christ (Is. 9:6, 7; Mt. 1:1; Lk.

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DAYSPRING. A poetic name for the dawn (Job probably connected with the verb ‘dioko,’ to hasten 38:12). It refers to the second coming of Jesus Christ after, pursue (perhaps originally said of a runner).”

and the dawn of His earthly kingdom (Lk. 1:78).

USAGE OF THE WORD “DEACON.” 1. Deacon refers to DAYSTAR. The planet Venus which is seen as a Christian workers in general. In the following verses morning star and heralds the coming of dawn (2 Pe.

diakonos is translated “minister”: Ro. 16:1; 1 Co. 3:5; 2

1:19). “Prophecy is a light in this dark world respecting Co. 3:4, 6; 11:23; Ep. 3:7; Col. 1:23; 1 Th. 3:2; and 1

things here and judgment. But, in contrast to judgment, Ti. 4:6. Diakonos is translated “servant” in Col. 4:12. In the dawn and the day star are a better hope, not seen by all of these verses the Greek word diakonos is used, and those who appear only when the sun is risen, but for in each case the reference is to Gospel preachers and saints who look for Christ before He appears” (Concise).

Christian workers in general. In this sense, we see that

[See Jesus Christ, Rapture, Second Coming, Star.]

the Apostle Paul, Timothy, Epaphras, and other DAY OF ATONEMENT. [See Atonement - Day of.]

preachers were called “deacons.” Yea, every Christian is DAY OF CHRIST. The period of time when Christ to be a deacon, a servant, in this general sense—a will take control of the world through judgment and His servant of Christ, a minister of the Gospel to a lost Second Coming (1 Co. 1:8; 5:5; 2 Co. 1:14; Ph. 1:6, 10; world of men, a humble worker in the church. 2. Deacon 2:16; 2 Th. 2:2, 3). If the “day of Christ” in 2 Th. 2:1-3

also refers to a certain office in the church. The work of a refers to the Rapture of the church age saints, it would deacon, in the general sense of being a servant to Christ teach that it does not occur until after the appearance of and the church, is that of every Christian; but there is the Antichrist. Some use this passage as a proof text to also the office of a deacon spoken of in the N.T.—an support such a position. We do not believe the “day of office with definite and high standards, and an office Christ” refers to the Rapture, though. It refers, rather, to which only properly qualified and chosen Christians are

“the day of the Lord” spoken of frequently in Old to hold (Ph. 1:1; 1 Ti. 3:13). It is in this sense that the Testament prophecy. This “day” describes the entire word “deacon” is most commonly used today.

period of end-time prophecy stretching from the WOMEN DEACONS? The example of Phebe in Ro. 16:1

Tribulation to the Millennium, but it usually focuses on is an illustration of how women can be deacons in the the Tribulation period during which God will deal with general sense—that of being servants to the church and Israel and bring them to repentance (Ze. 14). Some ministers of Christ. Only men, though, can hold the office claim that the falling away in 2 Th. 2:3 refers to of deacon. The qualifications require that the deacon believers who lose their salvation. To the contrary, this

“be the husband of one wife, ruling their children and passage warns of the great apostasy of the last days, and their own houses well” (1 Ti. 3:12). This standard is the Apostle does not say that those who fall away are consistent with the N.T. teaching forbidding women to true believers. The true brethren (verse 1) are hold positions of leadership over men in the church or comforted that they are not the ones being described home. Though the office of a deacon is not a position of here. Those who fall away and turn to the antichrist are leadership in the sense that the office of a pastor is, the those who “received not the love of the truth, that they deacons are indeed to be men of high spiritual stature might be saved” (verse 10). [See Day of the Lord, and are looked upon by the other church members and Prophecy, Rapture.]

by outsiders as spiritual leaders.

DAY OF THE LORD. The period of time in which THE DUTIES OF A DEACON. The office of a deacon is God will judge the world and establish His kingdom on reserved for men who become servants of the church earth. In this day God will be exalted and rebellious and of the pastor in a special sense beyond that which is men humbled. “The Day of the Lord” sometimes refers expected of every Christian. though the actual term to one aspect of this final work, such as the Great

“deacon” is not used in Acts 6:1-4, certainly we can see Tribulation (Is. 2:10-21). In other places, it refers to a here a biblical pattern for the work of deacons. Notice longer period, including the Tribulation, the Second that certain qualified men were chosen when a definite Coming, and the Millennial Reign (Zechariah 14).[See need arose, and their primary function was to allow the Antichrist, Daniel, Day, Great Tribulation, Judgment, pastors to be free to carry on the spiritual ministry of Last Days, Millennium, Prophecy, Revelation, Second the Word of God and prayer.

Coming, Times.]

Of course, the deacons can do any work assigned by DEACON. The N.T. Greek word for deacon—

the pastor and the church, but they should especially diakonos—simply means “servant.” Consider the look after things like finances, property, and social following definition by W.E. Vine: “Diakonos ...

projects (such as care for widows), thus freeing the primarily denotes a servant, whether as doing servile pastor to dedicate his entire attention, strength, and work, or as an attendant rendering free service, without time to the pastoral ministry—oversight of the church, particular reference to its character. The word is study, teaching, preaching, visitation, counseling, prayer.

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By this example in Acts chapter six, we can give the of a new pastor. The deacons often assume guidance of following definition to the term “deacon”: Deacons are the church in such cases.

men who are selected to be in a special position of 1. Be exceedingly careful about accepting or giving servitude to the pastor and to the church, continually an accusation against a pastor. “Against an elder receive watchful and helpful in any way necessary to free the not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses” (1

pastor for his God-given duties.

Ti. 5:19). There are always disgruntled people around THE DEACON’S AUTHORITY. Nowhere in the N.T. are that Satan will try to use to destroy the pastor’s ministry.

deacons referred to as rulers in the church, and Murmuring against a pastor, or fault-finding and nowhere are they seen ruling over the pastors. Deacons gossiping behind his back is evil and will be judged by are not rulers! Of course, there are times when the God if not repented of. “Grudge not one against another, deacons or other men in the church must assume brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge control. An example would be in the absence of a pastor standeth before the door” (James 5:9). No action should or when a pastor has sinned or failed so seriously as to ever be taken against a pastor except upon the be disciplined or expelled. But even in such cases, the testimony of at least two reputable, godly witnesses.

deacons or others involved in guiding the church during 2. Attempt correction and restoration; if this fails, the a crisis must remember that their role and authority is erring pastor must be dismissed from the church just as only temporary. When the church again has a God-in the case of any other unrepentant member. 1

called, qualified pastor, the leadership of the church Corinthians chapter five and Titus 3:10-11 apply to must be relinquished to him by the deacons and any anyone in the church, including a leader. In addition, others involved in leadership during the crisis.

there is the instruction of 1 Timothy 5:19-21. We should The terms “pastor,” “elder,” and “bishop” are used also note that while any sin can be forgiven if confessed interchangeably in the N.T. and refer to the office of the and forsaken, there are types of sin that permanently same man. The different words are used to describe the disqualified a man from certain offices in the church.

three aspects of his office—shepherding, instructing, Examples would be adultery, divorce, or polygamy, and leading. A pastor is the only officer in the church which render the man incapable of fulfilling the who has Bible authority to exercise oversight. He is qualifications as a pastor or deacon.

called the bishop, which means overseer. The elders in 3. Do not usurp or replace God’s order of pastoral the church at Ephesus were also called the overseers authority and oversight in the church. There is a normal (compare Ac. 20:17 with 20:28). In the N.T. no other tendency for a church to want to set up a human system church officer is ever given this title. Deacons are never of checks and balances on the pastor’s authority after referred to as overseers, rulers, or leaders. A church experiencing a failure or abuse of such. For example, the must never set up overseers over the overseer!

deacons sometimes take control of the church on a Anytime a committee or board of deacons or other permanent basis and retain ultimate authority over the men set themselves up over the pastor in authority, pastor. Sometimes the strongest families in the church rather than placing themselves in submission under his assume control; sometimes in a blatant, public manner; God-assigned position, the men involved are sinning but more often in a subtle, “behind the scenes” manner.

and are in rebellion to the Word of God.

In other cases, the biggest financial givers and Of course, if a pastor is living in unrepentant sin or is businessmen will take control of church affairs, ruling teaching error, the deacons and/or other mature men in over the pastor and congregation, either publicly or the church must rise up and exercise biblical discipline from behind the scenes.

to whatever extent the situation requires. This is an Why This Is Wrong? 1. Only God can call a man to be unusual occasion, though, and as soon as the problem is the pastor of a church (Acts 20:28; Ep. 4:11). Christians settled and a qualified man is again in the position of have no authority to call a pastor, really. God must call; pastor, the final reins of authority and oversight must be the church’s job is to recognize God’s call and God’s given into his hands. In the N.T. we read about elders man. That is what biblical ordination is. It is the ruling well (1 Ti. 5:17), but one will search in vain for a recognition of God’s gifts and calling upon a man (Acts reference to deacons ruling well—because they are not 13:1-4). 2. Only pastors are spoken of as overseers of supposed to rule!

the church. Nowhere in the New Testament are deacons What should a church do if pastoral authority has been or unordained men called the rulers of the church, and abused, or if the pastor has failed in his ministry?

nowhere is there an example of such men assuming a While considering the deacon’s authority, it would be position of oversight. What we have said earlier bears well to discuss the discipline of a pastor or the selection repeating. Pastors are to be the rulers, and the rulers are not to have overseers!

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To usurp pastoral authority in a church is an evil a pastor is when he is attempting to lead in direct thing. 1. It is the sin of Korah (Nu. 16). 2. It is the sin of contradiction to clear Scripture teaching. In such cases, Aaron and Miriam (Nu. 12). 3. It is the sin of a the church MUST refuse to follow. God does not rebellious wife (1 Pe. 3:1-5). 4. It is the sin of a demand blind submission to pastoral authority. His rebellious child (Pr. 30:17). 5. It is the sin of a rebellious authority to lead is tied up in his fidelity to Scripture.

servant (1 Pe. 2:18). For any group of men, families, or Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember them which have the people in the church to attempt to exercise control over rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of the pastor (or pastors) is as wicked as the rebellions God…” It is by the Word of God that the pastor rules listed above. Rebellion and usurpation of authority is a over the flock. The instruction of God to the church is to very serious matter before God, and one toward which

“prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Th.

He exercises especially harsh judgment. 1 Timothy 5:21). When the Bible is preached by pastors, it is to be 5:24-25 reminds us that judgment does not always tested by the hearers (1 Co. 14:29).

come in this life. Some sins follow the Christian beyond 4. The wife is to keep herself right with God and the grave before they are settled. A group of deacons, thereby have spiritual power. A wife is not left in a for example, might rule over pastors for many years position of powerlessness; she can walk with God. Is it without any obvious judgment being brought upon not true that the “king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, them, but they will no doubt face this rebellion at the as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he judgment seat of Christ.

will” (Pr. 21:1)? If a king’s heart is in the hand of the A church must be like a wife in the matter of relating Lord, so is a husband’s! The wife can have an effective to the pastor. It is not an easy matter to submit to prayer life and thereby bring God’s rich blessing upon pastoral authority. The pastor or pastors are never the family and help her man be what he should be.

perfect men. They have sins and faults, like all other Likewise, church members can keep themselves right men. They make mistakes. They are immature in some with God and in a position whereby God can and will ways and must grow in Christ, as other Christians must.

bless and help their pastor because of their lives and Submitting to pastoral authority is never a simple prayers. A pastor’s life is usually reflected in his church, matter. The following comparison between a church and a church’s life is usually reflected in its pastor. Yea, submitting to pastoral authority and a wife submitting it has often been observed that a congregation is given to a husband can help:

the pastor it deserves!

1. The woman is responsible before God to marry STANDARDS FOR DEACONS. (1) Born Again (1 Ti.

only the man she knows to be God’s will for her life—a 3:9). To hold the mystery of the faith in a pure saved, spiritual man who will lead their family in the conscience refers to true faith in Christ. The opposite of will of God and for the glory of God. Likewise, a church this is the faith Judas had, which was a hypocritical must be careful only to select pastors who are qualified faith. He pretended to be like the other disciples, but in by God’s New Testament standards. The church must reality he was a pretender. There are multitudes like wait to be thoroughly convinced, after earnest prayer Judas who profess to believe the gospel, but they do not and seeking of God’s mind, that they have found the hold this profession with a pure conscience. Profession exact man for that church at that particular time.

is not necessarily possession. “They profess that they Hastiness in the selection of a pastor is as disastrous for know God; but in works they deny him, being a congregation as it is for a woman in the selection of a abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work husband.

reprobate” (Titus 1:16).

2. After the wedding, the woman is to be under the (2) Exemplary Life and Testimony (1 Ti. 3:8). The authority of her husband. This is God’s explicit deacon’s own personal spiritual life must be above command (Ep. 5:22-24; Col. 3:18; Titus 2:5; 1 Pe.

reproach that he might be an example to and have the 2:1-6). What if the husband makes mistakes? No doubt, respect of the rest of the church. “Grave” refers to that he will! But what if his leadership and love are not seriousness of life and purpose, that carefulness in perfect? No doubt it will not be! Even so, she is to spiritual matters, which commands the respect of submit to him as unto Christ. In the same way, a church others. “Not doubletongued” refers to integrity, honesty, is to submit to its pastor, though he will no doubt make openness, trustworthiness. “Not given to much wine”

mistakes and no doubt be imperfect in many ways.

refers to a man who is not controlled by wine. For many 3. The wife is to refuse to follow her husband only in Bible reasons, we believe this standard requires that the matters in which he is clearly commanding her to deacon be a man who abstains from alcoholic disobey the Bible. In such cases, the wife must obey the beverages. Many passages of Scripture warn of the higher authority—God and His Word. Likewise, the only dangers of alcohol. Consider Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; occasion in which a church can properly refuse to follow 31:3-5; Isaiah 5:22; 28:7; Hosea 4:11; Habakkuk 2:5. A 172

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man with a beer or a glass of wine in his hand is the devil is said to be the accuser of the brethren. He ignoring these warnings. Even Old Testament priests loves to say evil things about people with a malicious and kings were required to abstain from intoxicating goal of hurting them. Slandering refers to gossiping, drinks (see Lev. 10:8-11; Pr. 31:4-5), and we believe the backbiting, and other hurtful conversation, especially same requirement is expected of New Testament church that which is untruthful and mean-spirited. Please note leaders. “Not greedy of filthy lucre” requires that the that it is not gossiping for pastors’ and deacons’ wives to deacon be a man who is not covetous, not greedy of discuss the spiritual welfare of people in a godly manner personal gain, not worldly-minded regarding money so that help can be given to them and others can be and possessions.

protected from possible harm. Gossip and slander (3) Sound in the N.T. Faith (1 Ti. 3:9). The “mystery involve deception, untruth, and an injurious attitude of the faith” refers to the body of sound teaching found and purpose. To “speak the truth in love” is not gossip in the New Testament Scriptures.

(Ep. 4:15). To admonish or reprove people is not gossip (4) Mature and Proven (1 Ti. 3:10). God requires (Ro. 15:14; Ep. 5:11). To discuss and report spiritual that the pastor and the deacon demonstrate their zeal and moral problems is not gossip (1 Co. 1:11; 5:1). All and faithfulness to Christ and the work of the church of these are legitimate aspects of a spiritual life and PRIOR TO ordination. God’s way is for men to be ministry. Slander, though, is forbidden. The deacon’s proven BEFORE they are placed into a special position wife must be a woman who is especially careful about in the church, not BY being placed into a position! Some her conversation and attitude toward people. Otherwise churches attempt to prove men by placing them into she can easily hurt her church and ruin her husband’s responsible positions and hoping they will make it. That ministry with her tongue. THE WIFE MUST BE SOBER.

is backwards and unscriptural. The unproven man To be “sober” in this context means to be in control of should work alongside a mature man and be discipled one’s mind and life with the goal of pleasing God and and trained by that man; and if he demonstrates his fulfilling His will. It refers to one who is not controlled faithfulness and qualification and calling, THEN he can by evil influences, as the drunken person is controlled be placed into a position. Proving must precede by alcohol. This would also include many other things: ordination.

drugs (except for proper medical purposes); unspiritual music such as rock and roll, country/western, and most (5) Spiritual Wife (1 Ti. 3:11). The same modern pop music; unwholesome radio or television qualifications are given for the wives of both pastors programs, such as the wicked and vain “soap operas”

and deacons. The man’s wife is a very important part of that dwell on and glorify lying, adultery, drunkenness, his life and ministry, and her spiritual condition will etc; unwholesome “romance” novels; or any other greatly affect the man and his work. Unspiritual wives influence which would draw one’s mind away from of pastors or deacons can pollute the spiritual condition conscious fellowship with Christ and the things of our of the entire congregation. Consider the four words Paul holy God. God’s Word requires that the deacon’s wife be uses to describe the qualified pastor or deacon’s wife: in control of herself; be sober. THE WIFE MUST BE

THE WIFE MUST BE GRAVE. “It speaks of that FAITHFUL IN ALL THINGS. In a word, this is God’s combination of gravity and dignity which invites the standard for the wife of a church officer. She must be a reverence of others” (W.E. Vine). The wife of the deacon faithful Christian woman in all aspects of her life, in her is to be the type of Christian lady who lives her life with home, in her ministry, in the church, toward the lost.

a godly seriousness of purpose. Her life is the kind that causes others to respect her spiritually and morally. This (6) Wholesome Family Life (1 Ti. 3:12). Notice that does not mean, of course, that she has no sense of God requires that the deacon be a man who rules his humor. It is referring to a serious-minded, dignified, household “well.” He must be a godly, biblical father grave manner of life, not a depressed personality. Spirit-and husband with a good family life. There is no filled women have many types of personalities, but one requirement here of perfection. Who, then, would thing they all have in common is a spiritual dignity that qualify! God simply gives us a reasonable standard for causes others to look upon them with respect. The the church officer. He must be doing a good job in his spiritual “gravity” of the qualified pastor or deacon’s home. There is where the “real man” can be found. This wife causes other women to accept her teaching (Titus is where he lets down the guard and the pretense and is 2:2-4) and to seek her counsel. It is very important for what he really is. If a man cannot guide his own home the spiritual health of the congregation that women like properly, he has no business trying to guide an entire this are behind the pastors and deacons. THE WIFE

church. Any serious problems in the home should be MUST NOT BE A SLANDERER. The Greek word used for worked out before a man is considered for a church

“slander” in 1 Timothy 3:11 is used elsewhere of the office. Every man faces various kinds of problems in his devil. The word means “accuser.” In Revelation 12:10

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problems in his own life which must be healed and expectations. Their congregation has doubled and worked out by the Spirit of God before he can be the doubled again in size. Their building has more than kind of leader in his home he is to be. We can praise doubled. The church is able to support its pastor full God that in Christ all spiritual and moral problems can time as well as several assistants. They support many be healed. Indeed, we read that “his divine power hath missionaries and have given hundreds of thousands of given unto us all things that pertain unto life and dollars to missions. This isn’t surprising, though. Didn’t godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath the Lord promise, “Give, and it shall be given unto called us to glory and virtue” (2 Pe. 1:3). The power for you”? (Luke 6:38). Of course, but it requires faith to healing, forgiving and growing is the heritage of every believe and act on this promise. Let me give another true Christian. Thus, there is always the possibility of example. In the early 1990s, the Bethel Baptist Church of working out problems in the home and developing the London, Ontario, was meeting in a storefront building kind of family life demanded by God. The Bible makes it and though they had a growing building fund, they saw plain, though, that until the man has a godly home he is no reasonable possibility of purchasing their own not qualified for church office. He must rule his family property because of the high value of real estate in the

“well.”

area. Pastor Wilbert Unger had a burden to start a (7) Honest Reputation (Ac. 6:3). Not only must the printing ministry to send out the Word of God and deacon be an honest man, he must have an honest sound Bible teaching via the printed page across this report. This speaks of his reputation in the church and needy world. He approached the congregation about the community.

using a large portion of the building fund to establish a (8) Wise in A Spiritual and Practical Sense (Ac. 6:3).

print shop and to hire a printer. The people agreed, and the project was completed. From the Bethel Baptist print (9) Man of Faith (Ac. 6:5). Many financial decisions shop, hundreds of thousands of books and Scriptures and other practical matters handled by the deacons and magazines in many languages have since been must be made before God through much prayer and BY

distributed to the glory of God. What about the church’s FAITH rather than sight. The deacons, then, must be building? Within one year of their decision to use part more than good businessmen. They must have personal of the building fund to print the Word of God, the Lord faith in God and understand the spiritual aspects of opened the door for them to get into their own lovely God’s financial and church program. Churches have building, and they were paying less for the mortgage often been hindered from supporting missionaries or than they were for rent in the storefront! Today the doing other things God was directing them to do simply building is debt free. I will give one other example.

because some men involved were not men of faith.

When the Tri-County Baptist Church in Katy, Texas, was We witnessed something a few years ago that just starting out in the late ‘70s, they were meeting in a illustrates the importance of this. At a preacher’s storefront building and were saving toward the fellowship, I was introduced to a pastor in North purchase of their own property. Eventually they Carolina who was interested in our missionary work. His obtained some acreage outside of town and had church was only a couple of years old and had just $10,000 in the bank toward a building fund. At that moved into a new building and they had a large debt.

time they received a letter from a missionary they He was working a regular secular job and was not supported, requesting help to put the roof on a supported by the church. In fact, he had placed a missionary church. The missionary congregation had mortgage on his own house to help finance the church poured the foundation and put up the walls, but they building. He told me that he would like to have me visit needed help to finish the roof before the rainy season his church and speak, but under the circumstances, they began. It did not seem reasonable for Tri-County Baptist could not possibly support us financially. I decided to go to use their building fund to help this missionary church anyway and I arrived the next Sunday morning to with its building when Tri-County did not have its own preach and tell about the Lord’s work in South Asia.

building; yet this is exactly what the Lord led Pastor Before the service, the pastor took me aside and said, Rick Shrader to do. His men agreed wholeheartedly, and

“Brother, God has spoken to me this week that we the church sent its entire building fund to the mission should support you. I don’t know how we will do it, but field! God richly blessed this sacrificial step of faith, as I believe we must. For now, we want to promise you $25

He always does, and within one year, Tri-County had its monthly support, and we will trust the Lord for that own beautiful building debt free! What if there had amount.” That was almost twenty years ago, and they been men involved in the above decisions who were not have never missed a month. In fact, they quadrupled the men of faith and evangelistic burden—unspiritual, original monthly amount. They obeyed God by faith, worldly-minded deacons, for example? They would no and He enabled them beyond their visible means. In the doubt have discouraged the idea of helping missionaries years since, God has blessed them beyond their by faith, saying it would not be wise or reasonable 174

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“under their circumstances.” Rather than praying and THE DISCIPLINE OF A DEACON. What steps should ascertaining the will of God in the matter, they would be taken in correcting a deacon? “If a lay member is have complained. If men who lack faith and spiritual delinquent he is subjected to discipline, and either burden are appointed as officers, the people will be reformed or excluded. A pastor who is unfaithful is discouraged about following God by faith, just as the readily removed, and if he is heterodox [false in children of Israel were discouraged by the ten cowardly, doctrine] or disorderly, he is deposed, probably faithless spies (Numbers 13-14).

excommunicated. But if a man is a deacon, no matter HOW ARE DEACONS CHOSEN? The Scripture really whether he is faithful or unfaithful, he remains in office does not give an absolute method which every church is during life, unless he pleases to change his residence, or bound to follow in selecting deacons. The standards is expelled from fellowship for immorality! Who ever God requires for deacons are clearly given, and these heard of a deacon being deposed, or even impeached, must never be ignored or slighted; but the actual for lack of fidelity in his office? I never did! Why is this?

method of selection can vary from church to church.

Has none of them never materially erred? This cannot Following are some methods used in various churches: be supposed. Does it not go far to prove that there is 1. Some churches have the congregation (after being some thing on this point exceedingly wrong, and taught God’s standards for deacons and the biblical view singularly unguarded? The church, I answer, has the of the deacon’s work) put forth names of possible same remedy here that she has in all other cases. ...

deacons. The pastor modifies the list according to his Does the unfaithfulness of these officers result from approval. The church then votes on the deacons from slothful indifference? Then they must be admonished. If the pastor’s approved list. This is similar to the example it is voluntary and continued, and neither instruction of Acts 6:1-4, which is a good biblical guideline. 2. In from the pastor nor admonition from the church can some churches the pastor directly selects the deacons as procure reformation, they must be impeached, and, by a need arises. 3. In some churches the pastor selects a list regular vote, removed. The same power that makes an of names of men he would approve as deacons, then officer, is always competent, when he proves himself submits this list to the church for a vote. 4. In some unworthy or unfaithful, to displace him” (R.B.C. Howell, assemblies the first deacons are selected by the pastor quoted by Davis W. Huckabee, The Constitution of the and the church. Thereafter, new deacons are chosen by Church, Challenge Press). [See Church, Church the pastor and the deacons without further church vote.

Discipline, Pastor.]

HOW LONG SHOULD DEACONS SERVE? Since the DEAD SEA. [See Salt Sea.]

Bible does not say how long deacons should serve, each DEAL. (1) To conduct oneself; to act; to treat (Ge.

church must decide that for itself. Some churches have 19:9; 21:23; Ex. 1:10). The Bible speaks of dealing definite terms for deacons, such as two or three years.

foolishly (Ps. 75:4), dealing courageously (2 Ch. 19:11), Other churches ordain deacons for lifelong terms.

dealing subtly (Ps. 105:25), dealing bountifully (Ps.

There are advantages in both customs. The limited 119:124), dealing truly (Pr. 12:22), dealing unjustly (Is.

period allows the ordination of better men when such 26:10), dealing treacherously (Is. 33:1), dealing become available and allows opportunity to prove the prudently (Is. 52:13), etc. (2) A measurement, referring men who are chosen. The unlimited term “tends to to a part; i.e., tenth deal means tenth part (Ex. 29:40).

secure a higher regard for the office itself and greater (3) To distribute (Is. 58:7). (4) More abundantly (Mk.

usefulness on the part of those who fill it.” (Edward T.

7:36; 10:48).

Hiscox, Principles and Practices for Baptist Churches, DEALING. (1) Action; affairs (1 Sa. 2:23; Ps. 7:16).

1980 edition, p. 113.)

(2) Trading; social intercourse (Jn. 4:9).

THE DEACON’S REWARD. “For they that have used DEATH. The basic meaning of death is separation. It the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a has three different usages in the Bible: 1. Spiritual death good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in

—separation from God because of sin (Ep. 2:1; Jn. 5:24; Christ Jesus” (1 Ti. 3:13). The first reward mentioned is Col. 2:13). 2. Physical death—separation of the spirit

“a good degree.” The good degree or a good standing from the body (Mt. 2:15; Ge. 35:18; Ja. 2:26). 3.

refers to two things, at least. It refers to a good standing Eternal death or Second death—the final, eternal before men in this life, and it refers to a good standing separation of the unsaved from God and life (Re. 20:14; at the judgment seat of Christ in the next life. The 21:8; 2 Th. 1:9). Death Is a Journey. Some false teachers second reward mentioned is “great boldness in the faith say that death is to sleep in the grave, but according to which is in Christ Jesus.” A good deacon makes special the Bible, death is a journey. The body sleeps, but the progress in spiritual growth, power, and zeal. This is spirit of man journeys either to heaven or to hell. (1) God’s blessing upon his life for his faithful work in the The O.T. teaches that death is a journey (Ge. 25:8; church.

35:18; Nu. 27:13; 2 Sa. 12:23; 1 Ki. 17:21-22). (2) It is Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 175

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the body that is said to die, not the spirit (Ja. 2:26). (3) characteristic of the heart (Je. 17:9); God abhors (Ps.

Paul taught that death is a journey (2 Co. 5:6-7; Ph.

5:6); forbidden (Pr. 24:28; 1 Pe. 3:10); Christ was 1:23-24; 2 Ti. 4:6). (4) Peter taught that he would put perfectly free from (Is. 53:9 with 1 Pe. 2:22); saints to off his body at death (2 Pe. 1:14). (5) Jesus promised be free from (Ps. 24:4; Zep. 3:13; Re. 14:5); shun those the thief on the cross that death is a departure (Lk.

addicted to (Ps. 43:1; 101:7; 120:2); ministers should 23:43). (6) The story of Lazarus and the rich man shows lay aside (2 Co. 4:2; 1 Th. 2:3); false witnesses use (Pr.

that death is a departure. The proper names Jesus used 12:17); a characteristic of antichrist (2 Jn. 7); a in this story prove He was speaking of a historical scene characteristic of apostasy (2 Th. 2:10); hypocrites devise rather than a parable (Lk. 16:22-23). (7) The dead (Job 15:35); hypocrites practice (Ho. 11:12).

saints will return with Christ from heaven. This shows The Wicked Are Full of (Ro. 1:29); devise (Ps. 35:20); that dead saints go to heaven at death (1 Th. 4:14). (8) 38:12; Pr. 12:5); utter (Ps. 10:7; 36:3); work (Pr.

John’s heavenly visions show dead saints in heaven (Re.

11:18); increase in (2 Ti. 3:13); use to each other (Je.

6:9-11). (9) Moses’ and Elijah’s appearance on the 9:5); use to themselves (Je. 37:9; Ob. 3:7); delight in Mount of Transfiguration proves that the dead are not (Pr. 20:17). False teachers are workers of (2 Co. 11:13); sleeping (Mt. 17:1-3; Lk. 9:30-31). It is plain from this preach (Je. 14:14; 23:26); impose on others by (Ro.

survey of N.T. Scripture that man has a spirit or soul 16:18; Ep. 4:14); sport themselves with (2 Pe. 2:13).

which departs from his body at death and which lives The Evil of: hinders knowledge of God (Je. 9:6).

eternally either in heaven or in hell. [See also Crucify, Keeps from turning to God (Je. 8:5). Leads to pride and Gehenna, Immortal, Heaven, Hell, Long Home, oppression (Je. 5:27,28) and to lying (Pr. 14:25). Often Resurrection, Soul, Spirit, Sheol.]

accompanied by fraud and injustice (Ps. 10:7; 43:1).

DEAR. (1) Precious; beloved (Je. 31:20; Lk. 7:2; Ep.

Hatred often concealed by (Pr. 26:24-26). The folly of 5:1; Col. 1:7,13; 1 Th. 2:8). (2) Costly; expensive (Ac.

fools is (Pr. 14:8). The kisses of an enemy are (Pr. 27:6).

20:24).

Blessedness of being free from (Ps. 24:4-5; 32:2).

DEBATE. Discuss; contend; quarrel (Is. 58:4). The Punishment of (Ps. 55:23; Je. 9:7-9) ( Bible Text Book) term is used in Scripture in a positive sense (Pr. 25:9) as Examples of Deceit in the Bible: Satan (Ge. 3:4-5; Jn.

well as a negative (Ro. 1:29; 2 Co. 12:20). The 8:44); Jacob (Ge. 27); Laban (Ge. 31:7); Simeon and difference has to do with one’s attitude and motive and Levi (Ge. 34:13); Joseph’s brothers (Ge. 37:31-32); goal in the debate. The Bible instructs us to earnestly Achan (Jos. 7:11); Gibeonites (Jos. 9); Delilah (Jud.

contend for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 16); Saul (1 Sa. 18:20-27); David (1 Sa. 21:13; 2 Sa.

3), and the Apostles did this (Acts 15:1-2). The 11); Amnon (2 Sa. 13:1-15); Absalom (2 Sa. 15:1-6); preaching of the Gospel in this wicked world always Jeroboam’s wife (1 Ki. 14:2); Sanballat and Tobiah (Ne.

involves a certain amount of contention for truth’s sake 6); Haman (Es. 3); Daniel’s enemies (Da. 6); Pharisees (1 Th. 2:2). On the other hand, contentions for selfish, (Mt. 22:15; Lk. 11:53, 54); Judas (Mt. 26:15, 16); chief carnal motives are forbidden by the Word of God (1 Co.

priests (Mt. 26:59); Peter (Mt. 26:69-74); false teachers 1:11; Tit. 3:9). [See Contend, Controversy.]

(2 Co. 11:13; Ep. 4:14; 2 Ti. 3:13; 2 Pe. 2:3); antichrist DEBIR (speaker). Jos. 10:3.

(1 Jn. 2:22).

DEBORAH (A bee). A judge and prophetess of Israel Examples of Deception Used for Good: Jewish (Ju. 4-5). [See Women Preachers.]

midwives (Ex. 1:15-21); Moses’ parents (Ex. 2); Rahab DEBT. [See Borrower.]

(Jos. 2:3-7); Ehud (Jud. 3:15-26); Hushai (2 Sa. 16-17); DECALOGUE. A name for the Ten Commandments Obadiah (1KiI. 18:3-4); Jehu (2 Ki. 10:18-28); Jehoiada given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Decalogue means (2 Ki. 11:4-8). [See Beguile, Cunning, Cunning ten words. [See Law, Seventh-day Adventism.]

Craftiness, Dissemble, Dissimulation, Doubletongued, Entice, False Witness, Feign, Flattery, Flattering Titles, DECAPOLIS (ten cities). A district named for its ten Guile, Honest, Hypocrisy, Perjured, Pure Conscience, cities (Mt. 4:25).

Purloin, Satan, Sincere, Sleight, Subtil, Unfeigned, DECEIT, DECEIVE. Literally a catching or ensnaring.

Winketh.]

Hence, the misleading of a person; the leading of DECEITFUL MAN. This expression in Pr. 29:13 seems another person to believe what is false, or not to believe to refer to the rich man. The verse says the Lord lightens what is true, and thus to ensnare him; fraud; fallacy; the eyes both of the poor and of the “deceitful man.” In cheat; any declaration, artifice or practice, which other words, the life of man comes from God, regardless misleads another, or causes him to believe what is false of his position in this world; this is a reminder that man (Webster).

is responsible to God and that he will face God in the Is Falsehood (Ps. 119:118). The tongue an instrument end. Other verses which note the deceitfulness of riches of (Ro. 3:13); comes from the heart (Mk. 7:22); are Pr. 22:2; 23:5; Mt. 13:22.

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DECEIVABLENESS. Deceptiveness (2 Th. 2:10).

consent of the owner; to cheat (Webster) (Le. 19:13; 1

DECENTLY. Properly; becomingly; in a manner Sa. 12:3-4; Mk. 10:19; 1 Co. 6:7-8; 7:5; 2 Co. 7:2; 1 Th.

befitting people naming the name of Christ; in 4:6). [See Extortion, Steal.]

accordance with the Word of God (1 Co. 14:40). The DEGREE. (1) Mark on a clock; step; point of Greek word is also translated “honestly” (Ro. 13:13), measurement (2 Ki. 20:9). (2) Position; grade of

“comeliness” (1 Co. 12:23), and “honourable” (Mk.

dignity; station; rank (1 Ch. 17:17; Ps. 62:9; Lk. 1:52; 1

15:43).

Ti. 3:13; Ja. 1:9).

DECLARE. (1) Speak; pronounce (Jos. 20:4; 1 Ki.

DEITY. Pertaining to God; divinity. [See Lord, Jesus 22:13; Jn. 17:26). (2) Explain (Ge. 41:24; Ju. 14:12; Christ, El Shaddai, Jehovah.]

De. 1:5; Mt. 13:36).

DEKAR (lance bearer). 1 Ki. 4:9.

DECLINE. (1) To turn aside; to follow a wrong path DELAIAH (Jehovah is deliverer). 1 Ch. 24:18.

(Ex. 23:2; De. 17:11; Job 23:11; Ps. 44:18; Pr. 7:25).

DELECTABLE. Desirable; delightful (Is. 44:9).

(2) To go down; to lean downward; to draw to a close (Ps. 102:11; 109:23).

DELICATE. (1) Dainty; luxurious; effeminate (Je.

6:2). (2) Cheerfully; pleasantly; walking in state; DECREE. A proclamation; a law (Ezr. 5:17; Es. 2:8; haughtily (1 Sa. 15:32). (3) In pleasure and wealth (Lk.

Da. 4:17; 6:7).

7:25).

DEDAN (low). Ge. 10:7.

DELICATELY, DELICATENESS. Walking in state; DEDICATE. To set apart and consecrate to God or to haughtily; cheerfully; pleasantly; luxuriously (1 Sa.

a sacred purpose; to devote to a sacred use; to 15:32; La. 4:5; Lk. 7:25).

appropriate solemnly to any person or purpose; to give DELICATES. Delicacies; dainties (Je. 51:34).

wholly or chiefly to; consecrate; devote; appropriate (Webster). There are two Hebrew words translated DELICIOUSLY. To live wantonly; to gratify the lusts;

“dedicate” in the O.T. Chanak is translated “dedicate”

luxuriously (Re. 18:7, 9).

four times (De. 20:5; 1 Ki. 8:63; 2 Ch. 7:5). It is also DELIGHT. To affect with great pleasure; to please translated “train up” in Pr. 2:6. Qadesh is translated highly; to give or afford high satisfaction or joy

“dedicate” 10 times (2 Sa. 8:11; 1 Ch. 26:27; 2 Ch. 2:4).

(Webster) (Ge. 34:19; Nu. 14:8; 1 Sa. 15:22). The child This is the same Hebrew word commonly translated of God delights in God (Ps. 37:4); in the Word of God

“holy,” “consecrate,” and “sanctify.” [See Holy, (Ps. 1:1; 119:16, 24, 35, 47, 70, 77, 174); in the will of Sanctification.]

God (40:8); in the comforts of God (Ps. 94:19). The DEED, IN VERY. [See In Very Deed.]

wicked delights in lies (Ps. 62:4); scorning (Pr. 1:22); frowardness (Pr. 2:14). God delights in obeying His DEEM. To suspect (Ac. 27:27).

voice (1 Sa. 15:22); a just weight (Pr. 11:1); such as are DEEP. (1) Deep waters (Ge. 1:2; 7:11; 8:2; Job upright (Pr. 11:20); they that deal truly (Pr. 12:22); the 41:31; Ps. 69:15; 107:24; 135:6; Is. 51:10; Jon. 2:3; Lk.

prayer of the upright (Pr. 15:8); lovingkindness, 5:4; 2 Co. 11:25). (2) Descending far downward; low in judgment, and righteousness (Je. 9:24). “Delight” in Pr.

situation; the opposite of shallow (Ps. 69:2; 140:10).

19:10 refers to the luxurious living and rank and (3) That which is profound, not easily fathomed, privilege of those who rule. “Delight” is compared in the difficult to comprehend (Ps. 36:6; 64:6; 92:5; Pr. 20:5; second half of the verse with having “rule over princes.”

Ec. 7:24; Da. 2:22). (4) Not easily broken or disturbed, The Hebrew word translated “delight” here ( taanuwg) is as a deep sleep (Ge. 2:21; 15:12; 1 Sa. 26:12; Da. 8:18; a l s o t r a n s l a t e d “ d e l i c a t e ” ( M i . 1 : 1 6 ) a n d Ac. 20:9).

“pleasant” (Song 7:6; Mi. 2:9). “Delight is a thing that DEEPNESS. Depth (Mt. 13:5).

all men wish to enjoy, but when a fool is furnished with DEFAME. To speak injuriously; to slander (1 Co.

every means of pleasure, his folly is heightened into 4:13). [See Blaspheme, Evil Speaking.]

madness, and he is found to be seven times more a fool DEFENCED. Fortified; applied to walled towns (Is.

than he appeared to be when he was in other 25:2; 27:10; 36:1). The Hebrew word is frequently circumstances” (George Lawson, Exposition of Proverbs).

rendered “fenced.”

[See Cheer, Comfort, Glad, Happy, Joy, Laughter, Merry, Mirth, Music, Rejoice.]

DEFER, DEFERRED. Delay; hesitate; procrastinate; put off (Ge. 34:19; Pr. 13:12; 19:11; Ec. 5:4; Is. 48:9; DELIGHTSOME. Pleasant; desirable; delightful (Mal.

Ac. 24:22).

3:12). [See Delight.]

DEFRAUD. To deprive of right; either by obtaining DELILAH (lustful). Ju. 16:4-18.

something by deception or artifice, or by taking DELUGE. A name for the great flood of Noah’s day.

something wrongfully without the knowledge or

[See Ark, Flood.]

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DELUSION. Deception; wandering (2 Th. 2:11).

DEPRAVITY. A term used to describe man’s sinful DEMAS (ruler or governor of the people, popular). A condition. Depravity refers to man’s spiritual wickedness Christian worker in the early church. He was Paul’s and worthlessness. [See Sin.]

helper (Col. 4:14), but later he deserted Paul because of DERIDE. [See Derision.]

his love for the world (2 Ti. 4:10).

DERISION. To laugh at; to turn up the nose at; to DEMON. [See Devils, Satan.]

deride (Job 30:1; Ps. 2:4; 44:13; 59:8; 79:4; 119:51; Je.

DENOMINATION. A name; a class; a society; a 20:7-8; Eze. 23:32; 36:4; Hab. 1:10; Lk. 16:14).

group. The term denomination is used in two basic DESCRY. To go about; search; spy out; to observe, in ways: (1) A denominational structure under which a military sense; to reconnoitre (Ju. 1:23). [See churches are grouped together by common belief and Military.]

practice as well as being governed by a central DESERT OF THE SEA. This is a description of headquarters or committee. Examples are the Roman Babylon in Isaiah 21:1. The area between Babylon and Catholic Church and the Episcopal Church. (2) A Persia, which is a vast desert, was once covered with the denominational identity whereby churches share waters of Euphrates like a sea. Semiramis erected dams common beliefs and practice but which retain complete and dried it up. Cyrus of the Persians removed the dams autonomy. Many Baptist churches fit this description.

and again converted the area to a marsh (Jamieson, They are denominated Baptist in belief and practice but Fausset, Brown).

they are not members of a denominational structure.

DESERVING. That which is deserved (Jud. 9:16).

Other major denominations are Assemblies of God, Church of God, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, and DESOLATE. (1) To be made waste (Is. 13:22; Eze.

Presbyterian. Within the major denominations there are 35:7; Ho. 13:16). (2) Alone; separate; silent (Is. 27:10; great numbers of groupings. For example, in America Job 15:34). (3) Empty; waste (Ezr. 9:9; Is. 49:21; Eze.

there are Southern Baptists, Independent Baptists, 19:7).

Pentecostal Baptists, Seventh-day Baptists, Hardshell D E S O L AT I O N , A B O M I N AT I O N O F . [ S e e Baptists, Missionary Baptists, Conservative Baptists, Free Abomination of Desolation.]

Will Baptists, Progressive Baptists, General Baptists, DESPISE. To contemn; to count lightly; to reject; to Primitive Baptists, Reformed Baptists, United Baptists, dishonor (Le. 26:43; Nu. 11:20; Ju. 9:38; Job. 5:17; Pr.

Landmark Baptists, American Baptists, even Two-Seed-1:7; 6:30; 11:12; 13:13; Is. 30:12; 53:3; Mt. 18:10; 1

in-the-Spirit Predestinarian Baptists!

Co. 16:11; Jude 8).

Every church is denominational in the sense that it DESPITE. To offend; to have contempt for; to follows certain beliefs and practices which distinguish it despise. In He. 10:29, “despite unto the Spirit of grace”

from other churches. Even churches which claim to be refers to those who turn their backs on the once-for-all non-denominational and which refuse any sort of Atonement of Jesus Christ to return to the traditions of denominational label have beliefs and practices that apostate religion. The book of Hebrews was written to distinguish them from other churches. Some are Jews who had professed faith in Christ, to warn them to charismatic; some are not. Some believe in eternal continue in Jesus Christ and not to return to the Mosaic security; some do not. Some are governed one way; system.

some are governed a different way. Some baptize by DESPITEFULLY. To treat with contempt; to treat immersion; some baptize in other ways. Some baptize shamefully; to reproach; insult; falsely accuse (Mt. 5:44; only adults; some baptize infants. These are Lk. 6:28; Ac. 14:15). [See Despite.]

denominational-type characteristics. The only way to DETEST. To have in abomination (De. 7:26; Je.

avoid such distinctives would be to accept any and every 16:18). [See Abomination.]

belief and practice, and there are some ecumenical DEVICE. Thought; invention; plan; design; purpose churches which have almost achieved this unscriptural (Job. 21:27; Ps. 10:2; Pr. 1:21).

standard! [See Anglican Church, Baptist, Brethren, Charismatic, Church, Doctrine, Eastern Orthodoxy, DEVIL. [See Devils, Satan].

Episcopal, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, DEVILS. The Greek word daimon is translated “devil”

Presbyterian, Separation, Unitarian Universalist, United in the N.T. These creatures are also referred to as “evil Church of Christ, Unity, World Council of Churches.]

spirits.”

DENOUNCE. To announce; declare; proclaim (De.

The Origin of Demons. Demons are angels which 30:18).

followed Satan in his rebellion (Mt. 9:34; 12:24; 25:41; Re. 12:7-9).

The Nature of Demons. (1) They are spirit creatures and do not have bodies (Mt. 8:16). (2) They are 178

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intelligent and have personality (Mk. 5:10; Lk. 4:34).

authority (2 Pe. 2:10; Jude 8). [See Devils, Government, (3) They have great strength (Ac. 19:16; Mk. 5:2-4). (4) Satan.]

They are unclean (Mt. 10:1; Mk. 1:27). (5) They are DIKLAH (palm grove). Ge. 10:27.

evil (Lk. 7:21; 8:2).

DILEAN (gourd). Jos. 15:38.

The Activity of Demons. (1) Helping Satan control this DILIGENCE. Steady application in business of any evil world (Ep. 6:12). (2) Oppressing and hurting men kind; constant effort to accomplish what is undertaken; (Lk. 13:16; Mk. 5:1-20). (3) Possessing some people exertion of body or mind without unnecessary delay or (Mt. 4:24; 8:16, 28-33; 9:32; 12:22). (4) Teaching false sloth; due attention; industry (Webster). Zeal; doctrine (1 Ti. 4:1).

wholeheartedness; labor (Pr. 4:23; Ro. 12:8). The Forms of Demon Practice. (1) Idolatry (1 Co. 10:20; Christian should be diligent: in making his calling and Le. 17:7; De. 32:17; Ps. 106:37; Re. 9:20). (2) election sure (He. 6:11; 2 Pe. 1:10), in keeping the Witchcraft, astrology, etc. (De. 18:10-12; Ac. 16:16-18; heart (Pr. 4:23), in exercising his spiritual ministry (Ro.

19:13-19; 2 Ch. 33:6). [See Bottomless Pit, Celibacy, 12:8), in Christian growth (2 Pe. 1:5-8; 1 Pe. 2:1-2), in False Teaching, Idolatry, Meat, Revelation, Satan, many things (2 Co. 8:22), in being prepared to meet Vegetarian, Witchcraft.]

Christ (2 Pe. 3:14), in keeping God’s precepts (Ps.

DEVOTIONS. Objects of worship (Ac. 17:23). The 119:4), in evangelism (Ac. 18:25), in following every translators of the Authorized Version retained this from good work (1 Ti. 5:10), in caring for missionaries and the Geneva Version of 1560. It was translated “the preachers (Tit. 3:13), in seeking God (He. 11:6), in manner how ye worship your gods” by Tyndale.

watching for sin in the camp (He. 12:15). [See also DEVOUT. Reverential; worshipful (Lk. 2:25; Ac. 2:5; Employment, Industrious, Labor, Sluggard, Zeal.]

10:7; 22:12).

DIMNAH (dung). Jos. 21:35.

DIACONATE. The office of a deacon. Also a board of DINAH (avenged). Ge. 30:21.

deacons who help govern some churches. [See Deacon.]

DINOSAUR. [See Behemoth, Dragon, Leviathan.]

DIADEM. The headdress worn by priests and kings DIOTREPHES (nourished by Jupiter). A leader in (Ze. 3:5; Is. 62:3; Re. 12:3; 13:1; 19:12).

one of the early churches (3 Jn. 9-11). Diotrephes had a DIAL. A sun clock (2 Ki. 20:11). A marker is set so heart problem. He was a proud man; puffed up in his that a shadow indicates the time of day as the sun own estimation; he wanted to be “top dog.” Diotrephes changes position in the sky.

had a will problem. He ruled the church by his own will, DIALOGUE. [See New Evangelicalism.]

but the pastor’s job is to rule by God’s will. It is God’s DIAMOND. A very hard precious stone which reflects flock, God’s building, God’s husbandry. The pastor is not colors prismatically (Ex. 28:18; Je. 17:1).

to be lord over God’s heritage (1 Pe. 5:3). Diotrephes had an authority problem. He felt he was an authority in DIANA. [See Idolatry.]

himself; whereas the pastor’s sole authority is the Bible.

DIBLAIM (double embrace). Ho. 1:3.

It is to the man who speaks “the Word of God” to whom DIBLATH (circle). Eze. 6:14.

God’s people are to submit (He. 13:7). The supposed DIBON (river course). Nu. 21:30.

Christian leader who attempts to lead the church by DIBRI (on the pasture born). Le. 24:11.

manmade tradition and philosophy is to be rejected, DIDYMUS (a twin). Jn. 11:16.

not obeyed. [See Church, Korah, Nicolaitan, Pastor.]

DIE. [See Death.]

DIRECTION. [See Guidance.]

DIE THE DEATH. To be sentenced to death; to DISALLOW. (1) Forbid; refuse (Nu. 30:5). (2) Reject deserve the death sentence (Nu. 23:10; Mt. 15:4; Mk.

(1 Pe. 2:4,7).

7:10). “This phrase is generally but not always used of DISANNUL. To put aside; to make void (Job. 40:8; death by a judicial sentence” (The Bible Word-Book).

Is. 14:27; He. 7:18).

[See Capital Punishment, Death.]

DISCERN. (1) Recognize; acknowledge; perceive DIET. A daily allowance (Je. 52:34).

(Ge. 27:23; 31:32; 1 Ki. 20:41). (2) To distinguish DIGGED. This form of the past tense and participle between; to perceive the difference between two things; of dig is used throughout the A.V. in preference to the to understand (2 Sa. 14:17; Ezr. 3:13; Eze. 44:23; Jon form “dug,” and in accordance with the custom of 4:11; Mal. 3:18; Mt. 16:3; 1 Co. 11:29; He. 5:14).

contemporary writers (The Bible Word-Book) DISCIPLE. One who receives instruction from DIGNITY. (1) Greatness; honor; exaltation; esteem; another; an adherent to the doctrines of another reputation (Es. 6:3; Ec. 10:6). (2) Those in positions of (Webster). Jesus Christ demands total devotion from those who will be His disciples (Jn. 8:31; Lk. 14:25, 33).

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Disciple is the word most often used in the N.T. to timing of future events, etc. [See also Allegorical, describe those who follow Jesus Christ. The Great Church Prophecy, Covenant, Daniel, Day, Double Commission is to result in the multiplication of disciples Fulfillment, Great Tribulation, Kingdom of God, (Mt. 28:18-20).

Millennium, Prophecy, Revelation, Times.]

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST. [See Churches of Christ.]

DISPOSED. Desire; intention (Ac. 18:27; 1 Co.

DISCIPLINE. [See Admonish, Chasten, Child 10:27).

Training, Church Discipline, Convince, Correction, DISPOSITION. Arrangement; appointment; Counsel, Exhort, Guidance, Instruct, Rebuke, Reproof, ministration (Ac. 7:53).

Suffering, Trials.]

DISPOSSESS. To take possession (Nu. 32:39).

DISCOMFIT. To trouble; to weaken; to beat down; to DISPUTE, DISPUTATION. Reasoning; debating (Ac.

disintegrate; break up; disperse (Ex. 17:13; Jos. 10:10).

15:2; Ro. 14:1). Truth has always involved conflict.

DISCOVER. To uncover (De. 22:30; Job 12:22; Pr.

There are wrong conflicts, of course, and there is a right 25:9).

way and a wrong way to enter into conflicts. The Bible DISCREET. (1) Intelligent; understanding (Ge.

warns about “doubtful disputations” (Romans 14:1) and 41:33). (2) Of sound mind; self-controlled (Tit. 2:5).

“murmurings and disputings” (Ph. 2:14), and “perverse This Greek word, sophron, is also translated “sober” (2

disputings” (1 Ti. 6:5). There are proper disputations, Co. 5:13; Tit. 2:6; 1 Pe. 4:7) and “temperate” (Tit. 2:2).

though, and that is in the line of preaching and (3) With understanding (Mk. 12:34). [See Chaste, defending God’s Word with a sincere heart to know the Modesty, Sober, Temperance.]

truth for one’s self and to help others know the truth. In DISCRETION. Good sense; wisdom; thoughtfulness; Acts 15:1-2 Paul and Barnabas disputed with the judgment (Pr. 1:4; 2:11; 3:21; 5:2; 11:22; 19:11).

Judaizers. In Acts 15:6-7 the Apostles and elders in the church of Jerusalem disputed the doctrine of DISHAN (leaping). Ge. 36:21.

justification and the place of the O.T. law in the DISPATCH. To cut off; to cut down (Eze. 23:47).

Christian life. In Acts 17:17 Paul disputed with the Jews DISPENSATION. Administration of a house or in Athens. In Acts 19:8-9 Paul disputed in Ephesus for property; management (1 Co. 9:17). In Ep. 1:10; 3:2; two years in his efforts to preach the Gospel to that and Col. 1:25 “dispensation” refers to the administration region. [See Anger, Contend, Debate, Controversy, False o f G o d ’ s e t e r n a l p l a n ( Z o d h i a t e s ) . [ S e e Teaching, Separation, Strife.]

Dispensationalism.]

DISQUIET. To be troubled (1 Sa. 28:15).

DISPENSATIONALISM. The teaching that God has DISSEMBLE. Deception; hypocrisy (Jos. 7:11; Pr.

had different plans for different periods of time in man’s 26:24; Ga. 2:13). [See Beguile, Cunning, Cunning history. A dispensation is a period of time in which God Craftiness, Deceit, Dissimulation, Doubletongued, False is working out a particular aspect of His eternal will. By Witness, Feign, Flattery, Flattering Titles, Guile, one system the Bible is divided into seven dispensations: Hypocrisy, Sincere, Sleight, Subtil, Unfeigned, Winketh.]

(1) Innocency (Ge. 1-2). (2) Conscience (Ge. 3-7). (3) DISSENSION. Disagreement in opinion, usually a Human government (Ge. 8-11). (4) Promise (Ge. 12—

disagreement which is violent, producing warm debates Ex. 18). (5) Law (Ex. 19—Mal.). (6) Church (Mt. 1—

or angry words; contention in words; strife; discord; Re. 19). (7) Kingdom (Re. 20-22). While we may not quarrel; breach of friendship and union (Webster) (Ac.

agree with the exact division and naming of the 15:2; 23:7, 10). [See Anger, Strife, Variance.]

dispensations and with every detail of any one dispensational system, it is plain that God has DISSIMULATION. Hypocrisy; hiding under a false dispensations in the sense of dealing with man in appearance; feigning. Dissimulation may be simply different ways in different eras. Man is no longer concealment of the opinions, sentiments or purpose; but tending the Garden of Eden, or building arks, or setting it includes also the assuming of a false or counterfeit up tabernacles, or offering animal sacrifices, or rearing appearance which conceals the real opinions or purpose magnificent temples. Creation is over; the Flood is over; (Webster) (Ro. 12:9; Ga. 2:13). [See Beguile, Cunning, the Law is over; Pentecost is over. It is apparent that we Cunning Craftiness, Deceit, Dissemble, Doubletongued, have moved from the Mosaic dispensation to the Church False Witness, Feign, Flattery, Flattering Titles, Guile, dispensation. These are all examples of dispensational Honest, Hypocrisy, Pure Conscience, Purloin, Satan, divisions in God’s program. Those who interpret Bible Sincere, Sleight, Subtil, Unfeigned, Winketh.]

prophecy literally and see Israel’s kingdom as something DISSOLVE. (1) Melt; consume; destroy (Job 30:22; yet future are dispensationalists, though among these Ps. 75:3; Is. 24:19; 34:4; 2 Co. 5:1; 2 Pe. 3:11, 12). (2) there are many differences pertaining to how many Resolve ( Da. 5:16).

dispensations there are, how they are to be divided, the 180

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DISTAFF. The staff that holds the bunch of flax or 1. Mal. 2:14-16 makes it clear that God hates wool, which, with the spindle, are implements of divorce. There can be no doubt that “putting away” is spinning by hand (Pr. 31:19) (Concise).

another term for divorce. It is vital to know what God’s DISTILL. To flow; to drop (De. 32:2; Job 36:28).

attitude toward divorce is, especially when we see other DISTRESS. Anguish of body or mind; affliction; Scriptures which give permission for the very thing that calamity; misery; a state of danger (Webster) (Ge. 35:3; God hates!

Ps. 4:1; 18:6; 25:17; 118:5; 120:1; Pr. 1:27; Is. 25:4; Lk.

Why would God hate divorce? All of us can think of 21:23, 25; Ro. 8:35; 1 Co. 7:26; 2 Co. 6:4; 12:10). [See situations where we are sure that divorce was the Suffering.]

proper thing; in some cases we are sure that it was the DIVERS. (1) Various; different (De. 22:9; Ju. 5:30; only answer to a very unhappy situation. At the same Mt. 4:24; He. 1:1; 9:10). (2) Unequal (De. 25:14; Pr.

time, all who have dealt with people who have gone 20:10). (3) Certain ones; some of (Mk. 8:3; Ac. 19:9).

through a divorce realize that it is always the children

[For commentary on “divers manners” (He. 1:1) see who suffer most. That is exactly the reason which God Sundry.]

gives here for hating it. Verse 15 tells us that God made one (that is, one woman for one man, as He did in the DIVIDE UNTO. To separate; to divide into portions; Garden of Eden) that He might seek a godly seed. God to distribute (Ex. 26:33; Lk. 15:12).

is interested in children being brought up in His nurture DIVINATION. Attempting to predict future events or and admonition.

discover hidden knowledge through dreams, astrology, Many people disagree with that, saying that the magic, etc. Divination is forbidden by God (Le. 19:26).

children are better off with a single parent, or with a

[See also Witchcraft.]

new parent, than being in an unhappy home. At first, DIVINE. (1) Deity (2 Pe. 1:3). (2) Of God (Pr.

this seems reasonable, but the years have taught us, 16:10). (3) To practice divination (Ge. 44:5; De. 18:14).

even unbelievers who deal with children’s problems,

[See Witchcraft.]

that it is an unsettling and detrimental thing for DIVINITY OF CHRIST. [See Jesus Christ.]

children to be shuttled back and forth between parents DIVORCE. The Lord Jesus Christ made it clear that who have custody or visitation privileges. How often God has always been opposed to divorce (Mt. 19:3-6; have we heard a parent say, “I dread to see the children Mal. 2:14-16). It was allowed in O.T. times because of go to visit their father (or mother) this weekend, the hardness of man’s heart (Mt. 19:7-8). The Lord because I know they will get into some kind of Jesus mentioned only one possible situation in which ungodliness, or will return being adversely affected by it divorce is allowable before God—immorality (Mt. 19:9).

all.”

The Christian who for some reason leaves his or her In many cases, the children will follow the ungodly mate is to remain unmarried or be reconciled to his parent rather than the one who is trying to obey the mate (1 Co. 7:11-12).

Bible. Divorce does not prevent that from happening.

Divorce and Remarriage by Bruce Lackey 2. God’s original plan for marriage was that there As we consider the subject of divorce and would be no divorce. In Mt. 19 this was made very clear remarriage, it is most important that we approach it in a conversation between Christ and the Pharisees. In with the proper attitude. 1 Pe. 4:7-8 describes the three-verse 3, we should note that they were asking the Lord fold attitude that that we need, especially in these last about De. 24:1, which was the only verse giving days as we look for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ—

permission for divorce. However, rather than explaining being sober, watching unto prayer, and having fervent that verse, Christ first referred to Ge. 1:27 and 2:24 by charity. We might say, simply, that we need to think, saying, “Have ye not read, that he which made them at pray, and love. When he says “be ye therefore sober,”

the beginning made them male and female, and said, that obviously means to think. We cannot give in to our For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and feelings, or to sentiment, or to public opinion, or even to shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one the particular needs of our closest friends or family.

flesh?” (Mt. 19:4-5). Then He applied the two verses by Thinking properly would be thinking according to saying, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one Scripture. Then, we are to pray. We must seek the Lord’s flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not wisdom about this matter. Then, of course, love. It is a man put asunder” (v.6). Thus, God’s original plan, that serious mistake to develop any kind of a scriptural which He had “at the beginning,” was one woman for opinion which causes us to hate or snub people, to look one man, becoming one flesh, and cleaving to each down upon them, or fail to love them. That would be an other. The important thing to notice is that when the improper use of the Word of God.

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that verse; rather, He went all the way back to Ge. 1 and sin of the world. The Law was temporary, and that 2 to show God’s original plan.

includes the permission about divorce.

Why, then, did God give permission for divorce in De.

4. This permission about divorce was only for the 24:1? That was the very question which was asked by dispensation of law. To prove this point, let’s back up the Pharisees and brings us to the verse in question, and one chapter to De. 23, and read v. 1. “He that is to point number three.

wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut 3. God did permit divorce for one reason. De. 24:1-2, off, shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord.”

“When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it Everyone understands that this was temporary; no one come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because tries to enforce this rule today, when a person wants to he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him join a church!

write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, Another prohibition in that chapter that people do and send her out of his house. And when she is not enforce today is found in v. 2, “A bastard shall not departed out of his house, she may go and be another enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to his man’s wife.” Here is clear permission and instruction tenth generation shall he not enter into the about divorce and remarriage!

congregation of the Lord.” Similarly, no one enforces v.

The problem of interpretation, for the Pharisees, was 3).

that phrase in verse 1, “some uncleanness.” Did it mean which prohibits an Ammonite or a Moabite from immorality, or any thing that the man might have entering the congregation of the Lord. These were disliked about his wife? Such had been the controversy obviously temporary, since Christ commanded us to go through the years between rabbi Shammai and Rabbi and preach the gospel to all nations, baptizing them and Hillel, and those who followed one or the other. The teaching them to follow Him. Everyone realizes that Pharisees were asking the Lord Jesus which about chapter 23, but many ignore this matter when interpretation He agreed with. However, they had a they get to chapter 24!

serious misunderstanding about the passage which is 5. Christ’s plan for the church age is not found in Mt.

seen by their question in Mt. 19:7, “Why did Moses then 19, but in 1 Co. 7. How can we be sure of that? By command to give a writing of divorcement..?” Christ remembering that Christ lived under the dispensation of corrected them in the next verse by saying, “Moses the law (see Ga. 4:4, “God sent forth his Son, made of a because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to woman, made under the law...”). Thus, He observed the put away your wives.” “Suffer” in Scripture means to Passover, one of the regulations of the law of Moses, but permit; we must note that there is a great difference we are certainly not commanded to do so today. Christ between a command and a permission. Sometimes in explained De. 24:1 to the Pharisees because they were Scripture God permitted things that He did not still under the law. The four Gospels record many places command (such as polygamy). [See Polygamy.]

where the Lord Jesus dealt with local and temporary Sometimes people object to that as an inconsistency matters which affected them, at that time, in that place, in God. Why would He do that? Christ explained: but not us today.

“because of the hardness of your hearts.” Then, it is We are obligated to do as Christ did with the most important to see that He immediately said, “but Pharisees: distinguish between what God gave through from the beginning it was not so.” God made changes in Moses for Israel during that time, and what God’s the various dispensations; He changed what He required original plan was. In other words, we must “rightly man to do, from one age to another; He also gave divide the word of truth” (2 Ti. 2:15).

permissions in one age that He did not give to others.

Almost all of 1 Co. 7 is devoted to the subject of Until He gave the law through Moses, man could offer marriage and the various problems that attend it. Verses sacrifices to God anywhere, but in De. 12:5-14, He 10-11 show that God’s plan for us today is the same as it required them to come to a particular place, and to that was in the beginning: “And unto the married I place only. Now, in our age, we do not even offer such command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife sacrifices! Clearly, then, God has changed His depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her requirements and permissions for mankind from age to remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and age.

let not the husband put away his wife.”

The commands of the law were not meant to be This clearly shows that God does not want divorce.

permanent, but temporary, for Israel during those years However, recognizing that some people will divorce in while they awaited the coming of the Saviour. God spite of what God wants, He admonishes that the wife knew, of course, that when Christ would come, He who departs has only two options: “let her remain would be the Lamb of God which would take away the unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband.” Perhaps 182

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He had in mind a situation where a husband was problem it be to be married to an idolater, especially physically harming the wife and/or children, or where when we learn that idolaters often participated in their lives were threatened. Or, He might have been fornication as a part of their worship. What conflict thinking of situations such as those today in which one there would be, also, in religious discussions in the person can get a divorce whether the other partner home! How easy it would be to get into heated wants it or not. In such a case, the options are clear: arguments about funerals, etc. Even though such remain unmarried or be reconciled. If God permitted conditions might be miserable to live in, the Bible says remarriage today, this would have been the perfect that the unbeliever should not depart. Reason? Verse 16, place to state it; as a matter of fact, this is the place that

“For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt it would have been absolutely necessary to state so.

save thy husband? Or how knowest thou, O man, We note that Paul said, “...yet not I, but the Lord.”

whether thou shalt save thy wife?”

This was not merely what Paul thought, but what God God is interested in saving people! He knows that commanded. In v. 12, “But to the rest speak I, not the believers can win others to Christ, especially when they Lord...” Paul did not disclaim inspiration, but rather live with them and demonstrate the benefits of the taught that he was dealing with a matter which Christ gospel. Our problem is that we not only are not very did not mention while He was on earth. We should zealous about soul winning, we also do a poor job of remember that Christ told His disciples, in Jn. 16:12-13, living Christ in everyday activities.

that He had not told them everything, because they Verse 15 is taken by some Christians to give could not have absorbed it. He said that the Holy Spirit permission for divorce and remarriage, when it says, would come and reveal more of Christ’s truth; this

“But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother situation in 1 Corinthians is a fulfillment of that. While or a sister in not under bondage in such cases: but God on earth, the Lord Jesus did not say anything about a has called us to peace.” Does the phrase “not under believer being married to an unbeliever. That was left bondage” free the divorced person to remarry? A little for Paul to deal with.

common sense will show that it does not. Even if we 1 Co. 7:14 gives one reason why divorce should not consider this writing to be uninspired, there would be occur: the unbelieving partner is sanctified by the no way that a sane person would make a statement in v.

believer. A second reason is that the children would be 11 and then contradict it in v. 15. In v. 11 he gave only sanctified, also. What a great privilege it is for one two options to the divorced person: remain unmarried, person in a family to be saved! The presence of one or be reconciled. Why would a person limit the Christian in a family brings the blessing of God, which possibilities to these two, then add another a few would be impossible otherwise. To say that the sentences later? No intelligent person does things that unbeliever is sanctified does not guarantee his salvation; way. Then, when we remember that these words were to say that the children are holy does not guarantee inspired by the Holy Spirit, it is ridiculous to think that their salvation, either. Sanctified and holy do not the Spirit of God would set down a requirement, then necessarily mean to be saved or purified or made better.

change it thirty seconds later.

A good example of that is 1 Pe. 3:15, where we read What, then, does v. 15 teach? Simply that when the that we are to “sanctify the Lord God” in our hearts; unbeliever leaves, the believer has no further obviously, we cannot improve the Lord. We sanctify responsibility to be the proper wife or husband to that Him, but we certainly do not save or purify Him! To departed one. To understand the necessity for this we sanctify means to set something or someone apart, to be need only to remember that, even in our day, a divorced different from all else. Thus, to sanctify the Lord in our man sometimes returns to his estranged wife and wants hearts is to give Him a place which is above all else.

to spend the night. Sometimes a Christian woman In a family where at least one member is saved, that thinks that she should permit such, since she did not family is set apart, different from other families which seek the divorce in the first place; but this verse teaches do not have any believers in them, in this respect: not that the believer has no responsibility of marriage only can they hear the gospel, but they can also see the toward the one who has departed. The departed effects of it in everyday life. [Such a family also has a husband may not return and expect the wife to be special blessing of the Lord because of the presence of obedient, unless there is a reconciliation. The departed the child of God.] How few in this heathen world have wife may not return and expect to be provided for, that privilege! A family which had at least one Christian unless there is a reconciliation.

in it would have a better chance of being saved than In a similar way, some Christians interpret v. 28 to otherwise.

permit remarriage after divorce, when it says, “But and Therefore, Scripture is admonishing the believer not if thou marry, thou hast not sinned...” The same to leave the unbelieving mate. We can imagine what a reasoning applies. Even from a human standpoint, no Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 183

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one would make a regulation in v. 11 and then change it command to the state of marriage in verses 25-26, in v. 28. Add inspiration, and the argument is rewording the command in v. 27, “Art thou bound unto strengthened.

a wife? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a God’s plan for the church age is no divorce. If a wife? Seek not a wife.”

divorce does take place, He certainly does not permit 7. The remarried person is not “living in adultery.”

remarriage. The only possibilities, if a divorce occurs, We often hear that phrase, but it is not found in are indicated in v. 11: either remain unmarried, or be Scripture, to my knowledge. It is true, according to Mt.

reconciled. That may seem to be very difficult, even 19:9, that adultery is committed when the divorced harsh, for God to make such a demand, but there are person remarries, but it is improper to say that such many passages of Scripture which teach that if we people are continuing to live in adultery every time they follow the Saviour, we are going to have to make some come together. Reason? 1 Co. 6:9-10 says that neither sacrifices. That is the missing requirement in modern fornicators nor adulterers shall inherit the kingdom of Christianity! We are trying to formulate a Christian life God. (It will not do to say that a person could be saved that is nothing but a bed of roses; we insist on pleasure without having an inheritance in the kingdom of God, and comfort, believing that if we obey the Bible because Ro. 8:17 says, “...if children then heirs.”

everything will be good and easy. Such a life is not Therefore, to inherit the kingdom of God is the same taught in Scripture. Consider: Ro. 12:1 and Lk. 9:23.

thing as to be saved.)

Each one who is serious about obeying the Lord will Perhaps a person committed adultery at a second have to make a sacrifice in some way. God calls on some marriage before conversion; if so, then 1 Co. 6:11

to make financial sacrifices; a great many of God’s describes that person as “washed... sanctified... justified choice servants have to get by on very little money.

in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our Others must sacrifice health, as Paul did in enduring his God.” They are not “living in adultery” any longer.

“thorn in the flesh” (2 Co. 12:7-10). Others are called But what if the remarriage takes place after upon to live without a mate, when divorce occurs, doing conversion? If they were “living in adultery,” they would without a family, which many others are permitted to lose eternal life, an impossibility because of such have. No doubt the Saviour had this in mind when He promises as Jn. 6:37. Also, I Jn. 1:9 would not be true; said, “...and there be eunuchs, which have made they could not confess their sins and be forgiven.

themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.

He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.” (Mt.

Sometimes people try to solve this problem by saying 19:12).

that such persons should cease having physical relationships altogether, so that they will not be guilty of 6. Conversion does not change the prohibition adultery. However, such a situation would be a regarding remarriage. Some Christians believe that since contradiction of 1 Co. 7:2-5, which tells the husband we become new creatures when we are converted, with and wife that they should not deny themselves to each old things passing away and all things becoming new (2

other, unless they agree to do so for a limited time for Co. 5:17), the new believer is free to remarry a the purpose of fasting and prayer. Then, they are to Christian if the divorce took place before conversion.

come together again in order to avoid being tempted by The fact that this is not true is seen in 1 Co. 7; in four Satan.

places, the Lord says that we should remain in the situation in which we were saved. Consider “But as God If a Christian is guilty of remarriage, he or she should hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called confess it as the sin of adultery (not lightly or everyone, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all frivolously, but realizing the seriousness of the sin) and churches” (1 Co. 7:17). The word “called” does not receive God’s forgiveness. Then, that Christian should mean “called to preach,” or “called to be a missionary,”

believe God’s promise in He. 10:17.

but “called to salvation.” 1 Co. 1:9 and many other DIVORCEMENT. Divorce (De. 24:1; Mt. 5:31; 19:7).

verses use the word “called” to describe what God does

[See Divorce.]

when He convicts us of our sins by the preaching of the DIZAHAB (lord of gold). De. 1:1.

gospel, and saves us.

DO THY DILIGENCE. Be diligent; hasten; come with He applied that command to circumcision, then all urgency (2 Ti. 4:9, 21). [See Diligence.]

repeated: “Let every man abide in the same calling DOCTRINE. Doctrine simply means teaching, but the wherein he was called” (1 Co. 7:20). Another biblical usage refers to sound teaching based on the application was made regarding being a servant or Word of God. The two Greek words translated being free; then the statement was repeated in verse 24,

“doctrine”, didaskalia and didache, are also translated

“Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein

“teacheth” (Ro. 12:7) and “learning” (Ro. 15:4). These abide with God.” Then he applies the very same words are used more than 140 times in the N.T., which 184

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DODAI - DOG

shows how important doctrine is before God. Other Bible Facts about Doctrine. We can know right terms which refer to doctrine are “truth” (1 Ti. 2:4), doctrine (Jn. 7:17). We are to continue in the Apostles’

“the faith” (1 Ti. 3:9; 2 Ti. 3:8; Tit. 1:13), “wholesome doctrine (Ac. 2:42). The Apostles filled Jerusalem with words” (1 Ti. 6:3), and “sound words” (2 Ti. 1:13).

doctrine (Ac. 5:28). We are saved by believing the right Doctrine (and its companion terms) is referred to 59

doctrine (Ro. 6:17; 1 Jn. 5:20; 2 Jn. 9). We are to times in the Pastoral Epistles alone. “The truth” is separate from those who teach false doctrine (Ro.

referred to 10 times in 2 and 3 John alone.

16:17). We must be careful of winds of false doctrine Other Terms Which Refer to Doctrine. “Truth” (1 Ti.

(Ep. 4:14). No false doctrine is to be allowed (1 Ti. 1:3).

2:4), “the faith” (1 Ti. 3:9; 2 Ti. 3:8; Tit. 1:13), Sound doctrine is good (1 Ti. 4:6). The preacher is to

“wholesome words” (1 Ti. 6:3), and “sound words” (2

give himself to doctrine (1 Ti. 4:13). The preacher is to Ti. 1:13).

take heed to the doctrine (1 Ti. 4:16). Preachers who Can We Know Sound Doctrine? Popular charismatic labor in doctrine are to be rewarded (1 Ti. 5:17). Sound singer Pat Boone says, “We don’t all have our doctrine doctrine is to be adorned with godly living (1 Ti. 6:1, 3; all completely correct, but God doesn’t judge us on our Tit. 2:1). The Bible is given for doctrine (2 Ti. 3:16).

understanding of doctrine.” The Lord Jesus Christ, The Bible is to be preached with doctrine (2 Ti. 4:2).

though, said that a believer can know sound doctrine.

The last days is characterized by a turning from sound

“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine (2 Ti. 4:3). The preacher must be able to use doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of doctrine to edify and protect the church (Tit. 1:9). Our myself” (John 7:17). The requirement to know sound doctrine is to be uncorrupt (Tit. 2:10). We abide in doctrine, according to this verse, is to be willing to obey Christ by sound doctrine (1 Jn. 2:24-27). True Christian the truth. If a man is open to the truth and willing to love is grounded in truth (2 Jn. 1; 3 Jn. 1). The Apostles obey God, the Lord will give him wisdom so that he will had no greater joy than to see the Christians walking in know sound doctrine from false.

the truth (3 Jn. 3-4). Those who abide not in sound doctrine are not of God and are not be to received (2 Jn.

2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself 9-10). [See Apostasy, Apostate, Bible, Church, approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be Ecumenical Movement, Fable, Faith - The, False ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Thus the Teaching, Foolish Questions, Heresy, Prophecy, believer is commanded to rightly divide the word. That Revelation, Roman Catholic Church, Separation, is referring to interpreting it properly and knowing its Timothy, Unity, Wind of Doctrine.]

doctrine correctly. Why would God require a Christian to rightly divide the word of truth unless He would give DODAI (beloved of Jehovah). 1 Ch. 27:4.

him the ability to do that? This verse indicates that God DODAVAH (Jehovah is loving). 2 Ch. 20:37.

will hold the Christian accountable for this task, because DODO (God his friend). 1 Ch. 11:26.

the one who rightly divides the word of truth is DOEG (fearful). 1 Sa. 21:7.

approved. It is thus implied that the one who does not DOG. (1) The dog as an animal (Ex. 11:7; Jud. 7:5; rightly divide the truth is disapproved. This means that Pr. 26:11). For the most part dogs ran wild in Israel Pat Boone and other ecumenical types are wrong when during Bible times; they were scavengers (Ex. 22:31; 1

they say that God does not hold the believer Ki. 14:11; 16:4; 21:19-24; 22:38; 2 Ki. 9:10, 36). It is accountable to know sound doctrine.

also apparent that some dogs were used in shepherding 1 John 2:20-21 says, “But ye have an unction from (Job 30:1) and as watch dogs (Is. 56:10). The reference the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written in Mt. 15:27 to dogs eating table scraps was spoken by unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye the Samaritan woman and might not refer to Jewish know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” Verse 27 says custom. (2) A male harlot (De. 23:17-18). These two further, “But the anointing which ye have received of verses deal with whoredom and prostitution and him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach homosexuality, both male and female. The dog in verse you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all 18 is connected with the whore in the same verse.

things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath Probably the whore refers to the immoral woman and taught you, ye shall abide in him.” Thus the Scriptures the dog refers to a male prostitute or homosexual. “The plainly state that the believer has the Holy Spirit to

‘price of a dog,’ that is, of the Sodomite, pimp, or teach him and he can know the truth.

whoremaster (so I incline to understand it, for such are If, then, the ecumenical philosophy is correct and a called dogs—Re. 22:15), the money he gets by his lewd believer cannot be certain of sound doctrine, the and villainous practices, no part of it shall be brought commandments and promises of God make no sense.

into the house of the Lord (as the hire of prostitutes among the Gentiles was into their temples” (Henry). (3) A false teacher (Ph. 3:2-3). “The judaizing teachers, who Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 185

DOGMA - DRAGON

endeavoured to keep up the law of Moses, and mix the Christ’s return (Lk. 1:13-17; Re. 11:3-6). [See Daniel, observances of it with the doctrine of Christ and his Prophecy, Revelation.]

institutions. The prophet calls the false prophets dumb DOUBLE MINDED. This expression is used two times dogs (Is. 56:10), to which the apostle here seems to in the book of James (1:8; 4:8). It refers to wavering in refer. Dogs, for their malice against the faithful one’s relationship with the Lord, being less than single professors of the gospel of Christ, barking at them and minded in seeking and serving Him. In chapter one the biting them. They rent and tore the church of Christ, wavering is caused by trials. In chapter four, by the and cut it to pieces; or contended for an abolished rite, temptations of the world (4:4-9).

a mere insignificant cutting of the flesh” (Henry). (4) An DOUBLE TO. Double (Job 11:6).

expression of derision (1 Sa. 17:43; 2 Ki. 8:13; Lk.

16:21). “Dogs were looked upon as unclean, and to call DOUBLETONGUED. Making contrary declarations one a ‘dog’ was a stronger expression of contempt than on the same subject at different times; deceitful even today. The Jews called the Gentiles ‘dogs.’ ‘Give not (Webster); equivocal, i.e. telling a different story that which is holy unto the dogs’ generally means to not (Strong); double in speech, saying one thing with one offer good and holy things to those who will spurn and person another with another (with the intent to pervert them” (Zodiates). [See False Teaching, deceive) (Thayer) (1 Ti. 3:8). [See Beguile, Cunning Immoral, Sodomy.]

Craftiness, Deceit, Dissemble, Dissimulation, Feign, Flattery, Honest, Hypocrisy, Pure Conscience, Sincere, DOGMA. A settled opinion; a principle; maximum or Sleight, Subtil, Unfeigned.]

tenet; a doctrinal notion, particularly in matters of faith and philosophy; as the dogmas of the church (Webster).

DOWNSITTING. Sitting down (Ps. 139:2). In this passage the Psalmist David was noting that the Lord DOMINION. (1) God’s sovereign and supreme knows everything about him, his sitting down and his authority to govern, control, use and dispose of at his rising up.

pleasure (Ep. 1:21; 1 Pe. 4:11; 5:11; Re. 1:6). (2) Control (Ro. 6:9). (3) Government and authority (Mt.

DOWRY. Purchase money (Ge. 34:12).

20:25). (4) The order of angels (Co. 1:16). [See Angel, DOXOLOGY (to speak praises). Doxology refers to Government, Kingdom of God, Satan.]

hymns of praise and worship in general, and to one DONE AWAY. Removed; abolished; held back; English hymn in particular which begins with “praise withdrawn (Nu. 27:4; 1 Co. 13:10; 2 Co. 3:11, 14).

God, from whom all blessings flow.” It also refers to the benediction following a sermon.

DOPHKAH (cattle driving). Nu. 33:12.

DRAG. Fishing net (Hab. 1:15-16). [See Fishing.]

DOR (circle). Jos. 11:2.

DRAGON. The dragon of the Bible is largely a DORCAS. (doe, gazelle). Ac. 9:36.

reference to a fearful aquatic monster, now extinct, and, DOTE. To be delirious; to be silly; to be excessively in in a symbolic fashion, to the devil. The ancient dragon love (Webster); to be taken with such an interest in a mythologies are probably founded in these realities.

thing as amounts to a disease, to have a morbid Legends about dragons abound through the ancient fondness for (Eze. 23:5; 1 Ti. 6:4).

world, dating from thousands of years before Christ, DOTHAN (double feast). Ge. 37:17.

and persisting into the 20th century. The dragon figures DOUBLE FULFILLMENT. (Also called Double prominently in the mythology of the Oriental peoples, is Perspective.) A term describing a common feature of deified in the Taoist religion and was the national Bible prophecy. Often prophecies have two or more emblem of the Chinese Empire. The Roman legions fulfillments. Examples: (1) God’s promises to David inscribed the dragon on the battle standards. The concerning his son apply both to Solomon, David’s Norsemen adorned the prows of their ships with immediate son, and to Jesus Christ, David’s Greater Son dragons. The Celts and Teutonic tribes which conquered (2 Sa. 7:12-16; Mt. 1:1; Ac. 2:29-30; He. 1:5). (2) O.T.

Britain depicted dragons on their shields, and the prophecies concerning judgment upon Israel often have dragon appeared on the battle standards of the English in view judgments which have been fulfilled in the past kings as late as the 16th century. In the 20th century, the as well as judgments which will fall upon Israel prior to dragon still adorns the armorial bearings of the prince Christ’s return (Is. 5:26-30). (3) The prophecies of of Wales (Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia). Though judgments upon Gentile nations often have in view overlaid with fantasy, these ancient tales of dragons are, judgments which are now past as well as judgments we believe, founded in reality. Following is a survey of which are yet future (Is. 17:1-8; 19:1-25). (4) The the biblical usage of the term “dragon:”

prophecy in Mal. 4:5-6 regarding the coming of Elijah (1) A fearful sea creature (Ps. 74:13-14; 148:7; Is.

the prophet has a double fulfillment, in the coming of 27:1). In these passages the dragon is identified as an John the Baptist as well as in a future coming prior to awesome sea creature. Is. 27:1 connects the dragon 186

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with the leviathan, which is the fire-breathing monster (5) A symbolical reference to Satan (Re. 12:3, 9; of Job 41. Most commentators interpret these references 13:2, 4, 11; 16:13; 20:2), referring to him as a as crocodiles or whales or poetic license. Strong defines monstrous, dreadful creature. Certain O.T. references to leviathan as “the crocodile or some other large sea-the dragon also have Satan in view (Is. 27:1; 51:9).

monster.” This is an interesting description, because the Some references to dragons are difficult, perhaps crocodile is NOT a large sea monster! Though many impossible to interpret exactly. Examples are Job 30:29, mock such an idea, we believe this is an extinct fire-Ps. 44:19, Is. 43:20, Je. 14:6. Some dictionaries claim breathing dinosaur which is described in detail for us by that some of these passages refer to a wild beast of the God in Job 41 and which is probably the basis for the desert such as the jackal (Smith). We must understand ancient tales. The dragon is also connected with the that while this is a possibility, it is only a guess. [See satyr in Is. 13:21-22. The satyr is a mythological Beast, Behemoth, Leviathan, Poetry, Satan, Serpent.]

creature half-man and half-goat worshipped by DRAM. [See Money.]

idolatrous peoples, but the same Hebrew word translated “satyr” is translated “devils” in Le. 17:7 and 2

DRAUGHT. (1) A catch (Lk. 5:4). (2) A toilet; refuse Ch. 11:15. It is possible that the mythological satyr is (Mt. 15:17).

based on sightings within the demonic world. Again, we DRAUGHT HOUSE. Toilet (2 Ki. 10:27).

are convinced that legends of dragons are based on DRAVE. Drove; past tense of drive (Ex. 14:25; Jos.

historical and spiritual realities: Extinct fearsome 16:10; Ac. 7:45).

dinosaurs and demons. The description of the demons DREGS. [See Lees.]

which come out of the Bottomless Pit in Re. 9 are as DRESS. To trim; maintain; prepare (Ge. 2:15; 18:7; bizarre as any ancient dragon lore, and we believe these Ex. 30:7; Lk. 13:7).

are actual creatures. There is no need to interpret these DRINKING. [See Drunkenness, Strong Drink.]

Bible descriptions on naturalistic grounds. To believe that the behemoth, dragon, leviathan, and satyr are DROMEDARY. The Arabian camel, called a actual creatures is honoring to the Bible, because they dromedary, has long legs, short hair, and one hump.

are described as such therein, and a literal This is the type of camel commonly found in Israel and interpretation is not contrary to any known scientific Egypt (1 Ki. 4:28; Is. 60:6; Je. 2:23). [For more fact. Modern textual critics and commentators would information see Camel.]

have us believe that the Bible translators of bygone days DROPSY. A disease occasioned by an abnormal were subject to the ignorance and supernatural folklore accumulation of watery substance in some cavity of the of their day when they wrote of dragons and unicorns body (Lk. 14:2).

and satyrs. It is more likely that the modern critics are DROSS. Refuse metals separated by melting, when blinded by the rationalism of this present hour and the dross rises to the top and may be skimmed off. Used therefore have far less wisdom than their forebears.

figuratively of what is worthless (Is. 1:22,25; Ezr.

[See Beast, Behemoth, Leviathan.]

22:18-19; Ps. 119:119) (Compact).

(2) A serpent (De. 32:33; Ps. 91:13). In both of these DROUGHT. No rain; dry season (De. 8:15; Job passages the dragon is used in poetic parallel to the 24:19; Je. 2:6; Ha. 1:11). The term is used to typify the adder or asp.

barren spiritual climate of this world (Is. 58:11).

(3) Creatures inhabiting desolate places (Is. 13:22; DRUNKENNESS. The condition of being intoxicated 34:13; 35:7; Je. 9:11; 10:22; 49:33; 51:37; Mi. 1:8). We with alcoholic beverages (Ep. 5:18).

believe these references have a twofold meaning: They Verses Which Deal with Drunkenness and Strong are poetic descriptions of desolation, and they also refer Drink: Pr. 20:1; 23:29-35; 31:3-5; Is. 5:22; 28:7; Ho.

to demons. Re. 18:2 describes the desolated Babylon as 4:11; Hab. 2:15; Ro. 13:13; Ep. 5:18; Ga. 5:19-21; 1 Th.

“the habitation of devils.” As we have noted, Is.

5:6-8.

13:21-22 sees “satyrs” as well as “dragons” in the ruins The Nature of Drunkenness: Modern-day psychology of fallen Babylon, and the Hebrew word for satyr is would have us believe this condition is a disease or a translated “devils” (Le. 17:7 and 2 Ch. 11:15).

psychological problem, but the Bible says it is a sin (Pr.

(4) A symbolic reference to the Egyptian Pharaoh (Eze.

23:29-35). Drunkenness is act of the will (vv. 30-31).

29:3), referring possibly to his cruelty and Drunkenness is a moral wickedness (v. 33). The victory destructiveness. Some commentators believe this is a over drunkenness is redemption and sanctification (1

reference to the crocodile for which the River of Egypt Co. 6:10-11). The deception of drunkenness: (Pr. 23:32; was famous, but it could as easily refer to the dragon in 20:1). Intoxicating drink has the power to take away the the sense mentioned under # 1 above.

senses. Thus God calls it a mocker. This is why it is foolish to say it is O.K. for a man to drink in moderation.

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When a man takes the first drink to his lips, he does not DULL. Slothful (He. 5:11). [See Diligence, Labor, know what the end will be. He is no longer in control; Sluggard.]

the liquor is.

DUMAH (silence). Dumah was a son of Ishmael (Ge.

The Results of Drunkenness: Immorality (Pr. 23:33), 25:14) and he settled in Edom (Josh. 15:52; Is. 21:11).

cursing (Pr. 23:33), recklessness (Pr. 23:34), dizziness DUMB. Not able to speak (Is. 35:6; Mk. 7:37).

(Pr. 23:34), fighting and injury (Pr. 23:35), bondage (Pr.

DUNG GATE. One of the eleven gates of Jerusalem 23:35; 5:22-23; Jn. 8:34; Ro. 6:16), sorrow (Pr. 23:29), (Ne. 3:14). It was used for the disposal of rubbish and contention (Pr. 23:29), babbling (Pr. 23:29), redness of dung and led out to the Valley of Hinnom south of the eyes (Pr. 23:29), poverty (Pr. 23:21), loss of wisdom (Is.

City of David (Compact). [See Gate, Hinnom.]

28:7), takes away the heart (Ho. 4:11).

DUNGEON. A close prison; or a deep, dark place of The End of Drunkenness: (1 Co. 6:9-10).

confinement (Ge. 40:15; Je. 38:6). [See Prison.]

Deliverance from Drunkenness: (1 Co. 6:11).

DURA (circle). Da. 3:1.

What about Spiritual Drunkenness? As for the so-DURE. Endure (Mt. 13:21).

called drunkenness in the Spirit supposedly experienced in some Charismatic circles, it is nowhere to be found in DWARF. An abnormally small person (Le. 21:20).

the Scriptures. Those who promote the Charismatic DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY. A method of Bible

“Laughing Revival” grossly abuse the passage in Acts translation that adapts the Scriptures to the culture and chapter 2 in an attempt to prove that the Apostles were educational level of the people. Five centuries ago the drunk in the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. This is faithful William Tyndale, later martyred for his nonsense. Those who said the disciples were “full of translation of the Bible, said, “I call God to record new wine” were the mockers who wanted to debunk the against the day we shall appear before our Lord Jesus, miracle of tongues which was occurring (Acts 2:13).

to give a reckoning of our doings, that I never altered The mockers did not say the disciples were drunken one syllable of God’s Word against my conscience, nor because they were staggering about and slurred in would [I so alter it] this day, if all that is in the earth, speech and falling to the ground, but because of the whether it be pleasure, honour, or riches, might be given many languages which were used to preach the Gospel me.” This attitude of fear and trembling toward God’s that day and because they wanted to slander the holy Word does not exist among many of the present-apostles. In his reply to these mockers, PETER PLAINLY

day Bible translators. They are not afraid of adding to, SAID THEY WERE NOT DRUNKEN (Acts 2:15). In subtracting from and changing the eternal Word of God.

Ephesians 5:18 Paul CONTRASTS drunkenness with the During the last two decades, a new concept has been filling of the Spirit. The drunk is not in control of developed in the field of Bible translation which has himself but is under the power of a foreign substance. In dramatically affected the kind of Bibles being produced.

contrast, the Spirit-filled Christian is entirely in control This phenomena has spread rapidly within the circles of of himself under the direction of the Holy Spirit. There translation scholars but has been largely hidden from is absolutely no case in the New Testament of the Lord the average Christian. While working as a foreign Jesus Christ or the Apostles or early Christians missionary in South Asia, I was involved in establishing staggering about in a drunken stupor, unable to attend the principles and guidelines for a Bible translation to necessary duties, as those in the laughing revival are project. I also have considerable contact with men experiencing. THE CHRISTIAN IS COMMANDED TO BE

working on translations in several other languages.

SOBER AT ALL TIMES (1 Th. 5:6, 8; 1 Ti. 3:2, 11; Titus Through this experience I have become familiar with 1:8; 2:2, 4 , 6; 1 Pe. 1:13; 4:7; 5:8). If for no other dynamic equivalency, and the more I have learned of reason, I would reject the laughing revival on this basis this method and its growing influence, the more alone. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the alarmed I have become. I, therefore, rejoice to have an devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he opportunity to share some details of this matter with may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). [See Sober, Strong Drink, friends through this material.

Temperance, Wine, Worldly.]

WHAT IS DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY?

DUE BENEVOLENCE. [See Benevolence.]

The new method of Bible translation is also called DUKE. Head of the family; leader; prince (Ge.

“common language translation,” “idiomatic translation,”

36:15).

“impact translation,” “indirect transfer translation,” and DULCIMER. A musical instrument formed of two

“thought translation.” While some would make a pipes inserted into a leathern bag, somewhat like the distinction between some of these methods, for the most bagpipes (Da. 3:5) (Concise). [See Music.]

part we can say they are used synonymously.

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In English, two of the key examples of this are the such. They say it is too loose to be called a dynamic Today’s English Version ( Good News for Modern Man) equivalency, and they would make a clear distinction and the Living Bible. These were produced through the between paraphrasing and dynamic equivalency. Yet principles which are promoted within Wycliffe Bible even the professional translators acknowledge that Translators, the United Bible Societies, and Living Bibles though looser than the TEV, the Living Bible does follow International, the three most influential groups in Bible dynamic equivalency methodology. Consider another translation work today.

quote from the United Bible Societies’ publication: Doubtless many readers will be familiar with the TEV

“A series of ‘Living’ Scriptures has been prepared in and the Living Bible; but perhaps you thought they were English by Kenneth N. Taylor and circulated widely only considered “paraphrases” or commentaries, or during recent years. The dust jacket of the first edition Bible study helps, and had not taken them seriously.

of the Epistles denies that it is a translation and insists Think again. These two dynamic equivalency versions that it is a paraphrase. ... ACTUALLY, HOWEVER, TAYLOR’S DEFINITION OF PARAPHRASE IS

are being called the best Bible versions in the English ESSENTIALLY WHAT WE MEAN BY TRANSLATION, as language by many professional translators and well-described earlier, since it promises to render the known Christian leaders.

content of the original ‘as exactly as possible’ for its The cover jacket to Thomas Nelson’s Good News readers. The language of his version is fully Study Bible claims: “Today’s English Version is a true contemporary, and relatively free from translationism translation. It is accurate and faithful to the original or interference from the structure of the source texts.” An ad in Eternity magazine for June 1983, said language. It is in a language variety between regular the Today’s English Version is “clear and simple to the and casual, and at a common-language level suitable for readers of fairly limited experience. Theological modern reader yet faithful to the everyday Greek and terms are generally avoided in favor of simpler terms Hebrew in which it was originally written.”

or descriptive phrases, and the grammatical structure Of the Living Bible, well-known Evangelist Luis Palau is straightforward, although the number of embedded represents the thinking of many leaders when he said constructions might have been reduced still more in this: “Throughout the world, there is a need for clear some cases” (Wonderly, p. 67).

and understandable Scriptures. That is why I am sold on This makes it clear that professional translators DO

the work of Living Bibles International and the kind of CONSIDER the Living Bible to be a dynamic Scriptures they are producing. … they are good equivalency, and they admit that Living Bible-type translations, trustworthy in content” ( Front Line, Living paraphrasing is essentially the same as the dynamic Bibles International, Vol. 3, No. 1, 1988).

equivalency methodology of the TEV. Further, William Not only are the TEV and Living Bible considered by Wonderly and the United Bible Societies are by no many to be accurate English versions, but these means the only professional translators to acknowledge frightfully corrupt translations have become models for this. John Beekman, translations coordinator for translation work in all languages.

Wycliffe Bibles International, says, “The Living Bible is To illustrate the fact that the world of professional the most readable and the most natural English translators has adopted the paraphrasing mentality, we translation available” (William F. Kerr, The Living Bible—

quote from Bible Translations for Popular Use by William Not Just Another Version, Wheaton: Tyndale House L. Wonderly. This volume is published by the United Publishers, 1975).

Bible Societies and is a standard work on dynamic It is not wrong, therefore, to use paraphrasing and equivalency and is used widely by translators.

dynamic equivalency as synonyms, and this is what we

“Illustrative materials are drawn from different biblical do in this study. OUR THESIS IS THAT THE WORLD IS

translations but especially from the Spanish Version BEING FILLED WITH PARAPHRASES, AND WHILE NOT

Popular and the Today’s English Version, which, in this ALL DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY OR COMMON

order, are the first two complete New Testaments that LANGUAGE VERSIONS ARE AS LOOSE AS THE LIVING

have been prepared on the common-language level BIBLE, ALL ARE HOPELESSLY CORRUPTED. THE

with the systematic use of these principles” (William L.

R E A S O N I S T H AT T H E M E T H O D O L O GY I S

Wonderly, Bible Translations for Popular Use, p. vii).

HOPELESSLY CORRUPTED.

Thus it should be clear that the professional Dynamic equivalency is actually not a bad term, but translators themselves use the TEV as a key illustration it has been given a bad meaning in modern Bible of their principles. We will do the same in our study.

translation work. Dynamic means “energetic, lively, Should the Living Bible Be Used to Illustrate Dynamic forceful.” Equivalent means “equal, or virtually equal in Equivalency? At this point some would agree that the meaning or effect.” A true dynamic equivalency TEV is a dynamic equivalency version, but they would translation of the Scriptures could be a good translation protest our use of the Living Bible as an illustration of if indeed it was energetic and forceful and equal in Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 189

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meaning and effect to the original writings. That is what the Today’s English Version. As we noted earlier, though, the Word of God is, and what a translation of the Bible we see no significant difference between dynamic should be. That is what excellent translations of equivalency and paraphrasing, nor between the Living Scripture such as the KJV and Luther’s Bible are for the Bible and the TEV. Both methods and both versions are English and German speaking peoples. They were hopelessly corrupt.

equivalencies and they were dynamic!

3. Impact translation. Dynamic equivalency attempts The problem is that modern dynamic equivalencies to understand exactly how the original hearers of are NOT equal or virtually equal to the original Bible Scripture were impressed, and then create the same text. “Dynamic” has come to mean that a literal impression in modern hearers. This is the rationale translation of the Bible is dull and stale and lifeless, so behind, for example, the Living Bible’s use of gutter and the translator’s job is to CREATE a lively Bible by his slang language; i.e. “son of a bitch” in 1 Sa. 20:30. [This clever rephrasing of Scripture into colloquial language.

has been changed in recent editions of the LB.] Another

“Equivalency” no longer means that the translator example is the use of symbols for explicit language in strives as perfectly as possible for an equal transfer of comics published by United Bible Societies in Asia. The the words and structure of the original. Rather, the passage in 1 Sa. 20:30 is illustrated with a picture of an emphasis is on a general equivalency, with the translator angry Saul and a comic balloon containing the symbols, having great freedom to restate, change, add to, and

“@#!”, which, of course, is a commonly used symbol for take away from the original writings.

expletives or swear words. In the October 1985 issue of Dynamic equivalency is a frightfully proud concept.

the UBS Bible Translator, this comment is made: “This Man is saying that that which claims to be the Word of symbolic device is useful in languages where the explicit God is dry, stuffy, unintelligible to modern man, locked use of an expletive or swear word would be taboo.” This in ancient cultural language which no longer holds is impact translation. Instead of being content to import to today’s cultures. Man is saying that the Bible translate what the Bible actually says, dynamic translator’s work, then, is to unlock the hidden treasures equivalency proponents must force the text to say what of this dry book and make it LIVE for TODAY’s people.

they think God intended to say.

Hence we have versions called The LIVING Bible and 4. Idiomatic translation (inculturalization). This the TODAY’S English Version which is advertised as “The refers to the attempt by such translators to use the Word of God ALIVE and ACTIVE.” This attitude is seen cultural idioms of the language of the people for whom in the words of Kenneth Taylor, author of the Living the translation is intended, and as much as possible to Bible:

avoid using the cultural context in which the Bible was

“We take the original thought and convert it into the originally written. An example is a new Bengali version language of today. … We can be much more accurate which is intended primarily for marginally literate than the verbal translation. … Once you get the REAL

Muslim and Hindu readers in Bangladesh.

MEANING of the Scriptures, they are life-transforming.

5. Functional equivalence translation. The Director of

… I felt such a thrill at my own privilege of STRIPPING

Translations for the American Bible Society, David AWAY SOME OF THE VERBIAGE. … being a co-worker with God in that respect. … I flipped open my Bible Burke, used this expression to describe the newly and began to experiment with this new method of released Contemporary English Version. The American translation” (Evangelism Today, Dec. 1972, emphasis Bible Society announcement said, “The Contemporary added).

English Version differs from other translations in that it SOME OTHER NAMES BY WHICH DYNAMIC

is not a word-for-word and sequence-by-sequence EQUIVALENCY IS KNOWN

rendering which reproduces the syntax of the original 1. Thought or idea translation. The primary texts. Instead, it is an idea-by-idea translation, arranging professed aim of dynamic equivalency is to transfer, not the Bible’s text in ways understandable to today’s reader the very words and structure of the original, but to of English. which means that while the English transfer the general thoughts. I say “professed” aim, rendering must equal the original language in meaning because dynamic equivalencies are not faithful even to or context, the order of the words and style is the general ideas of the original text.

determined by today’s English usage, not by the original Greek or Hebrew. Dr. Burke noted that Bible Societies’

2. Paraphrasing. The general thoughts of the Bible translations were the first to develop and use the are to be rephrased in modern, colloquial language.

‘functional equivalence’ principle” ( Record, American Some deny that dynamic equivalency is paraphrasing.

Bible Society, June-July 1991, pp. 3-6).

They do not want their common language work to be called paraphrasing. These would want to make a clear 6. Common Language translation. This is one of the distinction between the Living Bible, for example, and terms most frequently and popularly used to describe the new dynamic equivalency versions. Common 190

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language, in this context, refers to the attempt of the THE PRINCIPLES OF DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY

translators to put the Bible into that range of the Before we give you a glimpse of just how influential receptor language which is common both to the highly the method of dynamic equivalency has become in educated and to the uneducated.

recent years, we will highlight some of the key A translator who produced a common language principles involved. These are taken directly from the edition of the Bengali Bible describes this method: writings of its chief promoters. First, though, we must

“It became clear that what we needed to produce was note a couple of important points:

a common language translation,” using the colloquial First, there is some variation in the degree to which form of Bengali and the type of language common to translators follow these principles. Some translators the people. We wanted our translation to be accessible who follow dynamic equivalency are freer than others in to uneducated readers and yet acceptable to the cutting themselves loose from the words and form of the educated. This meant avoiding forms used only in the various local dialects of Bengali, and also avoiding original text. The difference, though, is only that of technical and high level language used only by degree; the principles remain the same.

educated people as well as vulgar language used Secondly, various teachers of dynamic equivalency mainly by the uneducated. We had to strive for the use different expressions in defining their method. Some area of overlap in the language spoken by all prefer idiomatic translation; others prefer common Bengalees” (Lynn Silvernale, By the Word, p. 27).

language. Even so, all or almost all of the following Common language versions, then, aim to put the principles, variously stated, will find a place in any Bible into the mid-level range of the receptor language, course on dynamic equivalency translation.

those words and forms which are common both to the Thirdly, these principles are interconnected and highly educated and to the uneducated. In practice, this overlap one another. We have broken them down this means that the literary level of the particular people way for the purpose of clarifying just what dynamic who speak the language of the new Bible determines equivalency translation is.

that Bible’s language level. A common language version Dynamic equivalency aims to translate thoughts rather produced for a highly educated people such as the than words. This principle is seen in the description by German people will use a language level much higher Kenneth Taylor of his method of paraphrase translation: than a common language version intended for people who are largely illiterate. The Thai common language

“We take the original thought and convert it into the language of today. … We can be much more accurate version, for example, aimed for the fourth grade level.

than the verbal translation” (Interview with J.L. Fear, The Dutch easy-to-read version produced by the Evangelism Today, Dec. 1972).

Netherlands Bible Society was aimed at children 8-12

The American Bible Society’s Contemporary English years old ( The Bible Translator, United Bible Societies, Version was produced by the dynamic equivalency October 1987, pp. 421-422).

method. Consider:

Herein is a great danger and error. It might be

“The Contemporary English Version differs from other possible for an acceptable translation of the Bible to be translations in that it is not a word-for-word and made in the common language of an educated people, sequence-by-sequence rendering which reproduces the since the common language of such people might be syntax of the original texts,” explained Dr. Burke.

high enough to do justice to the original text of

“Instead, it is an idea-by-idea translation, arranging the Scripture. When an attempt is made, though, to create a Bible’s text in ways understandable to today’s reader of Bible in the common language of an illiterate people, English” ( Record, American Bible Society, June-July the translators are forced to make drastic departures 1991, pp. 3-6).

from the original text. The Bible was not written in Something needs to be pointed out here. Those who language equal to that of a person who is only use the method of dynamic equivalency claim to be moderately or barely literate, and it is not therefore aiming for a transfer of the same MEANING from the possible to create a version of the Bible in such a low original to the receptor language. They say the original level of language without making unacceptable changes words and form are important only as a vehicle for the in God’s Word.

meaning; therefore, it is the meaning alone which is We will hasten to add that the common language truly important in the translation. The problem is that versions being produced today are not acceptable and when we examine the dynamic equivalency or common accurate translations in any language. This is because language versions, invariably it is seen that the meaning there is much more to the method of common language has been changed as well as the form and words.

translation than the simple goal of reaching a certain A study of such popular English dynamic equivalency literary level. We will describe this more carefully in the versions as the Good News Bible and the Living Bible following section.

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versions loosed themselves from the words and form of Note that the translators of this dynamic equivalency the original texts, but they have loosed themselves from version in Dutch tested its value by the attitude of the very meaning as well. Please keep this in mind when young readers toward it. It was aimed at the level of an you read statements by these translators. They usually eight to twelve year old child and was tested by school profess to be faithful to the exact meaning of the groups. Nothing is said about whether these young original text in translation work, but this is not the case.

people were saved or whether they had any spiritual It is impossible to be true to the Word of God while discernment whatsoever. How unreasonable to test the being faithful to dynamic equivalency.

trustworthiness of a Bible version in this way.

Dynamic equivalency aims at the use of simple It might seem wonderful that the 13-year-old boy language and style throughout. In 1970 the Bible Society could read Genesis through and understand every word of India (member of the United Bible Societies) began of it, but consider what this means. The Bible is filled to produce a dynamic equivalency version (otherwise with things that are difficult to understand even for the known as a “common language version”) of the Punjabi most mature pastor. How then was it possible for a 13-Bible. This project was completed in 1984. A listing of year-old to understand it perfectly? It was possible only the main principles which were followed was given in because the Dutch Living Bible has been simplified far the report issued at the release of the New Punjabi beyond the form and meaning of the original text.

Bible, March 2, 1985. One of those principles was this: Yes, the dynamic equivalency versions are easy to

“From the language point of view, it should not have a read and understand, as easy as the morning newspaper, very high literary standard. The language used should but how many times repeatedly does an individual read be within the reach of both the highly educated as well his morning newspaper? How closely does an individual as the less educated people” ( The North India ponder every word of the morning newspaper?

Churchman, The Church of North India, June 1985).

Simplicity is wonderful, but this is not the primary goal The fact that dynamic equivalency aims at linguistic of Bible translation. The goal is faithfulness to God’s simplicity is admitted by the translator of the Bengali holy, eternal Words. ABWE missionary Lynn Silvernale’s Common Language Bible:

goal of producing a Bible on the language level of the

“Since the literacy rate in Bangladesh was only twenty-barely literate people of Bangladesh sounds like a one percent when we began the translation, and since wonderful goal. Since we, too, were missionaries in an that figure included many people who are barely Asian country, among a people even less literate than literate and many new readers, we felt that our those of Bangladesh, we readily sympathize with language level would have to be that which is readily Silvernale’s desire to produce a Bible which the average understood by adults who have studied in grade four reader can understand. The problem is this: The Bible is or five. This level would be understandable to illiterate God’s Word, written in words chosen by God, in a people hearing it read as well as to people who are able to read but have limited education” ( By the Word, language form chosen by God. By and large the original pp. 25-26).

words and language form of the Bible simply are not on A practical look at just how simple dynamic a grade four reading level! For a translator to produce equivalency versions are in their literary style can be such a Bible necessitates drastically changing God’s seen in this illustration regarding the Dutch Living Word from its original form. We will say more about Bible:

this.

“We met our Dutch coordinator, Berno Ramaker and Dynamic equivalency aims to make the Bible entirely his wife Ruth. They are currently testing portions of understandable to non-christians. Again we quote from our soon-to-be released Dutch Living Bible. School the principles which were used by the Bible Society of groups are being quizzed on four different Bible India in the New Punjabi Bible: “It should be such that translations, including the Living Bible, to make sure readers other than Christians also could understand our edition communicates effectively. … The book of without any difficulty” ( The North India Churchman, Genesis was produced in an attractive format last year June 1985, p. 10).

as a promotion tool for the complete Bible. Acceptance It is often argued that dynamic equivalency or has been enthusiastic. Even before Genesis was released, the 13-year-old son of a reviewer on the common language versions, though admittedly not project found the manuscript on his father’s desk. After suitable for detailed Bible study, are excellent reading for awhile, he went to his father and said, evangelistic tools. The changes made in these versions

“Hey, Dad, I read this manuscript and for the first time are supposedly justified in order to simplify God’s Word I can understand a book of the Bible from the first for this aim. Is this so? Consider the following thoughts verse to the last!” ( Thought for Thought, Living Bibles along this line:

International, Vol. 4, No. 1, 1985, p. 3).

First, God’s Word is not to be changed for any reason—

not even evangelism.

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“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of It is the perfect, pure Word of God by which the the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto unsaved experience a supernatural new birth. The Good these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that News Bible, the Living Bible, and other dynamic are written in this book: And if any man shall take equivalent versions (to varying degrees) are corrupted, away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God changed, weakened, perverted renderings of the shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written Scriptures. They are not the incorruptible seed of God’s in this book” (Re. 22:18,19).

eternal Word, and should not therefore be used for

“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them evangelistic purposes.

that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his Some will doubtless argue that people are being words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a saved through the common language versions. We will liar” (Pr. 30:5-6).

not necessarily deny this. God yearns for men to be Our job in evangelism is to explain the Bible through saved, and, bless His name, He can save men even preaching, personal witnessing, Gospel literature, etc.—

through unfaithful Bible versions. This does not mean, not to dilute the Scriptures so it reads like the morning though, that He thereby puts His stamp of approval newspaper, a popular novel, or a children’s Bible story upon corruptions of the Bible.

book.

It has been our observation that the converts won The Ethiopian eunuch was reading from the through weak Bible versions and weak, compromising Scriptures and could not understand what he read. It evangelistic ministries tend to be weak converts.

was Philip the evangelist’s job to explain the Scriptures Compromise tends to produce compromise. Corruption to this man (Ac. 8:26-33). If Philip had believed the tends to produce corruption. This is why those won to theories of dynamic equivalency he no doubt would Christ through new-evangelical ministries normally have returned home after this experience and have remain happily affiliated with new-evangelicalism in rewritten and simplified the book of Isaiah, the book spite of its grossly unscriptural principles.

from which the Ethiopian eunuch had been reading!

Third, paraphrases produce confusion in the minds of Was it not obvious that the sincere but unsaved those who read them. “For God is not the author of Ethiopian had not been able to understand the Bible?

confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the Was it not obvious that many other men must be in the saints” (1 Co. 14:33). When a person reads a Common same condition as this Ethiopian? Was it not obvious Language version, thinking it is a faithful translation of that there are not enough evangelists to speak the Bible, he often becomes very confused at the personally to every lost person and to explain the Bible difference between his paraphrase and an accurate Bible for them? Well, then, we must reword the Bible and translation. We witnessed this when a young man from change its difficult, antiquated words so that the non-Switzerland began attending our church meetings in Christian can pick it up and “understand it without Nepal. He had lived a hippy kind of life, traveling here difficulty.” Certainly this would please God. Such is the and there, finally making a profession of faith in Christ thinking so commonly held among those who are in India. When we met him, he was using a Good News promoting dynamic equivalency.

Bible and was utterly confused and frustrated by the My friends, I solemnly testify that Philip and the different meaning he detected from the King James early Christian leaders would have had their hands cut Bible, the Luther’s German Bible, and the standard off rather than to have tampered with God’s holy words.

Nepali Bible which were being used in the services.

That Book is Holy! Consider what this means. Is it right

“Why does my Bible say this and the other versions say to inscribe “Holy Bible” on the cover of this book? Yes.

something different?” he would ask. “But my Bible says God’s name is holy and reverend, we are told in the something different,” he would argue when we were Scriptures (Ps. 111:9). But wait, we also read this: “ …

discussing doctrinal matters. This confusion was caused thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name”! (Ps.

by an unfaithful paraphrase and was a great hindrance 138:2) If God’s name is holy and reverend, and God has in the man’s spiritual life.

magnified His Word above all His name, then His Word Again, I want to repeat my firm conviction that the is even holier and more reverend than His name.

Bible Societies and other organizations have done a Amazing, but true. Woe unto those who are tampering great, great evil in perpetrating their apostate dynamic with this unspeakably Holy Book.

equivalent versions. I would not for the world stand in Second, men are born again through incorruptible the shoes of the men who have been involved in this seed, and paraphrases result in corruption.

wicked deed and to have to appear before God to give

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of an account for the untold confusion which has resulted incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and from carelessness toward His eternal Word.

abideth for ever” (1 Pe. 1:23).

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Dynamic equivalency avoids traditional ecclesiastical In Ga. 2:9 “perceived the grace that was given unto me”

terms. Again we quote from the principles which were becomes “recognized that God had given me this special used by the Bible Society of India in producing the New task” in the TEV.

Punjabi Bible: “In this translation the traditional In Ac. 13:39 “And by him all that believe are justified language should be avoided” ( The North India from all things, from which ye could not be justified by Churchman, June 1985, p. 10).

the law of Moses” is translated “It is by means of him It is this principle which has resulted in the Today’s that all those who believe are forgiven of all that which English Version’s obliteration of such “churchy” terms as under the law of Moses had no forgiveness” in the

“justification,” “sanctification,” “saint,” “redemption,”

Spanish CL version.

“propitiation,” “elder,” “deacon,” and “bishop.” Such The problem here is twofold: First, the terms chosen terms have been changed to ones which even the to replace the original Bible words do not sufficiently unsaved can understand, even when this has meant communicate the exact meaning of the original. Saints seriously changing or weakening the meaning.

means more than those who belong to God. Grace The Contemporary English Version is one of the most means more than kindness, or favor, or privilege.

recently completed dynamic equivalency versions, and Justification means more than forgiven. Secondly, the its translation of the great doctrinal words of the Bible entire idea that these terms are ecclesiastical, or illustrates this trend. Consider the following examples churchy, is erroneous. They are the terms by which God from this version:

chose to communicate the Truth. They are heavenly Re. 22:21—“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be terms, and have only become known as church terms with you all” = “I pray that the Lord Jesus will be kind because of the fact that they were given to the church to all of you.”

and are held to be precious by God’s people.

Ep. 2:8—“For by grace are ye saved through faith” =

Dynamic equivalency adapts the wording of the

“You were saved by faith in God’s kindness.”

translation to the culture of the receptor people. In Ph. 1:1—“with the bishops and deacons” = “to all of describing the dynamic equivalency theories of Eugene your church officials and officers.”

Nida, Jakob Van Bruggen notes the emphasis on adapting the message of the Scriptures to the culture of Ph. 1:1—“the saints in Christ” = “all of God’s people the people:

who belong to Christ Jesus.”

According to Nida, Jacob’s struggle with the angel is Ro. 3:10—“none righteous” = “none acceptable to being interpreted psychoanalytically or mythologically God.”

(E. Nida, Message and Mission, pp. 41-42). He considers Ro. 3:24—“being justified freely” = “he freely accepts the cultural pattern so dominant that the translation us.”

should never be a mere transmitter of the words of the 1 Co. 6:11—“but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, message. There is no formal equivalence between the but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and original message and the translated message. What is by the Spirit of our God” = “But now the name of our needed is not a static equivalency but a dynamic Lord Jesus Christ and the power of God’s Spirit have equivalency (Jakob Van Bruggen, Future of the Bible, washed you and made you acceptable to God.”

Thomas Nelson, 1978, p. 70).

Consider some other examples which are given in Bible This thinking has led to all sorts of changes in the Translations for Popular Use by William L. Wonderly. This Word of God. Those who promote dynamic equivalency book was published by the United Bible Societies and is almost always emphasize that they aim to be perfectly a standard work on dynamic equivalency methodology.

faithful to the meaning of the original text. This simply In Ep. 1:15 “saints” is translated “those who belong to cannot be done when dynamic equivalency God” in the French common language (CL) version.

m e t h o d o l o g y i s u s e d . T H O U G H D Y N A M I C

In Jn. 1:14 “full of grace and truth” becomes “full of EQUIVALENCY PROPONENTS CLAIM TO HONOR THE

love and truth” in the Spanish CL version.

MEANING OF THE BIBLE TEXT, IN PRACTICE THEY DO

The “grace did much more abound” of Ro. 5:20 becomes NOT! IN PRACTICE THEY CHANGE, TWIST, AND

“the kindness of God was very much greater” in the PERVERT SCRIPTURE. I know this is hard language, Spanish CL version.

folks, but it is true and it needs to be said. The Bible is serious stuff.

In Ro. 1:5 “By whom we have received grace and apostleship” becomes “God has given us the privilege of An example of adapting the Bible’s language to being sent” in the Spanish CL version.

today’s cultural situations was related to me by the head of the Bible Society in Nepal. He told of one of the In 2 Co. 8:6 “finish in you this same grace also” becomes projects of the United Bible Societies which was done in

“this kind offering” in the Spanish CL version.

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a part of the world in which the people had not seen translation incorporated in all of the work being done snow. The translators, therefore, decided to translate Is.

by the United Bible Societies and Wycliffe Bible 1:18—“…though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be Translators.

white as the inside of a coconut.…”

It is easy to see the unreasonable ends of this In a United Bible Societies translation in the Ulithian dynamic equivalency principle. Those using dynamic language of the South Pacific, “dove” was changed to a equivalency are not afraid to change God’s Words in local bird called a gigi (“Mog Mog and the Fig Tree,”

order to relate to modern cultures.

Record, American Bible Society, Nov. 1987).

We must remember that God is the Author of History.

Further examples of this are given in Translating the He made the nations and “hath determined the times Word of God by John Beekman and John Callow, of before appointed, and the bounds of their Wycliffe Bible Translators:

habitation” (Ac. 17:26). The prophet Daniel knew this, Mt. 8:20—“foxes” was translated “coyotes” in the as he testified, “Blessed be the name of God for ever and Mazahua language of Mexico.

ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth Mk. 4:21—“on a candlestick” was translated “on a grain the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and bin” in the Korku language of India.

setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding” (Da.

Lk. 9:62—“plough” was translated “hoe” in the Carib 2:20-21).

language of Central America.

God was not caught off guard when the Scriptures Lk. 12:24—“storehouse” was translated “basket” in the were given in a certain period of history to a certain Villa Alta Zapotec language of Mexico.

people within a certain culture. God had before Mt. 20:22—“the cup” was translated “pain” in the ordained that His Word be delivered through the very Copainala Zoque of Mexico.

cultural and historical situations through which it was Mt. 10:34—“a sword” was translated “there will be given. God created the Hebrew and Greek languages as dissension among the people” in the Mazahua language suitable vehicles for the transmission of His eternal of Mexico.

Word to man. Further, God created the nation Israel Ac. 22:22—“away with such a fellow from the earth”

through which to deliver the Old Testament Scriptures, was translated “kill him” in the Otomi language of and God created the Roman empire into which Jesus Mexico.

Christ came to be the atonement for man’s sin, and God Consider some other examples of the way these versions created the church through which to communicate the change the Word of God to conform with culture. The mysteries of the N.T. Scriptures. Therefore, the cultural following illustrations were given to us by Ross Hodsdon terminology of the Bible is not incidental to the of Bibles International, formerly with Wycliffe: communication of God’s Word; it is essential for such In a translation for Eskimos in Alaska, “lamb” was communication.

replaced with “seal pup.”

The cultural terminology of the Bible, such as that In a translation in the Makusi language of Brazil, “son of pertaining to farming and slavery, is to be translated man” was replaced with “older brother.”

carefully from the original, then explained by evangelists and preachers. It is not the job of the Bible In another Wycliffe translation “fig tree” was replaced translator to become, in the process of his work as a with “banana tree.”

translator, the evangelist and preacher. Of course the We believe this type of thing is wrong. When one translator can add explanatory footnotes if he so desires departs from the principle of a literal translation, the and in this way give definitions of the words used in the mind of the translator and the culture and new version. He can also make dictionaries and understanding of the people become the authority commentaries to be used in conjunction with his Bible rather than the actual words of Scriptures.

translation. This is certainly wiser than taking the It is important to emphasize that we are not talking liberty of changing God’s Word, and it has been the about a wooden literalness, but about an unwavering method followed by godly translators through the commitment to the actual wording of the Bible text.

centuries.

From these few examples, you see how far-removed Dynamic equivalency assumes that the Bible was the “dynamic equivalency” rendering can be from the written in language easily understood by the people then original text. Dynamic equivalency allows translators living.

this strange liberty to change, delete from, and add to This principle is a basic assumption underlying the the Word of God to such an extent that it no longer even theory of dynamic equivalency. Consider this as stated can be called the Word of God. And dynamic by a missionary translator:

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“The spiritual truth of Scripture was originally written Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they in clear natural language which was intelligible to its seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do readers. Its language conformed to the idiomatic usage they understand” (Mt. 13:10-13).

of the native speakers of the time in which it was written. However, the illuminating work of the Holy It is not true, then, that the original Scripture in its Spirit was necessary to enable the original readers to entirety was clear to the native speakers of that day.

grasp that spiritual truth, because spiritual truth must It is also not true that all of the idioms of the original be spiritually discerned. When people today read a writings were those of the native speakers at the time of translation of the Bible, the only barrier they should writing. The Law of Moses was given by revelation from have to encounter is the spiritual one, not a linguistic God on Mt. Sinai and much of it was foreign even to the one which stems from the use of unnatural and Israelites at the time of its reception. This is true, as difficult language” ( By the Word, pp. 36,37).

well, for many other parts of Scripture—the Priesthood, This translator is merely restating something she the Tabernacle, and the Church are examples. These learned from one of the chief promoters of dynamic were revelations from heaven and did not conform to equivalency—John Beekman, translation coordinator any earthly cultural setting.

with Wycliffe Bible Translators. In Translating the Word When, therefore, the translator quoted above says of God, a book co-authored by Beekman and John that the only barrier people should have in reading a Callow, we read this basic assumption which underlies translation today is a spiritual one and not a literary these faulty theories of translation: “The naturalness of one, she is only partially correct. It is true that we the translation and the ease with which it is understood should strive to make Bible translations as clear as should be comparable to the naturalness of the original possible. No UNNECESSARY obscurity should be and to the ease with which the recipients of the original introduced through a Bible translation. But if the people documents understood them” (p. 34).

to whom the Bible was originally committed did not Jakob Van Bruggen tells us that “Beekman and understand much of it and if much of it was foreign Callow simply presuppose that the linguistic form of the even to their ancient cultures, how could we possibly original was natural and not difficult. They write that expect to overcome this in modern versions of the Bible Paul, Peter, John, James, Luke and the others wrote without unjustified changes?

clearly and were readily understood by their first-We see, then, that this foundational assumption of century readers” (Jakob Van Bruggen, The Future of the dynamic equivalency is in error. It is no wonder that the Bible, Thomas Nelson, 1978, p. 111).

superstructure which has been built upon this faulty Let us return to Silvernale’s statement, and upon foundation is heretical.

closer investigation it will be seen that it is a subtle How influential is dynamic equivalency?

mixture of truth and error. It is not completely true that the “Scripture was originally written in clear natural I think many will be surprised to learn that the language which was intelligible to its readers,” nor that dynamic equivalency method of Bible translation has

“its language conformed to the idiomatic usage of the gained almost total ascendancy among the world’s most native speakers of the time in which it was written.” We influential translation groups. Consider some facts: will consider this more fully later, but at this point it The United Bible Societies (UBS). As of 2001, there should be sufficient to point out the fact that even the are 130 member societies involved in the United Bible writers of the Bible themselves did not always Societies. In 1997, the world distribution of Scriptures understand what they were speaking! This is stated in 1

by the United Bible Societies reached almost 561 million Pe. 1:10-11. “Of which salvation the prophets have (this includes Bibles, New Testaments, portions, readers, enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the etc.). This total included 20 million whole Bibles and grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or 18.5 million New Testaments. Nearly 80 percent of the what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in world’s Bibles are distributed through the UBS. As of them did signify, when it testified beforehand the 2001,, the United Bible Societies were involved in sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.”

translation work in 672 different languages.

The Apostle Peter acknowledged that some of the The American Bible Society, which pays almost one-writings of Paul were “hard to be understood” (2 Pe.

half of the United Bible Societies’ budget, owns the 3:16). The parables of the Lord Jesus Christ had a two-copyright to the Today’s English Version. This is their fold purpose—to reveal truth to believers and to hide baby. They have sold more than 80 million copies of it truth from unbelievers! “Why speakest thou unto them and they have determined that from now on all of their in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because new translations will be based on the principles it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the underlying the Today’s English Version, principles called kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.…

dynamic equivalency.

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This was stated in the UBS publication Bible their workers are using on the fields. Wycliffe supports Translator, No. 23, 1972, pages 220, 223. This was the TEV and the dynamic equivalency methods further confirmed by correspondence with Bible Society underlying it. The fonts they have developed for laser leaders. In August 1987 I received a letter from British printers are distributed with a sample text file of the and Foreign Bible Society leader Geoff Horner. He book of Titus from the TEV. We further see what wrote, “...virtually all translations being carried out at Wycliffe thinks of dynamic equivalency by quoting one present directly by UBS are CLT’s [common language of their chief translators in regard to the Living Bible.

translations].”

John Beekman, translations coordinator for the This statement becomes even more significant when worldwide ministry of Wycliffe, made this statement: we consider that as of 1985 the United Bible Societies

“The Living Bible is the most readable and the most were involved in translation work in 544 languages natural English translation available. The fast-growing ( Bulletin, United Bible Societies, World Annual Report ministry of Living Bibles International is worthy of the 1985, p. 175). At their council meeting in Chiang Mai, prayer support of all of us” (William F. Kerr, The Living Thailand, in 1980, the Bible Societies accepted the goal Bible—Not Just Another Version).

of producing common language translations of the Bible How influential is Wycliffe? According to an undated and a full series of New Readers materials in 227 major brochure published by Wycliffe and distributed at the languages of the world by the end of the decade.

July 1987, North American Congress on the Holy Spirit To further illustrate how strongly the TEV is and World Evangelization, Wycliffe has been involved in promoted by the Bible Societies, we refer to the 1987

a total of 1,105 language translation projects. The New catalog for the British and Foreign Bible Society. Of the Testament has been completed in more than 250

Bibles and Scripture portions listed, 272 are TEV, while languages, and more than 800 translation projects are only 34 are the KJV.

in progress.

Robert Bratcher, key translator of the TEV, is today a This represents a massive influence, but Wycliffe’s principal translations coordinator for the United Bible influence is spread much further than their own work Societies and is busy training men in dynamic indicates. They are responsible for much of the training equivalency methods. Like Nida, Bratcher is a of professional Bible translators from other groups, theological liberal, as are practically all the men who including those with the United Bible Societies, with have developed the principles of dynamic equivalency denominational translation projects, even some or common language translation. This will be shown fundamental groups. This vast influence is gained later in the article.

through their Summer Institute of Linguistics training school in Texas and the various programs associated Thus we see that the enormous resources of the UBS

with it.

are today almost wholly dedicated to the production of the equivalent of the dynamic equivalency TEV in non-In addition, some Wycliffe people have written English languages.

training materials used broadly by professional translators. Eugene Nida, the guru of dynamic Living Bibles International. As of 1990 more than 36

equivalency, started his ministry with Wycliffe Bible million copies of the Living Bible in all editions had Translators in the 1930s, though for many decades he been sold” (Charisma, December 1990, p. 5). When an has been a chief translation’s consultant with the United edition of the Living Bible was marketed through Bible Societies. John Beekman and John Callow, both secular booksellers, it sold two million copies the first with Wycliffe, have authored materials which present year ( Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Mar. 20, 1985).

classic dynamic equivalency methods and which are Its coffers full through the sale of Living Bibles, LBI used widely by professional translators across all has dedicated its vast resources to the production of the denominational and doctrinal lines. Many others could equivalent of the Living Bible in non-English languages.

be mentioned.

Their goal is massive. By 1992, Living Bibles Through these materials, the Summer Institute of International is determined to produce the Living Bible Linguistics, and the translation labors of their workers, in every major language of the world. As of 1986 they Wycliffe’s influence is massive.

had either completed or were working on 144 such projects ( Living Bibles International, Vol. 3 No. 1, 1986).

Thus we see that the three largest Bible translation All of these translations are dynamic equivalency and publishing organizations in the world are versions.

committed to dynamic equivalency.

Wycliffe Bible Translators. Wycliffe also has adopted ERRORS OF DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY

the dynamic equivalency method of translation. This is Following are some of the major errors of the the method they teach at their schools and the method dynamic equivalency method of Bible translation: Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 197

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DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY DENIES THE NATURE OF

Dynamic equivalency ignores God’s warnings about THE BIBLE.

adding to or taking away from God’s Word.

The Bible is Revelation from Heaven. God delivered Consider the following Scriptures: Re. 22:18-19; Pr.

the Bible message as Revelation from heaven and it 30:5-6; Je. 26:2; De. 4:2; Eze. 3:10-11.

must be treated as such. It is God’s Book, not man’s.

Those who follow dynamic equivalency acknowledge Even the very culture in which the Bible was given was these warnings and often have clever ways of explaining chosen of God and is not to be changed. See Ga.

how their paraphrases do not disobey these warnings. In 1:11-12; 2 Pe. 1:21. Examples: Moses (Nu. 16:28), the end, though, it is clear that the warnings are simply David (2 Sa. 23:2), Ne. (9:30), and the Prophets (Je.

ignored.

1:9; 30:2; 36:2; Eze. 1:3; Ac. 3:21).

DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY SUBSTITUTES MAN’S

The Bible is verbally inspired. See 1 Co. 2:12-13; Mt.

THOUGHTS FOR GOD’S WORDS.

5:18; Ac. 1:16. This means that the words and details of In section two we considered this fact in some detail.

Scripture are divinely chosen. The writers of the Bible We will repeat some of the examples used there and were not simply given general ideas and then left to include a few others:

their own resources in phrasing them. The words and forms by which the message was communicated were Ro. 3:25—“blood” (KJV) = “death” (TEV).

settled in heaven from all eternity, purified seven times.

Re. 5:5—“Root of David” (KJV) = “great descendant of Though no one would deny that in translating the Bible David” (TEV).

there must be some freedom to change the form of the Is. 1:18—“Snow” (KJV) = “Coconut” (United Bible original in order to properly communicate the message Societies translation).

of the original, such freedom definitely does not extend Jn. 14:6—“I am the way, the truth and the life” (KJV) =

to the liberties taken in dynamic equivalency

“I am the way by which people come to know God and translations.

so obtain real life” (Indonesian Common Language Third, the Bible contains the deep things of God. See 1

Bible).

Co. 2:10. Bible language is sufficient to communicate The following examples are from Bible Translations for eternal and divine Truth. “But God hath revealed them Popular Use by William L. Wonderly. We quoted earlier unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, from this United Bible Societies’ publication: yea, the deep things of God.” Bible language cannot be Ph. 2:6—(KJV) “Who being in the form of God, compared with any uninspired writings of man. This is thought it not robbery to be equal with God” = (Today’s Divine Revelation and contains very Truth.

Dutch Version) “Although he had a divine form, he did There are those who use dynamic equivalency and not value being like God.”

yet profess to believe the doctrine of the Scriptures we Ja. 1:17—(KJV) “the Father of lights” = (TEV) “God, have described briefly in the above study. Lynn the Creator of the heavenly lights.”

Silvernale, the ABWE missionary mentioned earlier, is 1 Pe. 2:10—(KJV) “now have obtained mercy” =

one example. I find this very strange. The entire theory (Spanish CL) “God has compassion on you.”

of dynamic equivalency was built by men who do not hold a high view of Scripture. When one considers the Ep. 1:17—(KJV) “the Father of glory” = (TEV) “the very nature of Scripture, it becomes impossible to make glorious Father.”

the kind of changes that dynamic equivalency calls for.

Ga. 2:9—(KJV) “perceived the grace that was given DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY CONFUSES SPIRITUAL

unto me” = (TEV) “recognized that God had given me ENLIGHTENMENT WITH NATURAL UNDERSTANDING.

this special task.”

Consider the following Scriptures: 1 Co. 2:14-16; Jn.

The following examples were given to us by Ross 16:8-13; Mt. 13:9-16; Lk. 24:44-45; Ac. 11:21; 16:14; Hodsdon, formerly with Wycliffe Bible Translators: Pr. 1:23.

“Lamb” = “seal pup” (Wycliffe translation in Eskimo).

Dynamic Equivalency fails to recognize the root

“Son of man” = “older brother” (Wycliffe translation, problem in regard to man’s inability to understand the Makusi language, Brazil).

Word of God: spiritual blindness, not cultural ignorance

“Fig tree” = “banana tree” (Wycliffe translation).

or lack of literary education.

This type of thing is wrong. When one departs from Example: Ac. 13:44-48. Here the Jews, in whose the principle of a literal translation, the mind of the cultural setting the Bible was primarily written, rejected translator and the culture and understanding of the the Scriptures, while the idolatrous Gentiles accepted it.

people become the authority rather than the actual Culture and language were not the problem; rebellion of words of Scriptures.

the heart was the problem. This remains true today.

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It is important to emphasize that we are not arguing Israel’s culture; Israel’s culture was created by that for a wooden literalness, but for an unwavering Revelation!

commitment to the actual wording of the Bible text.

The same is true for the things of the Church. These From these few examples, you see how far-removed were given as revelations from heaven, and the Gentile the “dynamic equivalency” rendering is from the and Jewish converts became conformed to these original text of Scripture. Dynamic equivalency allows revelations. The people of the first century knew no translators this strange liberty to change, delete from, more about N.T. salvation, propitiation, justification, and add to the Word of God to such an extent that it no sanctification, or any other church term and service longer even can be called the Word of God.

than people of the world do today. They had to learn the DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY ROBS MEN OF GOD’S

meaning of these foreign, heavenly things after they WORDS.

were saved, just as men do now.

Consider the following Scriptures: Lk. 4:4; Mt.

These Bible matters are foreign to all earthly 22:45; Ga. 3:16; Jn. 10:34. These and many other cultures, as these were formed by rebellious men who passages show the importance of each word of the have turned from the truth and from the Living God.

Bible. Yet the liberties taken with the method of Truth has been lost from man’s cultures and only exists dynamic equivalency leaves the readers of the Common in the form of dimly perceived shadows. It is not a Language versions without access to the very words of strange thing that much of the Bible is obscure to the God. They have the general thoughts of the original in people of this world, for “our conversation is in heaven; many passages, but the very words have been stolen from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord from them! The reader of the Common Language Jesus Christ” (Ph. 3:20). And again, “We know that we versions cannot meditate over each word and detail of are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness” (1

Scripture because he does not have a detail translation.

Jn. 5:19). Again, Jesus said of Christians, “…they are This fact becomes even more frightful when we not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (Jn.

consider the fact that dynamic equivalency is not just a 17:14, 16).

technique being used in translations of Bible portions Dynamic equivalency ignores the fact that much of for distribution among the unsaved in evangelistic work.

the Bible’s language and meaning has always been This method of corruption is rapidly replacing the difficult, even obscure. This is stated plainly by Peter in earlier concept of literal translation, and new dynamic 2 Pe. 3:16 in referring to “things hard to be understood”

equivalency versions being produced by the United Bible in the epistles of Scripture written by the Apostle Paul.

Societies, Wycliffe, and others are often intended to Again in 1 Pe. 1:10 we read that even the prophets who REPLACE the old literal versions.

penned the O.T. Scriptures did not understand all that Many of those who use dynamic equivalency think they wrote. The Lord Jesus Christ said in Mt. 13:10-13

they are helping people by bringing the Word of God that he spoke parables to hide truth from those who down to their level. Actually they are thieves who are would not believe. Christ purposely designed the dooming people never to have the very words of God.

parables to be obscure to some of his hearers!

DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY IGNORES THE FACT THAT

The Bible has great variety of style and doctrine—

MUCH OF THE BIBLE’S LANGUAGE IS NOT OF ANY

some simple enough for children to understand, some EARTHLY CULTURE, BUT IS HEAVENLY IN IDIOM AND

difficult even for the most educated adult; some simple LANGUAGE.

enough for the unsaved to grasp, some difficult even for the most mature saint. First year Greek students soon Some examples are (1) The Law given on Mt. Sinai.

learn that the language style of the New Testament This came down from God to man. (2) The Priesthood holds great variety. Many first year Greek students can and the Tabernacle. He. 9:23 says these are “patterns of translate portions of the Gospel of John with things in heaven.” (3) The Church. Ep. 3:1-5,9-10 calls considerable accuracy, while to the same students Paul’s these “mysteries,” meaning heavenly revelations never epistles remain mostly obscure because of the greater before revealed to man.

difficulty in language style and content.

Much of the Bible’s language and form has always Man is not free to simplify that which God has not been strange to man because this is a heavenly Book; it simplified! The translator who produces a version of the is a Revelation from God. The O.T. contains “patterns of Bible in which the Pauline epistles is as easy to read as things in heaven,” things which were strange even to the Gospel of John has corrupted God’s Word. I know the people who were living at the time those patterns that such an idea sounds like heresy to a follower of were revealed. The details relating to the Law, the dynamic equivalency. Many ask, Isn’t it always good to Priesthood, and the Tabernacle were not adapted to make the Bible simple enough for people to understand?

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Word. Who is man to make simple that which God did Who is wise enough to so rewrite the Bible? How can not make simple? The Bible is God’s Book. Does any we know that such changes do not somehow corrupt fallen man know better than God what man needs to some important meaning of the Word of God?

hear?

Those involved in this kind of thing do not even Contrast today’s thinking among Bible translators agree among themselves about how far to go in making with that of faithful William Tyndale of old. “I call God changes. While agreeing that changes should be made to record against the day we shall appear before our to adapt the Scriptures to man’s culture, the proponents Lord Jesus, to give a reckoning of our doings, that I of dynamic equivalency disagree among themselves as never altered one syllable of God’s Word against my to how far to go in this. If dove can mean some other conscience, nor would [I so alter it] this day, if all that is kind of bird, who is to say what kind of bird is a proper in the earth, whether it be pleasure, honour, or riches, substitute? Nida, for example, often allows more drastic might be given me.”

changes than Beekman. Beekman allows more drastic DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY CONFUSES TRANSLATION

changes than some of the other translators involved in WITH EVANGELISM AND TEACHING.

this. It has become a world of confusion and The translator is to faithfully transmit the words and uncertainty. Why? Because man has become the message from the original into the receptor language as arbitrator of what is the Word of God.

literally as possible. In so doing he should obviously Instead of being content with exactly that which God attempt to make the translation as plain for the readers has written, and seeking to translate the words of the AS POSSIBLE without doing damage to the original Bible as exactly and literally as possible, the gurus of words and form. The translator is not free to simplify dynamic equivalency have launched out upon the that which God has not simplified in the original text.

uncertain seas of contextualization. Their rules are man-Utter faithfulness to the original text should be the sole made and therefore relative. Having loosed themselves concern of the Bible translator.

from the exactness of the original text of Scripture, they The evangelist’s work, then, is to explain that have no objective, dogmatic criteria upon which to base message to the lost, and the teacher’s job is to explain their translation decisions.

that message to the saved. Ep. 4:11-12. The Bible DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY CONFUSES INSPIRATION

translator whose overriding goal is to make the Bible WITH TRANSLATION.

clear to the unsaved so that they need no evangelist, of Dynamic equivalency proponents wrongly apply facts necessity, becomes a Bible corrupter.

about inspiration to the work of Bible translation. They DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY MAKES THE BIBLE

say that God wrote to be understood and adapted His CONFORM TO MAN’S CULTURE RATHER THAN

Word to a particular culture; thus when translators MAKING MAN’S CULTURE CONFORM TO THE BIBLE.

adapt the Scriptures to today’s cultures, it is supposed We have seen that dynamic equivalency adapts the that they are merely following God’s example. Beekman Scriptures to man’s culture. Several real life examples and Callow develop this thinking in Translating the were given: lamb is translated seal pup; fig tree Word of God:

becomes banana tree; dove becomes gigi bird; foxes Naturalness is a prerequisite to ease of understanding.

becomes coyotes; snow becomes coconut; candlestick such men. They preached to be understood and they becomes a grain bin; plough becomes a hoe; storehouse wrote to be understood. At least two of the New Testament writers explicitly say so. In 2 Corinthians becomes a basket; sword becomes dissension; son of 1:13, Paul says, “For we write you nothing but what man becomes older brother. The list could be endless.

you can read and understand” (RSV). ... Luke also says There are two very serious problems with this. First, in the preface to his gospel that “it seemed good to me this type of thing changes God’s Word. Those doing this also ... to write an orderly account for you, most believe the changes are justified to enable people to excellent Theophilus, that you may know the truth understand the Bible. In effect, though, they are concerning the things of which you have been changing God’s Word and are robbing people of God’s informed” (Luke 1:3-4 RSV). To assume that the words. I don’t believe ANY of the changes we have seen original readers had considerable difficulty understanding what was written is, in effect, to assert are justified. Man simply does not have such authority.

that the apostles were clumsy and inept in their God-Second, this type of thing destroys the authority of given task of communicating the truth in their God’s Word. The mind of the translator becomes the preaching and writing. Paul, Peter, John, James, Luke, authority. Who is to say if a gigi bird is a proper and the others wrote clearly and were readily substitute for the dove? Who is to say that a hoe is a understood. The original writings were both natural in proper substitute for a plough, or a banana tree for the structure and meaningful in content.

fig tree? Who knows enough to make such judgments?

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When we say that the Scriptures are natural in form, adjustment of the actual literary form of the metaphor we are simply saying that, written as they were by or simile. ... The other is making explicit some part of native speakers, they fell within the bounds of natural the implicit information which is carried by the figure Hebrew, Aramaic, or Koine Greek. the use of words and (Ibid., pp. 137-138, 143-144).

their combinations; the syntax; the morphology—all Beekman and Callow propose changing the images was natural.

and details of the Bible when people of a modern This characteristic of the original should also be found culture cannot understand what the Scriptures say. They in a translation (Beekman and Callow, Translating the give many illustrations of such changes which have been Word of God, p. 40).

made in Wycliffe versions. The Zapotec translation of Beekman and Callow develop this line of thinking by Mexico changed “the babe leaped in her womb” of Lk.

giving illustrations of ways Scripture can be changed to 1:41 to “the baby played” (p. 147). Some African conform to modern cultures. This thinking is faulty. The translations have changed “your hearts are hard” in Mt.

Bible translator’s job is to translate that which God has 19:8 to “your ears are hard” or “your stomach is written. His job is not merely to interpret the original hard” (p. 147). Beekman and Callow suggest that “the concepts of Scripture, then rephrase those concepts in a tongue is a fire” of Ja. 3:6 could be translated “a fire general sense in another language. His job is not to ruins things; what we say also ruins things” (p. 149).

change the images of the Bible to adapt them to a We believe this is wrong thinking. Bible translators modern culture.

do not have the authority to change the Word of God The Bible, if translated properly, will NOT sound like this. If the Bible’s images cannot be understood by a

“natural” to a modern reader. God simply did not write people, it is the job of the teacher to explain them—not a Book which sounds natural to modern man. If the job of the translator to change them. Inspiration is translated properly, much of the Bible will not be easy to not a pattern for translation.

understand. Clear understanding of the Scriptures only By the way, in light of the examples we have seen, comes through faithful evangelists and teachers and perhaps you can see now why we contend that the through sound teaching tools. This is a basic fact about dynamic equivalency principles used by Wycliffe and the the Bible: It is a difficult book to understand. It’s culture United Bible Societies are not significantly different than is foreign to most of us today; it’s teachings are the paraphrasing of Kenneth Taylor. Perhaps you can see absolute, eternal, heavenly, and foreign to fallen man.

why Wycliffe’s John Beekman says the Living Bible is Did God make a mistake? Of course not. God knew the most natural English translation and why he what He was doing when He designed the Bible as He recommends it. The examples Beekman recommends did. Further, it is His Book, not ours, and it is our job to from Wycliffe translations are just as loose as the Living faithfully, accurately translate it, then teach people the Bible.

meaning of it.

DY N A M I C E Q U I VA L E N C Y AT T E M P T S T H E

Yet dynamic equivalency proponents think we have IMPOSSIBLE.

the freedom to change the Word of God and adapt it to In several ways, dynamic equivalency attempts things modern man. This is exactly what Beekman and Callow which are impossible. Let’s consider some of these: propose:

First, dynamic equivalency attempts to retain the Naturally, the original writers drew on their own culture for the images they used; and for any given exact meaning of the original while allowing for great receptor culture, it is likely that some of these images changes in adapting the Bible message to the language will be unknown. Such images as ‘wineskins,’

and culture of the receptor people. Consider the

‘whitewashed sepulchres,’ ‘anchor,’ ‘shipwreck,’ ‘sword,’

following statement by United Bible Societies translator and ‘crown’ are familiar in relatively few of the Thomas Headland:

cultures for which new translations are currently being

“The goal in Bible translation is to make a translation made. Hence, the meaning of the figure breaks down that will communicate to the target culture without at its very center—the image itself, since the image their having to learn the Judeo-Greek culture, while at conveys no meaning at all to the readers of the RL

the same time being faithful to the uniqueness of the

[receptor language]. ... When careful questioning of historical and theological setting of the Scriptures. No the RL readers reveals that a particular metaphor or simple task!” (Thomas N. Headland, “Some simile is failing to communicate the meaning of the Communication Problems in Translation,” Notes on original, then the translator needs to find out what is Translation, No. 88, April 1982, p. 28).

causing the problem—the image, the topic, the point of Headland says this is no simple task. In truth, it is an similarity—and to correct the translation so that the problem is resolved. ...

impossible task! God chose to reveal His Word within the framework, largely, of a Judeo-Greek culture, and if There are two principal modifications of the form which are permissible for the translator. One is you change the Bible to such an extent that the readers Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 201

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can understand it without learning anything about that translator claims. If his translation is a perversion of culture, you have perverted the Scripture. At this point God’s Word, I will not allow him to hide behind his we need to note that dynamic equivalency proponents claim that he is faithful to the Bible!

inevitably claim their translations are faithful to the Let’s consider a second impossibility of dynamic original text. They all say this.

equivalency. It says translators can know how hearers of The Today’s English Version claims this: “The Bible in the Bible centuries ago were impressed. One of the goals Today’s English Version is a new translation WHICH

of dynamic equivalency is to attempt to reproduce the SEEKS TO STATE CLEARLY AND ACCURATELY THE

same reaction in modern hearers of their versions. This MEANING OF THE ORIGINAL TEXTS in words and is called impact translating.

forms that are widely accepted by all people who use How utterly impossible! We cannot know how men English as a means of communication” (Foreword, Holy centuries ago were impressed by the Word of God Bible Today’s English Version with Deuterocanonicals/

spoken to them. Further, there have always been Apocrypha, American Bible Society, 1978).

different reactions to that same Word by the different The Contemporary English Version claims to be hearers. A glimpse of this is seen in Acts 17, following faithful to the Bible text: “Every attempt has been made Paul’s message to the Athenians. All heard the same to produce a text THAT IS FAITHFUL TO THE MEANING

message from God that day, but some mocked, some OF THE ORIGINAL and that can be read with ease and decided to put off a decision until a later date, and some understanding by readers of all ages” (“Translating the believed (Ac. 17:32-33).

Contemporary English Version,” Bible for Today’s Family The Bible translator’s job is not to attempt to create a New Testament, American Bible Society, 1991).

certain reaction in the hearer of the Bible, but to Ken Taylor, translator of the Living Bible, claims he is concentrate upon making a faithful rendering of God’s faithful to the original text: “We take the original Holy eternal Words. The translator’s mind is to be most thought and convert it into the language of today. IN

especially upon the receptor language, not the receptor THIS WAY WE CAN BE MUCH MORE ACCURATE THAN

people. When the translation is completed and the THE VERBAL TRANSLATION” ( Evangelism Today, Dec.

preaching begins, men will respond in the various ways 1972).

they have always responded to God’s Word—some All dynamic equivalency gurus claim this. In the mocking, some ignoring and putting it off, some United Bible Societies publication Bible Translations for believing.

Popular Use, William Wonderly claims dynamic DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY IS BASED ON HALF-equivalency versions are faithful to the original: “In the TRUTHS.

translations mentioned above [the TEV, Living Bible, Like all error, dynamic equivalency is based on many Spanish Popular Version, French common version, and partial truths. The writings of dynamic equivalency the Today’s Dutch Version, etc.] various techniques have proponents contain many things with which we agree, been used to produce a version that is more meaningful yet they go beyond the truth. Consider some of the half-for the readers for whom they are intended, STAYING

truths of dynamic equivalency:

WITHIN THE LIMITS OF FIDELITY TO THE ORIGINAL

First, dynamic equivalency says an overly literal ON ONE HAND and the use of an acceptable style on translation is not correct. Those who promote dynamic the other” (p. 75).

equivalency inevitably begin by using all sorts of Wycliffe Translator’s publication Translating the Word examples of wildly improper translations, and use these of God by John Beekman and John Callow also claims as justification for their paraphrasing methodology.

that the aim of dynamic equivalency is always Eugene Nida does this in Every Man in His Own faithfulness to the original text: “The goal should be a Language:

translation that is so rich in vocabulary, so idiomatic in Literal translations—the easiest and the most phrase, so correct in construction, so smooth in flow of dangerous—are the source of many mistakes. The thought, so clear in meaning, and so elegant in style, missionary in Latin America who constantly used the that it does not appear to be a translation at all, and yet, phrase “it came to pass” scarcely realized that it only AT THE SAME TIME, FAITHFULLY TRANSMITS THE

meant to the people, “something came in order to pass MESSAGE OF THE ORIGINAL” (p. 32).

there.” literally the story of Mary “sitting at the feet of It should be obvious that such claims do not Jesus,” only to discover later that what they had said necessarily mean anything! We have seen examples really described Mary as “on Jesus’ lap.” It is one thing from each of these so-called faithful versions, showing to speak of “heaping coals of fire on one’s head” if one is that they are anything but faithful. Even the general talking to an English-speaking congregation; but if one meaning of the original is changed. I don’t care what a speaks that way in some parts of Africa, he can be badly 202

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misunderstood, for that is one method of torture and TEV—“The people reply, ‘Who would have believed killing (Eugene A. Nida, God’s Word in Man’s Language, what we report? Who could have seen the Lord’s hand p. 17).

in this?’”

This type of problem becomes a strawman to draw The things added and changed in this passage attention away from the improper liberties dynamic illustrate that dynamic equivalency goes beyond any equivalency proponents take with the Word of God. The proper bounds of faithful translating. Upon what solution to a woodenly literal translation is not dynamic authority have the TEV translators added “the people equivalency, but a reasonable, spiritual translation reply” to this passage? Upon what authority have they which seeks to be utterly true to the original words and changed the tenses of the verbs? Upon what authority form and which does not take the frightful liberties of have they changed “arm of the Lord” to “the Lord’s dynamic equivalency, but is willing to let the Word of hand”? Translators who do this type of thing might God say what it says rather than change it—even for the claim only to be making explicit that which is implicit, sake of simplification.

but in actuality they are perverting the Word of God.

Second, dynamic equivalency says the translator must None of these changes are truly implicit in this verse.

interpret. This is true! An example is Is. 7:14 where it is Consider another example. This time we will arguably possible to translate the Hebrew word “almah”

compare Ep. 3:2-4 in the KJV to the Contemporary either as “young woman” or as “virgin.” The Christ-English Version (CEV):

honoring, Bible-believing translator will always choose KJV—“If ye have heard of the dispensation of the virgin because he knows that the verse is a Messianic grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that prophecy of Christ’s virgin birth. This is the result of by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as interpretation. Another example: In the Nepali language I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye there is no generic term for wine as there is in Greek may understand my knowledge in the mystery of and Hebrew. The translator, therefore, must interpret Christ).”

passages such as Jn. 2 when he is selecting a Nepali CEV—“You have surely heard about God’s kindness word for wine. He must translate it “grape juice” or in choosing me to help you. In fact, this letter tells you a

“strong drink,” etc., depending upon the context.

little about how God has shown me his mysterious All translators face this, but the fact that a translator ways. As you read the letter, you will also find out how must interpret things in Scripture before they are well I really do understand the mystery about Christ.”

translated does not justify the extreme liberties which We see that the liberties taken by dynamic are being taken in dynamic equivalency versions.

equivalency translators go beyond any proper bounds of Third, dynamic equivalency says that the people for Bible translation. This is true for practically any example whom the translation is being made must be kept in mind.

we could give from these versions. They simply aren’t Again, this is true. Every translator must have the faithful. Dynamic equivalency proponents won’t admit people in mind for whom he is translating, but it does that, but, friends, it’s true. Dynamic equivalency (by any not mean we can change fig tree to banana tree, or name) is a proud new methodology which men of God blood to death, or plough to hoe, or grace to kindness, of old—the William Tyndales and the Adoniram Judsons or saints to people of God, or pastors to church officials!

—would have rejected in trembling and disgust.

Fourth, dynamic equivalency says some things implicit Dynamic equivalency is especially dangerous because must be made explicit. This is true. For instance, it is a subtle mixture of truth and error. Many of those sometimes words must be added in the translation to who are following this method of translation have make a passage intelligible and/or to bring out words accepted the bitter cake of dynamic equivalency because implicit in the original. An example is seen in the many of the sweetness of the truth intermingled therein. The words which appear in italic print in the King James principles can sound so reasonable. But the bottom line Version. These are words which were added by the is that dynamic equivalency is a perversion of Scripture.

translators but which are not explicitly in the original DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY IS AN IMPROPER

texts. Such is essential in Bible translation work and is ANSWER TO VERY REAL PROBLEMS.

something which has always been done. But contrast this important translation principle with the dynamic Promoters of dynamic equivalency delight in drawing equivalency perversion of it in the following example examples from translation work in undeveloped nations from Is. 53:1 in the Today’s English Version: among illiterate people and using these to justify the method of dynamic equivalency.

KJV—“Who hath believed our report? and to whom

“How do you talk about sheep to people who have is the arm of the Lord revealed?”

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which has words only for ‘grape juice’ and ‘strong with a Wycliffe mindset. I challenge you: Who has liquor’?”

given man the permission of changing the Word of God?

“How to express theological terms and concepts like Who has given such permission? God says, “Every word

‘righteousness,’ ‘justification,’ ‘propitiation,’ is another of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their big challenge for most translators. In many tribal trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he languages these concepts are foreign and there are no reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Pr. 30:6).

ready-made terms to express them. It has taken some translators months and years to find a suitable term in In light of God’s warning about tampering with His their language for such abstract ideas as ‘love’ and Word, I would suggest that the proper method of

‘holiness.’ To get an idea of what is involved, try approach would be the following: First, simple portions expressing ‘propitiation’ in the shortest, clearest of Scripture can be translated and used for evangelism.

possible way for a translator to put into a language As the number of converts grows within a language which doesn’t have such a term” ( By the Word).

group, other portions of Scripture can be translated and The problems so stated can make the route of used to teach the new Christians about the things of dynamic equivalency seem right, reasonable. These are God. Further, an accurate translation of the Scriptures in problems Bible translators and missionaries have always a local trade language can be used to train key tribal faced, yet it is only in recent years that the proud leaders who in turn can teach their own people and concept of dynamic equivalency with its willingness to further the growth process. Through this means, over a change the form of God’s Word to fit man’s culture has period of time, the language of a group can be become popular.

developed so that eventually it might be able to carry In the booklet quoted above, the missionary the entire Word of God.

translator focuses on the very real problems which The above is the method which has been used attend the work of putting the Bible into the language of successfully through the centuries by faithful a people who are mostly illiterate, and it is very easy to missionaries who would never have used dynamic miss noting the serious error underlying the principles equivalency. The Bible is to raise the culture of the she presents. When we give close examination to the people heavenward, not the other way around. Dynamic principle of dynamic equivalency translation it becomes equivalency is a backward way of thinking.

obvious that the error so subtly mixed into the theories The Bible does not say that the Scriptures must be has resulted in the corruption of God’s Word.

translated into every language. It simply does not say Foreign cultures are not the only problems used to that. It says the Gospel is to be preached to all people.

illustrate the supposed need for dynamic equivalency While the Gospel can be translated into every tongue, translation. United Bible Societies publications are filled this is not necessarily true for the Bible.

with problems involved in enabling people groups such Many downplay the idea of using a trade language to as children and the homeless to understand the teach people the things of God. They talk much of the Scriptures.

necessity of using the “heart language.” They say a trade It’s true that there are tremendous problems involved language can never reach the heart. I think that is in translating the Bible for foreign cultures and for wrong. Those who understand a language, even though illiterate or marginally literate peoples, but it is never it might not be their mother tongue, can understand the proper to change the Word of God for the sake of truths of God’s Word from that language. Sure, it’s adapting it to another culture. The proper solution is to always nicer to hear things in one’s own mother tongue.

translate the Bible accurately, then explain the That’s all well and good, but I say it would be better to translation with footnotes, dictionaries, and educate an entire people in a trade language so they can commentaries.

have the uncorrupted Word of God rather than corrupt What if a language is just too simple and strange to the Word of God through dynamic equivalency. It would carry the Scriptures? I say don’t translate the Bible into be better never to translate the Bible, than to translate it that language! I can hear the groans now from those improperly. [See Bible Versions, Living Bible, Separation.]

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-E-

EARING. Plowing (Ge. 45:6; Ex. 34:21).

Dec. 23, 1972, Nicaragua, 10,000

EARLY. (1) In the morning (Da. 6:19). (2) Quickly Apr. 25, 2015, Nepal 10,000

(Ps. 46:5). (3) First in the season (Ja. 5:7).

Aug. 17, 1976, Mindanao, Philippines, 8,000

EARNEST. (1) A down payment (2 Co. 1:22). The July 28, 1981, Kerman province, Iran, 8,000

indwelling Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee to the Sept. 19, 1985, Mexico City, 7,000

Christian of full, eternal salvation (Ep. 1:14). (2) Aug. 5, 1949, Pelileo, Ecuador, 6,000

Sincere; zealous; urgent; expectant (Ro. 8:19; 2 Co.

Nov. 24, 1976, Van, Eastern Turkey, 6,000

7:7). [See Eternal Security, Holy Spirit.]

Dec. 28, 1974, Pakistan (9 towns), 5,200

EARTHQUAKE. A shaking of the earth. There are June 28, 1948, Fukui, Japan, 5,131

several earthquakes recorded in the Bible (1 Ki. 19:11; 2

April 10, 1972, Southern Iran, 5,057

Ch. 26:16; Is. 29:6; Am. 1:1; Ze. 14:5; Mt. 27:45, May 21-30, 1960, Southern Chile, 5,000

51-54; 28:2; Is. 29:6). Jesus foretold that earthquakes Dec. 22, 1943, Ladik, Central Turkey, 4,000

would increase as the time of His return approaches Feb. 1, 1944, Bolu-Gerede, Northwestern Turkey, 4,000

(Mt. 24:7). The prophecies of Revelation describe the great earthquakes of the very last days (Re. 6:12; 8:5; Dec. 30, 1942, Niksar-Erbag, Northern Turkey, 3,000

11:13, 19; 16:18). About 2.5 million people have died June 11, 1981, Kerman province, Iran, estimated 3,000.

in earthquakes since 1900; more than 830,000 died Mar. 2, 1933, Japan, 2,990

between 2001 and 2015 (earthquake.usgs.gov).

Aug. 18, 1966, Varto-Hiniz, Eastern Turkey, 2,964

Worst Earthquakes since 1900

Nov. 23, 1980, Southern Italy 2,735.

Jan. 12, 2010, Haiti 316,000

July 2, 1957, Northern Iran, 2,500

Dec. 26, 2004, Sumatra 227,000

Sept. 6, 1975, Lice, Eastern Turkey, 2,312

July 28, 1976, Tangshan, China, 242,000

Apr. 13, 2010, China 2,200

May 22, 1927, Nan-shan, China, 200,000

May 21, 2003, Algeria 2,200

Sept. 1, 1923, Tokyo, Japan, 140,000

Dec. 21, 1946, Honshu, Japan, 2,000

Dec. 16, 1920, Kansu, China, 100,000

June 10-17, 1956, Northern Afghanistan, 2,000

May 12, 2008, Sichuan, China 87,000

Dec. 13, 1957, Western Iran, 2,000

Oct. 8, 2005, Pakistan 86,000

August 1912, Gallipoli (Dardanelles), 1,950

Dec. 28, 1908, Messina, Italy, 83,000

April 19, 1903, Malazgirt, Eastern Turkey, 1,700

Dec. 26, 1932, Kansu, China, 70,000

Mar. 28, 2005, Sumatra 1,300

May 31, 1970, Northern Peru 70,000

Sep. 30, 2009, Sumatra 1,100

Feb. 4, 1976, Guatemala, 38,000

[See Prophecy, Revelation.]

Dec. 26, 1939, Erzincan, Turkey, 37,000

EAST GATE. [See Gate.]

Dec. 26, 2003, Iran 31,000

E A S T E R N O RT H O D OX Y . T h a t b r a n c h o f May 31, 1935, Quetta, India, 30,000

sacramental Christianity which broke off from the Jan. 24, 1939, Chillan, Chile, 30,000

Roman Catholic Church in 1054 A.D.

Jan. 13, 1915, Avezzano, Italy, 29,980

History: Until 1054 the Eastern and the Roman were Sept. 17, 1978, Tabas, eastern Iran, 25,000

two branches of the same sacramental body. The Dec. 15, 1988, Armenia, Soviet Union, at least 23,000

division began when the Roman emperor Constantine Feb. 4, 1976, Guatemala, Honduras 22,934

moved his capital from Rome to Constantinople in 330

Mar. 11, 2011, Japan 21,000

A.D. Powerful church leaders claimed authority over large regions and were vying for supremacy. There was Aug. 16, 1906, Valparaiso, Chile, 20,000

the bishop of Rome in the West, and four patriarchs in Jan. 26, 2001, India 20,000

the East. The main point of contention between the May 10, 2004, China 20,000

eastern and the western divisions was the papacy. More Feb. 29, 1960, Agadir, Morocco, 15,000

important than doctrine was the issue of power and Sept. 1, 1962, Northwestern Iran, 12,230

authority. The Eastern Orthodox rejected the pope, Aug. 31, 1968, Northeastern Iran, 12,000

while retaining Rome’s sacramental system and most of Jan. 15, 1934, Bihar-Nepal 10,700

Rome’s unscriptural doctrines.

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“The division of the Orthodox Church into the Western consecrated priesthood and seven sacraments which and Eastern—Roman and Constantinople—began with only the priests have authority to perform—baptism, the division of the Roman Empire in the late 4th anointing, communion, penance, holy orders, marriage, century A.D. Toward the end of the 9th century the and holy unction (Handbook of Denominations in the dialogue between the Papacy and the Patriarchate United States, 9th ed.). Infants and adults are baptized became much sharper: it was at that time that Bulgaria was baptised and an argument broke out between by threefold immersion. Sacraments are believed to be Rome and Constantinople over the patronage of the channels of grace, as contrasted to the New Testament new Christian country. ...

ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper which are

“In 1054 there was a formal break between the memorials rather than actual means of grace.

Western (Roman) and Eastern (Orthodox) church Orthodoxy practices the mass or the “Holy when Pope Leo IX and Michael Caerularius, Patriarch Eucharist” [eucharist means praise] whereby Christ of Constantinople, anathematised each other. This supposedly is sacrificed anew and the bread and wine of signified a formal split” ( A Millennium of Russian the “eucharist” becomes the actual body and blood of Orthodoxy, pp. 20-21).

Christ. Orthodoxy worships Mary as the Mother of God.

The Roman Catholic Church and its twin, Eastern Prayers are offered for the dead, who also are believed Orthodoxy, were formed by a spiritually adulterous to pray for those on earth. Justification is attained relationship between the political empire and apostate through faith and works.

church leaders. The latter claimed authority over the Membership: In 1990 there were an estimated three Lord’s churches and amalgamated pagan practices with million Orthodox church members in the United States, New Testament truth to form an impure form of though membership statistics are unreliable due to the Christianity. This explains the origin of such unscriptural fact that they are based on baptismal records rather practices as the mass, purgatory, sacraments, prayers to than active participation in church life. A 1987 report and for the dead, consecrated buildings, Mary worship, estimated 173 million Orthodox worldwide, but again, scapulars, and the rosary. Eastern Orthodoxy has its this statistic is almost meaningless in relation to how roots in this same apostasy.

many adults actually practice the Orthodox faith.

Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy both Liturgy: Orthodoxy is extremely focused on liturgy claim direct descent from Christ and the Apostles, but (ritualistic forms of worship) and icons. The latter are that this claim is bogus is evident in their non-apostolic images which are supposed to represent various saints doctrines and practices. As a result of the split with and spiritual realities. The Orthodox claim they do not Rome, Eastern Orthodoxy is not united under one head.

worship these as idols, but they serve the same purpose.

There are many groupings of Orthodox, all having the Prayers are addressed before these icons, candles are same basic doctrine and practice with some minor burned before them, incense and holy water is put upon variation: Russian Orthodox, Albanian Orthodox, Syrian them. In biblical terminology, icons are indeed idols.

Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox, Bulgarian Orthodox, Gospel: Orthodoxy preaches a false gospel. According Romanian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, Antiochian to Orthodox teaching, baptism (even of infants) is the Orthodox, etc. Though not united under a world means whereby an individual is born into Christ and headquarters, these groupings are united separately into becomes a Christian. This false gospel is cited from one episcopal councils, over which a bishop rules. Also, each of their own publications:

group is in turn in formal relationship with the Patriarch of Constantinople, who presides over all the Eastern

“Baptism is a new birth. It is being born to the life Orthodox churches. “No one patriarch is responsible to made new by our Lord Jesus Christ. It means to be alive any other patriarch; yet all are within the jurisdiction of in Christ. and have the opportunity to inherit God’s an ecumenical council of all the churches, in Kingdom. Why in the world would any parents who communion with the patriarch of Constantinople, who claim to be Christians want to put off making their holds the title Ecumenical Patriarch” (Handbook). From offspring Christians as soon as possible? Don’t they want a biblical perspective, there is little difference between their infants to share in the Kingdom of God? The the ecclesiology of Roman Catholicism and that of baptized one becomes a member of Christ’s body—His Eastern Orthodoxy. Both incorporate an unscriptural Church” ( One Church, Russian Orthodox Church, 1981).

form of church government through which a intra-The Orthodox Church also advocates prayers to and church bureaucracy lords over the local assembly.

for the dead, and the false, wicked idea that the living Doctrine: In addition to rejecting the papacy, with its can aid in the salvation of the deceased through good doctrines of supremacy and infallibility, Eastern works:

Orthodoxy rejects purgatory and the doctrine of

“But the soul of the deceased is aided by the prayers of indulgences. Like Roman Catholicism, Orthodoxy has a the Church, of all those who knew and loved him, and also by acts of charity carried out for his sake. By doing 206

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good works for the sake of those who are dead, we are, Enlarging on this subject, Ken Johnson adds: “[Those as it were, completing what they left undone, paying who claim this is a mistranslation in the KJV] show a their debts and offering our own sacrifice to the lack of two things. First, they neglect the context of the Merciful Lord on their behalf” (The Journal of the verse for it is a season that is also noted. Second, in Moscow Patriarchate, No. 10, 1976).

English the season or time of year marked as the In the Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate, No. 4, Passover season has for years been expressed in English 1980, we find the following false teachings about Mary, as ‘Easter.’ The KJV translators did not invent this usage salvation, and the Lord’s Supper:

nor were they wrong. The Geneva Bible of 1557

“When one asserts his faith in the Son of God, the Son translates Acts 12:4 as ‘Easter.’ This is also true of the of the Ever Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, [note the 1539 Cranmer Bible—’Easter,’ and the Tyndale Bible of false Catholic doctrines that Mary is the Mother of God 1534—’ester.’ This takes the time element back almost and a perpetual virgin, meaning that she had no other 100 years for the usage of ‘Easter.’ Alfric, at the children after Jesus] he accepts first of all the words of faith into his heart, confesses them orally, sincerely beginning of the eleventh century, wrote a Homily using repents of his former sins and washes them away in the term Easter: ‘Fram dam halgan easterlican [Easter the sacrament of Baptism. Then God the Word enters season] (A.C. Champneys, History of English, London: the baptized one, as though into the womb of the Revington, Percival and Co., p. 178). This calls the Blessed Virgin and remains in him like a seed. ... By Passover season ‘Easter’ season and it is some five partaking of the Holy Eucharist, a Christian is made hundred years plus before the KJV saw its publication one with Christ” (Foundation, Nov.-Dec. 1980, p. 21).

with ‘Easter’ in Acts 12:4" (Ken Johnson, A Response to From these quotes it is obvious that the Orthodox J.H. Melton’s Forum Re. the King James Version and Church is entirely apostate. It holds the same basic set Inspiration, p. 12).

of false beliefs as the Roman Catholic Church from (2) An occasion observed by many Christians which it broke away in the ninth century.

commemorating the resurrection of Christ. It is observed Ecumenism: The Eastern Orthodox churches are on the Sunday immediately after the first full moon that members of and form an influential block within the occurs on or after March 21. Originally Easter was a World Council of Churches. In recent years steps have pagan holiday in the name of the goddess of spring, but also been taken to reconcile the Eastern Orthodox with it was “Christianized” by the Catholic Church and the Roman Catholic Church. In 1965 Pope Paul VI and adapted to the remembrance of Christ’s resurrection.

Patriarch Athenagoras I formally lifted the Sunrise services are adaptations of the ancient worship excommunications of 1054. [See Mary, Pope, Roman of the sun. The Easter celebration is extrabiblical.

Catholic Church, World Council of Churches.]

“Good Friday,” which is the supposed day that Christ EASTER. (1) A pagan holiday (Ac. 12:4). This is the died, is fictitious in that Christ could not have died on only place in which “easter” appears in the Authorized Friday. He was three days and three nights in the tomb Version. Some say that this should be translated (Mt. 12:40; 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19; 27:62-64; Lk.

“passover” and they point to this as an error in the KJV, 24:1-8; Jn. 2:19). He arose before daylight on Sunday but they are wrong. The Easter of Ac. 12:4 occurred morning at the end of the sabbath (Jn. 20:1; Mt. 28:1; after the Passover. We know this because Ac. 12:3 says it Mk. 16:2). Thus he must have been crucified on was “the days of unleavened bread.” The feast of Wednesday or Thursday. The Jewish day begins in the unleavened bread followed the Passover (Nu. 28:16-25), evening (Ge. 1:5,8,13,19,23). [See Christmas, Fable, but this Easter was after the feast of unleavened bread.

Friday, Roman Catholic Church.]

It refers to a pagan holiday, probably the celebration of EAST SEA. A name for the Salt Sea, or the Dead Sea.

Tammuz, the sun god (Jack Moorman, Easter or It is called East Sea because it forms Israel’s east Passover?). “Easter” is a proper translation to boundary (Eze. 47:18). [See Salt Sea.]

distinguish it from the Jewish Passover, and the KJV

EASY TO BE INTREATED. This phrase in Ja. 3:17

translators were wise in their choice of this word. In describes the character of a true godliness. It is kind and using the term “Easter” in Ac. 12:4, The King James easily approached. When a question is asked of it, it Translators merely left intact the reading of Tyndale, does not respond angrily, but gently and with charity Matthews, and the Geneva Bible: “Then were the days toward the questioner. This attitude is contrasted with of unleavened bread, and when he had caught him, he the bitter envying and strife which characterizes the put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions world (Ja. 3:14-15). [See Love.]

of soldiers to be kept, intending after Easter to bring EBAL (bare). Ge. 36:23.

him forth to the people” (The Newe Testament by William Tindale, 1526, John Wesley Sawyer, The EBED (servant). Ju. 9:26.

Martyrs Bible Series).

EBED MELECH (servant of the king). Je. 38:7.

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EBEH. Boats made of papyrus—light and swift (Job refuses to practice biblical separation. The Bible teaching 9:26) (Smith).

of separation forbids God’s people from fellowshipping EBER (beyond). Great-grandson of Shem, from with error (Ro. 16:17-18; 2 Co. 6:14-18; 11:1-4; Ga.

whom the Hebrews were named (Ge. 10:21, 24, 25; 1:8-9; Ep. 4:14-15; 5:11; Ph. 3:1-2; Col. 2:8; 2 Th. 3:6; 11:14-17; 1 Ch. 1:18-25) (Smith).

1 Ti. 1:3; 1:18-20; 6:3-5; 6:20-21; 2 Ti. 2:16-21; 3:5,13; EBENEZER (stone of help). 1 Sa. 4:1.

Tit. 1:10-13; 3:9-11; 2 Pe. 2:1; 3:17-18; 2 Jn. 7-11; Jude 3; Re. 2:2, 6, 14-16, 20-23; 18:4). (2) True Christian EBONY. The true ebony is native to the coast of unity is God-made, not manmade (Ep. 4:1-6). John Malabar and Ceylon. This elegant plant furnishes 17:21 is often used by ecumenists as a proof text for valuable materials for inlaying; its fine-grained wood their objectives, but they fail to point out that Jesus was being sometimes black, gray, or green (Eze. 27:15) not instructing Christians to create some sort of (Smith).

ecumenical unity; he was praying for God the Father to EBRONAH (bank, coast). Nu. 33:34.

create a spiritual unity. The unity Christ prayed for is ECCLESIASTICAL. Pertaining to the church. [See one based on truth and the Word of God (Jn. 17:6, 8, Church.]

14, 17, 19), whereas the ecumenical movement ECCLESIOLOGY. The doctrine relating to the church.

downplays the importance of truth and doctrine. (3)

[See Church.]

The ecumenical movement downplays the local church and ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT, ECUMENISM. The exalts interchurch and interdenominational prevailing philosophy of the last days which desires that relationships. The local church is the entity which Christ all professing Christians join together in unity regardless established for the fulfillment of His program in this of doctrinal integrity. “Ecumenical” means worldwide, age. Christian unity is primarily a local church matter (1

universal. The ultimate goal of the ecumenical Co. 1:10; 12:25-27; 2 Co. 13:11; Ph. 1:27; Ro. 12:16; movement will be to bring all religious groups together 15:5-6). (4) Ecumenical groups are often trying to into one worldwide entity, in sympathy, if not in substitute social and political endeavors for Christ’s organizational unity.

command of world evangelism and church planting. The The ecumenical movement takes many forms. (1) Great Commission, which is repeated five times in There is THE MODERNISTIC ASPECT of the ecumenical Scripture (Mt. 28; Mk. 16; Lk. 24; Jn. 20; Ac. 1), movement, represented by the World Council of instructs the churches to preach the Gospel and to Churches at the global level, national councils on the disciple converts to the end of the age. The Apostles and national level, and clergy associations on the local level.

early churches took this Commission seriously and (2) There is THE EVANGELICAL ASPECT, represented by dedicated themselves EXCLUSIVELY to this task. The interdenominational parachurch organizations, nations in which they labored were full of social ills and fellowships, and mission organizations. Examples of needs, but there is no hint in the Scripture record that Evangelical ecumenism are Campus Crusade for Christ, the Apostles gave any attention to remedying such Youth With A Mission, Lausanne Committee for World problems. They were dedicated to preaching the Gospel Evangelization, and the World Evangelical Fellowship.

and seeking to win the lost to Christ before it was (3) There is also THE CHARISMATIC ASPECT of the eternally too late. To have turned aside for any other ecumenical movement. While there are exceptions task, no matter how seemingly helpful to humanity, among some old-line Pentecostals, the Charismatic would have been the gravest disservice to mankind for world, for the most part, focuses on experience above there is no other institution on earth that can do what doctrine and seeks to unite every sort of denomination.

the churches are tasked to do. (4) Ecumenical groups are An example of this was the North American Congress on promoting unbiblical ideas about women’s liberation.

the Holy Spirit & World Evangelization, held in New They are teaching that women can be pastors and Orleans, July 1987. More than 40 different leaders in the churches. In ecumenical circles you often denominations and groups were represented at this find the same clamoring for “equal rights” as we find in congress. Of the 40,000 in attendance, one-half were the world. The Bible says the man and woman are not Roman Catholic, and a Catholic mass was held each equal in position. They were created for different morning. None of the more than 200 Charismatic purposes and different positions in this world (1 Ti.

speakers lifted a voice against doctrinal heresy. Many of 2:9-15; 5:14; 1 Co. 14:34-35; Tit. 2:3-5). (5) Ecumenical the most popular Charismatic leaders were there.

groups do not have high moral and doctrinal standards.

Sadly, it is common to find drinking, smoking, cursing, Errors of the Ecumenical Movement. Though the immodest dress, dancing, homosexuality, and various ecumenical movement is very broad, there are certain other forms of immorality among ecumenical Christians.

unscriptural traits which are present throughout: (1) The cry of the hour is “liberty” and “self-esteem,” and The ecumenical movement downplays doctrinal purity and those who call for strict Bible standards of morality are 208

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EDEN - EGYPT

labeled “legalists.” The same attitude was manifest in EFFECTUAL. Producing an effect, or the effect apostate Israel of old. “Will ye steal, murder, and desired or intended; or having adequate power or force commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense to produce the effect (Webster) (Ep. 3:7).

unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know EFFEMINATE. Having the qualities of the female sex; not; and come and stand before me in this house, which soft or delicate to an unmanly degree; womanish is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all (Webster). The woman is supposed to be effeminate, but these abominations” (Je. 7:9-10). These people thought the Bible reference to this in 1 Co. 6:9 is connected with God had set them free to live as they pleased, and that moral perversion. Until recent attempts by modernistic He would receive their worship regardless of whether or teachers to reinterpret Scripture to fit their immoral not they obeyed the Holy Scriptures. Not so! God’s programs, this word has been interpreted as referring to indictment against them was severe: “And I will cast you womanlike men. The Greek word, malakos, means soft, out of my sight...” (Je. 7:15). God hasn’t changed, my and it is so translated in Mt. 11:8; Lk. 7:25. The context friends. He is still Holy, and He still requires strict supports the homosexual interpretation. In 1 Co. 6:9

obedience to His Word. The Apostle Peter wrote, “As

“effeminate” is listed between “adulterers” and “abusers obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according of themselves with mankind,” both of which refer to sins to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which of immorality. Matthew Henry, following the common hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of interpretation of this term in centuries past, connected it conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy: for I am with sodomy. [See Abusers of Themselves With holy” (1 Pe. 1:14-16). The final book of the Bible Mankind, Fornication, Sodomy.]

describes the worldwide religious harlot which will arise EGLON (circle). Jos. 10:3.

in these last days (Re. 17-18). God’s command in regard to this apostasy is “Come out of her, my people, that ye EGYPT. The nation located in the NE corner of Africa be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of and neighboring Israel to the SW. Egypt has had a close her plagues” (Re. 18:4). [See Anglican Church, relationship to the Jewish people throughout their Apostasy, Apostate, Charismatic, Church, Doctrine, history. THE HISTORY OF EGYPT: “It is usual to think of Episcopal, Fable, False Prophet, False Teaching, Foolish ancient Egyptian history as divided into 30 dynasties.

Questions, Fundamentalism, Great Commission, Heresy, This idea is taken from a book on Egyptian history by Lutheran, Methodist, Modernism, Modesty, New Manetho, an Egyptian priest, who wrote about 250 BC.

Evangelicalism, Presbyterian, Prophecy, Revelation, Selections from Manetho’s book have been preserved in Roman Catholic Church, Separation, Timothy, Unity, extensive quotations by later writers. The Old Kingdom Women Preachers, World Council of Churches.]

is the title given to the first time of great royal power (about 2700 to 2200 BC), running from dynasties three EDEN (delight). The lovely garden God created for to six. At this period the pharaohs were very dictatorial.

man before the Fall (Ge. 2:8, 10, 15; 3:23, 24; 4:16; Is.

They were able to gather hundreds of thousands of 51:3; Eze. 28:13; 31:9, 16, 18; 36:35; Joel 2:3). The people each year during the season when the Nile exact location of Eden is uncertain, though we know overflowed its banks and made agricultural work that it was in the general area of the Tigris (Hiddekel) impossible and compel them to work energetically for and Euphrates rivers (Ge. 2:14). It could have been very long periods in order to build those tremendous burial large, as another of the rivers connected with Eden was monuments called the pyramids. During this time the the Gihon, which is said to “compass the whole land of religion glorified the sun god, but there were many Ethiopia” (Ge. 2:13). [See Adam, Evolution.]

subordinate deities. The Middle Kingdom (about 1991

EDER (flock). Ge. 35:21.

to 1786 BC) was a new time of great power beginning EDIFY. Build up; strengthen (Ro. 14:19; 15:2; 1 Co.

when the kings of a region in the South, centering 14:3; 2 Co. 10:8; 1 Th. 5:11). The same Greek word around the town later known as Thebes, became

“edify,” oikodomeo, is used for the building of the temple supreme over all Egypt and established their power in (Jn. 2:20) and for the building of the church (Mt.

the delta. They worshiped a local god called Amun 16:18). All things in the church are to be done for the (formerly written Amen or Amon). This was the period edification of the saints (1 Co. 14:3-26).

of the Twelfth Dynasty. These kings put foreign lands EDOM (red). Another name for Esau, the elder son under tribute and directed a high type of civilization. It of Isaac (Ge. 25:30). Edom became the nation called by ends with the coming from Asia of a foreign group that his name (Ge. 32:3; 36:9).

possessed a new weapon, that of horse-drawn chariots EDREI (sown land). Nu. 21:33.

which enabled them to make a lightning attack and to conquer a large section of Egypt. These Hyksos (sometimes called Shepherd-kings), held much of the land in subjection for over a century. Eventually they Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 209

EHI - ELDER

were driven out. The New Kingdom, also called the EL SHADDAI. A combination of the Hebrew words el Empire, followed the expulsion of the Hyksos. It lasts (God) and shaddai (Almighty) (Ge. 17:1-8; 28:2-3).

from about 1570 to 1078 BC. These kings worshiped the Sometimes Shaddai is used alone (Job 6:4, 14; Ps.

god Amun, whom they considered to be identical with 68:14). This means the powerful God. Contrary to what the earlier sun-god, Re, and therefore often referred to some commentaries claim and what we erroneously as Amun-Re. A multitude of other gods were also taught in previous editions of this encyclopedia, the Old worshiped in Egypt, but the priests of Amun-Re became Testament Hebrew word ( shadday) translated so important that eventually a very large proportion of

“Almighty” in the King James Bible has nothing to do the land of Egypt came to be the property of the temples with the breast. The Hebrew word shadday is from the of the god Amun. The 18th dynasty includes a series of word “shadad,” which means “to be burly, i.e.

great rulers, a number of whom went by one of two ( f i g u r a t i v e l y ) p o w e r f u l ( p a s s i v e l y , names: Thutmose or Amenhotep. This was a time of impregnable)” (Strong). We agree with the following Egyptian military prowess, and the erection of great study from George Pember: “In order to corroborate the monuments and temples. The 19th dynasty (about 1303

doctrine (of sex in deity) just mentioned, certain to 1197), even more than the 18th, was a period of Theosophists have invented a new derivation for the great building. Largely as a result of the activities of the Hebrew Shaddai, which in our versions is correctly kings of these two dynasties, tremendous ruins stand at rendered ‘Almighty.’ They suppose it to be connected Thebes today, making it the great outdoor museum of with a word shad, which signifies a woman’s breast. But the world. There were a series of kings named Ramses such a derivation is impossible, and, so far as we are (or Ramesses). Ramses II, also known as Ramses the aware, has never been proposed by an unbiased scholar.

Great, built more temples and erected more statues and More than one Christian scholar has taken up this obelisks than any other pharaoh in history. Between the Theosophical derivation of Shaddai, and explained the 7th and 4th centuries BC, Egypt was harassed and word as meaning first ‘full-breasted,’ and then sometimes partly conquered by the Assyrians, the

‘bountiful’” (Pember, The Church, the Churches, and the Babylonians, and the Persians. In 332 Alexander the Mysteries). [See God, Jehovah, Jesus Christ.]

Great conquered Egypt, and after his death a year later, ELADAH (God is ornament). 1 Ch. 7:20.

one of his generals, named Ptolemy, seized Egypt and ELAH (oak). Ge. 36:41.

established a dynasty that continued for three centuries (adapted from MacRae, Biblical Archaeology, 2005, pp.

ELAM (youth). “Elam in prophecy refers to the 9, 10). EGYPT IN THE BIBLE: The first mention of Egypt country stretching east from the Lower Tigris, answering in the Bible is in Genesis 12 when Abraham went there to what was afterwards called Persia. Later, Elam was a to escape the famine in Canaan. That was about 1900

province of Persia (Ezr. 4:9). In Sennacherib’s time, BC and Egypt was already a bastion of pagan idolatry.

Elam was subject to Assyria (2 Ki. 18:11), and so Egypt stands for the devil’s fallen world system, and furnished a contingent to its invading armies. Famed for going “down to Egypt” has always signified backsliding.

the bow (Is. 13:18; Je. 49:35), in which the Ethiopians Israel was perpetually in danger of the dark spiritual alone excelled them” (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown).

influence emanating from her powerful southern ELASAH (God is doer). Ezr. 10:22.

neighbor, just as the churches are in danger of the ELATH (palm grove). De. 2:8.

world’s influence today. It was to Egypt that Jacob and EL-BETHEL (god of the house of God). Ge. 35:7.

his sons moved to escape the great famine after Joseph ELDAAH (whom God called). Ge. 25:4.

became vice-ruler. Israel dwelt in Egypt for more than ELDAD (God is a friend). Nu. 11:26.

200 years before departing under the leadership of Moses in about 1490 BC (Ex. 1-12). Egypt was often ELDER. (1) Old age (Ge. 27:42). (2) Mature older used by God to judge Israel during the time of the men; heads of families; men of repute who serve as Judges and the Kingdom. [See also Mizraim, World.]

leaders (Ex. 3:16). (3) An office in the church (Ac.

14:23; 20:17; 1 Ti. 5:17, 19; Tit. 1:5; Ja. 5:14; 1 Pe.

EHI (unity). Ge. 46:21.

5:1). [See Pastor.] (4) The 24 elders of Revelation 7. C.I.

EHUD (strong). 1 Ch. 7:10.

Scofield gives several compelling reasons for identifying EKER (root). 1 Ch. 2:27.

these elders with the church. We know that Scofield EKRON (naturalization). Jos. 13:3.

uses the term “church” in the sense of a universal body EL (the mighty one). A name for God (Job 5:8; Ps.

composed of all believers. We would use the term here 22:1; 29:1). It is also used for false gods (Ps. 81:9; Da.

in a general, institutional sense, or of a future heavenly 11:36). [See God, Idolatry, Jehovah, Jesus Christ.]

assembly instead: (a) Their position. They are enthroned ‘round about’ the rainbow encircled central throne. To the church and to the church only of all 210

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ELDERLY - ELECT

groups of the redeemed is co-enthronement promised Calvinism is a theology that was developed by John (Re. 3:21). Not yet is Christ seated on his own throne on Calvin (1509-64) in the sixteenth century. He presented earth, but these kingly ones, having been presented this theology in his Institutes of Christian Religion, which faultless with the exceeding joy of the Lord, must be subsequently became the cornerstone of Presbyterian with him (Jn. 17:24; 1 Th. 4:17). (b) The number of and Reformed theology. It is also called TULIP theology.

these representative elders, in a book where numbers Calvin himself did not use the term TULIP to describe are so great a part of the symbolism, is significant. For his theology, but it is an accurate, though simplified, 24 is the number of the courses into which the Levitical representation of his views, and every standard point of priesthood was divided (1 Ch. 24:1-19), and of all the TULIP theology can be found in Calvin’s Institutes.

groups of the redeemed only the church is a priesthood A SUMMARY OF TULIP THEOLOGY

(1 Pe. 2:5-9; Re. 1:6). (c) The testimony of the Calvinistic theology was summarized into five points enthroned elders marks them as representing the during the debate over the teachings of Jacobus church: ‘And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art Arminius (1560-1609). Arminius studied under worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: Theodore Beza, Calvin’s successor at Geneva, but he for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy rejected Calvinism and taught his non-Calvinist theology blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and in Holland. Arminius’ followers arranged his teaching nation. And hast made us unto our God kings and under the following five points and began to distribute priests: and we shall reign on the earth” (Re. 5:9-10).

this theology among the Dutch churches in 1610: (1) The church, and the church only, can thus testify. (d) Free will, or human ability, (2) Conditional election, (3) Eldership is a representative office (Ac. 15:2; 20:17).

Universal Redemption, or General Atonement, (4) The elders are, symbolically, the church, and they are Resistible Grace, and (5) Insecure Faith. These points seen in heaven in the place which the Scriptures assign were rejected at the state-church Synod of Dort in the church before a seal is opened or a woe uttered, and Holland in 1618-1619 (attended as well by before a vial of the wrath of God is poured out. And in representatives from France, Germany, Switzerland, and all that follows, to the twentieth chapter, the church is Britain), and this Synod formulated the “five points of never once referred to as on earth (C.I. Scofield, Will Calvinism” in resistance to Arminianism. Arminius the Church Pass Through the Great Tribulation?). [See followers were thereafter put out of their churches and Old Age, Pastor.]

persecuted by their Calvinist brethren.

ELDERLY. [See Old Age.]

In the late 18th century, the five points of Calvinism ELEAD (God is witness). 1 Ch. 7:21.

were rearranged under the acronym TULIP as a memory ELEALEH (God is exalted). Nu. 32:3.

aid.

ELEASAH (God is doer). 1 Ch. 2:39.

Total Depravity: Man is totally corrupt and dead in ELEAZAR (God is helper). Ex. 6:22.

his sin so that he cannot even respond to the gospel ELECT, ELECTION. The term “elect” refers to at least unless God sovereignly enables him, which only four things in the Bible: (1) Jesus Christ (1 Pe. 2:6). (2) happens if he is one of the elect. God not only must Angels which did not fall with Satan (1 Ti. 5:21). (3) enable the dead sinner but must sovereignly regenerate God’s election of the nation Israel (Ro. 9:9-13). Calling him and give him the gift of faith. In the words of the Abraham out of the world, then choosing Isaac instead Westminster Confession Total Depravity is defined as of Ishmael, and Jacob instead of Esau. (4) Those who follows: “Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly receive God’s salvation in Jesus Christ (Mt. 24:22, 24, lost all ability of will to any spiritual good 31; Lk. 18:7; Ro. 8:33; Col. 3:12; 1 Th. 1:4; 2 Ti. 2:10; accompanying salvation; so as a natural man being Tit. 1:1; 1 Pe. 5:13; 2 Pe. 1:10). It is also called altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not predestination and foreordained (Ep. 1:5, 11).

able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto.”

Some Lessons about Election for Salvation: (1) Election is based on God’s foreknowledge (1 Pe. 1:2). (2) Election The Calvinist doctrine of Total Depravity does not means God planned man’s salvation before the creation mean merely that the sinner has no righteousness of his (Ep. 1:5, 11). It means God, by his foreknowledge, has own or that his heart is depraved. It means also that his predestinated the Christian to a glorious future (1 Pe.

will is in bondage to sin in such a fashion that he is 1:2-4; Ro. 8:29-30). It is not who is predestinated, but unable to believe the gospel. Further, it means that he what we are predestinated to. (3) Election does not mean must therefore be born again before he can believe.

God arbitrarily chooses who will be saved and who will Arthur Pink states this doctrine as follows: “Faith is not not be. He has revealed that He wants all men to be the cause of the new birth, but the consequence of it.

saved (2 Pe. 3:9).

This ought not to need arguing. ... Faith is a spiritual grace, the fruit of the spiritual nature, and because the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 211

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unregenerate are spiritually dead--‘dead in trespasses he graciously softens the hearts of the elect, however and sins’--then it follows that faith from them is hard, and he bends them to believe; but the non-elect impossible, for a dead man cannot believe he leaves, in his judgment, to their own perversity and anything” ( The Sovereignty of God, p. 73).

hardness” (summary derived from the Synod of Dort).

Unconditional Election: God unconditionally and The Westminster Confession adds the following: “This

“sovereignly” elects who will be saved and this election effectual call is of God’s free and special grace alone, has nothing to do with anything the sinner does, not from anything at all foreseen in man, who is including exercising faith in the gospel. Consider the altogether passive therein, until, being quickened and words of the Westminster Confession: “By the decree of renewed by the Holy Spirit, he is thereby enabled to God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and angels are predestined unto everlasting life and others conveyed in it. Others, not elected, although they may foreordained to everlasting death. These angels and be called by the ministry of the Word, and may have men, thus predestinated and foreordained, are some common operations of the Spirit, yet they never particularly and unchangeably designed; and their truly come unto Christ, and therefore cannot be number is so certain and definite that it cannot be either saved...”

increased or diminished. ... The rest of mankind, God Perseverance of the Saints: Those who are sovereignly was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of elected and regenerated will continue in the faith.

his own will, whereby he extendeth or withholdeth

“Those whom God hath accepted in the Beloved, and mercy as he pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign sanctified by His Spirit, will never totally nor finally fall power over his creatures, to pass by, and to ordain them away from the state of grace, but shall certainly to dishonor and wrath for their sin, to the praise of his persevere to the end; and though they may fall through glorious justice.” John Calvin expressed the doctrine of neglect and temptation, into sin, whereby they grieve unconditional election in these words: “Predestination the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring we call the decree of God, by which He has determined reproach on the Church, and temporal judgments on in Himself, what He would have to become of every themselves, yet they shall be renewed again unto individual of mankind. For they are not all created with repentance, and be kept by the power of God through a similar destiny: but eternal life is foreordained for faith unto salvation” (Abstract of Principles, 1858).

some, and eternal damnation for others” ( Institutes of SOME MISC. THOUGHTS ABOUT CALVINISM

the Christian Religion, Book III, chap. 21). Calvin 1. I have studied Calvinism from “the horse’s mouth.”

emphasized his belief in sovereign reprobation as In order to gain a proper understanding of Calvinism, I follows: “[God] devotes to destruction whom he pleases have studied the writings of many influential Calvinists,

… they are predestinated to eternal death without any both contemporary and past. I have examined Calvinism demerit of their own, merely by his sovereign will. … he many times during the 32 years since I was saved. The orders all things by his counsel and decree in such a first time was shortly after I was converted, when I was manner, that some men are born devoted from the in Bible College, and Calvinism was one of the many womb to certain death, that his name be glorified in topics that were strenuously discussed by the students. I their destruction. ... God chooses whom he will as his had never heard of Calvinism before that and I didn’t children … while he rejects and reprobates know what to think of it, so I read Arthur Pink’s The others” ( Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book III, Sovereignty of God and a couple of other titles on the chap. 23).

subject with a desire to understand it and to know Limited Atonement: The death of Christ was only for whether it was scriptural or not. Some of the students those God has sovereignly elected. Calvin denounced became Calvinists, but I concluded that though the universal offer of the Gospel. “When it appears that Calvinism makes some good points about the when the doctrine of salvation is offered to all for their sovereignty of God and though I personally like the way effectual benefit, it is a corrupt prostitution of that it exalts God above man and though I agree with its which is declared to be reserved particularly for the teaching that salvation is 100% of God and though I children of the church” ( Institutes, Book III, chap. 22).

despise and reject the shallow, manipulative, man-

I rresistible Grace: God’s call to the elect is effectual centered soul winning scheme that is so common among and cannot be resisted. The dead sinner is sovereignly independent Baptists and though it does seem to be regenerated and granted the “gift of faith.” “That some, supported by a few Scriptures, the bottom line to me is in time, have faith given them by God, and others have that it ends up contradicting far too many plain it not given, proceeds from his eternal decree; for Scriptures.

‘known unto God are all his works from the beginning,’

In the year 2000 I was invited to preach at a etc. (Acts 15:18; Ep. 1:11). According to which decree conference on Calvinism at Heritage Baptist University 212

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in Greenwood, Indiana, that was subsequently held in only 19th-century British Baptist historian who was not April of 2001. The conference was opposed to a Calvinist. It is certain that the vast majority of Baptist Calvinism; and I agreed to speak, because I have been in histories are written by Calvinists and they typically sympathy with such a position ever since I first neglect and sometimes misreport the history and beliefs examined the subject in Bible College. Before I put of the non-Calvinist Baptists. Be that as it may, the fact together a message for the conference, though, I wanted remains that Baptists have always been divided on this to re-examine Calvinism in a more thorough manner. I issue and it is not wise to draw back from dealing with contacted Dr. Peter Masters in London, England, and it today, even though divisions are certainly the result.

discussed the subject of Calvinism with him. I told him 3. Few things have hindered biblical evangelism more that I love and respect him in Christ and I also love and than Calvinism. It almost killed the evangelistic zeal of respect his predecessor, Charles Spurgeon, though I do the Baptist churches of England in the 18th century and not agree with either of them on Calvinism (or on some well into the 19th. Among Calvinists, evangelism is issues, in fact). I told Dr. Masters that I wanted him to done IN SPITE OF Calvinism, not because of it. Baptist tell me what books he would recommend so that I could historian Thomas Armitage wrote: “William Carey’s properly understand what he believes on the subject

‘Inquiry into the Obligations of Christians to use means (knowing that there are many varieties of Calvinism). I for the Conversion of the Heathen’ was published in did not want to misrepresent anything. Among other 1792, but found few readers and produced little effect.

things, Dr. Masters recommended that I read Calvin’s To most of the Baptists his views were visionary and Institutes of the Christian Religion and Iain Murray’s even wild, in open conflict with God’s sovereignty. At a Spurgeon vs. the Hyper-Calvinists, which I did.

meeting of ministers, where the senior Ryland presided, In the last couple of years I have again re-Carey proposed that at the next meeting they discuss investigated Calvinism from both sides. I read Dave the duty of attempting to spread the Gospel amongst the Hunt’s “What Love Is This? ” and “A Calvinist’s Honest heathen. … Ryland, shocked, sprang to his feet and Doubts Resolved by Reason and God’s Amazing Grace.” I ordered Carey to sit down, saying: ‘When God pleases to read “Debating Calvinism: Five Points, Two Views” by convert the heathen, he will do it without your aid or Dave Hunt and James White. I carefully re-read Arthur mine!’”

Pink’s “The Sovereignty of God” as well as the

Things were not much better when Spurgeon took

“Westminster Confession of Faith.” I have also studied his first pastorate in 1854. This situation is described in about 100 pages of materials published in defense of Spurgeon vs. the Hyper Calvinists by Iain Murray. Many Calvinism by the Far Eastern Bible College in Singapore.

Calvinists opposed Spurgeon and denounced his broad, This is a Bible Presbyterian school.

indiscriminate invitations for sinners to come to Christ.

As best as I know how, I have studied these materials For example, one Calvinist publication warned in with the sole desire to know the truth and with a Spurgeon’s day, “...to preach that it is man’s duty to willingness to follow the truth wherever it leads.

believe savingly in Christ is ABSURD” ( Earthen Vessel, Thus, while I have not read every book on this 1857).

subject that could be recommended by my readers, I 4. It is important to understand that Calvinism is an have made a considerable effort to understand unsettled theology. Calvinists are seriously divided Calvinism properly and not to misrepresent it (though I among themselves and always have been. There is have learned that a non-Calvinist will ALWAYS be S u p r a l a p s a r i a n i s m v s . S u b l a p s a r i a n i s m v s .

charged with misrepresentation).

Infralapsarianism. “The Supralapsarians hold that God 2. Baptists must face the issue of Calvinism. It is a decreed the fall of Adam; the Sublapsarians, that he divisive subject, but it must be faced because it touches permitted it” (McClintock & Strong). The Calvinists at some of the most important points of biblical truth and the Synod of Dort were divided on many issues, affects how Christians perceive of the gospel and the including lapsarianism. The Swiss Calvinists who wrote very person of God. It is interesting to observe that there the Helvetic Consensus Formula in 1675 were in conflict have always been divisions among Baptists on the issue with the French Calvinists of the School of Saumur.

of Calvinism. The early Baptists in England were divided There are Strict Calvinists and Moderate Calvinists, into the General Baptists and the Particular Baptists, Hyper and non-Hyper (differing especially on referring to how they viewed Christ’s atonement, as to reprobation and the extent of the atonement and whether it was for all men (general) or only for the elect whether God loves all men), 5 pointers, 4 pointers, 3

(particular). Adam Taylor’s History of the General pointers, 2 pointers. In America Calvinists were divided Baptists of England (1818) deals with the history of the into Old School and the New School. As we have seen, non-Calvinist Baptists in Great Britain, and there were a the Calvinists of England were divided in the 19th large number of them. To my knowledge, Taylor is the century.

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Whenever, therefore, one tries to state TULIP

among God’s people because of dogmatizing his theology and then refute it, there are Calvinists who will philosophizing about God’s sovereignty and election. If argue with you that you are misrepresenting Calvinism.

men were left simply to believe the Bible’s own It is not so much that you are misrepresenting statements on these matters and if men were not forced Calvinism, though. You might be quoting directly from to decide between the manmade theologies called various Calvinists or even from Calvin himself. The

“Calvinism” and “Arminianism,” the Christian world problem is that you are misrepresenting THEIR

would be much better of and many artificial and Calvinism! There are Calvin Calvinists and Andrew unnecessary divisions would not have resulted.

Fuller Calvinists and Arthur W. Pink Calvinists and The Bible says “prove all things; hold fast that which Presbyterian Calvinists and Baptist Calvinists and many is good” (1 Th. 5:21). The Bible itself is the test of truth, other sorts of Calvinists. Many Calvinists have never not some man’s systematic theology. I have the right and read Calvin’s Institutes of Christian Religion for responsibility to test every theology by the Bible, and I themselves. They are merely following someone who am free before the Lord to reject any part of it or all of follows someone who allegedly follows Calvin (who, by it. I do not have to make a choice between human his own admission, followed Augustine).

theologies. I can stand strictly and exclusively upon the Calvinists believe that they have the right to reject or Bible itself, the SOLE authority for faith and practice.

modify some parts of or conclusions of Calvin. I agree Many Calvinists won’t allow that, though. James White, with them 100%, and I say, further, that we also have the author of “The Truth about the King James Bible right to reject the entire thing if we are convinced that it Controversy” and “The Potter’s Freedom” and several is not supported by Scripture!

other books, wrote to me in about the year 1999 and 5. It is not wise to follow John Calvin; he was unsound challenged me to a public debate. He urged me to at the very foundation of the Christian faith. Calvin never

“defend Arminianism.” That is a strange notion, because gave a testimony of the new birth; rather he identified I don’t follow Arminianism and I don’t care anything with his Catholic infant baptism. Note the following about Arminianism. I have studied the theology of quotes from his Institutes:

James Arminius some and I find errors in it just as I

“At whatever time we are baptized, we are washed and have found errors in John Calvin’s theology. Though I do purified once for the whole of life” (Institutes, IV).

believe that Arminius was closer to the truth than

“By baptism we are ingrafted into the body of Christ ...

Calvin, this does not mean that I have any intention to infants are to be baptized ... children of Christians, as

“defend Arminianism.” White has the idea that is so they are immediately on their birth received by God as typical among Calvinists that if a man is not a Calvinist, heirs of the covenant, are also to be admitted to he is surely an Arminian.

baptism” (Institutes, IV).

This idea actually began with Calvin. He treated Calvin was vicious toward his enemies, acting more those who disagreed with his position on election as like a devouring wolf than a harmless sheep. Historian enemies of God and the gospel and would not admit William Jones observed that “that most hateful feature that men can reject Calvinism and still believe God’s of popery adhered to Calvin through life, the spirit of Word! From the time that I was saved by God’s persecution.” Note how he described his theological marvelous and free grace 32 years ago until this very opponents: “...all that filth and villainy...mad dogs who day, I have wanted to understand the will of and to be a vomit their filth against the majesty of God and want to faithful servant of Jesus Christ through God’s preserved pervert all religion. Must they be spared?” (Oct. 16, Word, the Scriptures. As best as I know how, I have 1555). Calvin hated the Anabaptists, though they were made that my sole authority. I enjoy systematic miles closer to the Scriptural pattern for the New theology; I have taught a course in Bible doctrine in a Testament church than he was. He called them new Bible college that helped establish in South Asia

“henchmen of Satan.” Four men who disagreed with and have published a book on Bible Doctrine or Calvin on who should be admitted to the Lord’s Supper Theology, but I test all of the various theologies with the were beheaded, quartered, and their body parts hung in Scriptures alone, and I have never agreed completely strategic locations in Geneva as a warning to others. He with any man’s systematic theology.

burned Michael Servetus (for rejecting infant baptism I praise God that I am not under any divine and for denying Christ’s deity). Calvin wrote about obligation to follow either Calvinism or Arminianism.

Servetus, “One should not be content with simply killing SOME GOOD THINGS ABOUT CALVINISM

such people, but should burn them cruelly.”

Though I do not agree with Calvinist theology, I can 6. God does not require His people to choose between readily admit that there are many good things about Calvinism or Arminianism! I am convinced that John Calvinism, especially if it is contrasted with the shallow, Calvin has caused great and unnecessary divisions 214

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man-centered theology and evangelism that is so sinners; they do not even believe that God loves all popular today. Four things come to mind readily: men. According to Murray’s definition, these are “hyper 1. Calvinism exalts God as the sole Author of salvation Calvinists.”

and gives glory to Him alone. In this, it is exactly correct Charles Spurgeon refused to try to reconcile every and perfectly biblical and right on target. There is no seeming contradiction in the Bible, and he was wise salvation apart from God. There is no good in man and enough to know that he could not understand every there is nothing he can do to achieve his salvation. It mystery of God. He said:

must be of God entirely. Except that God in His mercy

“That God predestines, and that man is responsible, and grace has provided salvation in Christ and has are two things that few can see. They are believed to drawn men to this salvation, convicting them and be inconsistent and contradictory; but they are not. It enlightening them and granting them faith and is just the fault of our weak judgment. Two truths repentance (which are both gifts of God), no man would cannot be contradictory to each other. If, then, I find be saved. All glory to God.

taught in one place that everything is foreordained, that is true; and if I find in another place that man is 2. Calvinism humbles man and gives him no role in responsible for all his actions, that is true; and it is my salvation and nothing to glory of. This is the flip side of folly that leads me to imagine that two truths can ever the previous point, and in this, Calvinism is perfectly contradict each other. These two truths, I do not scriptural. The Bible gives man nothing whatsoever of believe, can ever be welded into one upon any human which to glory. Salvation is entirely of God and nothing anvil, but one they shall be in eternity: they are two of man. Romans 4:2 says that if Abraham’s salvation lines that are so nearly parallel, that the mind that were not entirely of God he would have something to shall pursue them farthest, will never discover that boast of, but of course that is impossible because no they converge; but they do converge, and they will man can ever boast of anything before a thrice holy meet somewhere in eternity, close to the throne of God, whence all truth doth spring” (C.H. Spurgeon, God. Even man’s righteousness, his very best deeds, are New Park Street Pulpit, Vol. 4, 1858, p. 337).

but filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6).

Spurgeon warned about creating theologies that 3. Calvinism gives eternal security to the believer.

attempt to reconcile every biblical difficulty: Calvinism promises eternal security to the believer,

“Men who are morbidly anxious to possess a self-because it knows that (1) salvation is entirely of God’s consistent creed, a creed which will put together and grace and thus depends nothing whatsoever on man’s form a square like a Chinese puzzle,--are very apt to puny works whether good or bad, (2) God has elected narrow their souls. Those who will only believe what and ordained the saved person to a glorious eternal they can reconcile will necessarily disbelieve much of inheritance, and (3) the saved persevere in the faith divine revelation. Those who receive by faith anything through the effective working of the indwelling Holy which they find in the Bible will receive two things, Spirit. In this it is right on target.

twenty things, ay, or twenty thousand things, though 4. Calvinism teaches that the elect will give evidence of they cannot construct a theory which harmonises them all” (C.H. Spurgeon, “Faith,” Sword and Trowel, 1872).

their calling. The Calvinist knows that salvation produces a dramatic change in a person’s life, and in In these matters, Charles Spurgeon was a Calvinist this he is right on target. Any “salvation” that does not but he was much more than a Calvinist; he was a result in a change of life and direction and thinking and Biblicist. It has been said of Spurgeon, that if you purpose is not a biblical salvation.

pricked him, even his blood was “bibline.” He loved theology and studied theology earnestly, but the bottom NOT ALL CALVINISTS ARE THE SAME

line was that he had childlike faith in everything the It is important to understand that there is a great Bible says.

variety of doctrine and practice among Calvinists, and And while Spurgeon was a Calvinist, he was at the by no means do I consider a man to be an enemy of the same time a great evangelist and believed in offering truth just because he accepts some of the Calvinist the gospel to all men and urging all men to be saved.

theology. The book Spurgeon vs. Hyper Calvinists: The Spurgeon believed that more sinners could be saved if Battle for Gospel Preaching by Iain Murray (Edinburgh, the gospel was preached to them, and he did not try to Banner of Truth Trust, 1995) does an excellent job of reconcile such a view with God’s election. He believed describing some of the differences among Calvinists.

his responsibility was to preach the gospel to as many There are soul winning Calvinists, Calvinists with great sinners as possible. He believed that tools such as prayer evangelistic and missionary zeal; and there are could result in a greater harvest of souls. He had prayer Calvinists who condemn these things. Some interpret meetings before the preaching services and every Calvinism in such a way that they do not believe in Monday night and on other occasions. Sometimes when offering salvation to or preaching the gospel to all the auditorium of the Metropolitan Tabernacle was full, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 215

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a group would remain in the downstairs prayer hall and SOME CENTRAL ERRORS OF CALVINISM

pray during the preaching (as per an e-mail from Mrs.

1. Calvinism turns theology into philosophy.

Hannah Wyncoll, Administrative Assistant, Metropolitan Calvinism goes beyond biblical statements in an Tabernacle, June 2, 2000). Spurgeon loved soul winning attempt to systematize the mysteries of God. John and taught his people to be soul winners. His famous Calvin was a philosopher by training; his Institutes are book The Soul Winner is still in print. There were some extremely philosophical. It was first written when Calvin in Spurgeon’s church who “made it their special work to was young and only new converted to Protestantism,

‘watch for souls’ in our great congregation, and to seek when his mind was still filled with the philosophy that to bring to immediate decision those who appeared to he had studied as a Catholic priest.

be impressed under the preaching of the Word. [Bro.

Cloud: Note the word ‘decision’ in Spurgeon’s True theology is simply believing and rightly description of this soul winner!] One brother has earned interpreting the Bible, but God warns against for himself the title of my hunting dog, for he is always philosophy and about leaving the simplicity of Christ ready to pick up the wounded birds. One Monday night, (Col. 2:8; 2 Co. 11:3).

at the prayer-meeting, he was sitting near me on the Philosophy is to use the human intellect and logic in platform; all at once I missed him, and presently I saw an attempt to come to the truth apart from divine him right at the other end of the building. After the revelation. In the case of Calvinism, the problem is that meeting, I asked why he went off so suddenly, and he he goes beyond the actual statements of Scripture and said that the gas just shone on the face of a woman in creates doctrine by human reasoning.

the congregation, and she looked so sad that he walked For example, Arthur Pink states, “If then God has round, and sat near her, in readiness to speak to her foreordained whatsoever comes to pass then He must about the Saviour after the service” (C.H. Spurgeon, The have decreed that vast numbers of human beings should Full Harvest, p. 76). Thus we see that Charles Spurgeon pass out of this world unsaved to suffer eternally in the was a man who was very zealous for the winning of Lake of Fire. Admitting the general premise, is not the souls, and his Calvinism and his convictions about the specific conclusion inevitable?” (p. 84).

sovereignty of God in no wise hindered that.

The answer is that Pink’s premise is wrong and so, On the other hand, many Calvinists of that day therefore, is the conclusion. To say that God has opposed Spurgeon vehemently from their pulpits and in foreordained whatsoever comes to pass is to go beyond their magazines and denounced his practice of giving what the Bible teaches. The Bible says He “worketh all invitations for sinners to come to Christ. (He did not things after the counsel of his own will” (Ep. 1:11), but have the people actually come forward during the that is not the same as actually foreordaining church service as is commonly practiced today, but he everything. And to build on this faulty platform by invited them to come to Christ all the same; and he claiming that God must have decreed that vast numbers believed that a sinner was saved in every seat in the of human beings should pass out of this world unsaved Metropolitan Tabernacle’s massive auditorium of that is to allow human logic to assume the place of divine day.)

revelation.

For example, one popular Calvinist paper of Again, Pink says, “Now if God had willed their Spurgeon’s day was the Earthen Vessel. In one of its salvation, would He not have vouchsafed them the issues in 1857, it boldly stated that “to preach that it is means of salvation? Would He not have given them all man’s duty to believe savingly in Christ is ABSURD.”

things necessary to that end? But it is an undeniable Well, that was exactly what Spurgeon preached, so to a matter of fact that He did not” (p. 83).

great many Calvinists of his day, Spurgeon was an This is all human reasoning. But what saith the Word absurd fellow!

of God? It says that God did will the salvation of all (1

This reminds us that there are different kinds of Ti. 3:5-6; 2 Pe. 3:9) and did provide for it (1 Jn. 2:2), Calvinists and it is not wise to lump them all into the but He also gave man a choice to believe or disbelieve same mold.

(Jn. 3:16).

I have had the privilege of knowing, and Here is another example of the philosophical communicating at a distance with, many godly soul approach of Calvinism. Pink says, “Now all will winning Calvinists. Though I am in strong disagreement acknowledge that from the foundation of the world God with such men on the subject of Calvinist theology, I do certainly fore-knew and fore-saw who would and who not consider them enemies.

would not receive Christ as their Saviour, therefore in At the same time, I believe that our differences in giving being and birth to those He knew would reject theology are great enough to disallow us to minister Christ, He necessarily created them unto damnation” (p.

together or to be members together of the same church.

82).

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The authority for this statement is not the plain Here we see that salvation is associated with man’s teaching of Scripture but the author’s human reasoning.

response to the gospel. According to the plain teaching Pink confuses foreknowledge with forewilling. A parent of this verse, these Jews did not go to hell because they gives his children many choices and greater liberty as were not part of the elect or because they were they grow older and he knows that they will make sovereignly elected to reprobation, but simply because mistakes and he knows the consequences of those they refused to believe. They reprobated themselves.

mistakes beforehand, but when the children do wrong Paul told them that God wanted to give them that is not to say that the parent forewilled it.

everlasting life and they rejected it.

In this context it is important to observe that Consider John 6:37 and John 6:40

Calvinism is not simple; it is very complicated. James Again, John 6:37 is a favorite Calvinist proof text.

White often makes the claim that Dave Hunt, who has

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him debated him in print on this subject, doesn’t understand that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

Calvinism, even though he of reasonable intelligence The Calvinist finds his doctrines of Sovereign and has studied the issue diligently. This highlights the Election and Irresistible Grace here. The problem is that complexity and philosophical nature of Calvinism. It if “irresistible grace” is taught in this passage, it is for all results in an elitist mentality. Consider some of the who believe on Christ and not merely for a special few terms that James White uses in his debate with Dave who were sovereignly pre-elected to be saved.

Hunt: compatibalism, monergism versus synergism, electing grace vs. irresistible grace, effectual calling vs.

This verse does not say that God has sovereignly pre-general calling, effective atonement vs. hypothetical chosen only some for salvation and that it is those pre-atonement, libertarian free will vs. the bondage of the chosen ones that are given to Christ. One must read all will. Other Calvinists speak of objective grace and of that into the verse. It simply says that all that the subjective grace, natural ability and moral ability, Father gives will come to Christ. The question is this: mediate vs. immediate imputation of Adam’s sin,

“Who is it that the Father gives to Jesus?”

supralapsarianism, sublapsarianism, infralapsarianism, That question is answered plainly in this passage desiderative vs. decretive will, and antecedent only three verses later: “And this is the will of him that hypothetical will.

sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and I believe that Calvinism is more akin to philosophy believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will than to sound Bible theology and that it has left the raise him up at the last day” (Jn. 6:40). (Of course the simplicity that is in Christ.

Calvinist argues that it is only the elect who can “see the Son,” but one must read that into the verse.) 2. The calvinist system tries to reconcile things that cannot be reconciled in this world.

In verse 40 we see that the sovereign will of God is that each and every sinner that believes on Christ will Consider Acts 13:48 and Acts 13:46

be saved. Here the sovereign will of God is to allow men Verse 48 is a pet Calvinist verse: “And when the a choice in salvation, and a great many other verses Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the agree.

word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to Consider John 6:44 and John 12:32

eternal life believed.”

John 6:44 is another Calvinist proof text. “No man The Calvinist says, “See, here is a plain statement can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me that those who believe are those who are sovereignly draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

ordained to believe.” The problem is that the word

“sovereignly” is added to what this verse actually states The Calvinist finds sovereign election and irresistible and Calvinist doctrine is read into the verse to make it grace here.

say, “...as many as were sovereignly and arbitrarily Yet John 12:32 says, “And I, if I be lifted up from the elected believed.” Any possibility that God’s earth, will draw all men unto me.”

foreknowledge could allow for the exercise of human Here we see that Jesus draws all men.

will is entirely discounted, but there is nothing in the How can these seemingly contradictory things be verse itself to require such an interpretation.

reconciled? Calvinism doesn’t have the answer, because Also, in verse 46 we see a different story. “Then Paul its proposed solution ignores or twists too many clear and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary Scriptures.

that the word of God should first have been spoken to I don’t believe these things can be properly you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves reconciled in this present world. We should simply let unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.”

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truly chooses. God elects and yet every man is urged to receives that great salvation, that is not works and the be saved and every man can be saved. God elects and sinner has nothing to boast about.

yet sent His Son to die for the whole world. God elects The Bible vs. the Calvinist Doctrine That the New Birth and yet does not want any sinner to perish.

Precedes Faith

All are equally true and Scriptural, so let them ALL

Arthur Pink states this doctrine as follows: “Faith is stand and do not try to reconcile that which the Bible not the cause of the new birth, but the consequence of itself does not reconcile and which therefore cannot be it. This ought not to need arguing. ... Faith is a spiritual reconciled into a neat theological package in this grace, the fruit of the spiritual nature, and because the present world.

unregenerate are spiritually dead--‘dead in trespasses 3. Calvinism’s doctrines are contrary to the plain and sins’--then it follows that faith from them is teaching of god’s word.

impossible, for a dead man cannot believe anything. ‘So The Bible vs. the Calvinist Doctrine that Faith Is a then they that are in the flesh cannot please God’ (Ro.

Work

8:8)--but they could if it were possible for the flesh to Calvinism says that grace means man cannot do believe. ... That the work of the Holy Spirit precedes our anything, cannot even believe, because otherwise grace believing is unequivocally established by 2 Th.

would not be grace and the sinner would have 2:13--‘God hath from the beginning chosen you to something to boast of.

salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.’ Note that ‘sanctification of the Spirit’

First of all, this is unscriptural, because the Bible comes before and makes possible ‘belief of the plainly says faith and believing are not works.

truth’” (p. 73).

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that The chief passage on the New Birth is John 3. In not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest verse 1-8 Jesus teaches Nicodemus that he must be born any man should boast” (Ep. 2:8-9).

again or he cannot see the kingdom of God. In verse 9, It is not faith that is the gift of God; it is salvation Nicodemus asks Jesus how this can be. In verse 10-21, that is the gift. Salvation is by grace but THROUGH

Jesus answers this question and explains how a man is faith. Faith is “the hand that reaches out and accepts the born again, and the answer is that he is born again by gift of God.” Faith is not a work.

believing (Jn. 3:14-16)! This is exactly what the

“For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath Calvinist says the sinner cannot do. How can a dead whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith man believe, he reasons? Well, if we are going to take the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was the “dead man” analogy literally, a dead man can’t sin counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that either. When the Bible says the sinner is dead in worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on trespasses and sins it means that he is separated from him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for God’s divine life because of sin. To take this analogy righteousness” (Ro. 4:2-5).

beyond the actual teaching of the Bible and to give it Here we see plainly that faith is the opposite of other meanings, such as to reason that since the sinner works. Therefore to require that a sinner believe the is dead in trespasses and sins he must not be able to gospel is not to require the sinner to do some sort of believe, is to move from truth to heresy.

works for salvation.

Ephesians 1:13 also gives the order of salvation. “In Furthermore, this doctrine that faith is a work is whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of unreasonable. Salvation is likened in Scripture to truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after receiving a gift. It can also be likened to accepting a that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of pardon and taking a life preserver. If someone purchases promise.” First the sinner believes and then he receives an expensive gift for me and I accept it, do I have the Holy Spirit.

anything to boast of? If I am in prison on death row for The order of salvation is made clear in Acts 16:30-31

my crimes and the governor mercifully offers me a in the conversion of the Philippian jailer. “And brought pardon and I accept it, have I done anything that I could them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

boast of? If I am drowning in the ocean and a boat pulls And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and alongside and offers to rescue me and I allow them to thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Note that the jailer do that, have I thereby had some part in my salvation was not born again when he asked what he must do to from drowning? Have I done something I could boast be saved, and Paul replied that he must believe on the of? Of course not! When the sinner hears that Christ Lord Jesus Christ. Obviously Paul knew that the man loves him and died for him and rose from the dead and could do exactly that and that by believing he would be offers him eternal salvation and the sinner joyfully born again.

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The order of salvation is also made clear in Ep. 2:8-9

Consider the World before the Flood. Ge. 6:3 -- “And

-- “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an man should boast.” Faith is the means whereby we are hundred and twenty years.”

saved; it is the hand that reaches out to accept God’s God strove with men before the flood and had Noah Gift.

preach to them for 120 years while the ark was being What, then, does 2 Th. 2:13 mean, when it says we built, but they resisted God and rejected his warning.

are chosen to salvation “through sanctification of the Consider Israel of Old. Ro. 10:21 -- “But to Israel he Spirit and belief of the truth”? In light of the previous saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto passages, it is obvious that this verse is not stating the a disobedient and gainsaying people.”

exact order of things. We have already learned that We see that God wanted to save Israel and belief of the truth precedes the new birth. At the same continually reached out to them, but God’s salvation time, from God’s perspective the sanctification of the was resisted and rejected.

Spirit and the belief of the truth occur simultaneously.

Though we are saved through faith, that faith is Consider Israel of Christ’s Day. Mt. 23:37 -- “O

exercised in the context of the Spirit of God Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, enlightening and drawing and convicting and finally and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often regenerating and sanctifying. It would therefore be would I have gathered thy children together, even as a humanly impossible to separate the “belief of the truth”

hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye from the “sanctification of the Spirit.”

would not!” John 5:40 “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.”

The Bible vs. the Calvinist Doctrine of the Total Depravity of Man

Here we see that the sovereign will of the Son of God, who desired to save Israel throughout her history The Bible teaches that man is morally corrupt (Je.

and who often sent His prophets to her, was refused.

17:9; Ro. 3:10-18) and dead in trespasses and sins (Ep.

2:1) and spiritually blind (1 Co. 2:14), but it nowhere Consider the Unsaved of our Day. 2 Co. 4:3-4 -- “But if teaches that man cannot respond to the gospel. When I our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In have challenged Calvinists to provide me with even one whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of verse that says man is dead in trespasses and sins in them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious SUCH A MANNER that he cannot even believe the gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine gospel, they have never provided such a verse. One unto them.”

suggested Ephesians 2, but nowhere does Ephesians 2

Here we see that men are blinded because of their teach such a thing. One has to read the Calvinist own unbelief and they are lost because they reject the doctrine of “total depravity” into the Scripture.

gospel. It is God’s sovereign will to save every sinner (1

The Bible teaches, rather, that God enables men to Ti. 2:3-4; 2 Pe. 3:9), but sinners can resist Him.

respond, giving them light (Jn. 1:9), drawing them (Jn.

Consider the Unsaved during the Reign of the 12:32), convicting them (Jn. 16:8), calling them Antichrist. 2 Th. 2:10-12 -- “And with all deceivableness through the gospel (Mk. 16:15-16; 2 Th. 2:14), and of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they commanding them to repent (Acts 17:30) and believe received not the love of the truth, that they might be on Christ (Acts 16:31).

saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong The Bible vs. the Calvinist Doctrine of Irresistible Grace delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had Consider Cain. Ge. 4:6-7 -- “And the LORD said unto pleasure in unrighteousness.”

Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?

Why will these sinners perish? The reason is stated and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And plainly, and it is not because they are not among the unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over elect and is not because they were sovereignly him.”

reprobated. It is because they resist the gospel and reject the truth.

God spoke to Cain and urged him not to act on the jealous anger that was burning in his heart, and yet The Bible vs. the Calvinist Doctrine of Limited Cain resisted God’s will and murdered his brother. God Atonement

gave Cain a clear choice. There is not a hint in this God loves all men (Jn. 3:16).

passage that would make us conclude that God had God has commanded that the gospel be preached to predetermined that Cain be reprobate.

every person (Mark 16:15).

God wants to have mercy upon all men (Ro. 11:32).

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God desires to reconcile all men to Himself (2 Co.

depravity” ( Arminianism Examined, p. 4). Yes, the Bible 5:19).

definitely teaches that man is totally depraved in the The promise of faith by Jesus is for all (Ga. 3:22).

since that the sinner is corrupt and there is nothing Jesus was a ransom for all men (1 Ti. 2:6).

good in him that would warrant or that could earn salvation, but the Calvinism goes beyond this and adds Jesus tasted death for all men (He. 2:9).

its own unique twist that is not supported by Scripture.

Jesus bought even unsaved false teachers (2 Pe. 2:1).

Consider the doctrine of Limited Atonement, that God desires all men to be saved (2 Pe. 3:9).

Christ died only to save the elect and that He did not die Jesus provided propitiation for all men (1 Jn. 2:2).

for the non-elect. “He died in order to procure and The iniquity of all men was laid on Jesus (Isaiah secure the salvation of the elect only. ... the atonement 53:6).

is limited or particular in its design and intention.” Khoo The Calvinist’s doctrine of limited atonement is quotes Augustine, who said that Christ’s death was contrary to the plain teaching of Scripture.

“sufficient for all, efficient for the elect.” In other words, 4. Calvinism interprets scripture by theology rather though Christ somehow made it possible for all sinners than by context.

to be saved in this age, only the elect can actually be saved, because only they are effectively drawn and Its doctrines are not supported by the plain language regenerated. There is not one Scripture to support this of Scripture but are read into the Scripture. In Bible doctrine. Khoo quotes Mt. 1:21, which says Jesus will interpretation, the principle rule is to interpret

“save His people from their sins,” but this does not say according to the plain language of the text and that Jesus died for the elect only. “His people” here according to the context.

refers to the Jews, and we know that Jesus did not die Calvinism assigns preset definitions to theological only for the Jews. The Calvinist quotes Ep. 5:25, that terms instead of allowing the context to define them.

Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it, but this God’s omnipotence means God’s will cannot be does not say that Christ died only for the elect. That resisted by man.

Christ gave Himself for the church is not to say that Election means man has no choice.

Christ gave Himself ONLY for the church or any other Total depravity means man is unable to respond to such Calvinistic twist. The Calvinist quotes John God and cannot even believe.

6:38-39, where Christ said, “And this is the Father’s will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me Let’s consider the doctrine of Total Depravity more I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the carefully. According to this doctrine, man is dead in last day.” Again, this does not support the Calvinist trespasses and sins in the sense that he cannot believe doctrine of Limited Atonement. In fact, it says nothing on Christ for salvation, that he cannot make any choice whatsoever about the extent of the atonement.

in regard to salvation. I have challenged Calvinists to give me even one Scripture that teaches this, and I have The Calvinist must support his doctrine, every point examined books by Calvinists for such a proof text, but of it, from the Scripture alone interpreted properly by in vain. The Scriptures they quote do not teach their the plain meaning of the words and by context. This he doctrine. They cite, for example, Ep. 1:1-4, but that cannot do. If he is not allowed to read his doctrine into passage says nothing about the sinner not being able to the Scripture, he is not able to support his doctrine from believe. It says the sinner is dead in trespasses and sin, Scripture.

walks according to the course of this world, according to 5. Calvinism misstates what non-calvinists believe.

the prince of the power of the air, is a child of There are many strawman arguments that the disobedience, and is by nature the child of wrath. But Calvinist erects and defeats, but by defeating them he that is not the same as the Calvinist doctrine of total has only defeated a figment of his own imagination.

depravity which goes beyond the actual words of Calvinists claim, for example, that the non-Calvinist Scripture and adds the business about the sinner not doesn’t believe in God’s sovereignty. I can’t speak for being able to believe. They also cite Ge. 6:5 and Je. 17:9

others, but this non-Calvinist certain believes in God’s and Is. 64:6-7 and Ro. 3:10-18, but again there is sovereignty. God is God and He can do whatsoever He nothing in these verses about the Calvinist doctrine that pleases whensoever He pleases. As one man said, the sinner is unable to believe, that he cannot exercise

“Whatever the Bible says, I believe; the Bible says the his will in receiving or rejecting salvation. After citing whale swallowed Jonah, and I believe it; and if the Bible the previously mentioned Scriptures, Jeffrey Khoo of the said that Jonah swallowed the whale, I would believe Far Eastern Bible College concludes: “Man’s freedom of that.” If the Bible taught that God sovereignly selects choice has been forfeited since the Fall. ... The Bible some sinners to go to heaven and sovereignly elects the t e a c h e s h u m a n i n a b i l i t y a n d t o t a l rest to go to hell or that He chooses only some to be 220

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saved and allows the rest to be destroyed, I would took hold of a life preserver that was thrown to him or believe it, because I believe God is God and man cannot relaxed in the arms of the life guard.

tell God what is right or wrong. But the Bible reveals, They say that the teaching that man can believe on rather, that the sovereign God made man with a will or reject Christ means that one believes that the sinner and that the sinner can still exercise that will in is not truly depraved and that man is a “free moral receiving or rejecting Christ. This does not detract from agent.” Arthur Pink says this in his chapter on “God’s God’s sovereignty one iota.

Sovereignty and the Human Will.” He presents many They claim, further, that the non-Calvinist believes strawmen in this section. He says, “Does it lie within the man is saved by his own will. I can’t speak for others, province of man’s will to accept or reject the Lord Jesus but this non-Calvinist does not believe that. No sinner Christ as Saviour? ... The answer to this question defines can believe unless God enables him to do so. The Bible our conception of human depravity. ... Man is a rational plainly states that Jesus enlightens (Jn. 1:9) and draws being and as such responsible and accountable to God, (Jn. 12:37) every man. Man is not saved by his will; he but to affirm that he is a free moral agent is to deny that is saved by the grace of God in Christ and because of the he is totally depraved...” (p. 138). I certainly don’t blood of Christ. Jn. 1:12-13 leaves no doubt about this.

believe that the sinner is a “free moral agent,” and I

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to believe that man is totally without righteousness before become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his God, dead in trespasses and sins, etc. I simply agree name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of with what the Bible says about man believing the the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Verse 12

gospel. The Bible says that “whosoever believeth in him says as many as receive Jesus and believe on His name shall not perish” (Jn. 3:16). That teaches me that a are born again, but verse 13 says this salvation by faith sinner can believe on Christ, but to go beyond this is not “the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of simple concept and to claim that such a position is to God.” Thus, believing on Christ is not some sort of “will deny human depravity or is to make him into a “free salvation.”

moral agent” is nonsense. Romans 3:10-18 and Ep.

They claim that the non-Calvinist doesn’t believe that 2:1-4 are key New Testament passages on the depravity salvation is 100% of God, that by saying that the sinner of the sinner, but neither passage mentions man’s will or can believe on Christ is to say that “he contributes to his whether he can or cannot believe on Christ for salvation” and “thus, the work of salvation is not totally salvation. The same is true for every passage in the God’s” (Jeffrey Khoo, Arminianism Examined, Far Bible that deals with man’s depravity in Adam, such as Eastern Bible College, Singapore, p. 2). Arthur Pink says Ge. 6:4; Ps. 51:5; 58:3; Pr. 22:15; Ecc. 9:3; Is. 64:6; Je.

that if the sinner could yield to or resist Christ, “then the 17:9; and Mt. 15:9. Again, the Calvinist reads his own Christian would have ground for boasting and self-theology into these passages.

glorying over his cooperation with the Spirit...” (p.

Pink and other Calvinists even liken the non-128). Again, while I can’t speak for others, this non-Calvinist’s position on so-called “free will” to that of the Calvinist most definitely believes that salvation is 100%

Roman Catholic Church. Pink quotes from the Council of God. It is God who enlightens (Jn. 1:9), convicts (Jn.

of Trent, which said, “If any one shall affirm, that man’s 16:7-8), draws (Jn. 12:32), and saves. Man does freewill, moved and excited by God, does not, by nothing but receive a Gift and that is not a work and is consenting, cooperate with God, the mover and exciter, not something to boast of! As with salvation, so with so as to prepare and dispose itself for the attainment of Christian living, it is all of God and man has nothing to justification; if moreover anyone shall say, that the boast of. “For it is God which worketh in you both to human will cannot refuse complying, if it pleases; but will and to do of his good pleasure” (Ph. 2:13); and, “I that it is unactive, and merely passive; let such an one am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I be accursed.” Pink then concludes: “Thus, those who but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in today insist on the freewill of the natural man believe the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved precisely what Rome teaches on the subject! ... the me, and gave himself for me” (Ga. 2:20). Salvation is all Roman Catholics and Arminians walk hand in of Christ, from beginning to end. This idea that hand...” ( The Sovereignty of God, p. 139). This is libelous receiving a gift leaves the recipient in a position to boast in the extreme. The Roman Catholic Church believes is ridiculous. The recipient of a Priceless Gift does not that man is not utterly unrighteous in his fallen state boast of himself but of the Giver. The man who is and that he can actually cooperate with God in his rescued from the sea and escapes certain death does not justification, that salvation is by faith plus works and brag about what he did for himself but about what the sacraments rather than by faith alone. The non-Calvinist rescuer did, even though the drowning man perhaps does not believe anything like this. He simply believes the Scripture when it says that “whosoever believeth in Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 221

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him shall not perish” (Jn. 3:16) and he doesn’t try to could have believed in God and been in the Hall of Faith bend such Scriptures to conform to the TULIP mold.

in Hebrews 11. This passage does not teach that Esau There are only a few examples of how the Calvinist was sovereignly predestined to be reprobate. It teaches tends to misstate and misrepresent what the non-that God sovereignly chose Christ’s lineage.

Calvinist believes.

As for Pharaoh, the Bible says that he rejected God’s 6. Calvinism confuses the church with israel and Word in Exodus 5:2 before God hardened his heart in national election with personal (romans 9:9-24).

Exodus 7:3. “Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I John Calvin’s major argument for unconditional should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the election and reprobation is based on God’s dealings with LORD, neither will I let Israel go” (Ex. 5:2). Also the Israel. This is described in Calvin’s Institutes, Book III, Bible twice says that Pharaoh hardened his own heart.

Chapter 21, “Eternal Election.”

“But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as

“For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. And not only this; but the LORD had said” (Ex. 8:15). See also Exodus 9:34.

when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our This is not a case of sovereign reprobation. The father Isaac; (For the children being not yet born, Scripture teaches that it is always Gods will for men to neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose serve Him, but when they reject Him He rejects them of God according to election might stand, not of works, and judges them and makes examples of them. Compare but of him that calleth;) It was said unto her, The elder 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 -- “And with all deceivableness shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I of unrighteousness in them that perish; BECAUSE THEY

loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then?

RECEIVED NOT THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, THAT

Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he THEY MIGHT BE SAVED. And for this cause God shall saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have send them strong delusion, that they should believe a mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of lie: THAT THEY ALL MIGHT BE DAMNED WHO

him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For BELIEVED NOT THE TRUTH, but had pleasure in the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same unrighteousness.” These sinners will be damned but not purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my because they are not sovereignly elected and not power in thee, and that my name might be declared because they are sovereignly reprobate but because of throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on their personal decision in regard to the truth. Words whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he could not be plainer. God did make an example of hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he Pharaoh and God did harden his heart for this purpose, yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, but to go beyond what the Bible says and to claim that O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall God chose to create Pharaoh for the purpose of the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over reprobating him is a great error and is to malign the the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto name of the loving God.

honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, Romans 9:22-23 does not say that God sovereignly fits willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power some sinners to destruction and some to glory. The phrase known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of

“vessels of wrath fitted to destruction” allows for a wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make variant voice; according to the PC Study Bible, it can be known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, both the passive and middle voice in Greek; middle which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, means to fit oneself. In the middle voice the subject acts whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?” (Romans 9:9-24).

in relation to him/herself. Consider this note from Vincent Word Studies: “NOT FITTED BY GOD FOR

This is doubtless the Calvinist’s favorite proof text for DESTRUCTION, but in an adjectival sense, ready, ripe sovereign election. Does Romans 9 teach that God for destruction, the participle denoting a present state arbitrarily or sovereignly chooses some sinners to be previously formed, BUT GIVING NO HINT OF HOW IT

saved and the rest to be lost? Let’s consider eight HAD BEEN FORMED. That the objects of final wrath important facts about this passage:

had themselves a hand in the matter may be seen from The example of Esau and Jacob does not refer to 1 Th. 2:15-16.” By allowing the Bible to speak for itself election pertaining to personal salvation but to election through the plain meaning of the words and by pertaining to nations in God’s overall program. Verse 12

comparing Scripture with Scripture we see that the makes this clear. “It was said unto her, The elder shall sinner fits himself for destruction by his rejection of the serve the younger.” The promise of God to Rebecca was truth. Even those who have never heard the gospel, about the elder son serving the younger, not about their have the light of creation and conscience and are personal salvation. Esau could have gotten saved. He 222

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responsible to respond to the light that they have that God’s blinding of Israel was not a matter of sovereign they might be given more light (Acts 17:26-27).

election but it was because they first hardened their own Romans 9:23-24 does not mean that God calls only a hearts. Consider Eze. 12:2; Mt. 13:15 and Acts certain pre-chosen elect group to salvation. “And that he 28:25-27:

might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels Ezekiel 12:2 -- “Son of man, thou dwellest in the of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, even midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they of the Gentiles.” One has to read that into the language are a rebellious house.”

of the verses. The Calvinist claims that verse 24 refers to Ezekiel says the cause for Israel’s blindness is her

“effectual calling,” which is a term that describes the own rebellion.

“irresistible calling of the elect,” but this is adding to Matthew 13:15 -- “For this people’s heart is waxed God’s Word, which is a great error. The Bible plainly gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and THEIR

states that God has called all who will come to Christ.

EYES THEY HAVE CLOSED; lest at any time they should God calls through the gospel (2 Th. 2:14) and the see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should gospel is to be preached to every creature (Mk. 16:15).

understand with their heart, and should be converted, God calls “whosoever will” (Ro. 10:13; Re. 22:17). God and I should heal them.”

calls every one that believes on Christ. “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Matthew says Israel closed her own eyes and that is Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: the reason they were not converted. There is no and I will raise him up at the last day” (Jn. 6:40).

sovereign reprobation here.

God’s salvation even of the Jews was not a matter of Acts 28:25-27 -- “And when they agreed not among

“sovereign” election but was based on an individual’s themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken faith in His Word. “But Israel, which followed after the one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart stumbled at that stumblingstone; as it is written, of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of hearing, and THEIR EYES HAVE THEY CLOSED; lest offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ashamed” (Ro. 9:31-33).

ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”

Romans 10 leaves no doubt about this; the promise of salvation proves that it is not God’s arbitrary or Again, Acts says Israel closed her own eyes lest she

“sovereign” choice (Ro. 10:8-13). Note the words be converted. There is no support for the Calvinist

“whosoever” and “all.” Would God mock sinners by doctrine of sovereign reprobation here.

promising them salvation if they believe in Christ and 7. Calvinism goes back to the “church fathers” for then only enable those who were sovereignly elected to authority instead of strictly to the New Testament actually exercise such faith?

apostles and prophets.

God’s sovereignty does not mean that His will is always Calvin freely acknowledged that his authority was accomplished in man. “But to Israel he saith, All day long Augustine. Consider the following quotes: I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and

“If I were inclined to compile a whole volume from gainsaying people” (Ro. 10:21). See also Mt. 23:37: “O

Augustine, I could easily show my readers, that I need Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, no words but his” ( Institutes, Book III, chap. 22) and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often

“Let Augustine answer for me…” (Ibid.) would I have gathered thy children together, even as a

“[Augustine is the one] we quote most frequently as hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye being the best and most faithful witness of all would not!” God has made man in His image. Man is antiquity” ( Institutes, Book IV, chap. 14) not a robot. He can exercise his will in saying no to God,

“Augustine is so wholly with me, that if I wished to and man has said no to God and has resisted God from write a confession of my faith, I could do so ... out of Genesis to Revelation. If God’s sovereignty means that his writings” (Calvin, “A Treatise on the Eternal Predestination of God,” trans. by Henry Cole, Calvin’s His will is always done, this world would make no Calvinism, Grandville, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, sense! It is God’s will, for example, for every believer to 1987, p. 38; cited in Laurence Vance, The Other Side of

“Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Pe. 1:16), but we know all Calvinism, 1999, p. 38).

too well that this is not always the case and is never the case perfectly.

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Who Was Augustine? He was so polluted with heresy 9. Calvinism cannot explain the Apostle Paul.

that the Roman Catholic Church has claimed him as one Paul attempted to win the more. “For though I be of its “doctors.”

free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto Augustine was a persecutor and the father of the all, that I might gain the more” (1 Co. 9:19). How can I doctrine of persecution in the Catholic Church. The win more if the number of the elect has been settled historian Neander observed that Augustine’s teaching from eternity?

“contains the germ of the whole system of spiritual Paul’s goal was to “save some.” “To the weak became despotism, intolerance, and persecution, even to the I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all court of the Inquisition.” He instigated bitter things to all men, that I might by all means save some: persecutions against the Bible-believing Donatists who (1 Co. 9:22). Isn’t the election of the saved already were striving to maintain pure churches after the assured without Paul’s help? How could anything he did apostolic faith.

in his life and ministry have any affect upon the elect?

Augustine was the father of amillennialism, Paul sacrificed so that men would be saved. “Even as interpreting Bible prophecy allegorically; teaching that I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own the Catholic Church is the kingdom of God.

profit, but the profit of many, that they may be Augustine taught that Mary did not commit sin.

saved” (1 Co. 10:33). If election is sovereignly Augustine believed in purgatory.

predetermined and irresistible, Paul’s statement makes Augustine was one of the fathers of the heresy of no sense.

infant baptism, claiming that unbaptized infants were Paul persuaded men. “Knowing therefore the terror lost, and calling all who rejected infant baptism of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made

“infidels” and “cursed.”

manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest Augustine exalted church tradition above the Bible in your consciences” (2 Co. 5:11). If Paul were a and said, “I should not believe the gospel unless I were Calvinist, he would know that the elect don’t need moved to do so by the authority of the Catholic persuading and the non-elect can’t be persuaded!

Church.”

Paul was willing to go to hell for the unsaved Jews.

8. Calvinism cannot explain Christ’s warnings and his

“For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ judgments.

for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh” (Ro. 9:3). How could a mere man care more Repeatedly, Christ warned sinners that except they about the destiny of the unsaved than God? We are repent and believe on Him they would perish (e.g., Lk.

convinced that the cry of Paul’s heart here is merely a 13:3, 5; Jn. 8:24). Christ also issued judgments upon mirror of the cry of God’s own heart for all lost sinners.

sinners because they did not believe.

10. Calvinism cannot explain the book of Hebrews.

Luke 10:12-16 -- “But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

The book of Hebrews refutes the Calvinist or TULIP

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for doctrines of unconditional and “sovereign” election and if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, irresistible grace, that God sovereignly and arbitrarily which have been done in you, they had a great while chooses who will be saved and irresistibly and ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall absolutely draws them so that on one hand it is be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, impossible for the non-elect to be saved and on the than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted other hand it is impossible for the elect not to be saved.

to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. He that heareth If this were true, the Holy Spirit would not give such you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth dire warnings and exhortations to professing believers me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent about the possibility of apostasy, because if they are me.”

elected they could not possibly perish and if they are not elected, nothing they could do would change their In light of Calvinism’s definition of sovereign election status. Consider, for example, the following passages: and the irresistible drawing and regeneration of the elect, Christ’s warnings and judgments make no sense.

Consider Hebrews 2:3: “How shall we escape, if we Why would He warn sinners to repent and believe or neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be perish and pronounce severe judgment upon sinners for spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them not believing if He knows that only those who are that heard him.”

sovereignly elected can do such a thing?

This exhortation makes no sense in light of Calvinist Calvinists have made pathetic attempts to answer doctrines. If election is as the Calvinist teaches, how this, but in my estimation the fact of Christ’s warnings could the elect neglect salvation and how could the non-simply and plainly refutes their doctrine.

elect do anything other than neglect salvation?

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Consider Hebrews 3:12-14: “Take heed, brethren, doctrine, it has nothing to do with them or what they lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in do.

departing from the living God. But exhort one another If election is “sovereign” and “unconditional” in a daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be Calvinist sense and the believer has no choice hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are whatsoever in the matter of salvation, these passages made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of don’t make any sense.

our confidence stedfast unto the end.”

If, on the other hand, election involves an element of If the elect are predetermined “sovereignly” and if foreknowledge (1 Pe. 1:2) and involves a personal election has nothing whatsoever to do with the sinner choice on the part of the sinner (“whosoever believeth,”

himself and if he is irresistibly drawn, what could this Jn. 3:15, 16; 12:46; Acts 10:43; Ro. 9:33; 10:11; 1 John exhortation possibly mean? How could a sovereignly 5:1; Re. 22:17; etc.), the exhortations and warnings in elected, irresistibly drawn believer depart from God, Hebrews make perfect sense. Because if this is true, and and how could the non-elect do anything other than we know that it is because the Bible everywhere teaches depart from God?

it, then the sinner, being given light from Christ (Jn.

Consider Hebrews 4:9-11: “There remaineth 1:9) and being drawn by Christ (Jn. 12:32) and being therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is convicted and enlightened by the Holy Spirit (Jn. 16:8) entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own can, because of this gracious divine enablement, either works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to believe on Christ or not and it is also possible for a enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same sinner to come close to salvation without actually example of unbelief.”

possessing it. Therefore he needs to be exhorted to How could this exhortation possibly apply to TULIP

believe on Jesus Christ truly and sincerely and not to type election? This passages says the rest of salvation is turn away before he has been genuinely born again and something that every person must seek to enter into and indwelt by the Holy Spirit and adopted into God’s all are urged to do so, but the doctrine of “sovereign”

family.

election teaches us that those elected to God’s rest are 11. Calvinism cannot explain prayer.

predetermined solely by God and they have no choice in Arthur Pink says, “God’s will is immutable, and the matter and will assuredly enter into that rest.

cannot be altered by our cryings” ( The Sovereignty of Consider Hebrews 6:4-6: “For it is impossible for God, p. 173).

those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of In fact, God’s will can be altered by our prayers.

the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Prayer can never demand that God do something.

Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the Prayer is not demanding but asking. Prayer must always powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to be “by the will of God” (Ro. 1:10). ‘If we ask anything renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify according to his will he heareth us” (1 Jn. 5:14). But to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an that is not to say that prayer is merely a robotic open shame.”

r e s p o n s e t o t h a t w h i c h G o d h a s e t e r n a l l y If TULIP theology is true, why the exhortation? How predetermined. God has given man the responsibility to could the elect fall away? And how could the non-elect pray and has pledged Himself to answer, as long as the do anything but fall away?

prayer is in accordance with His will. That means that it Consider Hebrews 10:26-29: “For if we sin wilfully is up to man whether to pray or not to pray, how much after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, to prayer, and how earnestly. And those prayers change there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain things in things world!

fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, Prayer can even change God’s mind. Consider the which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised following amazing scene that occurred on Mt. Sinai: Moses' law died without mercy under two or three

“And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: NOW

shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under THEREFORE LET ME ALONE, THAT MY WRATH MAY

foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the WAX HOT AGAINST THEM, AND THAT I MAY

covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, CONSUME THEM: AND I WILL MAKE OF THEE A and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?”

GREAT NATION. And Moses besought the LORD his Again, if TULIP theology is true, why would such an God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out exhortation be given to professing believers? If they are of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a sovereignly elected, they will surely persevere and if mighty hand? Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, they aren’t they surely won’t. According to Calvinist and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 225

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them in the mountains, and to consume them from the Consider another prayer scene in Scripture. In Isaiah face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and 38 we read that King Hezekiah was sick unto death and repent of this evil against thy people. Remember God told the prophet Isaiah to go to him and say, “Set Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not life” (Is.

swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will 38:1). Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and wept multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and “prayed unto the Lord.” The Bible says that after and they shall inherit it for ever. AND THE LORD

this, God sent Isaiah back to the king to say, “Thus said REPENTED OF THE EVIL WHICH HE THOUGHT TO

the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy DO UNTO HIS PEOPLE” (Ex. 32:9-14).

prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy God told Moses that He would consume Israel and days fifteen years” (Is. 38:5).

make a great nation of Moses, but Moses pleaded with In response to earnest prayer God gave him this man Him and the Bible says that God repented. Where does 15 more years of life on earth. Prayer changes things!

this fit into Calvinism’s emphasis upon God’s absolute

“What takes the greater power (omnipotence): to sovereignty? Here we see God interacting with man and create beings who have no ability to choose--who are His mind literally being changed by man’s pleas.

mere pawns on God’s cosmic chessboard--or to create Someone will ask at this point about Numbers 23:19, beings who have the freedom to accept or reject God’s salvation? I submit, the latter. ... Would a God who which says, “God is not a man, that he should lie; ordained the existence of immortal beings without neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he making any provision for them to escape eternal said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall torment be a cruel being? What kind of God would call he not make it good?”

on mankind to ‘believe and be saved’ when He knows There is no contradiction between Nu. 23:19 and Ex.

they cannot [and] what kind of relationship is there 32:14. In Numbers 23 Balaam is speaking about God’s between God and people who could never choose eternal plan for Israel, and in that He will not repent.

Him--but are ‘irresistibly’ called...? For these and other

“For the gifts and calling of God are without reasons I question the idea that individual unconditional election and five-point Calvinism best repentance” (Ro. 11:29). But within the context of God’s reflect the attributes of God. A God who sovereignly overall plan for the ages, He does repent or change His offers salvation to all through His elect Saviour reflects mind in relation to man’s actions in many ways, and both power and love.” (Philip F. Cogdon, that is the mystery of prayer.

“Soteriological Implications of Five-Point Calvinism,”

What about 1 Sa. 15:29, which says, “And also the Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society, Autumn 1995; Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a cited from Dave Hunt, A Calvinist’s Honest Doubts man, that he should repent”? This statement was made Resolved, p. 76).

by Samuel after God had rejected Saul and chosen WHAT ABOUT “HYPER-CALVINISM”?

David as the new king. Saul was pleading with Samuel Hyper-Calvinism is a label that some Calvinists have to change his mind about that decision, and Samuel put upon other Calvinists. For example, in “Hyper-replied that God’s decisions in such matters are Calvinism Examined” Jeffrey Khoo, who is a unchangeable.

Presbyterian Calvinist and a staunch defender of the There are times in which God’s mind can be changed faith and of the Greek Received Text and the King James and there are times when it cannot. At one point, God Bible and a man that I have a high regard for, analyzes a told two of the prophets not to pray for Israel (Je. 7:16; position that he labels “hyper.” He says: Eze. 14:4), but that was after Israel had gone too far in

“Calvinism is that system of doctrine derived from the rebellion and God had determined to judge them. After great French theologian--John Calvin. ... What then is other times, prayer, such as that of Moses in Exodus 32, Hyper-Calvinism? The prefix ‘hyper’ (Gk: hyper) means drove back God’s wrath and gave Israel more time.

‘above’ or ‘beyond.’ Hyper-Calvinism is a twisted form of Calvinism that goes beyond what Calvin in Neither Nu. 23:19 nor 1 Sa. 15:29 change the fact accordance to Scriptures had taught.”

that God repented of His plan to destroy Israel in Dr. Khoo presents two characteristics of Hyper-Exodus 32 in response to Moses’ earnest intercession.

Calvinism: “(1) denial of common grace, and (2) denial The fact is that man is an amazing creation. He is of the free offer of the gospel.”

made in God’s image, and he is not a robot or a pupPe.

Common Grace vs. Saving Grace, Degrees of Love God is still God, but God has ordained that man has a will and can say yes or no to Him. Men can even change Khoo claims that Calvin taught that there is both a God’s mind through earnest entreaties! That is the common grace and a saving grace, and that failure to wondrous power of prayer.

distinguish between the two is a mark of Hyper-Calvinism. Saving grace is “the Holy Spirit’s regenerative work on the sinner through the Gospel,”

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whereas common grace is “God’s favourable bestowal be asked here, if God does not want any to perish, why upon all of mankind of those things necessary for do so many in fact perish?” The non-Calvinist Bible creaturely existence on this sin-plagued earth.”

believer would reply that so many perish because God Khoo says that Hyper-Calvinists reject the doctrine of has decreed that man not be a robot but that he be common grace and that according to them, God hates given a choice in the matter of the gospel. But John all non-elect and works all things towards their Calvin must fall back upon his doctrine of sovereign destruction, whereas John Calvin taught that God does election: “My reply is that no mention is made here of not hate the non-elect and that this is evident because the secret decree of God by which the wicked are He bestows upon them “common grace.”

doomed to their own ruin ... GOD STRETCHES OUT HIS

Calvin taught that not only does God bestow HAND TO ALL ALIKE, BUT HE ONLY GRASPS THOSE

common grace upon the reprobate, He also loves them (IN SUCH A WAY AS TO LEAD TO HIMSELF) WHOM

to some degree. Expositing on Mark 10:21, which says HE HAS CHOSEN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE

Jesus loved the rich young ruler, Calvin said: “... God WORLD.”

loves all His creatures without exception. It is therefore Desiderative vs. Decretive Will

important to distinguish degrees of love. ... sometimes According to Khoo, the Hyper-Calvinist’s problem in God is said to love those whom He neither approves nor not being able to “see how God can be willing to save all justifies.”

when He has already willed that only the elect would be What do we say about this? If I were the non-elect, I saved” is solved by the simple solution of understanding would wonder what kind of grace God has given me t h a t G o d h a s b o t h a “ d e c r e t i v e ” a n d a and what kind of love God has bestowed upon me,

“desiderative” (from “desire”) will.

seeing that it is impossible for me to be saved and God’s decretive will is His sovereign election of some escape hell! “Common grace” and a degree of love sinners to eternal salvation, whereas His desiderative might sound pleasant to ear of the Calvinist theologian, will is His general concern for all sinners. According to but it won’t get the “reprobate” into heaven.

the decretive vs. desiderative idea, salvation is offered The Free Offer of the Gospel

to all mankind but given only to the elect. In the words Khoo says that the second mark of Hyper-Calvinism of Augustine, Christ’s death was “sufficient for all, is to reject the doctrine that the gospel should be efficient for the elect.”

preached to all men indiscriminately and that God My friend, if you think this is some sort of “mumbo sincerely invites everyone, elect and reprobate, to jumbo” or “gobbly gook,” you are not alone!

repentance and salvation in Christ; whereas Calvin The Hyper-Calvinist would open shop and offer the Calvinists believe these things.

Gift of Salvation only to the elect, while the “Calvin Khoo quotes John Calvin’s comments on John 3:16

Calvinist” would open shop and offer the Gift of and similar passages to prove that he believed that God Salvation to whosoever will but only give it to the elect!

“invites indiscriminately all to share in life” and “shows Do you see any significant difference between these He is favourable to the whole world when He calls all two views?

without exception to the faith of Christ” and “no man is It appears to me that Calvin believed that God plays excluded from calling upon God” and “the gate of a cruel joke upon the non-elect or “the reprobate,” as he salvation is set open to all.”

calls them. He “sincerely” invites “whosoever will” to When reading these quotes, one thinks for a moment come and to believe on Christ and to be saved, but He that perhaps Calvin truly believed that all men can be knows that only the elect can do any of that. Thus, the saved through the gospel, but this is not at all what he non-elect can do nothing in regard to the “universal means! While saying out of one side of his mouth that offer of salvation but to confirm his unbelief and his the gospel is universally offered, Calvin rendered the reprobate condition.

universal aspect of the gospel meaningless in any In my estimation, Hyper-Calvinism vs. Calvin practical sense with his doctrine of sovereign election, Calvinism is more of a matter of semantics than because they are the only ones who are drawn anything else. The “Calvin Calvinist” wants to think that effectively and regenerated and given the “gift of faith.”

he believes what 1 Timothy 2 and 2 Peter 3 says about Calvin went on to say: “God does not work God willing that all men be saved, but when his position effectually in all men, but only when the Spirit shines in is analyzed carefully, he believes no such thing in any our hearts as the inward teacher. ... The Gospel is practical sense. The elect are still sovereignly elect, the indeed offered to all for their salvation, its power is not only sinners who can be saved; and the reprobate are universally manifest.” Commenting on 2 Peter 3:9, still sovereignly reprobate, unable to be saved and Calvin asks the following important question: “If could eternally locked out of heaven. Actually the Hyper-Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 227

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Calvinist is more consistent with the Five Points of

[See Atonement, Cross, Crucify, Gospel, Jesus Christ, Calvinism and with the Calvinist position on divine Prophecy, Sin.]

sovereignty by teaching that God does not truly love the ELIAB (God is father). Nu. 1:9.

non-elect and that He has no interest in their salvation.

ELIADA (God is knowing). 2 Sa. 5:16.

The “Calvin Calvinist” is no more faithful to the Scripture than the Hyper-Calvinist. Both twist the ELIAH (God is Jehovah). 1 Ch. 8:27.

Scripture to fit their theology and read their theology ELIAHBA (God hides). 2 Sa. 23:32.

into the plain words of Scripture. [See Atonement, ELIAKIM (God is setting up). 2 Ki. 18:18.

Foreknow, Predestination, Presbyterian]

ELIAM (God is founder of the people). 2 Sa. 11:3.

ELEMENTS. (1) The first, or basic, principles of truth ELIAS. The Greek form of Elijah (Mt. 11:14). [See (He. 5:12). (2) The O.T. teachings and types which Elijah.]

pointed to Christ (Ga. 4:3, 9). (3) The basic substance ELIASAPH (God is gatherer). Nu. 1:14.

of the physical universe (2 Pe. 3:10, 12). [See ELIASHIB (God is requiter). 1 Ch. 24:12.

Rudiments.]

ELIATHAH (God is come). 1 Ch. 25:4.

ELEPH (union, ox). Jos. 18:28.

ELIDAD (God is a friend). Nu. 34:21.

ELHANAN (God is gracious). 1 Ch. 20:5.

ELIEL (God is God). 1 Ch. 6:34.

ELI (Jehovah is high). The O.T. priest to whom Samuel was given (1 Sa. 1-4; 1 Ki. 2:27). He refused to ELIENAI (unto God are mine eyes). 1 Ch. 8:20.

discipline his sons, allowing them to commit ELIEZER (God is help). Ge. 15:2.

abominations in the Tabernacle, and God pronounced ELIHOREPH (God of harvest rain). 1 Ki. 4:3.

judgment upon his house (1 Sa. 2:12-17, 27-36).

ELIHU (God himself). 1 Sa. 1:1.

Though Eli did question his sons about their ELIJAH (my God is Lord). A great prophet of the O.T.

wickedness, he did not restrain them (1 Sa. 2:22-24; (1 Ki. 17:17—2 Ki. 2:15), who performed many 3:13). Why Eli did not correct his sons: (1) He esteemed miracles and was taken to heaven in a whirlwind and a his sons above God; he apparently was more concerned chariot of fire (2 Ki. 2:1-15). He appeared with Jesus on of what the boys thought than what God thought (1 Sa.

the Mount of Transfiguration (Mt. 17:3-4; Mk. 9:4-5; Lk.

2:29). (2) He was settled into a fat, comfortable life and 9:30-33). The book of Malachi foretold that Elijah was apparently enjoying the fruit of his sons’ rebellion would come to earth before the judgments of God (1 Sa. 2:15, 16, 29; 4:18). “They made themselves fat, would fall (Mal. 3:5). John the Baptist came in the spirit and served their lusts with that which God was to be and power of Elijah, but the prophecy of Malachi will served with” (Henry). (3) He was spiritually careless; he still be fulfilled literally before Christ’s return (Lk.

let the lampstand go out in the Tabernacle (1 Sa. 3:3), 1:13-17; Re. 11:3-6). [See Miracle.]

in spite of God’s instructions that it was never to go out (Ex. 27:21). The fulfillment of God’s judgment upon ELIKA (God is rejector). 2 Sa. 23:25.

Eli’s house: See 1 Sa. 4:1, 11; 1 Ki. 2:26, 27, 35. “Eli ELIM (palm trees). Ex. 15:27.

reproved his sons too gently, and did not threaten them ELIMELECH (God is king). Ru. 1:2.

as he should, and therefore God sent a prophet to him ELIOENAI (To Jehovah are mine eyes). 1 Ch. 3:23.

to reprove him sharply, and to threaten him, because, by ELIPHAL (God is judge). 1 Ch. 11:35.

his indulgence of them, he had strengthened their hands ELIPHALET (God is escape). 2 Sa. 5:16.

in their wickedness. If good men be wanting in their duty, and by their carelessness and remissness ELIPHAZ (God is dispenser). Ge. 36:4.

contribute anything to the sin of sinners, they must ELIPHELEH (God is distinction). 1 Ch. 15:18.

expect both to hear of it and to smart for it. ... [This]

ELISABETH (God is swearer). Lk. 1:5.

shows how jealous God is in the matters of his worship ELISHA (my God is salvation). The prophet who and how ill he takes it when those who are bound by took Elijah’s place after he went to heaven in a fiery their character and profession to preserve and advance chariot. Elisha also performed many miracles (1 Ki.

the interests of his glory are false to their trust, and 19:16 - 2 Ki. 9:1). [See Miracle.]

betray them” (Henry).

ELISHAMA (God is hearer). Nu. 1:10.

ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI. A saying of Jesus ELISHAPHAT (God is judge). 2 Ch. 23:1.

while on the cross, meaning “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34). God ELISHEBA (God is swearer). Ex. 6:23.

the Father turned away from the Son when He was ELISHUA (God is rich). 2 Sa. 5:15.

made sin for fallen humanity (2 Co. 5:21; Is. 53:5, 10).

ELIZAPHAN (God is protector). Nu. 3:30.

The prophecy in Psalm 22 had foretold this (Ps. 22:1).

ELIZUR (God is a rock). Nu. 1:5.

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ELKANAH (God is possessing). Ex. 6:24.

Remember that your attitude and work influence your ELNAAM (God is pleasant). 1 Ch. 11:46.

Christian testimony (1 Ti. 6:1; Tit. 2:10). (8) Do not ELNATHAN (God is giving). 2 Ki. 24:8.

talk back to employers and argue with them (Tit. 2:9).

(9) Be completely honest; do not steal or waste things, ELOHIM (strong). The most frequently used Hebrew including time (Tit. 2:10). (10) Be a good worker even word for God (Ge. 1:1; Mal. 3:18). It refers to God as if the employer is evil and unjust (1 Pe. 2:18-25). What Creator and Ruler and refers especially to His power the Bible says to the employer: (1) Treat your workers and authority. It is also applied to God’s representatives, fairly, remembering that you also have a Master in such as angels and judges (Ex. 22:28; Ps. 82:6) and to heaven (Ep. 6:9; Col. 4:1). (2) Do not threaten the false gods (Le. 19:4). [See God, Jesus Christ.]

workers in an ungodly way (Ep. 6:9). (3) Give just and ELON BETH HANAN (oak of the house of grace). 1

equal wages (Col. 4:1; Ja. 5:4; Je. 22:13). (4) Do not be Ki. 4:9.

proud (1 Ti. 6:17). (5) Use your prosperity to be a ELOTH (oak). 1 Ki. 9:26.

blessing to others (1 Ti. 6:17-18). [See also Diligence, ELPAAL (God is working). 1 Ch. 8:11.

Gold, Labor, Money, Possessions, Sluggard, Steal.]

ELPALET (God is escape). 1 Ch. 14:5.

EMULATION. To excite to rivalry; to make one ELPARAN (oak of Paran). Ge. 14:6.

jealous (Ro. 11:14).

ELTEKEH (God fearing). Jos. 19:44.

EMULATIONS. Jealousy; ardor in an unfavorable, ELTEKON (God is firm). Jos. 15:59.

self-serving sense; resentment toward others that have or are what we want (Ga. 5:20). “This springs from a ELTOLAD (God is begetter). Jos. 15:30.

d e s i r e f o r s e l f-a t t e n t i o n a b o v e i n t e r e s t i n ELUL (Cry, outcry). The sixth month of the Hebrew others” (Bunnell). The same Greek word translated Calendar (Ne. 6:15), corresponding to parts of August

“emulations” in Ga. 5:20 ( zelos) is also translated and September. The hot season (Potts). [See Calendar.]

“envy” (Ac. 13:45 ), “fervent mind” (2 Co. 7:7), ELUZAI (God is strong). 1 Ch. 12:5.

“indignation” (Ac. 5:17), “jealousy” (2 Co. 11:2), and ELYMAS (a sorcerer). Ac. 13:8.

“zeal” (2 Co. 7:11; 9:2). It is translated “envy” six times ELZABAD (God is endowing). 1 Ch. 12:12.

and “zeal” six times. [See Envy, Jealous.]

ELZAPHAN (God is protecting). Ex. 6:22.

ENAM (double fountains). Jos. 15:34.

EMBALM. To prepare a dead body with oil and spices ENAN (fountain). Nu. 1:15.

to preserve it from decay (Ge. 50:2, 26). This was ENCAMPMENT. [See Camp.]

practiced commonly among the Egyptians, but not ENCHANTMENT (to charm; to whisper). The use of normally among the Israelites. [See Cremation.]

magic; one who operates in incantations and curses.

EMERALD. A precious stone that adorned the Enchantment is forbidden by God (Ex. 7:11; Le. 19:26; breastplate of the high priest (Ex. 28:18), and forms one Nu. 23:23; 24:1; De. 18:10; 2 Ki. 17:17; 21:6; 2 Ch.

of the foundations of the New Jerusalem (Re. 21:19).

33:6; Ac. 8:9, 11; 13:8, 10; 19:19). [See Idolatry,

“Nopech, an emerald, one of the most beautiful of all the Witchcraft.]

gems, and of a bright green color, without any ENDAMAGE. Damage (Ezr. 4:13).

mixture” (Treasury). [See High Priest.]

ENDEAVOUR. (1) Action (Ps. 28:4). (2) Strive; give EMERODS. Tumors (1 Sa. 6:11).

diligence; be urgent (Ac. 16:10; 1 Th. 2:17; 2 Pe. 1:15).

EMIMS (the terrible). Ge. 14:5.

ENDOR (fountain of Dor). Endor is a small village EMINENT. High; lofty (Eze. 16:24; 17:22).

located about six miles from Bethlehem toward Mt.

EMMANUEL. A prophetic name of Jesus Christ. It Tabor. Deborah and Barak won the victory over Sisera refers to His deity and means “God with us” (Is. 7:14; here (Ps. 83:9-10). King Saul consulted with the witch Mt. 1:23). [See Jesus Christ.]

in Endor (1 Sa. 28:8-25).

EMPLOYMENT. Livelihood; occupation; business; ENDOW. To purchase (Ex. 22:16).

service. What the Bible says to the employee: (1) Be ENDUED. To put on something; to clothe; to furnish content with your wages (Lk. 3:14; Ph. 4:11). (2) (Ge. 30:20; 2 Ch. 2:12; Lk. 24:49).

Depend upon God (He. 13:5-6; Ps. 37:25). (3) Serve the ENDURE. (1) To continue; to abide; to remain; to be employer as if you are serving Christ (Ep. 6:5-8; Col.

permanent; eternal (Ps. 30:5; 72:17; 81:15; 89:36; 3:22-25). (4) Work diligently even when no one is 104:31; Jn. 6:27; He. 10:34; 1 Pe. 1:25). (2) To suffer watching (Ep. 6:6-7; Col. 3:22). (5) Remember that without resistance; to patiently wait; to bear up and Christ will judge and reward you for your work on earth continue on under hardship (Ro. 9:22; 2 Th. 1:4; 2 Ti.

(Col. 3:22-25). (6) Honor your employer (1 Ti. 6:1). (7) 2:3, 10; 3:11; He. 6:15; 10:32; 11:27; 12:2; Ja. 1:12; Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 229

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5:11; 1 Pe. 2:19). (3) To bear with; to accept; to receive and naphtha and set alight. Each legion had scorpio (2 Ti. 4:3). Endurance is an evidence of salvation (Mk.

engines that used torsion springs to shoot large arrows 4:17).

100 to 400 meters. A legion’s 60 scorpio units could fire Enduring to the End. “...he that endureth to the end a total of up to 240 arrows per minute. The Romans also shall be saved” (Mt. 10:22; 24:13; Mk. 13:13; compare used battering rams. “This battering ram is a vast beam also Lk. 21:19 and Re. 14:9-12). Some teach that these of wood like the mast of a ship, its forepart is armed passages refer to maintaining one’s salvation through with a thick piece of iron at the head of it, which is so works. Such a doctrine would contradict the vast body carved as to be like the head of a ram, whence its name of teaching that says salvation is a free gift of God’s is taken. This ram is slung in the air by ropes passing grace. Salvation is not maintained nor perfected by over its middle, and is hung like the balance in a pair of one’s works and patience in tribulation. To understand scales from another beam, and braced by strong beams these passages we must see that all are spoken in the that pass on both sides of it, in the nature of a cross.

context of the Great Tribulation. The Lord Jesus Christ is When this ram is pulled backward by a great number of speaking of this great truth: Endurance is the evidence men with united force, and then thrust forward by the of true faith (Mk. 4:17; He. 6:9-11; 10:36-39).

same men, with a mighty noise, it batters the walls with Profession is one thing; possession is quite another; and that iron part which is prominent” (Josephus). [See one’s life will demonstrate one’s salvation. [See Battering Ram, Military.]

Affliction, Believe, Eternal Security, Hope, Overcome, ENGRAFTED. Implanted (Ja. 1:21). The Word of Patience, Perseverance, Suffering, Trials.]

God has been implanted into the heart of the believer, ENEGLAIM (fountain of two calves). Eze. 47:10.

and is to be obeyed. [See Born Again, Covenant.]

ENGANNIM (fountain of gardens). Jos. 15:34.

ENHADDAH (swift fountain). Jos. 19:21.

ENGEDI (fountain of Gad). Jos. 15:62.

ENHAKKORE (fountain of the crier). Ju. 15:19.

ENGINE. (1) Machines for throwing large arrows or ENHAZOR (fountain of the village). Jos. 19:37.

stones (2 Ch. 26:15). (2) Battering ram (Eze. 26:9).

ENJOIN. To admonish; to decree (Es. 9:31; He. 9:20;

“The engines were the balista, used for throwing stones, Phile. 8). Same as “injoin.”

and the catapulta, for arrows, which was an enormous ENLARGE. To set at large or at liberty; to set free; to stationary bow. Both of these engines were of various increase; magnify (Ge. 9:27; Ex. 34:24; Ps. 119:32; Mt.

throwing power, stones being thrown of from fifty to 23:5).

three hundred pounds weight. Darts varied from small ENLIGHTEN. To illuminate; to cause to understand; beams to large arrows, and their range exceeded one to give light; comprehension; understanding (Ep. 1:18; quarter mile. All these engines were constructed on the 3:9; Jn. 1:9; He. 6:4; 10:32). [See Holy Spirit, principle of the string, the bow, or spring” ( People’s Bible Illumination.]

Encyclopedia). The Assyrian siege engines were depicted in stone panels lining the walls of the palaces, and some ENMISHPAT (fountain of judgment). Ge. 14:7.

of these can be seen today in the British Museum’s ENMITY. The quality of being an enemy; ill will (Ge.

Lachish Room. Following is a description of the engines 3:15; Nu. 35:21; Lk. 23:12; Ja. 4:4).

used in the siege of Lachish. “Siege-engines, the first ENOCH (teacher). One of Adam’s grandsons (Ge.

tanks in history, push forward up the ramps against the 5:21-22; Lk. 3:37). Enoch walked with God and rejected walls. They are equipped in front with a battering ram the evil ways of Cain and of Cain’s sons (Ge. 4:16-24; which sticks out like the barrel of a cannon. The crew 5:21-24). Enoch did not die, but went directly to heaven consists of three men. The archer shoots his arrows from (Ge. 5:24; He. 11:5-6). He was saved by his faith (He.

behind a sheltering canopy. A warrior guides the ram, 11:5-6). [See Flood for typical, prophetic meaning of and under its violent blows stones and bricks crash Enoch’s translation to heaven.] [See Adam, Cain, down from the walls. The third man douses the tanks Rapture.]

with ladlefuls of water, extinguishing the smouldering ENOS (mortal). Ge. 4:26.

fire-bombs” (Keller, The Bible as History, pp. 278, 279).

ENRIMMON (fountain of Rimmon). Ne. 11:29.

During the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD, the Romans cut ENROGEL (the fullers’ fountain). Jos. 15:7.

down every tree within 12 miles of the city to construct siege engines, towers, walls, and ramps. The Roman ENSAMPLE. Example; type (1 Co. 10:11; Ph. 3:17; 1

legions employed 200 ballistae or catapult machines Th. 1:7; 2 Th. 3:9; 1 Pe. 5:3).

that could throw stones. The ones employed by the 10th ENSHEMESH (fountain of the sun). Jos. 15:7.

Legion threw stones weighing 60 pounds a distance of ENSIGN. Sign; token; signal (Nu. 2:2; Ps. 74:4; Is.

more than 400 meters. They also threw incendiaries, 5:26; 11:10, 12; 18:3; 30:17; 31:9).

which were stones and arrows dipped in pitch, sulphur, 230

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ENSUE. To pursue; to follow (1 Pe. 3:11).

“indignation” (Ac. 5:17; He. 10:27), “jealous” (2 Co.

ENTANGLE. “To twist or interweave in such a 11:2), “zeal” (Jn. 2:17; Ro. 10:2; 2 Co. 7:11; 9:2; Ph.

manner as not to be easily separated; to make confused 3:6; Col. 4:13). [See Emulations, Jealous.]

or disordered; as, thread, yarn or ropes may be EPHAH (obscurity). 1 Ch. 2:46.

entangled; to involve in anything complicated, and from EPHAH. [See Weights and Measures.]

which it is difficult to extricate one’s self” (Webster).

EPHAI (obscuring). Je. 40:8.

This word is used five times in the English Bible (Ex.

14:3; Mt. 22:15; Ga. 5:1; 2 Ti. 2:4; 2 Pe. 2:20). In the EPHER (young deer or calf). Ge. 25:4.

last two references it is a warning against Christians EPHESDAMMIM (extension of brooks). 1 Sa. 17:1.

being entangled with the world. The Greek word used EPHESUS. Ephesus was the chief city of the region of in 2 Ti. 2:4 and 2 Pe. 2:20 is from pleko, which means to Lydia in the Roman province of Asia and during the braid (Mt. 27:29). [See Separation, World.]

time of Caesar Augustus it bore the title “the first and ENTAPPUAH (fountain of Tappuah). Jos. 17:7.

greatest metropolis of Asia” (McClintock and Strong).

ENTERING. Entrance (Ex. 35:15; Jos. 8:29).

Paul started the church in Ephesus (Ac. 19-20). Later he wrote the epistle of Ephesians to the Christians there.

ENTERTAIN. To receive; to be hospitable (He. 13:2).

The Lord Jesus addressed the church at Ephesus in Re.

[See Hospitality.]

2:1-7. Its prestige and wealth stemmed largely from its ENTICE. To tempt; to incite; to urge or lead astray; situation. It was located on the coast of the Aegean Sea, to allure; to persuade (Ex. 22:16; De. 13:6; Jud. 14:15; surrounded by very fertile soil and enjoying an 16:5; 2 Ch. 18:19; Job 31:27; Pr. 1:10; 1 Co. 2:4; Col.

exceptional climate. It had a large artificial harbor, the 2:4; Ja. 1:14). The Hebrew word translated “entice”

greatest in Asia, though it was subject to silting and nine times ( pahthah) is also translated “deceived” (De.

shifting. It had a magnificent theater that could seat 11:16; Job 31:9), “flattereth” (Ps. 78:36; Pr. 20:19), 24,000, and a large portion of it is still visible today in

“silly dove” (Hos. 7:11), “persuade” (1 Ki. 22:20; Pr.

the excavated area of the city. It is in this theater that 25:15). [See Beguile, Cunning Craftiness, Deceit, the event described in Acts 19:23-41 took place.

Dissemble, Dissimulation, Feign, Flattery, Flattering Ephesus was dedicated to the worship of Diana (Acts Titles, Satan, Sleight, Subtil, Temptation, Trial, 19:24-28). (The Greeks called her Artemis, while the Winketh.]

Romans called her Diana.) There was a magnificent ENTREAT. To ask; to desire (Ge. 23:8; Lk. 15:28; 2

temple of Diana at the head of the city’s harbor. The Co. 8:4; He. 12:19; Ja. 3:17). Same as “intreat.”

temple, which took 220 years to build with funds ENVIRON. To be; go; turn round about (Jos. 7:9) provided from cities throughout Asia Minor, was listed (Young).

among the “seven wonders of the ancient world.” It was ENVY. To feel uneasiness, mortification or 110 meters (361 feet) long and 55 meters (180.5 feet) discontent, at the sight of superior excellence, wide, sitting on a platform 127 meters (420 feet) long reputation or happiness enjoyed by another; to repine at and 73 meters (240 feet) wide (Edwin Yamauchi, New another’s prosperity; to fret or grieve one’s self at the Testament Cities, p. 103). Ephesus was also famous for real or supposed superiority of another, and to hate him its magic arts. The “Ephesian Letters,” containing magic on that account. Envy springs from pride, ambition or formulas written on paper or parchment, were much love, mortified that another has obtained what one has sought after for use as amulets to ward off evil spirits a strong desire to possess (Webster). To be jealous; to and to bring good luck. Through Paul’s preaching and grudge; (Ge. 26:14; 30:1; 37:11; Nu. 11:29; Ps. 37:1; the conversion of many people at Ephesus a bonfire was 73:3; 106:16; Pr. 3:31; 14:30; 23:17; 24:1, 19; 27:4; Is.

made of magic books at the time of the founding of the 11:13; Eze. 31:9; Mt. 27:18; Mk. 15:10; Ac. 7:9; 13:45; church there (Acts 19:17-19). Present day Ephesus is 17:5; Ro. 1:29; 13:13; 1 Co. 3:3; 13:4; 2 Co. 12:20; Ga.

located in Turkey and is called Selcuk, with a population 5:21, 26; Ph. 1:15; 1 Ti. 6:4; Tit. 3:3; Ja. 3:14, 16; 4:5; of 10,000. Extensive archeological excavations have 1 Pe. 2:1). There are two Greek words translated “envy”

been carried out since the discovery of the ruins of the in the KJV: zelos (Ac. 7:9; 13:45; 17:5; Ro. 13:13; 1 Co.

ancient Diana temple in the 19th century.

3:3; 13:4; 2 Co. 12:20; Ja. 3:14, 16) and phthonos (Mt.

EPHLAL (judging). 1 Ch. 2:37.

27:18; Mk. 15:10; Ro. 1:29; Ga. 5:21, 26; Ph. 1:15; 1

EPHOD. The ephod was placed over the head and Ti. 6:4; Tit. 3:3; Ja. 4:5; 1 Pe. 2:1). Zelos refers to zeal, shoulders of the high priest. It was made of fine linen

“used in a good sense (Jn. 2:17; Ro. 10:2; 2 Co. 9:2) with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet colors woven in it and, more often, in an evil sense (Ac. 5:17; Ro. 13:13; (Ex. 39:2-5). The ephod was used as an idolatrous Ga. 5:20; Ja. 3:14)” (Zodiates). Zelos is also translated image in the time of the Judges (Jud. 8:26-27; 17:5).

“fervent” (Ac. 18:25; Ro. 12:11; 2 Co. 7:7), Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 231

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EPHRAIM (double fruitfulness). The younger of Episcopal doctrine and practice, but most Episcopalians Joseph’s two sons (Ge. 41:50-52). Ephraim and are a part of the main group, with less than two million Manasseh both became heirs to Abraham’s promises and members. Most of the divisions arose after the Episcopal blessings, but Ephraim received the chief blessing when church voted to ordain women to the ministry in 1976.

Jacob blessed the boys before his death (Ge. 48:1-22).

The Episcopal denomination has followed the pattern of Both sons are listed among the 12 tribes of Israel (Nu.

all the modernistic, ecumenical denominations, and has 1:32-34; Josh. 17:14, 17; 1 Ch. 7:20). Thus, there were been losing members steadily. Its membership has actually 13 tribes, but Levi, the priestly tribe, was not declined 28% since 1965. The number of children in counted with the 12 when the land was divided (Josh.

Sunday School decreased 52% in 25 years.

14:4). The tabernacle was set up in Shiloh within Doctrine and Liturgy. The Episcopal Church is highly Ephraim from the time of Joshua (Josh. 18:1). It was ritualistic, using prayer books and a formal liturgy. They here that the people gathered to worship until the time claim there are three foundations of faith: Holy of Eli (1 Sa. 1:3). After the Ark of the Covenant was Scripture, Reason, and Church Tradition. They have a taken captive by the Philistines, Shiloh was abandoned special priesthood and sacraments (Baptism, Eucharist, (1 Sa. 4:4-11; Ps. 78:60). After the northern tribes broke Confirmation, Penance, Ordination, Matrimony, and with Judah, King Jeroboam established his capital in Healing). They often build large, elaborate cathedrals.

Shechem in Ephraim (1 Ki. 12:25). Bethel, where The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City is Jeroboam set up the idol and established the system of the third largest in the world. Baptism is given to infants false religion, was also in Ephraim (1 Ki. 12:26-32; Jud.

whereby they are believed to be born again and receive 4:5). Thus, Ephraim was at the heart of the rebellion of the Holy Spirit. The Lord’s Supper is considered, not the northern tribes. That is why God often refers to the simply a memorial meal, but an event in which Christ northern kingdom as Ephraim (Is. 7:2, 5, 8, 9, 17; becomes present in the bread and juice. Episcopal 11:13; Eze. 37:16-19; Ho. 4:17; 5:3-15). In the list of priests believe they are reoffering the sacrifice of Christ the tribes that are sealed in Re. 7:5-8, Ephraim is in the Lord’s Supper.

replaced by Joseph, but in the Millennium, Ephraim is Modernism. The Episcopal Church has largely been again listed as one of the 12 tribes (Eze. 48:5). Some of taken over by modernism. A majority of the leaders hold the more important Bible verses dealing with the tribe rationalistic beliefs, denying the perfect inspiration of of Ephraim are as follows: Nu. 1:10-33; 2:18-24; the Bible and denying or questioning Christ’s deity, 26:28-37; De. 33:17; Jos. 14:4; 16:4-9; 17:8-17; virgin birth, resurrection, and other Bible miracles, yet 21:5-21; Ju. 1:29; 7:24; 8:1-2; 12:1-5; 17:1-8; 19:1-18; they are allowed to remain in good standing within the Eze. 48:5-6.

denomination. In the first half of the 20th century, EPHRAIN (hamlet). 2 Ch. 13:19.

Episcopal Bishop James Pike denied all of the major EPHRATAH (fertility). Ru. 4:11; Ps. 132:6; Mi. 5:2.

tenants of the Christian faith. He said, “Religious myth EPHRON (strong). Ge. 23:8.

is one of the avenues of faith and has an important EPICUREANS. Followers of the ancient Greek place in the communication of the Gospel” and he spoke philosopher Epicurus (B.C. 342-271). The Apostle Paul of the “myth” of the Garden of Eden and the “myth” of preached the gospel to some Epicureans in Athens (Ac.

the virgin birth. Pike said, “I have abandoned ship on 17:16-33). Epicurus saw no evidence of a future life and the doctrine of the Trinity. I have jettisoned the doctrine taught that man should aim to have pleasure in this of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ” ( Christian Beacon, present life.

Mar. 17. 1955).

EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The Episcopal Church is the Another Episcopal bishop, John Spong, has gone to American counterpart of the Church of England.

the outer limits in radical theology. After worshiping in a Following the American Revolution, the Episcopal Buddhist temple in 1988, Spong said, “As the smell of church was formally separated from the Church of incense filled the air, I knelt before three images of the England, and in 1789 the constitution of the newly Buddha, feeling that the smoke could carry my prayers formed Protestant Episcopal Church was adopted in heavenward. It was for me a holy moment for I was Philadelphia. It has retained most Anglican doctrines certain that I was kneeling on holy ground. ... My and practices. Episcopal refers to the manner of conviction is that the true God, the divine mystery, the government and describes the hierarchical oversight of essence of holiness, is within and beyond all of these the denomination by councils and bishops. [See ancient worship traditions. ... when I visit a Buddhist Anglican Church.]

temple it is not for me a pagan place ... It is rather a holy place where human beings different from me have There have been several small breakoffs from the felt the presence of God. ... I will not make any further main Episcopal denomination which still hold to former attempt to convert the Buddhist, the Jew, the Hindu or 232

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the Moslem. I am content to learn from them and to denomination, in 1987 the Episcopal churches in walk with them side by side toward the God who lives, I northern New Jersey voted to receive and study a 15-believe, beyond the images that bind and blind us page report on “Changing Patterns of Sexuality and all” (John Spong, Bishop of Newark, “A dialogue in a Family Life.” “It is our conclusion,” says the report, “that Buddhist temple,” The Voice, Jan. 1989, official by suppressing our sexuality and by condemning all sex publication of the Diocese of Newark of the Episcopal which occurs outside of traditional marriage, the church Church USA). Spong has ordained practicing has thereby obstructed a vitally important means for homosexuals to the ministry, and in a recent book has persons to know and celebrate their relatedness to said that the Apostle Paul was a self-hating, repressed God.” The report encourages the churches to accept homosexual. In Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism, homosexuals, fornicators, and adulterers as long as they Spong states, “Am I suggesting that these stories of the are “sensitive, committed” people! The presiding bishop virgin birth are not literally true? The answer is a simple of the Episcopal Church, Edmond Browning, praised and direct ‘Yes.’ Of course these narratives are not these actions for being “at the cutting edge” of church literally true. Stars do not wander, angels do not sing, issues! After a three-year study, an Episcopal Church virgins do not give birth, magi do not travel to a distant commission in 1991 recommended that bishops be land to present gifts to a baby, and shepherds do not go allowed to ordain homosexuals to the priesthood. In his in search of a newborn saviour.”

book Living in Sin: A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality, In 1985 the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Episcopal Bishop John Spong said, “I have known too Minneapolis ran an advertising campaign which many non-marital relationships marked by the qualities included this slogan: “The Episcopal Church welcomes of holiness to suggest that they are immoral because you. Regardless of race, creed, color or the number of they are not within the narrow bands of legal times you’ve been born.” Twenty Episcopal churches in marriage. ... I regard the blessing of gay or lesbian the Memphis, Tennessee, area ran an advertisement couples by the church to be inevitable, right, and a which stated, “In an atmosphere of absolute right and positive good.” This immoral thinking apparently wrongs, here’s a little room to breathe. ... the Episcopal permeates the Episcopal denomination. In a 1993 study, Church is totally committed to the preservation of open 70% of nearly 20,000 Episcopalians surveyed said it is dialogue and undogmatic faith. We exist to tell the possible for sexually active homosexuals to be faithful world about a God who loves us regardless of what Christians, and 75% of those surveyed said a faithful we’ve done or what we believe. Even if we do not Christian can live with someone of the opposite sex believe in Him, He believes in us. We do not suffocate without being married ( Christian News, Nov. 1, 1993).

with absolutes.” This, of course, is not biblical Homosexuality. On August 5, 2003, the Episcopal Christianity; it is gross apostasy.

Church’s national convention in Minneapolis confirmed Well-known evangelical leader Harold Lindsell the appointment of the denomination’s first (openly) testified, “It is not unfair to allege that among homosexual bishop. This is the first time that an denominations like Episcopal, United Methodist, United admitted homosexual has been appointed as bishop Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, the Lutheran anywhere in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Church in America, and the Presbyterian Church U.S.

confirmation finalizes V. Gene Robinson’s June election there is not a single theological seminary that takes a by the Diocese of New Hampshire.

stand in favor of biblical infallibility. And there is not a The newly elected bishop broke his solemn marriage single seminary where there are not faculty members vows 13 years ago when he left his wife and two young who disavow one or more of the major teachings of the daughters and moved in with his male partner, Mark Christian faith” (Harold Lindsell, Battle for the Bible, pp.

Andrew, who consorted with him at the Minneapolis 145-146). [See Modernism.]

convention.

Ecumenism. The Episcopal Church is extremely Exposing the moral perversion of his twisted, ecumenical and is a member of the National Council of apostate mind, Robinson said: “In my relationship with Churches in America and the World Council of my partner, I am able to express the deep love that’s in Churches. The Episcopal Church is also drawing close to my heart, and in his unfailing and unquestioning love of the Roman Catholic Church in dialogue. Episcopal me, I experience just a little bit of the kind of never-leaders have frequently met with the Pope.

ending, never-failing love that God has for me” (cited by Immorality. The drop in moral standards goes hand-Alan Cooperman of the Washington Post).

in-hand with a critical view of the Bible. Those who do Speaking at a homosexual march in Washington, not believe in a holy, sovereign God will not believe in D.C., in April 2000, Robinson said: “... we are worthy to holiness of life and the fear of God in morality. To hold our heads high as gay folk ... because God has illustrate the moral climate in the Episcopal proclaimed it so. That we are loved beyond our wildest Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 233

EPISTLE - ERASMUS

imagining by A GOD WHO MADE US THE WAY WE ARE

biblical studies. He then went back to France and the AND PROCLAIMED IT GOOD.”

Netherlands. In 1505 he again visited England and Feminism. The Episcopal Church authorized the then passed three years in Italy. In 1509 he returned to England for the third time and taught at Cambridge ordination of women to the deaconate in 1970 and University until 1514. In 1515 he went to Basel, where approved women’s ordination to the priesthood in 1976.

he published his N.T. in 1516, then back to the Today there are 1,070 ordained women in the Netherlands for a sojourn at the University of Louvain.

denomination. The Episcopalians ordained the first Then he returned to Basel in 1521 and remained there Anglican female bishop in 1989.

until 1529, in which year he removed to the imperial Charismatic. The charismatic movement has swept town of Freiburg-im-Breisgau. Finally, in 1535, he through the Episcopal denomination. It has been noted again returned to Basel and died there the following that “among major Protestant denominations, the year in the midst of his Protestant friends, without relations of any sort, so far as known, with the Roman Episcopal Church has been the most receptive to the Catholic Church.

movement.” Episcopal Renewal Ministries [charismatic]

“One might think that all this moving around would coordinator Charles Irish estimates that 35 of the 149

have interfered with Erasmus’ activity as a scholar and active Episcopal bishops, 3,000 of the 13,000 priests, writer, but quite the reverse is true. By his travels he and 18 percent of the laity are charismatic ( Christian was brought into contact with all the intellectual News, May 19, 1986). This is not surprising, for, sadly, currents of his time and stimulated to almost the charismatic movement seems to feed upon apostasy.

superhuman efforts. He became the most famous

[See Adultery, Anglican Church, Baptism - Infant, scholar and author of his day and one of the most Charismatic, Ecumenical Movement, Fornication, prolific writers of all time, his collected works filling Gospel, Lord’s Supper, Modernism, Nakedness, New ten large volumes in the Leclerc edition of 1705

Evangelicalism, Sacrament, Separation, Sodomy, (phototyped by Olms in 1962). As an editor also his Women Preachers, World Council of Churches.]

productivity was tremendous. Ten columns of the catalogue of the library in the British Museum are EPISTLE. A letter of correspondence. The word taken up with the bare enumeration of the works epistle usually refers to the letters of the Apostles translated, edited, or annotated by Erasmus, and their contained in the N.T. (He. 13:22).

subsequent reprints. ...

EPISTLE OF BARNABAS. [See Pseudepigrapha.]

“To conclude, there was no man in all Europe better EQUAL. (1) Comparative value; equated with (Job prepared than Erasmus for the work of editing the first 28:17, 19; Ps. 55:13; Ph. 2:6). (2) Just; right (Ps. 17:2; printed Greek N.T. text., and this is why, we may well believe, God chose him and directed him providentially Eze. 18:25; Col. 4:1). (3) The same proportion (Re.

in the accomplishment of this task” (Hills, The King 21:16).

James Version Defended).

ER (watcher). Ge. 38:3.

Erasmus Guided by the Common Faith— Factors which ERAN (watcher). Nu. 26:36.

Influenced Him

ERASMUS. Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536)

“In order to understand how God guided Erasmus produced the first printed Greek New Testament in the providentially let us consider the three alternative year 1516. His N.T. was an edition of the Received Text.

views which were held in Erasmus’ days concerning The following overview of Erasmus’ life is from Edward the preservation of the N.T. text, namely, the F. Hills, The King James Version Defended, pp. 194-203 .

humanistic view, the scholastic view, and the common Hills (1912-1981) was a respected Presbyterian scholar view, which we have called the common faith.

who held degrees from Yale University, Westminster

“The humanistic view was well represented by the Theological Seminary, Harvard, and Columbia Seminary, writings of Laurentius Valla (1405-57), a famous scholar of the Italian renaissance. Valla emphasized the and who pursued graduate studies at Chicago University importance of language. According to him, the decline and Calvin Seminary.

of civilization in the dark ages was due to the decay of An Overview of Erasmus’ Life and Work the Greek and Latin languages. Hence it was only

“Erasmus was born at Rotterdam in 1466, the through the study of classical literature that the glories illegitimate son of a priest but well cared for by his of ancient Greece and Rome could be recaptured. Valla parents. After their early death he was given the best also wrote a treatise on the Latin Vulgate [the Roman education available to a young man of his day at first Catholic Bible], comparing it with certain Greek N.T.

at Deventer and then at the Augustinian monastery at manuscripts which he had in his possession. Erasmus, Steyn. In 1492 he was ordained a priest, but there is who from his youth had been an admirer of Valla, no record that he ever functioned as such. By 1495 he found a manuscript of Valla’s treatise in 1504 and had was studying in Paris. In 1499 he went to England, it printed in the following year. In this work Valla where he made the helpful friendship of John Colet, favored the Greek N.T. text over the Vulgate. The Latin later dean of St. Paul’s, who quickened his interest in text often differed from the Greek, he reported. Also 234

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there were omissions and additions in the Latin The 3rd edition (1522) is chiefly remarkable for the translation, and the Greek wording was generally inclusion of 1 John 5:7, which had been omitted in the better than that of the Latin.

previous editions. The 4th edition (1527) contained

“The scholastic theologians, on the other hand, warmly the Greek text, the Latin Vulgate, and Erasmus’ Latin defended the Latin Vulgate as the only true N.T. text. In translation in three parallel columns. The 5th edition 1514 Martin Dorp of the University of Louvain wrote (1535) omitted the Vulgate, thus resuming the practice to Erasmus asking him not to publish his forthcoming of printing the Greek text and the version of Erasmus Greek N.T. Dorp argued that if the Vulgate contained side by side” (Hills, The King James Version Defended).

falsifications of the original Scriptures and errors, the The Greek Manuscripts used by Erasmus

[Roman Catholic] Church would have been wrong for

“When Erasmus came to Basel in July 1515, to begin many centuries, which was impossible. The references his work, he found five Greek N.T. manuscripts ready of most [Catholic] Church Councils to the Vulgate, for his use. These are now designated by the following Dorp insisted, proved that the Church considered this numbers: 1 (an 11th-century manuscript of the Latin version to be the official Bible and not the Greek Gospels, Acts, and Epistles), 2 (a 15th-century N.T., which, he maintained, had been corrupted by the manuscript of the Gospels), 2ap (a 12th-14th-century heretical Greek [Orthodox] Church. And after Erasmus’

manuscript of Acts and the Epistles), 4ap (a 15th-Greek N.T. had been published in 1516, Stunica, a century manuscript of Revelation). Of these noted Spanish scholar, accused it of being an open manuscripts Erasmus used 1 and 4ap only occasionally.

condemnation of the Latin Vulgate, the version of the In the Gospels, Acts, and Epistles his main reliance was Church. And about the same time Peter Sutor, once of on 2 and 2ap.

the Sorbonne and later a Carthusian monk, declared

“Did Erasmus use other manuscripts beside these five that ‘If in one point the Vulgate were in error, the in preparing his Textus Receptus? The indications are entire authority of Holy Scripture would collapse.’

that he did. According to W. Schwarz (1955), Erasmus

“Believing Bible students today are often accused of made his own Latin translation of the N.T. at Oxford taking the same extreme position in regard to the KJV

during the years 1506-6. His friend, John Colet, who that Peter Sutor took more than 450 years ago in had become Dean of St. Paul’s, lent him two Latin regard to the Latin Vulgate. But this is false. We take manuscripts for this undertaking, but nothing is known the third position which we have mentioned, namely, about the Greek manuscripts which he used. He must the common view. In Erasmus’ day this view occupied have used some Greek manuscripts or other, however, the middle ground between the humanistic view and and taken notes on them. Presumably therefore he the scholastic view. Those that held this view brought these notes with him to Basel along with his acknowledged that the Scriptures had been translation and his comments on the N.T. text. It is well providentially preserved down through the ages. They known also that Erasmus looked for manuscripts did not, however, agree with the scholastic theologians everywhere during his travels and that he borrowed in tying this providential preservation to the Latin them from everyone he could. Hence although Vulgate. On the contrary ... they asserted the

[Erasmus’] Textus Receptus was based mainly on the superiority of the Greek N.T. text. This common view manuscripts which Erasmus found at Basel, it also remained a faith rather than a well articulated included readings taken from others to which he had theory. ... But this view, though vaguely apprehended, access. It agreed with the common faith because it was was widely held, so much so that it may justly be founded on manuscripts which in the providence of called the common view. ...

God were readily available” (Hills, The King James

“In the days of Erasmus, therefore, it was commonly Version Defended).

believed by well informed Christians that the original Erasmus’ Notes—His Knowledge of Variant Readings N.T. text had been providentially preserved in the and Critical Problems

current N.T. text, primarily in the current Greek text and secondarily in the current Latin text. Erasmus was

“Through his study of the writings of Jerome and other influenced by this common faith and probably shared Church Fathers Erasmus became very well informed it, and God used it providentially to guide Erasmus in concerning the variant readings of the N.T. text. Indeed his editorial labors on the Textus Receptus” (Hills, The almost all the important variant readings known to King James Version Defended).

scholars today were already known to Erasmus more than 460 years ago and discussed in the notes Erasmus’ Five Editions of the Textus Receptus (previously prepared) which he placed after the text in

“Between the years 1516 and 1535 Erasmus published his editions of the Greek N.T. Here, for example, five editions of the Greek N.T. In the first edition Erasmus dealt with such problem passages as the (1516) the text was preceded by a dedication to Pope conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer (Mt. 6:13), the Leo X, an exhortation to the reader, a discussion of the interview of the rich young man with Jesus (Mt.

method used, and a defense of this method. Then came 19:17-22), the ending of Mark (Mk. 16:9-20), the the Greek N.T. text accompanied by Erasmus’ own angelic song (Lk. 2:14), the angel, agony, and bloody Latin translation, and then this was followed by sweat omitted (Lk. 22:43-44), the woman taken in Erasmus’ notes, giving his comments on the text. ...

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adultery (Jn. 7:53—8:11), and the mystery of remained in the Traditional N.T. text of the majority of godliness (1 Ti. 3:16). ...

the Greek manuscripts. ...

“But if Erasmus was cautious in his notes, much more

“It is customary for naturalistic critics to make the most was he so in his text, for this is what would strike the of human imperfections in the Textus Receptus and to reader’s eye immediately. Hence in the editing of his sneer at it as a mean and almost sordid thing. ... But Greek N.T. text, especially, Erasmus was guided by the those who concentrate in this way on the human common faith in the current text. And back of this factors involved in the production of the Textus common faith was the controlling providence of Receptus are utterly unmindful of the providence of God” (Hills, The King James Version Defended).

God. For in the very next year, in the plan of God, the Latin Vulgate Readings in the Textus Receptus Reformation was to break out in Wittenberg, and it was important that the Greek N.T. should be published

“The God who brought the N.T. text safely through the first in one of the future strongholds of Protestantism ancient and medieval manuscript period did not by a book seller who was eager to place it in the hands fumble when it came time to transfer this text to the of the people, and not in Spain, the land of the modern printed page. This is the conviction which Inquisition, by the Roman Catholic Church, which was guides the believing Bible student as he considers the intent on keeping the Bible from the people” (Hills, The relationship of the printed Textus Receptus to the King James Version Defended).

Traditional N.T. text found in the majority of the Greek N.T. manuscripts.

Three charges are commonly made pertaining to

“These two texts are virtually identical. Kirsopp Lake Erasmus. First, that his manuscript evidence was and his associates (1928) demonstrated this fact in insufficient. Second, that he was a humanist. Third, that their intensive researches in the Traditional text (which he resisted the Reformation. The first charge has been they called the Byzantine text). Using their collations, answered by Hills. As to the second charge, while it is they came to the conclusion that in the 11th chapter of true that Erasmus was sympathetic to the writings of Mark ‘the most popular text in the manuscripts of the certain pagan philosophers, it is not true that he was a tenth to the fourteenth century’ differed from the humanist in the sense that this term is used today.

Textus Receptus only four times. This small number of Third, while it is true that Erasmus was in the Catholic differences seems almost negligible in view of the fact church and that he did not join the Reformation, is it that in this same chapter Aleph (Codex Sinaiticus), B

(Codex Vaticanus), and D (Codex Bezae) differ from also true that he openly opposed many of Rome’s errors the Textus Receptus 69, 71, and 95 times respectively.

and that he laid the groundwork in many ways for the Also add to this the fact that in this same chapter B

Reformation. The following facts help balance the differs from Aleph 34 times and from D 102 times and picture:

that Aleph differs from D 100 times.

The Term “Humanist” Has Changed Meaning Since the

“There are, however, a few places in which the Textus Sixteenth Century

Receptus differs from the Traditional text found in the The term “humanist” meant something entirely majority of the Greek N.T. manuscripts. The most different in the 16th century than it means today. In important of these differences are due to the fact that Erasmus, influenced by the usage of the Latin-speaking December 1984, I wrote to Andrew Brown, then the Church in which he was reared, sometimes followed Editorial Secretary of the Trinitarian Bible Society, and the Latin Vulgate rather than the Traditional Greek asked about the charge of Erasmus being a humanist.

text.

Brown’s reply was most enlightening:

“Are the readings which Erasmus thus introduced into Erasmus was a thoroughgoing ‘Christian humanist’

the Textus Receptus necessarily erroneous? By no from his youth to his death. The use of the word means ought we to infer this. For it is inconceivable

‘humanist’ in the Renaissance and Reformation period that the divine providence which had preserved the does not in any way share the atheistic connotations N.T. text during the long ages of the manuscript period which that word now has in popular usage. A ‘humanist’

should blunder when at last this text was committed to in that period was simply someone who was interested the printing press. According to the analogy of faith, then, we conclude that the Textus Receptus was a in classical literature, culture and education, as a means further step in God’s providential preservation of the of attaining a higher standard of civilised life.

N.T. text and that these few Latin Vulgate readings Stephanus, Calvin and Beza were all humanists in this which were incorporated into the Textus Receptus sense, and it is these ‘humanist’ ideals which have were genuine readings which had been preserved in largely shaped Western culture in the succeeding the usage of the Latin-speaking Church. Erasmus, we centuries, blended with the teachings of the Christian may well believe, was guided providentially by the Gospel.

common faith to include these readings in his printed Erasmus was both a Catholic and a Reformer at the Greek N.T. text. In the Textus Receptus God corrected the few mistakes of any consequence which yet same time. He criticised many of the worst abuses and corruptions of the Catholic church, but he thought that 236

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the church should be reformed from within and that it Each gospel, each epistle, had its preface; while notes was wrong to separate from it. He was praised and were attached to special passages to point their force criticised by Protestants and Catholics alike. Some of his upon the established usages....

writings are highly spiritual, even if there are occasional I shall read you some of these notes, and ask you to traces of unsound doctrine. His Enchiridon ( Manual of a attend to them. Erasmus opens with a complaint of the Christian Soldier) was so edifying that it was translated neglect of Scripture, of a priesthood who thought more into English by William Tyndale, the translator of the of offertory plates than of parchments, and more of gold than of books; of the degradation of spiritual life, first printed English N.T. I am sending separately an and of the vain observances and scandalous practices extract from one of his last works, the ‘Treatise on of the orders specially called religious. ...

Preparation for Death,’ which I think will satisfy you Matthew 19:12 (on those who make themselves concerning his spiritual outlook. A good biography of eunuchs)—‘Men are threatened or tempted into vows Erasmus is R. Bainton’s Erasmus of Christendom (Letter of celibacy. They can have license to go with harlots, from Andrew Brown of the Trinitarian Bible Society, but they must not marry wives. They may keep Jan. 7, 1985).

concubines and remain priests. If they take wives they Erasmus’ Writings Illustrate His Opposition to Many of are thrown to the flames. Parents who design their Rome’s Errors

children for a celibate priesthood should emasculate them in their infancy, instead of forcing them, reluctant It is crucial to understand the times in which or ignorant, into a furnace of licentiousness.’

Erasmus labored. His writings and the publication of his Matthew 23 (on the Scribes and Pharisees)—‘...what N.T. paved the way for the Reformation. Erasmus lit the shall we say of those who destroy the Gospel itself, fuse for the Reformation explosion. This is no mean make laws at their will, tyrannize over the laity, and feat. Though I am a Baptist and do not trace my measure right and wrong with rules constructed by heritage through the Protestant Reformation, I do praise themselves? ... prelates of evil, who bring disgrace and God for the multitudes which have been saved because discredit on their worthier brethren?’

of the Reformation. I believe God used the Reformation Matthew 23:27 (on whited sepulchres)— ‘What would to break the back of Rome’s temporal power to prepare Jerome say could he see the Virgin’s milk exhibited for the way for the great missionary era of the last 400

money ... the miraculous oil; the portions of the true years. I praise God for the political and social blessings I cross, enough, if they were collected, to freight a large enjoy today because of the Reformation.

ship? Here we have the hood of St. Francis, there Our Lady’s petticoat, or St. Anne’s comb, or St. Thomas of We are sorry that Erasmus did not more Canterbury’s shoes ... and all through the avarice of wholeheartedly join the Reformation and make an priests and the hypocrisy of monks playing on the unequivocal departure from the Catholic church. He was credulity of the people. Even bishops play their parts in wrong in this, for sure, BUT HE DID SEE THE ERRORS

these fantastic shows, and approve and dwell on them AND THE PROBLEMS. He did see the wickedness. AND

in their rescripts.’

HE DID SPEAK OUT PLAINLY AGAINST THESE

Matthew 24:23 (on ‘Lo, here is Christ or there’)—‘I saw THINGS. Erasmus encouraged many others to take even with my own eyes Pope Julius II, at Bologna, and bolder stands against Rome. Nothing more plainly afterwards at Rome, marching at the head of a evidences this than his commentary. At this point we triumphal procession as if he were Pompey or Cæsar.

will quote from Froude’s Life and Letters of Erasmus: St. Peter subdued the world with faith, not with arms or soldiers or military engines....

Erasmus had undertaken to give the book to the whole world to read for itself—the original Greek of the 1 Corinthians 14:19 (on unknown tongues)—‘They Epistles and Gospels, with a new Latin translation—to chant nowadays in our churches in what is an wake up the intelligence, to show that the words had a unknown tongue and nothing else, while you will not real sense, and were not mere sounds like the dronings hear a sermon once in six months telling people to of a barrel-organ.

amend their lives. ... A set of creatures who ought to be lamenting their sins fancy they can please God by It was finished at last, text and translation printed, and gurgling in their throats.’

the living facts of Christianity, the persons of Christ and the Apostles, their history, their lives, their teachings 1 Timothy 1:6 (on vain disputations)—‘Theologians were revealed to an astonished world. For the first time are never tired of discussing the modes of sin, whether the laity were able to see, side by side, the Christianity it be a privation in the soul or a spot on the soul. Why which converted the world, and the Christianity of the is it not enough simply to hate sin? ... Hundreds of Church with a Borgia pope, cardinal princes, such questions are debated by distinguished ecclesiastical courts, and a mythology of lies. The effect theologians, and the objects of them are better was to be a spiritual earthquake.

unknown than known. It is all vanity. ... Over speculations like these theologians professing to teach Christianity have been squandering their lives.’

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1 Timothy 3:2 (on the husband of one wife)—‘Other When Erasmus published this work, at the dawn, so to qualifications are laid down by St. Paul as required for say, of modern times, he did not see all its scope. Had a bishop’s office, a long list of them. But not one at he foreseen it, he would perhaps have recoiled in present is held essential, except this one of abstinence alarm. He saw indeed that there was a great work to from marriage. Homicide, parricide, incest, piracy, be done, but he believed that all good men would sodomy, sacrilege, these can be got over, but marriage unite to do it with common accord. ‘A spiritual temple is fatal. There are priests now in vast numbers, must be raised in desolated Christendom,’ said he. ‘The enormous herds of them, seculars and regulars, and it mighty of this world will contribute towards it their is notorious that very few of them are chaste. The great marble, their ivory, and their gold; I who am poor and proportion fall into lust and incest, and open humble offer the foundation stone,’ and he laid down profligacy. It would surely be better if those who before the world his edition of the Greek Testament.

cannot contain should be allowed lawful wives of their Then glancing disdainfully at the traditions of men, he own, and so escape this foul and miserable pollution.’

said: ‘It is not from human reservoirs, fetid with Such are extracts from the reflections upon the stagnant waters, that we should draw the doctrine of doctrine and discipline of the Catholic Church which salvation; but from the pure and abundant streams were launched upon the world in the notes to the N.T.

that flow from the heart of God.’

by Erasmus, some on the first publication, some added And when some of his suspicious friends spoke to him as edition followed edition. They were not thrown out of the difficulties of the times, he replied: ‘If the ship of as satires, or in controversial tracts or pamphlets. They the church is to be saved from being swallowed up by were deliberate accusations attached to the sacred text, the tempest, there is only one anchor that can save it: where the religion which was taught by Christ and the it is the heavenly word, which, issuing from the bosom Apostles and the degenerate superstition which had of the Father, lives, speaks, and works still in the taken its place could be contrasted side by side.

gospel.’

Nothing was spared; ritual and ceremony, dogmatic These noble sentiments served as an introduction to theology, philosophy, and personal character were tried those blessed pages which were to reform England by what all were compelled verbally to acknowledge to (D’Aubigne, History of the Reformation, Vol. V, pp.

be the standard whose awful countenance was now 153-156).

practically revealed for the first time for many centuries. Bishops, seculars, monks were dragged out These, my friends, are not the sentiments of a mere to judgment, and hung as on a public gibbet, in the

“Roman Catholic humanist.”

light of the pages of the most sacred of all books, The Greek Editors Who Revised Erasmus’s Text Were published with the leave and approbation of the Protestant, Bible-Believing Men

[pope] himself.

It is important to note that the men who followed Never was volume more passionately devoured. A Erasmus in the work of producing editions of the Greek hundred thousand copies were soon sold in France N.T. and from whose editions most of the translations of alone. The fire spread, as it spread behind Samson’s foxes in the Philistines’ corn. The clergy’s skins were the Protestant Reformation were made, were strong, tender from long impunity. They shrieked from pulpit Bible-believing men. It must be kept in the mind that it and platform, and made Europe ring with their was through the work of these men, of whom there can clamour....

be no doubt that they were separated, persecuted The words of the Bible have been so long familiar to us Protestants, that the Textus Receptus was perfected. It is that we can hardly realize what the effect must have upon their Greek texts, and not directly upon that of been when the Gospel was brought out fresh and Erasmus, that the KJV was based.

visible before the astonished eyes of mankind (J.A.

Theodore Beza, for example, “was one of the leading Froude, Life and Letters of Erasmus, pp. 119-127).

advisors to the Huguenots [separatist N.T. Christians] in I don’t know of any humanists today who have France. He participated in their conferences and written anything like the words of Erasmus, because defended the purity of the Reformed faith. He produced humanists today don’t believe the Bible. Erasmus was new versions of the Greek and Latin N.T., a source for definitely not a humanist in the modern definition of the the Geneva and King James Bibles … Under his term, and it is wrong for proponents of modern versions leadership Geneva became the centre of Reformed to identify him as such without clarification. It is also Protestantism” ( Lion’s History of Christianity, p. 382).

clear that Erasmus was not your ordinary Roman It could be mentioned here that the Geneva Bible Catholic; he might not have been a Protestant, but he contained notes which were unhesitatingly anti-certainly was a protester!

Catholic.

Erasmus’ Attitude toward the Bible Of Robert Stephanus, whose third edition of the Historian J.H. Merle D’Aubigne tells us what Erasmus Greek N.T. is commonly regarded as the Textus Receptus had in mind with his edition of the Greek N.T.: in Britain, we read: “In 1523 he published a Latin N.T., 238

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and two times he published the Hebrew Bible entire.

ESHEAN (slope). Jos. 15:52.

But the most important were his four editions of the ESHEK (strife). 1 Ch. 8:39.

Greek N.T. in 1546, 1549, 1550, and 1551 respectively.

ESHTAOL (hollow way). Jos. 15:33.

These activities aroused the opposition of the Roman Catholic Church, so much so that in 1550 he was ESHTON (rest). 1 Ch. 4:11.

compelled to leave Paris and settle in Geneva, where he ESPOUSAL. Given for marriage (Song 3:11; Je. 2:2; became a Protestant, embracing the Reformed 2 Sa. 3:14; Mt. 1:18; Lk. 1:27; 2:5; 2 Co. 11:2). [See faith” ( The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Home.]

Knowledge, Funk & Wagnalls, “Stephan”; quoted by ESPY. To look out; to watch; to search (Jos. 14:7; Je.

Edward Hills, The King James Version Defended, p. 203).

48:19; Eze. 20:6).

In conclusion we must urge upon our reader the ESTATE. Condition; station (Ec. 3:18; Da. 11:7; Co.

conviction that it is not Erasmus or any other man who 4:8).

is the focus of our faith. We do not believe the Received ESTEEM. To value; to prize; to regard with Text is the pure Word of God because of any perfection reverence, respect or friendship; to repute (Webster) we find in Tyndale, or Erasmus, or Beza, or Stephanus, (Ps. 119:128; Is. 53:4; Lk. 16:15; Ph. 2:3; 1 Th. 5:13).

or King James I, or the Authorized Version translators, ESTHER (good fortune, the planet Venus). The or any other man or group of men. Far from it! Our faith Persian name of Hadassah ( a myrtle), cousin of is in Almighty God who gave a perfect Bible and Who Mordecai. She became the queen to Xerxes son of has promised to keep it. [See Bible, Bible Versions, Darius Hystaspis, king of Persia (Esther).

Inspiration, Masoretic Text, Preservation.]

ESTIMATION. Valuation; rating (Le. 5:15; 6:6).

ERE. Before; not yet (Nu. 11:33).

ESTRANGE. To alienate; to divert from its original ERECH (length, size). Ge. 10:10.

use or possessor; to apply to a purpose foreign from its ERI (my watcher). Ge. 46:16.

original or customary one (Webster) (Job. 19:13; Ps.

ERR. To go astray; to miss the mark (Le. 5:18; Nu.

58:3; 78:30; Je. 19:4; Eze. 14:5).

15:22; 1 Sa. 26:21; Job 6:24; 19:4; Ps. 95:10; 119:21, ETERNAL. Everlasting; unending. This is a quality of 118; Pr. 10:17; 14:22; Is. 28:7; 29:24; 35:8; Mt. 22:29; God (De. 33:27; Ro. 1:20; 1 Ti. 1:17). It is also the gift Mk. 12:24, 27; 1 Ti. 6:10, 21; 2 Ti. 2:18; He. 3:10; Ja.

of life God gives those who trust Jesus Christ (Jn. 3:16, 1:16; 5:19).

36; 5:24; 6:40; 10:27-28; 17:2-3; Ro. 6:23; He. 9:12; 1

ESAIAS. The Greek form of Isaiah (Mt. 3:3; 4:14).

Jn. 5:11). Eternal also describes the length of

[See Isaiah.]

punishment for the unsaved (Mt. 25:46; Mk. 3:29; 2 Th.

ESARHADDON (victorious, conqueror). 2 Ki. 19:37

1:9; He. 6:2). The Greek phrase often translated eternal ESAU (hairy). Isaac’s first son (Ge. 25:24-26). Esau could also be translated “into the ages of ages.” This was not interested in God and spiritual things; speaks of the never-ending periods of time during which therefore, he sold his birthright for a bowl of soup (Ge.

God will always be working out His plans. [See Age, 25:27-34; He. 12:16-17). Esau’s descendants are called Day, Eternal Security, Forever, Immortal, Heaven, Hell, Edomites (Ge. 36:8; De. 2:4). [See Repentance.]

Judgment, Times, World.]

ESCHATOLOGY. Doctrine of last things, referring to ETERNAL SECURITY. Eternal security is the prophetic events such as the Great Tribulation, Christ’s confidence that the born again believer has eternal second coming, and judgment. [See Allegorical, salvation in Jesus Christ. This confidence is based on the TRAntichrist, Church, Daniel, Day, Day of the Lord, Gog, testimony of the Bible. To have Christ is to have a secure Great Tribulation, Jesus Christ, Kingdom of God, Last position before God (1 Jn. 5:10-13). The Bible does not Days, Millennium, Prophecy, Roman Catholic Church, use the term “eternal security,” but it does use the terms Second Coming, Times, Revelation.]

“everlasting life” (John 3:16) and “everlasting consolation” (2 Thessalonians 2:16). The gift of eternal ESCHEW. To flee from; to shun; to avoid (Job 1:1, 8; life is promised at least 14 times in the Gospel of John 2:3). The English word “eschew” is derived from the (John 3:15, 16, 18, 36; 4:14, 36; 5:24; 6:27, 40, 47, 54; German scheuen, meaning to frighten and drive away, 10:28; 17:2-3). It is a gift that was purchased by Christ’s which we retain in the word “shoo” (Webster). The blood and death on the cross. Eternal security is the Christian is to eschew evil (1 Pe. 3:11).

blessed property of those who are born again through ESEK (contention). Ge. 26:20.

repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. It is ESHBAAL (a man of Baal). 1 Ch. 8:33.

not the possession of hypocrites or those who are ESHBAN (man of understanding). Ge. 36:26.

merely dabbling in the things of Christ. Those who fall ESHCOL (cluster of grapes). Ge. 14:13; Nu. 13:23.

away prove that they have never been born again (He.

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10:38-39). Eternal security is denied by many Christian but to salvation (1 Th. 5:9); eternal inheritance (He.

groups, particularly most Pentecostals and many 9:15); incorruptible inheritance (1 Pe. 1:4).

Charismatics. For example, the doctrinal statement of How do we know these blessings cannot be lost? ( 1) the Assemblies of God, article 8, section 1, states: “The The blessings of salvation cannot be lost because of the General Council of the Assemblies of God disapproves of nature of salvation: Salvation is eternal (Jn. 3:16, 36); the unconditional security position which holds that it is salvation is a present possession (Ro. 5; 1 Pe. 2:24-25); impossible for a person once saved to be lost.”

salvation is by imputation and substitution (2 Co. 5:17; How can we be sure that the believer is eternally Ga. 2:20; He. 9:10; Ro. 3:24); salvation is positional secure? (1) Because of the terms used to describe (Ep. 1:3 - “in Christ”; Ro. 6:7; Col. 2:10; 3:1-4, 12); salvation: “eternal life” (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 5:11); “full salvation is not of human merit; it is a free gift of grace a s s u r a n c e ” ( H e . 6 : 1 1 ; C o l . 2 : 2 ) ; “ s t r o n g which cannot be mixed with works (Ep. 2:8-9; Tit.

consolation” (He. 6:18); “hope ... sure and 3:3-7; Ro. 3:19-28; 4:4-5; 11:6). (2) The blessings of stedfast” (He. 6:19). (2) Because of what we are. All of salvation cannot be lost because of the results of the following are spoken of in the present tense; this is salvation: Eternal life (Jn. 3:16); justification (Ro. 5:1; the present condition of each true believer: Forgiven 3:19-28); peace with God (Ro. 5:1); sure possession of (Ro. 4:7; 1 Jn. 2:12); justified (Ro. 5:1, 9; Tit. 3:7) ; future glory (Ro. 5:2; Col. 3:1-4); salvation from future reconciled (Ro. 5:10); risen with Christ (Ro. 6:3-6; Col.

wrath (Ro. 5:9); raised up with Christ (Ro. 6); blessed 3:1-2); a child of God forever (Ro. 8:15; Ga. 4:4-7; 1 Jn.

with all spiritual blessings in Christ (Ep. 1:3); sealed 3:1); sanctified in Christ (1 Co. 1:2); new creation (2

with the Holy Spirit (Ep. 4:30); passed from darkness to Co. 5:17); accepted in the beloved (Ep. 1:6); saved (Ep.

light (Col. 1:12-14). (3) The blessings of salvation 2:8-9; 2 Ti. 1:9); light in the Lord (Ep. 5:8); made fit for cannot be lost because of the teaching of election: heaven (Col. 1:12); complete in Christ (Col. 2:10); Election does not destroy human responsibility (2 Th.

citizens of heaven (Ph. 3:20); children of light (1 Th.

2:10-13; Ac. 13:46, 48), but election does promise 5:5); elect of God (1 Pe. 1:2); born again (1 Pe. 1:2, security for the believer (Ro. 8:28-39; Ep. 1; 1 Pe.

23); sanctified once for all (He. 10:10); perfected 1:2-7). (4) The blessings of salvation cannot be lost forever (He. 10:14); passed from death unto life (1 Jn.

because the Bible says if the believer’s works burn up he 3:14). (3) Because of where we are: In God’s family will still be saved (1 Co. 3:15). (5) The blessings of (Ga. 3:26; 1 Jn. 3:2); brought near (Ep. 2:13); in the salvation cannot be lost because of the believer’s union heavenlies with Christ (Ep. 2:5-6); translated into the with Christ. The believing sinner is placed “in Christ”

kingdom of God’s dear Son (Col. 1:13). (4) Because of and stands or falls with Christ. In Ephesians 1-3 the what we have: Eternal life (Jn. 3:16); peace with God phrase “in Christ” is mentioned 25 times. See also Col.

(Ro. 5:1); an Intercessor in heaven (Ro. 8:34); all 1:14; He. 9:10; 1 Pe. 1:18-23; 2:6, 24-25.

spiritual blessings (Ep. 1:3); forgiveness of sins (Ep. 1:7; Does Eternal Security mean that anyone who professes Col. 1:14; 2:13); sealing of the Holy Spirit (Ep.

Christ is saved? (1) Salvation demands repentance (Lk.

1:12-14); access to God (Ep. 2:18); everlasting 13:3-5; Ac. 2:38-42; 17:30-31). Repentance means a consolation (2 Th. 2:16); eternal glory (2 Ti. 2:10); change of mind resulting in a change of life (2 Co.

eternal redemption (He. 9:12); mercy (1 Pe. 2:10); an 7:8-11). The person who has never changed his mind Advocate with the Father (1 Jn. 2:1-2). (5) Because of about God, sin, Christ, the Bible, etc., and who has what is past: condemnation (Jn. 5:24); the law of sin never shown evidence of this in his life, has never and death (Ro. 8:2); death and wrath (Col. 3:3; Ro.

repented and is not saved. The Thessalonian believers 6:11; 1 Th. 5:9); night and darkness (1 Th. 5:5). (6) showed true repentance (1 Th. 1:9-10). (2) Salvation Because of God’s promises: never perish (Jn. 10:27-28); requires the new birth, and the new birth always never die (Jn. 11:26); the glory of God (Ro. 5:2, this changes a man’s life (2 Co. 5:17-21; Mt. 18:3-4; Jn.

speaks of Christ’s kingdom glory); saved from wrath 3:1-18; 1 Jn. 3:10; 3 Jn. 11). (3) The evidence of (Ro. 5:9), glorious liberty of the children of God (Ro.

salvation is perseverance in the faith (Jn. 10:27-28; Col.

8:21); redemption of the body (Ro. 8:23-24; Ph. 3:21); 1:21-23; He. 3:12-14; 10:38-39; 1 Jn. 2:19; 3:3).

predestinated to be conformed to the image of Christ According to these Scriptures, the person who is born (Ro. 8:28-29); cannot be separated from God’s love (Ro.

again will continue in faith in Christ. Those who turn 8:31-39); God shall confirm you unto the end (1 Co.

away prove that they did not have saving faith. (4) 1:8); He that hath begun a good work in you will Saving faith always produces good works (Ep. 2:8-10; perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Ph. 1:6); shall He. 11:4, 7-8; Ja. 2:14-26). If a person claims to have appear with Christ in glory (Col. 3:3-4); delivered from faith in Christ, but his life does not reflect the works of the wrath to come (1 Th. 1:10); not appointed to wrath Christ, that person does not have saving faith.

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Does Eternal Security cause people to live carelessly?

obscure portions of Scripture to overthrow the plain. To The very opposite is true. The Bible teaches that the interpret the following passages as saying that a born grace of God motivates believers to serve God with a again child of God can lose his salvation flies in the face thankful heart (1 John 4:19; Ro. 2:4; Ep. 3:14-19; Titus of hundreds of clear passages of Scripture. When the 2:11-12). The more a believer understands the context of a Bible passage is plainly directed to the unfathomable love God has for him in Christ and the subject of salvation, there is never a question about the more he understands how secure He is in God’s grace, security of the believer.

the more he wants to please God.

Second, a key problem in this matter is reading the Who has Eternal Security? (1) Those who continue in doctrine of insecurity into various passages. This is called the word (Jn. 8:31-32). (2) Those who follow Christ isogesis (reading into the Scriptures), as contrasted with (Jn. 10:27-28). (3) Those who bring forth fruit (Jn.

the proper method of exogesis (interpreting out of the 15:2; Lk. 3:9). (4) Those who are led by the Spirit of Scriptures) . Most passages which are put forth to God (Ro. 8:14-15). (5) Those who have been born again support the idea that salvation can be lost have (2 Co. 5:17; Ep. 2:10; Ga. 6:15). (6) Those who are absolutely nothing to do with such a thing if approached sanctified from an unrighteous way of life (1 Co.

without preconceived ideas.

6:9-11). (7) Those who depart from iniquity (2 Ti.

Third, many who teach eternal security do so in an 2:19). (8) Those who maintain their confidence in unbiblical manner. To fail to emphasize the necessity of Christ (He. 3:14). (9) Those who have a convinced faith repentance, to fail to warn the casual “professor” that (He. 4:10-11). (10) Those who show the “things that profession is not the same as possession, to comfort and accompany salvation” (He. 6:9-12). (11) Those who are impart security to a professor who has no evidence of looking for Christ’s return (He. 9:28). (12) Those who regeneration is to do injustice to the biblical doctrine of remain patient and steadfast in tribulations (He.

eternal security. The Bible frequently warns about the 10:35-39). (13) Those who are in the truth and who possibility of appearing to be saved while actually being continue in the truth (1 Jn. 2:19-21; 2 Jn. 1-2). (14) lost, about coming close to salvation without actually Those who are purifying themselves (1 Jn. 3:1-3). (15) being saved. Those of us who teach eternal security Those who love the brethren (1 Jn. 3:14).

must not ignore the solemn charges of the Word of God If the disobedient believer does not lose his salvation, such as John 8:47 and 1 John 3:10.

what does happen to him? (1) The sinning Christian is An example is the soul winner who leads an out of fellowship with the Lord and his people (1 Jn.

unbeliever in a sinner’s prayer after a short presentation 1:3-7). (2) The sinning Christian is helped and loved by of the “Roman’s Road,” then gives him assurance right the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Jn. 2:1-2). (3) The sinning then and there, before there has been any evidence that Christian is chastened by the Father (He. 12:5-11). (4) the person is genuinely born again.

The sinning Christian loses irreplaceable opportunities Now to some of the passages most frequently used to for service and fruit (Ep. 5:14-17; Mt. 9:36-38; 1 Th.

undermine eternal security:

5:4-10). The sinning Christian can be forgiven, but he cannot regain the lost opportunities and the harm he Matthew 7:21. This has nothing to do with a believer causes by his sin. (5) The sinning Christian will suffer losing his salvation. To do the will of the Father is loss at the judgment seat of Christ (1 Co. 3:11-15; 2 Co.

certainly not the way to heaven. It is the evidence of 5:10; 1 Ti. 6:17-19; 1 Jn. 2:28).

genuine faith in Christ; it is the proof of regeneration.

ETERNAL SECURITY AND PROBLEM PASSAGES

Matthew 8:11-12. The “children of the kingdom”

here are the Jews in the nation Israel. One of the key The following introductory comments offer a teachings of the Gospels is the rejection of Jesus Christ background for dealing with the “problem passages.”

by His own people, the Jews. Time and again Christ First, the few passages which present apparent warns and rebukes the Jews and their leaders, but most problems with the doctrine of eternal security must be of them reject him. The first half of Matthew, in interpreted carefully in light of the context. It is a fact that particular, documents this fearful situation.

the New Testament promises eternal security to the true Matthew 25:1-13. The parable of the ten virgins is believer. I do not believe God would have given so much given in the context of Christ’s coming and of the plain and simple teaching on the eternal nature of establishment of the kingdom of God in Israel (see Mt.

salvation only to overthrow it with a couple of relatively 25:31-34). The foolish virgins are not true believers but obscure passages. We interpret the less clear passages in are unbelievers who knew about Christ’s return but did light of those which are crystal clear. This is a working not act on it. (1) They didn’t have any oil (vv. 3, 4), but principle which I believe is honoring to the Word of the oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit (Ro. 8:9). (2) They God, and it is the proper way to handle it. False wait until it is too late to obtain salvation (v. 9; 2 Co.

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6:2). In light of everything the New Testament promises in a personal sense. A careful reading of this chapter to the child of God, the foolish virgins MUST be those illustrates this.

who are unsaved. To interpret this otherwise is to throw 1 Corinthians 9:27. The context here is not Paul’s multitudes of clear Scriptures into confusion.

salvation, but his Christian service. Paul was concerned Matthew 25:14-30. (1) The man’s concept of the Lord that he would be castaway in the sense that he would be shows that he is a lost man. He considered the Lord “an put on a shelf in this life or that his service would be hard man” who reaped where He had not sown. It is rejected or disapproved at the judgment seat of Christ.

obvious that he did not know the blessed Lord Jesus The same Greek word is translated “rejected.” Paul was Christ! The Lord is exactly the opposite of how this man not afraid that he would be lost. In the same epistle he described Him. He is gracious and merciful and patient taught that Christ preserves the believer (1:7-9). What and meek and lowly in heart; He gives us MUCH more he feared was falling short of God’s high calling for his than we deserve. The fact that this man is called a life. The context makes this plain. He is talking about servant does not mean necessarily that he is saved. The running a race and winning a prize. To confuse this Jews are called the Lord’s servants, but they were not all passage with salvation is to misunderstand the Gospel of saved (Is. 43:10). (2) The man’s destiny also shows that Jesus Christ. Salvation is not a reward for faithful he is a lost man. He is cast into outer darkness, which is service. The Bible plainly states that salvation is by a description of hell (2 Pe. 2:17; Jude 13). Nowhere in grace, and grace is the free, unmerited mercy of God Scripture is a child of God said to be in outer darkness.

(Ep. 2:8-9). Anything that is merited or rewarded, is not The Bible says believers are children of light and are not grace (Romans 11:6). On the other hand, after we are of darkness (1 Th. 5:5). Further, the weeping and saved by the marvelous grace of God, we are called to gnashing of teeth are associated with eternal damnation serve Jesus Christ. We are created in Christ Jesus “unto and hell (Mt. 13:42, 50; 22:13; 24:51; Luke 13:28). It is good works” (Ep. 2:10). If a Christian is lazy and carnal, not wise to establish doctrine upon parables. The he will be chastened by the Lord (He. 12:6-8), and if he parables have one central point, and if you try to push does not respond, God will take him home (Ro. 8:13; 1

every detail of the parable you can create all sorts of Co. 11:30; 1 John 5:16).

doctrinal problems.

Philippians 2:12. This verse does not say that the John 15:6. This passage does not say that a true child of God must work FOR or work UP his salvation; it believer will be cast into hell; it says that the person says he must work OUT his salvation. These are very who is not a a true believer will be cast into hell. Those different things. To work up or to work for my salvation who teach that this applies to a believer read that would mean that I have a part in my salvation and that interpretation into it. The rest of John’s Gospel makes unless I do my part, I will not be saved. On the other this matter very plain. Consider John 1:12, 13; 3:14-18, hand, to work out my salvation means God has given 36; 4:14; 5:25; 6:37, 40, 47; 10:27-30; 11:25; 17:2, 3; me eternal salvation as a free gift in Jesus Christ, and it 20:31. Whatever, therefore, the meaning of John 15:6 in is His will that I obey Him, not in order to save myself reference to the child of God, it CANNOT mean that the or in order to help God save me, but BECAUSE I am true believer will be rejected and cast into hell. That already saved. Verse 13 makes this clear, that it is God would make the promises of Jesus Christ to the believer who provides the complete salvation. Obedience, holy into a lie. Christ is referring here to the difference living is the evidence of salvation. The Christian life is a between sincere and insincere, true and false believers.

miracle of God that is wrought from within. The power He mentions such a thing in other passages in John’s of the Christian life is the indwelling Holy Spirit, but the Gospel. Consider John 2:23-25 and 6:64. John 15 is a Christian is not passive. He is to be controlled by the warning that the evidence of true faith in Christ is to Spirit (Ep. 5:18), to be led by the Spirit (Ro. 8:14), to bear fruit for His glory.

walk after the Spirit (Ro. 8:4; Ga. 5:25), to mind the Romans 11:19-23. Consider the context: Paul is not things of the Spirit (Ro. 8:5).

addressing the subject of personal salvation. He is Philippians 3:9-14. How do we know that verse 11 is addressing the matter of the Jews and their place in the not referring to gaining one’s salvation through diligent program of God. Paul is speaking in a general sense of effort? (1) The context refers not to Paul’s salvation, but Gentiles and of the Jewish nation. Today God has to his calling. He endeavored to fulfill God’s perfect will turned temporarily from the Jews and is calling a people for his life. Verses 10 and 14 leave no question about the for His name from among the Gentile nations. The day meaning of the passage. To divorce it from the context, will come when God will again turn to the Jewish claiming that Paul was unsure that he possessed eternal nation to fulfill His promises to them. Verses 24-26

salvation, denies the plain teaching of Scripture and make this plain. Paul is speaking in a general sense, not throws the Bible into contradictory confusion. (2) Paul said he was trying to earn a “prize” (Ph. 3:14), whereas 242

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salvation is a “gift” to be enjoyed (Ephesians 2:8-9). (3) 22:1-18). Abraham was saved by faith without works, We know that Paul was not stating in Philippians 3 that but his salvation and his faith were EVIDENCED and he was unsure he would be raised from the dead, because DEMONSTRATED by his obedience. Third, James’

in this very epistle and elsewhere he emphasized the teaching is no different from that of the other Apostles.

certainty of resurrection and the eternal security of the They all taught that true faith produces works. Consider believer (Ph. 2:20-21; 1:6; 1 Co. 15:51-58). The Lord the classic passage in Ephesians 2:8-10--“For by grace Jesus Christ promised resurrection to every believer are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it (John 11:25-26). (4) Philippians 3:11 is explained in 1

is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should Timothy 6:12 and 2 Peter 1:10-11, which teach that we boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ

“lay hold on eternal life” and prepare an abundant Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained entrance into Christ’s eternal kingdom by our service for that we should walk in them.” This passage puts faith Christ in this world. It is speaking of rewards and and works in their proper order. It is faith alone which crowns.

connects us with the free salvation offered in Jesus James 2:24. Roman Catholics, Cultists, and others Christ. This salvation is a gift. Our works have nothing who deny the Gospel of the Grace of Jesus Christ, love to do with it, and cannot add to the completed salvation to run to James 2:24 to “prove” that salvation is not by in Jesus Christ. Works, rather, follow after salvation and Christ’s grace alone through faith alone, but that works are the product of it, being created by God in the are necessary. Consider the following three believing sinner. Consider also Titus 3:4-8; Hebrews 6:9; observations: First, context is crucial in understanding 10:39; 1 John 3:6; 3 John 11. This is exactly what any Bible passage. To ignore context is to fill the Bible James teaches. He says there are two kinds of faith: with contradictions. James was not addressing saving faith and false faith. The devils have faith but not salvation; he was addressing the Christian life. Note saving faith (v. 19).

verse 14--“my brethren...” He is contrasting dead faith Some will counter that it is not important how one with true biblical faith (verses 14-17). “Even so faith, if puts these things together. One man says works follow it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (verse 14). He is salvation; another says works are a part of salvation.

saying that true faith is evident by works. Paul, on the What is the difference? The difference is ENORMOUS. It other hand, addresses salvation directly in the book of is the difference between Saved and Lost, between Romans. The sinner must trust exclusively in the grace heaven and hell. If I think that my works and my of Jesus Christ for salvation. “Now to him that worketh righteousness and my obedience and my law-keeping is is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to a part of salvation, even a tiny part of salvation, I am him that worketh not, but believeth on him that denying the perfect sufficiency of Jesus Christ and of His justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for Atonement. “For by one offering he hath perfected for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the ever them that are sanctified” (He. 10:14). I cannot add blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth one iota to this perfect salvation which is freely offered righteousness without works” (Romans 4:4-6). There is through Jesus Christ. “Being justified FREELY by his no contradiction if one considers the context of each grace through the redemption that is in Christ statement. Paul is addressing the unsaved sinner’s Jesus” (Ro. 3:24). If works or church sacraments or law perspective. The sinner must trust Jesus Christ keeping are required in any sense whatsoever for exclusively for salvation; he must reject his own filthy salvation, it is not FREE and the Bible is a lie. To add works (Isaiah 64:6) and all self-righteousness (Romans anything to the gospel of the grace of Christ is to bring 9:30-33) and lean totally upon the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s curse (Ga. 1:6).

trusting wholly in His perfect and complete redemption.

1 Peter 1:9. First, let us consider what this verse does James, on the other hand, is addressing the Christian’s not mean. It does not mean salvation is a process or that perspective. The Christian claims to have faith in Jesus salvation is uncertain. The context overthrows such Christ. He is therefore to diligently serve God and to teaching. Verses 3-5 tell us that the believer’s salvation walk in His commandments. Those who live in rebellion is settled and sure. The believer is born again, has a and who ignore the Word of God demonstrate that they lively hope, possesses an inheritance that is already do not possess true saving faith, that they are deceiving reserved in heaven, and is kept by God’s power. When themselves. Second, James and Paul are addressing two the Bible speaks of the believer’s hope, it uses the term different events in Abraham’s life. Paul, in Romans 4:1-4, differently than the way hope is commonly used today.

refers to Abraham’s salvation which occurred early in his The believer’s hope has no element of uncertainty. In life and which is recorded in Genesis 15:5-6. James, on Hebrews 6:18-19 it is described as “a strong the other hand, refers to Abraham’s testing which consolation” and “an anchor of the soul, both sure and occurred 20 years later (James 2:21-24; Genesis stedfast.” The reason the believer has such confidence Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 243

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and security is that his salvation is completely between the true believer and the false is the fruit and dependent upon Jesus Christ and has nothing to do with the evidence (vv. 7-8). (4) Paul plainly states that he is his own works. What does the verse mean, then? Two of not referring to true believers (v. 9).

its wonderful teachings are these: (1) Salvation has Hebrews 10:26-29. The willful sin in verse 26 refers evidence (He. 10:38-39). True faith works. Salvation is not to sin in general, but to one particular sin which is by grace alone through faith in Christ without works described in the rest of the passage. The Bible plainly (Ep. 2:8-9), but salvation also produces the fruit of good teaches us that Christians do sin after they are saved (1

works (Ep. 2:10) . (2) Salvation has different aspects.

John 1:8-10; 2:1-2). There is no sinless perfection in the There is a past, present, and future aspect to salvation.

Christian life. Our perfection and righteousness is in The believer has been saved from the eternal Jesus Christ positionally (1 Co. 1:30; 2 Co. 5:21). The consequences of sin; he is being saved from the power of sin for which there is no forgiveness is the sin of “counting sin in this earthly existence; and in his future heavenly the blood of the covenant an unholy thing.” This means to home he will have been saved from the very presence of deny that salvation is by Christ’s blood and grace alone. In sin. When 1 Peter 1:9 says the believer will receive the immediate context to which the book of Hebrews was salvation as the end product of his faith, this is what it is addressed, it refers to the Jews who professed confidence in referring to. It does not imply that his salvation is Christ; but, because of pressure and persecution, returned uncertain until the end.

to their dead religion and thus gave up confidence in 1 Peter 4:18. The righteous are scarcely saved in the Christ. False religion, both then and now, attempts sense that salvation is impossible apart from God’s free either to replace Christ’s salvation with a manmade gift through Jesus Christ. If judged by our earthly lives, system, or to add to Christ’s salvation a manmade if judged by our works, we will all perish. Even the system. Catholicism is an example of the latter. It righteous lives of born again Christians fall far short of preaches Christ, but it intermingles its own sacraments the glory of Christ and the holiness God requires of us.

and priesthood and sainthood with the grace of Christ.

Our only hope is the righteousness of Christ which is This is a false gospel which robs Christ of His glory as offered to us as a free, unmerited gift (2 Co. 5:21). Even the sole Saviour and Mediator. If Christ is not Saviour the righteousness of the religious Pharisees was wholly and exclusively, He is not Saviour at all. If grace insufficient (Mt. 5:20). God requires perfect obedience is intermingled in any sense with works, the Gospel is to His law, and no man can attain to that. Thus salvation perverted, and there is no salvation in a perverted must be a gift of God’s righteousness provided through gospel (Ro. 11:6; Ga. 1:6-9).

Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 12:15-17. To fail of the grace of God does 2 Peter 2:20-22. Though this passage is often used to not mean to lose one’s salvation; it means to fall short of prove that eternal security is not true, it actually says being saved. The context makes this plain, as the nothing about losing one’s salvation. The context is false example given is that of Esau. He was not a believer, teachers who promote damnable heresies and deny the though he was born into a believing family. He was a Lord (v. 1). It should be obvious that it is not saved men man of the world and cared nothing about the things of who are the focus on this passage, but hypocrites and God. He thought a bowl of soup was more valuable that deceivers. Any interpretation which says these are saved his spiritual birthright as the son of Isaac.

men who lose their salvation flies in the face of the How the Book of Hebrews teaches Eternal Security.

context. The fact that “the latter end is worse with them Some think the book of Hebrews poses unanswerable than the beginning” and “it had been better for them problems for the doctrine of eternal security, but the not to have known the way of righteousness” does not opposite is true. In the following ways the book of imply that they were saved and now are lost. They were Hebrews strongly affirms this Bible doctrine: (1) Christ’s dogs and pigs who were unchanged (v. 22). The fact Purging promises security (He. 1:3). (2) Christ’s Rest that they return to their wickedness proves that they promises security (He. 4:10). (3) Christ’s Hope promises were never regenerate. When the context is taken into security (He. 6:17-19). (4) Christ’s High Priesthood account, there really is no problem in this passage in promises security (He. 7:25, 26). (5) Christ’s Blood regard to the doctrine of eternal security.

promises security (He. 9:12, 26; 10:14). We have Hebrews 6:4-6. This passage refers to false believers.

eternal redemption through His blood (He. 9:21). Sin is How do we know? (1) They tasted but they did not put away through His blood (He. 9:26). We are drink and eat (contrast John 6:54). (2) Those who fall sanctified once for all through His blood (He. 10:10).

away cannot be saved again. This shows the error of We are perfected forever through His blood (He. 10:14).

those who teach that a believer can lose his salvation; (6) Christ’s Covenant promises security (He. 8:12; because invariably they exhort those who allegedly lose 10:16-19).

their salvation to return to Christ. (3) The difference Conclusion to the Lessons on Eternal Security: 244

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I cannot answer every question which can be raised ETHBAAL (with Baal, Baal’s man). 1 Ki. 16:31.

on this subject, but Eternal Security is a Bible doctrine ETHER (riches, fullness). Jos. 15:42.

that has satisfied and blessed my heart for 40+ years ETHIOPIA. An African country south of Egypt and (Jn. 3:16). The Bible plainly teaches that those who are Israel. The Ethiopians are dark-skinned people. Ethiopia truly born again will show evidence their salvation and is also called Cush and is a subject of O.T. prophecy (Is.

will continue with the Lord (Jn. 10:27-28; 1 Co. 15:1-2; 11:11; 18:1; 20:3-5; 43:3; 45:14; Je. 46:9; Eze. 29:10; Col. 1:21-23; He. 6:4-9; 10:38; 1 Jn 3:3). The individual 30:4-5; 38:5; Zep. 3:10; Na. 3:9). The book of Acts who falls away shows that he did not belong to the Lord records the conversion of a ruler from Ethiopia (Ac.

in the first place (He. 12:5-8). Salvation is to be placed 8:26-39). In Eze. 38:5, Ethiopia is named as one of the into an eternally new position in Jesus Christ. The old allies of the great northern military power which will flesh cannot be redeemed; it can only be condemned attack Israel in the last days during the Great and crucified. The believer’s new position in Christ is Tribulation. It is interesting to note that Ethiopia has that our old man is dead with Christ and we have risen become a communist nation and has been aligned with to new life in Christ. The law of God can no longer the Soviet Union. [See Gog, Great Tribulation.]

condemn us. Study Romans 1-8 very carefully, for it holds the key to understanding salvation properly, as ETHNAN (gift). 1 Ch. 4:7.

well as the proper place of sin and the law in the ETHNI (my gift) 1 Ch. 6:41.

Christian’s life. Salvation requires perfection, and the EUBULUS (prudent). 2 Ti. 4:21.

only perfection that we can ever have is that which we EUCHARIST (thanksgiving). A name commonly receive as a gift from Jesus Christ because of the applied to the Roman Catholic mass. Sometimes propitiation He purchased on Calvary. Even one sin will eucharist is used to refer to the Lord’s Supper in keep me out of heaven, but, praise God, I do not have general, even among Protestants. [See Mass.]

any sin in Christ. He has taken it all away forever.

EUNICE (victorious). Timothy’s mother (2 Ti. 1:5).

Those who do not believe in eternal security like to She was a believer and taught Timothy the Word of God present various real-life or imaginary situations which (Ac. 16:1; 2 Ti. 3:15). [See Timothy.]

they think prove their point. One person wrote to me EUNUCH. A castrated male (2 Ki. 20:18; Is. 39:7; and mentioned a well-known evangelist, James Robison, 56:3-4; Je. 38:7; Mt. 19:12). The term also applies to an who once was a fiery fundamentalist-type preacher but officer in a general sense (Da. 1:3; Ac. 8:27). The now has become a charismatic and has accepted Roman Hebrew word for eunuch, saris, is also translated Catholic charismatics as genuine Christians. The reader

“chamberlain” (2 Ki. 23:11; Es. 1:10) and “officer” (Ge.

asked, “Are you saying that he’s still saved and is going 37:36; 1 Sa. 8:15; 1 Ki. 22:9; 2 Ki. 8:6). The term to heaven or, because his salvation is permanent, he still

“eunuch” as used in Matthew 19:12 refers to one who is has a chance to repent?” The answer is that I don’t have either castrated or otherwise, either forcefully or any revelation from God about a certain person’s eternal willingly, foregoes a sexual relationship in life. The Lord condition, and I have never tried to figure such things out.

uses this practice to illustrate His point about virginity That is God’s business. Let me also say that though this and abstinence. He describes three types of “eunuchs”: man has accepted certain charismatic doctrines and (1) Some are born without the ability to have sexual practices that I believe are unscriptural, it is the gospel relationships or to procreate. (2) Some are made this itself that saves a man, not what a person believes about way by man, referring to those who are castrated or tongues or healing or ecumenism or many other things, otherwise mutilated. (3) Some willingly forgo a as important as these issues are. [See also Adoption, legitimate sexual relationship in marriage because of Assurance, Atonement, Blood, Born Again, Consolation, their devotion to the Lord and His service. The Apostle Gospel, Grace, Helmet, Hope, Justification, Propitiation, Paul develops this theme in 1 Co. 7:26-35.

Mercy, Redemption, Repentance.]

EUPHRATES (bursting, sweet, the good river).

ETERNITY. Eternal in duration. The Bible speaks of Together with the Tigris, the Euphrates forms the region eternity as that which is not subject to the limits of of Mesopotamia, which means “the land between the earthly existence (Ps. 41:13; 90:2; Is. 57:15). [See rivers” (Ge. 2:14; Da. 10:4). This land is called Shinar in Eternal Security, God, Heaven, Hell, Jesus Christ, Genesis 10:10 and was still called Shinar in Daniel’s day Revelation.]

1,600 years after the Tower of Babel (Da. 1:2). It is here ETHAN (ancient). 1 Ki. 4:31.

that the ancient city states originated under the ETHANIM (strong, flowing). Seventh month of the leadership of Nimrod and Asshur as recorded in Genesis Hebrew sacred calendar (1 Ki. 8:2), corresponding to 10-12. Archaeology has unearthed many of these cities, parts of September and October. The time of early rains including Babylon, Erech (Uruk), Nineveh, Calah, and (Potts). [See Calendar.]

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EUROCLYDON - EVANGELIST

originate in the Taurus mountains of Armenia. They evangelist (Ep. 4:11). Some of the lessons about the flow southeast until they join together before flowing office of the evangelist are as follows: (a) It is an office into the Persian Gulf. In ancient times the Gulf extended in the church (Ep. 4:11). In Ep. 4:11 the evangelist is inland so far that the two rivers remained separated.

listed as one of the ministry-gifted men Christ has given The Tigris is about 1,100 miles long. “Its length is to the churches. In Ephesians 4 we see that evangelists eleven hundred and forty-six miles; its depth, volume, are to work together with the pastors and teachers and and velocity much greater than those of the Euphrates.

prophets to accomplish the ministry of Christ in the It receives numerous tributaries” (Goodspeed, A History churches. Philip is an example of an evangelist (Acts of the Babylonians and Assyrians). The Euphrates is 21:8; 8:5-8,12, 26-40).

about 1,700 miles long, the longest river of western Every church should pray for the Lord to give Asia. Unlike most rivers, it narrows and decreases in evangelists. (b) The evangelist’s job in the church is power, as it has only two tributaries. It gradually described in Ep. 4:12. The evangelist and pastors and narrows from about 400 yards to 250 yards. As it nears teachers work together to accomplish this task, and it the Gulf of Aqaba it “spreads out in canals and pools can be summarized as two things: to build up the saints and swamps until it joins the Tigris.” The Euphrates was and to proclaim the gospel. The evangelist is a person one of the rivers of the Garden of Eden (Ge. 2:10-14).

who is gifted of God and who has the zeal and devotion God promised that Abraham’s seed will possess the land to give himself to reaching the unsaved with the gospel, reaching to the Euphrates (Ge. 15:18; Jos. 1:4). Modern and also to train and lead the church members in their day Lebanon would be included in this. God’s promise outreach with the gospel. This involves many things, will be fulfilled when Christ returns and establishes His such as showing the church by his example how to do kingdom in Israel (Ro. 11:25-27; Je. 31-33). [See evangelism, teaching classes on evangelism, encouraging Covenant, Israel, Kingdom of God, Millennium.]

and exhorting the church members to do the work of EUROCLYDON. A tempestuous wind often evangelism, and working with the pastors to lead and experienced by navigators in the Levant; it blows from organize the evangelistic ministry of the church. Again, the NE or ENE. The name really means the united winds we would exhort every church to seek the face of God Eurus and Aquilo (Ac. 27:14) (Young).

that He might raise up effective evangelists. The EUTYCHUS (fortunate). Ac. 20:9.

churches should also strive to make it possible for the EVANGEL (good news). (1) The Gospel. (2) A evangelists to be free to do the urgent work of reference to one of the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, evangelism. It would seem that a wise church would be Luke, and John. [See Evangelist, Gospel, Great more concerned to support an evangelist than a music Commission.]

director or a youth pastor or many other positions that are of much less eternal importance.

EVANGELICAL. Historically this term has been used to describe Christians who claim a personal, saving

“We believe these truths prove that only certain men relationship with Jesus Christ, who believe in the are divinely chosen and gifted as evangelists. This does necessity of such salvation for all men, and who believe not mean that the work of evangelism is limited to and follow the Bible. The term evangelical has become evangelists. Evangelism is the work of all Christians. The very broad. It is used for Roman Catholics, for responsibility to evangelize was laid upon ... every theological modernists, for the emerging church, for believer ... Pastors are to evangelize as a part of their homosexuals, you name it! The term New Evangelical work; so are teachers, deacons, and all the saints. The was coined in the late 1940s to describe a new attitude work of world evangelization would never be and direction of evangelicalism. [See Fundamentalism, accomplished if we had to depend solely on evangelists.

New Evangelicalism.]

But evangelists are God-chosen and Spirit-gifted men to lead out in the work of evangelism. They are God’s EVANGELISM. The work of spreading the Gospel of firebrands to kindle evangelistic fires in the churches, to Jesus Christ among men. [See Church, Evangelist, Great inspire pastors, to teach and to lead others in the work Commission, Gospel.]

of evangelism. Evangelists are to bear the burden for EVANGELIST. The term “evangelist” means “a lost souls, for lost communities, and for lost nations.

messenger of good tidings.” The term is found three Evangelists are Christ’s key men in His mighty times in the N.T. and the usage shows us the twofold evangelistic program for the world, and it is a sin to meaning: (1) The term “evangelist” refers simply to the ignore them. We believe it is also true that one man may work of preaching the gospel. Timothy, who was a pastor have more than one of the gifts mentioned in Ep. 4.

and missionary apostle, is told by Paul in 2 Ti. 4:5 to “do While it is true that some men are called exclusively to the work of an evangelist.” In this sense, every Christian evangelism who could never fit into the pastorate, and is to be an evangelist. (2) There is also the office of an some are called to be pastors who do not have the gift 246

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EVE - EVIL

of an evangelist, history demonstrates that the gifts of the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evangelist, pastor, and teacher have often rested upon evil: I the Lord do all these things” (Is. 45:5-7).

the same individuals ... However, there are those whom (2) The parallelism tells us that this is the meaning.

God calls to an entire lifetime of evangelism” (Dean There is a parallel, a feature common to Hebrew poetry, Fetterhoff, Dynamics of Evangelism; Faris Daniel between the first and second clauses in this verse. “I Whitesell, Basic New Testament Evangelism). [See form the light, and create darkness” is the first half of Apostle, Great Commission, Gospel, Missions, Pastor, the parallel. This clause contains a contrast between Prophecy.]

light and darkness. “I make peace, and create evil” is the EVE (life-giving). The first woman, Adam’s wife. She second part of the parallel. This clause, too, contains a was deceived by the devil and disobeyed God (Ge. 2:24; contrast—between peace and evil. The evil is in the 3:1-16; 2 Co. 11:3; 1 Ti. 2:13). [See Adam, Evolution, sense of trouble and the lack of peace.

Inspiration, Marriage.]

(3) The Hebrew word tells us that this is the EVEN NOW. Just now (De. 31:21).

meaning. While this Hebrew word for “evil” ( ra) is used EVEN SO. Just so (Ex. 25:9; Lk. 10:21).

many times of moral evil, it is also frequently used for EVENTIDE. Evening (Jos. 7:6).

trouble. The same word is translated “adversity” (Ps.

10:6), “affliction” (Ne. 1:3), “calamity” (Ps. 141:5), EVERLASTING. [See Eternal.]

“distress” (Ne. 2:17), “displease” (Nu. 11:1), EVERLASTING CONSOLATION. Eternal comfort,

“grief” (Jon. 4:6), “harm” (Ge. 31:52), “hurt” (Ge.

encouragement, consolation, and blessing (2 Th. 2:16).

26:29), “misery” (Ec. 8:6), “sorrow” (Ge. 44:29), This unspeakably wonderful thing is a gift of God’s

“trouble” (Ps. 27:5), “wretchedness” (Nu. 11:15).

grace through the atonement of Jesus Christ. This term (4) Further, the English word “evil” in past centuries describes the eternally secure, know-so salvation the carried a much broader meaning than it does today. In true believer has in Jesus Christ. [See Eternal Security, old English usage, “evil” was a perfect and fitting Gospel, Justification, Hope.]

translation of the Hebrew word ra, which, as we have EVERY WHIT. Completely; whole (De. 13:16; Jn.

seen, carried a wide significance, referring both to 7:23; 13:10).

moral evil as well as to adversarial evil. Consider the EVI (desire). Nu. 31:8.

following passages in which “evil” is plainly used in the EVIDENCE. A written document or contract (Je.

sense of adversity and distress rather than of 32:10-14).

wickedness. See Ge. 19:19; 37:2; 44:34; 47:9; Ex. 5:19; EVIDENCE - CHRISTIAN. [See Adam, Apostasy, 33:4; Le. 26:6; Nu. 14:27; De. 31:17; 2 Sa. 15:14; Apostate, Bible, Bible Versions, Canon, Cloud, Daniel, 17:14; 19:7; 1 Ki. 5:4; 17:20; Es. 7:7; Job 2:10-11; Evolution, Fable, False Prophet, False Teaching, Flood, 5:19; 30:26; 42:11; Ps. 121:7; Pr. 1:33; 15:15; Ec. 5:13; Foolish Questions, Fundamentalism, Heresy, Heretic, Je. 1:14; Eze. 5:17; Lk. 16:25. Even the Lord is said to Inspiration, Isaiah, Jesus Christ, Jonah, Preservation, have “repented of the evil which he thought to do unto Prophecy, Red Sea, Resurrection, Sargon, Separation, his people” (Ex. 32:14; 2 Sa. 24:16). Obviously the Lord Star, Timothy, Tyre, Zidon.]

was not thinking of committing moral evil upon His EVIDENTLY. Openly; manifestly (Ac. 10:3).

people; He was going to bring trouble and judgment upon them. The term evil is frequently used in this way: EVIL. In the N.T. the Greek terms for evil are used 2 Sa. 12:11; 17:14; 24:16; 1 Ki. 9:9; 14:10; 21:21, 29; primarily in three ways: (1) That which is wicked in 22:23; 2 Ki. 6:33; 22:16, 20; 2 Ch. 7:22; Ne. 13:18).

character (Mt. 7:17; Ro. 3:8; 1 Co. 5:13; Ep. 5:16); (2) There are many other terms associated with evil in the that which is destructive or injurious (Ac. 16:28; 28:5; 2

Bible which do not refer to wickedness. These include Ti. 4:14; Re. 16:2). (3) that which is troublesome (Is.

“evil beasts” (Ge. 37:33), “evil report” (Nu. 14:37), “evil 45:7).

place” (Nu. 20:5), and “evil diseases” (De. 7:15), “evil Does God Create Evil? Is. 45:7 says, “I form the light, tidings” (Jos. 23:15), “evil time” (Ps. 37:19). These and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the terms, of course, do not speak of moral corruption, but Lord do all these things.” This verse teaches us that God of injury and trouble and adversity. From this usage we is in ultimate control of everything that happens in His can see that the term “evil,” both in Hebrew and in old universe. The word “evil” here is not used in the sense English, is a broad term, and we must be careful to of sin, but of trouble. How do we know this is true?

define it by its context, not by a preconceived meaning.

(1) The context tells us that this is the meaning. The (4) Ja. 1:13 tells us that God is not the author of evil context of Is. 45 is God’s testimony of His sovereign in the sense of sin and lust. Sin arises from man’s fallen power. “I am the Lord, and there is none else ... I form heart, not from God (Ja. 1:14-15; Mt. 15:19-20). Thus Is. 45:7 cannot be speaking of moral evil. The thrice Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 247

EVIL AFFECTED - EVOLUTION

holy God is not responsible for the evil that entered His 1. The Bible says God made the world and all things universe, as many blasphemously charge, and this verse therein in six days. That these were six normal days by does not support such a wicked idea.

man’s reasoning—24-hour days rather than 1,000-year (5) The testimony of 1 Co. 14:33 says God is not the or million-year days—is proven in Genesis chapter one author of confusion. This is in the context of the local by the repeated use of the phrase “the evening and the church and the exercise of spiritual gifts. Thus we know morning were the first day.” God would not have chosen Is. 45:7 does NOT teach that God creates confusion or this expression if He had not desired to communicate error or problems in churches or among people. God the idea of a normal day. Also, in Exodus, the Lord can use any sort of problem and can work all things for revealed that the days of creation were the same kind of good for those that love Him (Ro. 8:28), but this does days as those kept by the Israelites for sabbaths (Ex.

not mean that God necessarily creates the problems of 20:8-11; 31:16-17). Evolution, on the other hand, says life, or that He wills for such things as sin and moral the present world is the product of millions of years of failure to occur. God used the stubbornness of Pharaoh’s evolutionary process.

heart to glorify Himself, but God did not create the sin 2. The Bible says God made plants and animals in such in Pharaoh’s heart. God will use even the wicked to a way that they are divided into distinct categories. The glorify Himself; the Bible tells us He has made the dividing lines between kinds of animals cannot be wicked for the day of evil; but the Bible also tells us that crossed. One kind cannot be successfully interbred with God’s express will is that every man would be saved (1

another. Fish cannot become birds; bats cannot become Ti. 2:3-4; 2 Pe. 3:9). [See Affliction, Judgment, Sin, eagles; dogs cannot become cats. It is true that there Suffering, Trials.]

can be crossing over and interbreeding within kinds—

EVIL AFFECTED. To be stirred up against; angry; one type of dog can be bred with another type of dog.

injurious (Ac. 14:2).

But the major kinds of animals cannot cross over into EVIL ENTREAT. To treat badly (Ex. 5:22; De. 26:6).

other kinds (Ge. 1:21, 24, 25). Evolution;, on the other hand, teaches that all animals grew from some type of EVIL MERODACH (Merodak’s fool). Son and common stock. One kind produced another kind. Fish successor of Nebuchadnezzar, B.C. 561; murdered and became land animals; lands animals became birds; an succeeded by Neriglissar, B.C. 559 (2 Ki. 25:27; Je.

animal became a man. This is directly opposed to the 52:31) (Smith).

Bible. It is also contrary to the impassable gulf we EVIL SPEAKING. Any type of evil speech. The observe existing today between animal species.

following references reveal the sinfulness of all forms of 3. The Bible teaches that man is not an animal. Man is evil speaking: Ex. 20:7; 22:28; Le. 19:14; 20:9; the only creature on earth made in God’s image in order 24:10-15; Pr. 4:24; 8:7-8,13; 10:11, 32; 17:20; 20:20; to have direct fellowship with God. Man did not grow 29:24; Ps. 10:7; 62:4; Ec. 10:20; Is. 8:21; Mt. 5:44; out of the animal kingdom. He was created directly by 12:34-36; 26:74; Mk. 14:71; Ro. 3:14; 12:14; Ep. 4:29, God to rule over the creation and to walk and talk with 31; 5:4; Co. 3:8; Ja. 3:3-10; 1 Pe. 2:1; Re. 16:9. The God (Ge. 1:19-31). Man was man the very hour he was types of evil speaking are found in four key N.T.

made by God (Ge. 2:7; 5:1-2). As soon as man was passages—Col. 3:8-9 (blasphemy, lying, filthy created, he had the ability to name all the animals of communication, wrath); Ep. 5:4 (filthiness, foolish the world (Ge. 2:18-20). Man was never an talking, jesting); Ep. 4:31 (bitterness, wrath, anger, unintelligent animal. Evolution, though, teaches that clamour); and Ja. 3:10 (cursing). [See Backbite, man arose from the animal kingdom, gradually Busybody, Evil Speaking, Intermeddle, Slander, becoming more and more intelligent, civilized, and self-Talebearer, Tattler, Whisperer.]

conscious.

EVIL SPIRIT. [See Devils.]

4. The Bible teaches that mankind was made perfect EVILFAVOURED. Ugly; deformed (De. 17:1).

and rebelled against God. Ever since that day, the human EVOLUTION. The idea that the world and all existing race has been growing increasingly more perverse and things came into being through a process of gradual corrupt. According to the Bible, man is not evolving, he change and progression. It has even been said that a is devolving (Ge. 1:26-31; 6:5-7; Ec. 7:29; 2 Ti. 3:13).

person can believe the teaching of evolution and the Yet, evolution teaches that the human race began as teaching of the Bible without any serious contradiction.

dumb animals and has been growing increasingly better In other words, some say God used evolution as His and higher.

means of making the world. This, though, is impossible.

5. The Bible teaches that man was created intelligent Following are some of the differences between the and inventive. Adam’s children, in the very first centuries theory of evolution and the teaching of the Bible.

after creation, knew how to make music, keep cattle, farm, and work with brass and iron (Ge. 4:1-4,16-22).

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EVOLUTION - EXACT

Evolution says it took men thousands or millions of forget even the tiny sparrow. Second, though, we see years to learn these things.

that man is infinitely greater in value than the animals 6. The Bible teaches that the origin of the world must because man has an eternal soul. Man will be held be understood by faith because the process is no longer accountable for his actions. Without a Saviour, sinful visible (He. 11:3). Evolutionists, though, are attempting man will spend eternity in hell.

to learn the process of origins through observing present 3. Animals were made for man’s pleasure. Even the conditions.

stars of the universe were made for man (Ps. 8:4-8). The 7. The Bible says divine interventions have altered the Psalmist sees the animal kingdom under man’s feet. This state of the world since creation (2 Pe. 3:3-4). Evolution does not mean that man has a right to be cruel toward assumes a process unaltered from without—a closed animals; it means man has a divine right to rule over system.

the creation and to use it for his purposes and needs.

8. The Bible says everything was created to fulfill God’s The Bible enjoins kindness even toward the dumb purposes, the world and everything in it, as well as the creatures of this world (Pr. 12:10).

planetary universe. Teleology is the study of final causes, 4. Animals are for man’s food. From the time of Noah of the purposes of nature. It is a fascinating study, until today God has ordained that man can eat animal because regardless of how minutely one studies the flesh (Ge. 9:3). (Before Noah, men ate only plants.) The creation, one is struck with a sense of wonder at the nation Israel ate meat. The Lord Jesus Christ ate meat.

brilliant purpose behind every detail. Study the eye, the The Passover meal was lamb (Ex. 12:5-10), and Christ ear, the leaf, the atom, light, sound, air—everywhere ate the Passover (Mt. 26:17-19). What about Christians?

you find purpose and design. That is what one would The Apostle Peter was certainly a Christian, and in a expect if God created the world precisely as the Bible vision from God he was commanded to eat meat (Ac.

says He did, but it is not what we would find if 10:10-13). The vision was to impress Peter that Gentile evolution were true. If the latter were true, we would believers were not unclean, but the fact remains that f i n d i n c r e d i b l e c h a o s , h a p p e n s t a n c e , a n d God commanded Peter to eat of the various meats. God haphazardness. We would have a world filled with would not have done that if He abhorred meat eating.

monsters and unpredictable madness, part one thing The vision in Ac. 10 also shows that God has removed and part another, a fish becoming a bird, a frog the O.T. dietary restrictions. Some would have us believe becoming a rat, a lizard becoming a bird, partially that restrictions against pork and other meats were for formed beaks which do not yet have a purpose, partially medical purposes. That’s not the case. Those restrictions formed feet, partially formed wings, partially formed were for the purpose of making Israel separate from the eyes, partially formed brains. We would have no fixed nations and for teaching her the difference between absolutes from which and with which to work. We holy and unholy. God has removed all such dietary would have no atomic clock because the atom would restrictions. In fact, the Bible warns against those who not be stable. We would have no sure guide across the would promote vegetarianism. In 1 Timothy 4:1-5 we trackless oceans because the heavenly bodies would be read of those who “command to abstain from meats,”

in fluctuation. Praise the Lord that evolution is a lie and and we are told that this is a doctrine of devils! The the Bible is true.

Bible clearly says that God created animals to be eaten.

How Do We Know That Man Is Not Merely an Animal?

It is not cruel to kill an animal in hunting or fishing, and to eat it. It is not cruel to slaughter animals for food.

1. Man was created distinctly in the image of God (Ge.

That is one of the reasons God made animals. Christians 1:24-28). Animals were not made in the image of God.

are free to eat meats or not to eat meats. This is the Animals do not have a living soul. They are not eternal teaching of Romans 14:2-3,6. Away with those dietary beings; man is (Ge. 2:7).

laws which purport to be Christian. If a Christian wants 2. Man is infinitely higher than and different from the to eat a certain kind of food—only vegetables, for animal kingdom. The Lord Jesus Christ referred to this example—that is fine. If he wants to avoid something fact in Lk. 12:5-7. “But I forewarn you whom ye shall such as sugar or pork, fine. Let him eat what he feels fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to God would have him eat, and what he feels will best cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five benefit him. But let that one be careful that he not make sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is his own conscience a law for others. The N.T. forbids forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your dietary laws for religious purposes. [See Adam, Bible, head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of Brass, Fable, False Teaching, Foolish Questions, more value than many sparrows.” There are two Inspiration, Iron, Separation.]

important truths in this passage about animals and man.

EXACT, EXACTION. The act of demanding with First, we see that God does care for animals; he does not authority, and compelling to pay or yield; authoritative Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 249

EXCEEDING - EXPRESS IMAGE

demand; a levying or drawing from by force; extortion EXPRESS IMAGE. Exact image (He. 1:3). Jesus (2 Ki. 15:20; Ne. 10:31; Is. 60:17; Eze. 45:9) (Webster).

Christ is the “express image” of Almighty God! The EXCEEDING, EXCEEDINGLY. Surpassing; very following excellent commentary on Hebrews 1:3 is from much; extremely; excelling (Ge. 15:1; 1 Ki. 4:29; Mt.

Barnes Notes on the New Testament: 4:8; 2 Co. 9:14).

“This verse (He. 1:1) is designed to state the dignity EXCELLENT. (1) Honorable; exalted; surpassing; and exalted rank of the Son of God, and is exceedingly great (Job 37:23; Ps. 8:1, 9; 76:4; 148:13; 150:2; Pr.

important with reference to a correct view of the Redeemer. ... The drift of the argument is, to show his 17:7, 27; Da. 2:31; 4:36; 5:12). (2) A title of nobility dignity as he has spoken to us (ver. 1), and not in the (Lk. 1:3; Ac. 23:26). (3) Things that are preeminent; period antecedent to his incarnation. It is to show his the very best (Ro. 2:18; Ph. 1:10).

claims to our reverence as sent from God ... it is a E X C O M M U N I C AT I O N ( t o c u t o f f f r o m description of him as he actually is—the incarnate Son communication). Exclusion from church fellowship for of God; the equal of the Father in human flesh; and disciplinary reasons. The term “excommunication” is not this leads the writer to dwell on his divine character, used in the Bible, but the practice of church discipline is and to argue from that. I have no doubt, therefore, that (Mt. 18:15-18; 1 Co. 5:11; 2 Th. 3:6-14; 1 Ti. 1:20; Tit.

this description refers to his divine nature, but it is the divine nature as it appears in human flesh.

3:10). Christians are to be zealous in trying to get the offending person to repent of his sin or false teaching (2

“The brightness of his glory ... refers to all in God that is bright, splendid, glorious; and the idea is, that the Th. 3:14-15). When the person does repent, he is to be Son of God is the brightness of it all. The word forgiven and received back into fellowship (2 Co.

rendered ‘brightness’ ... means properly reflected 2:6-11). Excommunication is a term most commonly splendour, or the light which emanates from a used of Roman Catholic doctrine which says that the luminous body. The rays or beams of the sun are its person excommunicated is cut off from God and heaven.

‘brightness,’ or that by which the sun is seen and The churches, though, do not have this power. Churches known. The sun itself we do not see; the beams which have the power of discipline, but not the power to take flow from it we do see. The meaning here is, that if away someone’s salvation. [See Church Discipline.]

God be represented under the image of a luminous body, as he is in the Scriptures (see Ps. 84:11; Mal.

EXECRATION. Oath; curse (Je. 42:18; 44:12). [See 4:2), then Christ is the radiance of that light, the Blaspheme, Evil Speaking, Imprecatory, Slander.]

brightness of that luminary (Stuart). He is that by EXERCISE. To train; to exert; to labor (Eze. 22:29; 2

which we perceive God ... It is by him only that the Pe. 2:14).

true character and glory of God is known to men. ...

EXHORT (to call near). To encourage; to challenge; The human soul is dark respecting the divine character to cheer. It is from the Greek “parakaleo,” which means until it is enlightened by Christ. ...

to “to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration,

“The express image ... is that from which our word exhortation or consolation” (Strong). This Greek word is character is derived. It properly means a graving-tool; and then something engraved, or stamped—a also translated “intreat” (Lk. 15:25), “desire” (Ac. 8:31), character—as a letter, mark, sign. The image stamped

“beseech” (Ac. 13:42), “comfort” (Ac. 16:40), “call on coins, seals, wax, expresses the idea: and the sense for” (Ac. 28:20), and “pray” (Ac. 16:9). See also Ac.

here is, that if God be represented under the idea of a 2:40; 11:23; 14:22; 15:32; 18:27; 27:22; Ro. 12:8; 2

substance, or being, then Christ is the exact Co. 9:5; 1 Th. 2:11; 4:1; 5:14; 2 Th. 3:12; 1 Ti. 2:1; 6:2; resemblance of that—as an image is of the stamp or 2 Ti. 4:2; Tit. 1:9; 2:6,15; He. 3:13; 10:25; 1 Pe. 5:1,12; die. ... see Col. 1:15, ‘Who is the image of the invisible Jude 3. [See Admonish, Chasten, Convince, Correction, God.’

Counsel, Guidance, Instruct, Rebuke, Reproof.]

“Of his person ... Tyndale renders it ‘of his substance.’

EXILE. Captivity in a foreign land.

The word in the original ( hupostasis) whence our word hypostasis, means, literally, a foundation, or EXODUS. A departure. In the Bible this usually refers substructure. ... then reality, substance, essential to Israel’s departure from Egypt and is the title of the nature. In the New Testament it is rendered ‘confident’

book which records this event.

or ‘confidence’ (2 Co. 9:4; 11:17; He. 3:14) and EXORCISM. Expelling demons from people

‘substance’ (He. 11:1). Here it properly refers to the possessed by them (Ac. 19:13-16).

essential nature of God—that which distinguishes him from all other beings, and which, if I may so say, EXPEDIENT. That which serves to promote or constitutes him God; and the idea is, that the advance; any means which may be employed to Redeemer is the exact resemblance of that. ...

accomplish an end; hastening; suitable (Webster) (Jn.

“I do not see any evidence in the Scriptures of the 11:50; 16:7; 18:14; 1 Co. 6:12; 10:23; 2 Co. 8:10; doctrine of ‘eternal generation,’ and it is certain that 12:1).

that doctrine militates against the proper eternity of the Son of God. The natural and fair meaning of that 250

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EXPRESSLY - EZRI doctrine would be, that there was a time when he had EXTINCT. Extinguished; put out; having no survivor; not an existence, and when he began to be, or was having ceased; being at an end (Job 17:1; Ps. 43:17).

begotten. But the Scripture doctrine is, that he had a EXTORTION. The act or practice of wresting strict and proper eternity. I see no evidence that he was in any sense a derived being—deriving his existence anything from a person by force, duress, menaces, and his divinity from the Father.... A derived being authority, or by any undue exercise of authority, or by cannot in any proper sense be God; and if there is any any undue exercise of power; illegal exaction; illegal attribute which the Scriptures have ascribed to the compulsion to pay money, or to do some other act Saviour with peculiar clearness, it is that or proper (Webster) (Ps. 109:11; Is. 16:4; Eze. 22:12; Mt. 23:25; eternity (Re. 1:11, 17; Jn. 1:1).

Lk. 18:11; 1 Co. 5:11). The Hebrew word ( gohshek)

“Christ is God in human nature. The form is that of translated “extortion” in Eze. 22:12 is normally man; the spirit is that of God. He walks and eats and translated “oppression” (Eze. 18:18; 22:7, 29). The sleeps as a man; he thinks and speaks and acts like Greek word frequently translated “extortion” ( harpax) is God. He was born as a man, but the angels adored him translated “ravening” in Mt. 7:15. [See Defraud, Steal.]

as God. As a man he ate; yet by a word he created food for thousands, as if he were God. Like a man he slept EXTREME UNCTION. The ritual performed by a on a pillow while the vessel was tossed by the waves; Roman Catholic priest for someone approaching death.

like God he rose, and rebuked the winds and they were The person makes his last confession of sins and takes still. As a man he went, with affectionate interest, to the Catholic Eucharist. The priest anoints the dying the house of Martha and Mary. As a man he person with oil, makes signs, and pronounces blessings.

sympathized with them in their affliction, and wept at This last rite is thought to help prepare the person for the grave of their brother; like God he spoke, and the heaven. Of course, there is no biblical teaching for such dead came forth to the land of the living. As a man he a practice. It is another of the Roman Catholic Church’s traveled through the land of Judea. He was without a false beliefs and has no benefit whatsoever. In fact, it is home. Yet everywhere the sick were laid at his feet, very evil and destructive in that it gives false hope to and health came from his touch, and strength from the words of his lips—as if he were God. As a man he unsaved people who put their trust in it. [See Death, prayed in the garden of Gethsemane; he bore his cross Fable, Gospel, Roman Catholic Church.]

to Calvary; he was nailed to the tree: yet then the EZBAI (shining, beautiful). 1 Ch. 11:37.

heavens grew dark, and the earth shook, and the dead EZBON (splendor). Ge. 46:16.

arose—as if he were God. As a man he slept in the cold tomb—like God he rose, and brought life and EZEKIAS. The Greek form of Hezekiah (Mt. 1:9-10).

immortality to light. He lived on earth as a man—he EZEKIEL (God is strong). The O.T. prophet who ascended to heaven like God. And in all the life of the wrote the book by his name (Eze. 1:3). During his Redeemer, in all the variety of trying situations in prophetic ministry, Ezekiel was a captive in Babylon.

which he was placed, there was not a word or action

[See Gog, Prophecy.]

which was inconsistent with the supposition that he EZEL (division, separation). 1 Sa. 20:19.

was the incarnate God. ... his life is full of events which can be explained on no other supposition than that he EZEM (strength). 1 Ch. 4:29.

was the appropriate shining forth of the divine glory, EZER. (1) help (1 Ch. 7:21). (2) union (Ge. 36:21).

and the exact resemblance of the essence of God.

EZION GABER (backbone of a mighty one). Nu.

There are not two Gods—as there are not two suns 33:35.

when the sun shines. It is the one God, in a mysterious and incomprehensible manner shining into the world EZRA (help). A priest who returned from captivity in in the face of Jesus Christ.” [For more on the deity of Babylon to help rebuild the temple in Jerusalem (Ezr.

Christ see Jesus Christ.]

7). Ezra is a shortened form of the Hebrew name EXPRESSLY. To speak in direct terms; plainly (1 Sa.

Azariah (Jehovah has helped), which appears in Ne.

20:21; 1 Ti. 4:1).

10:2.

EZRI (my help). 1 Ch. 27:26.

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-F-

FABLE. In the O.T., “fable” refers to a fictitious story FAITH, THE. The expression “the faith” frequently (Ju. 9:7-15; 2 Ki. 14:9). In the N.T., “fable” refers to refers to the Christian faith; the body of truth delivered false teachings (1 Ti. 1:4; 4:7; 2 Ti. 4:4; Tit. 1:14; 2 Pe.

to us in the New Testament Scriptures (Ac. 6:7; 16:5; 1:16). There are many fables which have been taught as Ro. 14:1; Ga. 1:23; Jude 3). [See Doctrine.]

doctrine through the centuries. Roman Catholicism is FAITH HEALING. [See Charismatic, Healing.]

full of fables—Mary the Queen of Heaven, the Papacy, FAITHLESS. Unbelieving; incredulous (Mt. 17:17; the Roman Catholic Priesthood, Purgatory, the Mass.

Mk. 9:19; Jn. 20:27).

The cults teach many fables—Joseph Smith and his golden plates, Mary Baker Eddy and her mind-science FALL. (1) To drop; to descend (Ge. 49:17; Ex. 21:33; doctrines, Ellen G. White and the doctrine of De. 22:8; Mt. 15:14). (2) Come upon; be given over to; Investigative Judgment. Modernism is also full of fables come under the power of (Ex. 15:16; Le. 19:29; 2 Sa.

—man and the Bible evolved, Jesus Christ was not 24:14). (3) Happen to (Ru. 3:18). (4) Ruin; destruction virgin born, there were three or more Isaiahs, the (Pr. 16:18; 29:16; Is. 8:15; Ro. 11:11). [See also Fall, Pentateuch was written late in Israel’s history, the The.]

Gospels were not written during the lives of the FALL, THE. The rebellion of Adam and Eve against Apostles. There are also many fables commonly believed God’s command (Ge. 3). Because of this rebellion they in the area of Bible versions. For example, the Westcott-fell from God’s favor and from their position of Hort theories are fables. In fact, practically the entire authority over the earth. All men are affected by Adam’s field of modern textual criticism is a fable. [See Adam, fall (Ro. 5:12-21; 1 Co. 15:21-22,25-49). Through Jesus Apostasy, Apostate, Bible, Christian Science, Church, Christ, God has provided salvation from the Fall. Results Doctrine, Ecumenical Movement, False Teaching, Foolish of the Fall were (1) evil thoughts (Ge. 3:7; 6:5; Je. 17:9; Questions, Heresy, Inspiration, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mk. 7:21-22), (2) fear (Ge. 3:8), (3) excuses (Ge.

Jonah, Modernism, Mormons, New Evangelicalism, 3:11-13), (4) pain in child bearing (Ge. 3:16), (5) the Prophecy, Revelation, Roman Catholic Church, ground cursed (Ge. 3:17-18), (6) sorrow and labor (Ge.

Separation, Seventh-day Adventism, Timothy, Unity, 3:19), (7) banishment from God (Ge. 3:22-24), (8) Westcott-Hort.]

death (Ge. 2:17). [See Adam, Gospel, Grace, Jesus FAIN. Gladly; with pleasure (Lk. 15:16).

Christ, Labor, Sin, Suffering.]

FAINT. (1) To be physically weak (Ge. 25:29; 1 Sa.

FALLEN NATURE. Man’s sinful nature. [See Adam, 14:28; Mt. 15:32). (2) To be discouraged; lose Cain, Carnal, Evil, Fall, Flesh, Gospel, Heart, Law, confidence (De. 20:3; Pr. 24:10; Lk. 18:1; 2 Co. 4:16; Natural Man, Noah, Old Man, Salvation, Sin.]

Ga. 6:9; He. 12:3, 5).

FALLOW GROUND. Untilled ground (Je. 4:3; Ho.

FAIR. (1) Beautiful (Ge. 6:2; 12:1; 1 Sa. 17:42; 1 Ki.

10:12).

1:3; Es. 1:11; 2:7; Song 1:15, 16). (2) Calm; clear (Job FALSE PROPHET. A person who claims to speak 37:22). (3) Enticing; kindly (Pr. 7:21; 26:25).

messages from God, but who teaches false doctrine (De.

FAIR SHOW. To make a display; to show off; 13:1-11; Je. 23; Mt. 7:15; 2 Pe. 2:1). The Bible gives pretentious boastings (Ga. 6:12). This refers to the several tests to determine if a prophet is of God: (1) His Galatian legalizers who boasted in ritualistic obedience predictions must come to pass (De. 18:21-22). Any rather than in simple faith in Jesus Christ. [See False failure of a prophecy to come to pass would designate a Teaching, Heresy, Pride.]

false prophet. Bible prophets never failed in their predictions. (2) He must not lead people to false gods FAITH. The N.T. mentions three kinds of faith: (De. 13:1-3). Even if a prophet’s predictions are demonic faith (Ja. 2:19), dead faith (Ja. 2:17-26), and accurate, if he preaches a god other than the very Lord saving faith (Ep. 2:8-9). Saving faith is described in Jesus Christ of Scripture, he is false. (3) His message Romans 4:9-25 and Hebrews 11. Faith comes through must line up with the Bible (Is. 8:20). (4) He must seek hearing the Word of God (Ro. 10:17). Truths such as to turn people from sin (Je. 23:22). (5) He must bring creation and salvation must be received by faith (He.

forth good fruits in line with the Bible (Mt. 7:15-23).

11:2). Without faith it is impossible to please God (He.

(6) He must not teach heresy (2 Pe. 2:1). [See Apostasy, 11:6). [See Believe for a more detailed study.] [See also Apostate, Balaam, Church, Doctrine, Fable, False Healing.]

Teaching, Foolish Questions, Heresy, Heretic, Micaiah, Prophecy, Separation, Sporting, Timothy.]

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FALSE TEACHING. Doctrine which is contrary to being deceived (2 Ti. 3:13); “feigned words” (2 Pe. 2:2); that taught in the Word of God.

“many deceivers are entered into the world” (2 Jn. 7); The Dangers of False Teaching. (1) Salvation depends

“certain men crept in unawares” (Jude 4); on sound doctrine (Ro. 6:17; 1 Co. 15:1-4; Col. 1:21-23;

“seducers” (Re. 2:20).

2 Th. 2:13-15; 1 Jn. 3:24; 4:6, 7; 2 Jn. 9). (2) False Protection from False Teaching. (1) Ordain only doctrine opens Christians to satanic attacks (Ep. 6:14).

qualified leaders (Tit. 1:9-11; Ac. 20:28-32). The (3) False doctrine will bring shame at the judgment seat leaders must have the ability to teach sound doctrine of Christ and will keep the person from finding God’s and must be ready and able to protect the believers perfect will (2 Ti. 2:15). (4) False doctrine injures the from every wind of false doctrine (Ep. 4:11-14). The spiritual life (2 Ti. 2:14-17). (5) False doctrine is a leaders must also have the kind of lives that will not leaven which corrupts the entire body (Ga. 5:9). (6) allow Satan to bring reproach upon the church. (2) Fellowship with false doctrine can keep the Christian Guard the door to the church. The church must be from getting a full reward (2 Jn. 8-11).

careful about those who join, particularly those who The Church Leader’s Relationship with False Teaching.

come from other churches. If the church members are (1) Pastors and teachers are responsible to protect God’s not in unity as to the doctrine of the church there will people from false teachings (Ac. 20:28-32; Ep. 4:11-16).

be problems. (3) Maintain standards for teachers and One of the pastor’s chief duties is to protect the flock.

church workers (Tit. 2:3). Paul said that even the older The Apostle Paul was continually burdened about the women who teach the younger women must have the danger of false teaching (Ac. 20:31; 2 Co. 11:1-4; Ga.

right kind of Christian lives and they must teach the 4:11-20; Ph. 3:1-3, 17-21; 1 Th. 3:1-5; Col. 2:1-4). (2) right things. The churches must have high standards for False teachers are crafty and pastors must be alert, wise, all who teach and serve in the various ministries. To fail knowledgeable, and zealous to deal with them here is to invite doctrinal trouble. (4) Exercise a strong successfully (Ep. 4:14; Tit. 1:9-11). (3) The ability to teaching ministry to ground the church in the Word of protect the churches from false teaching is a God (Mt. 28:20; 2 Ti. 2:2). (5) Exercise discipline and qualification for pastors (Tit. 1:9-11). Men who refuse separation (Ro. 16:17-18; 2 Th. 3:6; 2 Ti. 3:5; Tit.

to deal plainly with error have no business in the 3:9-11).

ministry. (4) To warn and teach about false doctrine is a The Nature of False Teachers. (1) False teachers are mark of a good minister of Jesus Christ (1 Ti. 4:1-6).

not serving Jesus Christ, but their own interests (Ro.

Why Does God Allow False Teachers? (1) False 16:17-18). (2) False teachers are Satan’s ministers; teaching reveals true from false Christians (De. 13:1-4; counterfeit Christians (2 Co. 11:1-5; Ga. 2:4). (3) False 1 Co. 11:18-19; 2 Ti. 2:16-21; 1 Jn. 2:18-19). (2) God is teachers are cursed (Ga. 1:6-9). (4) False teachers are allowing Satan and evil men to work out their own wills cut off from Christ (Ga. 5:4). (5) False teachers shall not to a certain degree in this present age (2 Th. 2:7-11).

inherit the kingdom of God (Ga. 5:20-21). (6) False God has set the bounds of their liberty, though, and teachers are reprobate (2 Ti. 3:8). (7) False teachers are their judgment is waiting (2 Pe. 2:3-9; 2 Ti. 3:8-9; Jude imposters (2 Ti. 3:13). (8) False teachers are 14-15).

condemned and subverted (Tit. 3:10-11). (9) False The Evil of False Teaching. (1) False teachers are teachers do not have God (2 Jn. 9). (10) False teachers deceivers; they profess to be representatives of Christ, are not of God (1 Jn. 4:5-6). (11) False teachers are but actually they represent the devil (2 Co. 11:13-15; 1

twice dead, reserved for hell (Jude 13). (12) False Ti. 4:1-2). (2) They turn people away from the truth teachers do not have the Spirit (Jude 19).

(Ga. 1:6-7). (3) False teachers are thieves and Separation from False Teaching. [See Separation.]

destroyers; they rob and confuse the very churches God

[See also Anglican Church, Apostasy, Apostate, Church, is building (Jn. 10:10; Ac. 20:30). (4) They rob people Churches of Christ, Counsel, Cunning Craftiness, of liberty in Christ (Ga. 2:4). (5) They follow the Dispute, Dissimulation, Doctrine, Eastern Orthodoxy, doctrine of devils (1 Ti. 4:1-4).

Entice, Episcopal, Fable, False Prophet, Flattery, The Deception of False Teachers. The N.T. refers Flattering Titles, Foolish Questions, Fundamentalism, frequently to the deception of false teachers: “come to Heresy, Inspiration, Lutheran, Methodist, Micaiah, you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening Modernism, Mother of Harlots, New Evangelicalism, wolves” (Mt. 7:15); “deceive many” (Mt. 24:4-5, 11, Presbyterian, Profane and Vain Babblings, Prophecy, 24); “deceitful workers” (2 Co. 11:13); “false brethren Revelation, Roman Catholic Church, Satan, Seduce, unawares brought in, who came in privily” (Ga. 2:4); Seventh-day Adventism, Sporting, Timothy, Tradition,

“cunning craftiness” (Ep. 4:14); “seducing spirits” (1 Ti.

Unitarian Universalist, Unity, Vain Babbling, Wind of 4:1); “speaking lies in hypocrisy” (1 Ti. 4:2); “who creep Doctrine, World Council of Churches.]

into houses” (2 Ti. 3:6); “seducers ... deceiving and Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 253

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FALSE WITNESS. The law of Moses condemned and temperance of the godly, and a watching and bearing false witness (Ex. 20:16; 23:1; Le. 6:3; 19:11, chastising of our flesh, taken up for present necessity, 12, 16; De. 5:20). If a man brought false witness against whereby we are humbled before God, and withdraw another in an attempt to wrongly convict him of a from the flesh those things with which it is cherished, to crime, the false witness was to be punished with the the end that it may the more willingly and easily obey same punishment which he tried to bring upon his the Spirit. The fasts wherein the Jews fasted from meat, neighbor (De. 19:16-20). God hates false witnesses (Pr.

and not from wickedness, pleased God nothing at all, as 6:16-19). The false witness will not escape punishment we may see in the books of the Prophets. ... All fasts (Pr. 19:9). A false witness is a great destroyer and a ought to proceed from a free and willing spirit” (The great evil to society (Pr. 25:18). False witness is a Second Helvetic Confession, 1566, XXII).

product of the wicked, fallen heart (Mt. 15:19).

Warnings about Fasting. (1) Fasting is not for Examples of false witness: Against David (Ps. 27:12); salvation (Lk. 18:9-14). (2) Fasting must not be for Naboth (1 Ki. 21:13); Jesus Christ (Mt. 26:59-61; Mk.

show (Mt. 6:16-18). (3) Fasting is not to be a religious 14:54-59); Stephen (Ac. 6:11-13); Paul (Ac. 16:20-21; ritual (Lk. 18:12). (4) Fasting is unacceptable and 17:5-7; 24:5; 25:7-8). [See Deceit.]

ineffectual without a right relationship with God (Is.

FAME. Public report; tidings; renown (Ge. 45:16; 1

58:3-9; Ze. 7:5-6). (5) Biblical fasting is not for physical Ki. 10:1; Mt. 4:24).

health. We cannot say whether or not fasting is good for FAMILIAR. Close; well-acquainted; intimate (Job the health, but we do know that the Bible never speaks 19:14; Ps. 41:9).

of fasting in this context. (6) Fasting is not to be an FAMILIAR SPIRIT. A person controlled by an evil ascetic practice (Col. 2:20-23). The ascetic punishes spirit which professes to be a medium with the dead.

himself in a vain attempt to know God, to find favor God condemns those who deal with familiar spirits (Le.

with God, or to attain spiritual power. The Christian has 19:31; 20:6; De. 18:11; 1 Sa. 28:7; Is. 8:19). [See all of this freely in Jesus Christ (Col. 2:1-23). (7) Fasting Devils, Satan, Witchcraft.]

does not necessarily guarantee that one’s prayers will be answered (2 Sa. 12). (8) Fasting is a personal matter.

FAMILIARS. Associates; friends (Je. 20:10).

Fasting is important and useful in Christian life and FAMILY. [See Child Training, Divorce, Home.]

service, but it is not something by which we are to judge FAMISH. Starve; be hungry (Pr. 10:3).

the spiritual condition of others. God does not FAN. An instrument for winnowing grain, by moving COMMAND fasting; He COMMENDS it.

which the grain is thrown up and agitated, and the chaff The Importance of Fasting. (1) The importance of is separated and blown away (Is. 30:24; Mt. 3:12).

fasting is seen in the number of positive references in FANNERS. Winnowers (Je. 51:2). [See Fan.]

the Old and New Testaments (Ju. 20:26; 1 Sa. 1:6-7; FAR SPENT. In great part; almost passed away; 7:6; 31:13; 2 Sa. 1:12; 1 Ki. 21:27; 2 Ch. 20:3; Ezr.

almost finished (Ju. 19:11; Ro. 13:12).

8:21-23; Ne. 1:4; 9:1-2; Es. 4:16; 9:3; Ps. 35:13-14; FARE. (1) Welfare; prosper (1 Sa. 17:18). (2) Price 69:10-11; Is. 58:6-8; Je. 36:9; Joel 1:14; 2:12, 15; Jn.

(Jon. 1:3). (3) Farewell; goodbye (Ac. 15:29).

3:5; Da. 9:3; Mt. 4:2; 6:17-18; 9:14-15; 17:21; Mk.

9:29; Lk. 2:37; Ac. 13:2; 14:23; 1 Co. 7:5; 2 Co. 6:5; FARED SUMPTUOUSLY. Lived in luxury and 11:27). (2) Fasting is one of the ways whereby a pleasure (Lk. 16:20).

minister of Christ approves himself (2 Co. 6:4-10). (3) FARTHING. [See Money.]

The Lord Jesus Christ made a definite promise about FASHION. (1) Shape; form; pattern (Ge. 6:15; Ph.

fasting (Mt. 6:17-18). (4) The Lord Jesus said very 2:8). (2) Manner (Mk. 2:12).

plainly that His disciples would fast after His departure FAST. (1) Completely (Ge. 20:18; Ju. 4:21; 15:13).

(Mt. 9:14-15). (5) God’s choicest servants have (2) Close; near (Ru. 2:8, 21). (3) Abstinence (2 Sa.

practiced fasting throughout the centuries. (6) Prayer 12:21; Mt. 6:16). [See Fasting.] (4) Closed; tight; firmly with fasting is the only spiritual practice which is to fixed; retain (2 Ki. 6:32; Job 2:3; 38:38; Pr. 4:13; Ac.

interfere with the physical aspect of the marital 27:41; 1 Co. 16:13; Ph. 4:1). (5) Quickly; speedily (Je.

relationship (1 Co. 7:1-5). (7) Fasting is necessary for 48:16). [See Fasting.]

breaking down certain demonic strongholds (Mt.

FASTING. Biblical fasting is the freewill practice of 17:18-21).

abstaining from food and/or the pleasantries of life for When Should We Fast? (1) Fast when sorely tempted the purpose of devoting oneself to God and (Mt. 4:2). (2) Fast when wisdom is earnestly desired concentrating on spiritual goals, particularly the goal of (Da. 9:3). (3) Fast when help and protection are needed defeating spiritual enemies and overcoming the lusts of (Ezr. 8:21-23; 2 Ch. 20:3; Je. 36:9). (4) Fast when the flesh. “Fasting is nothing else than the abstinence victory is desired in seemingly impossible situations (Es.

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4:10-17; 9:31; Ne. 1:4). (5) Fast when something is

“fault” in Ja. 5:16 is paraptoma, which refers to “a side-earnestly desired from God and the answer has not slip, lapse, deviation, or error (Strong). Elsewhere it is come through prayer alone (1 Sa. 1:6-7). (6) Fast when translated “fall” (Ro. 11:11), “offence” (Ro. 4:25), in mourning for loved ones or the defeat of God’s people

“trespass” (Mt. 6:14), and “sin” (Ep. 1:7). Many new (2 Sa. 1:12). (7) Fast when new ministries are launched translations (such as the NIV and NASV) erroneously and when men go forth to proclaim God’s Word and read “sin” instead of “faults” in Ja. 5:16 because they battle spiritual enemies (Ac. 13:2-3; 14:23). (8) Fast follow the Westcott-Hort Greek text which replaces the when involved in spiritual ministry (2 Co. 6:5; 11:27).

word paraptoma with hamartia, the Greek word most (9) Fast during times of special repentance, confession, commonly used for sin in the N.T. This, of course, gives and revival (Joel 1:14-15; 2:12; 2:15; Ne. 9:1-2).

support to the false Catholic idea of confessing one’s What Is a Biblical Fast? A biblical fast is to focus one’s sins to a man instead of directly to God. [See Sin.]

attention wholly toward God, abstaining from lawful FAVOUR. (1) Blessing; grace; kindness (Ge. 18:3; pleasantries, to the end of resolving certain 39:21; Ru. 2:13). In the New Testament the Greek word extraordinary spiritual needs. It incorporates the translated “favour” is also translated “grace,” “benefit,”

following: (1) Abstinence from food and normal and “gift.” (2) Support; accept (Ps. 35:27). [See Grace.]

physical pleasures (Da. 10:3; 1 Co. 7:5). (2) Prayer (Mt.

FAVOURABLE. To be pleased with; set affection upon 17:21). (3) Confession of sins (Da. 9:3-6). (4) Service (Ps. 77:7).

toward God (Is. 58:6-8). [See Repentance, Revival, FAVOURED. Form; countenance; appearance (Ge.

Sanctification.]

29:17; 41:3; Da. 1:4).

FATHER. (1) One who begets; head; first. Father FAVOURED, ILL. Bad looking; sickly (Ge. 41:3-4).

refers to the compassionate, protecting, disciplining role

[See Ill.]

of a male parent toward his family. This is a picture of God the Father. In all senses the word “father” is applied FEAR OF GOD. That fear, reverence, awe, and to God. He is the Chief of the family; He has begotten us esteem for God’s holiness and power, which results in through His Spirit; and He is the loving guardian of His careful obedience to God’s will (Ge. 20:11; De. 6:2, 13, children (Mt. 5:16, 45; 6:1-32; 7:11; 11:25; 12:50; 24; Pr. 1:7; 8:13; Ps. 33:8; 34:9; 36:1). “In the main it 13:43; 28:19; Ga. 4:4-7). (2) One who leads another implies a right state of heart toward God, as opposed to person to Christ (1 Ti. 1:2; 2 Ti. 1:2; Tit. 1:4; Phile. 10).

the alienation of an unconverted man” (William Arnot).

(3) As a religious title, the Lord Jesus Christ forbade the The fear of God has been defined as “an affectionate use of “father” (Mt. 23:9-10). The Roman Catholic reverence for God by which the child of God bends Church disobeys Christ by calling priests “father.” (4) A himself humbly and carefully to his Father’s will.” The reference to ancient church leaders, who are often fear of God is mentioned at least 24 times in the New spoken of as the “church fathers.” We do not prefer this Testament (Mt. 10:28; Lk. 1:50; 12:5; 18:2, 4; 23:40; language because the Bible does not use such Ac. 9:31; 10:2, 22, 35; 13:16, 26; Ro. 3:18; 2 Co. 7:1; terminology. Furthermore, a number of these men—

Ep. 5:21; Col. 3:22; He. 10:31; 12:28; 1 Pe. 1:17; 2:17; such as Clement, Origin, and Jerome—were heretics.

Re. 11:18; 14:7; 15:4; 19:5). To fear God is to glorify The Bible titles for church leaders are pastor, bishop, and worship Him as the eternal creator (Re. 14:7). The and elder—not father. [See Clergy, Holy, Laity, Pastor, fear of the Lord (1) is the beginning of knowledge (Pr.

Pope, Rabbi, Reverend, Roman Catholic Church.]

1:7); (2) is to hate evil (Pr. 8:13); (3) prolongeth days (Pr. 10:27); is strong confidence (Pr. 14:26); is a FATHOM. [See Weights and Measures.]

fountain of life (Pr. 14:27); is riches and honor and life FATLING. An animal fattened to offer to God or to (Pr. 22:4). The root problem with the wicked is that eat on a special occasion (2 Sa. 6:13; Ps. 66:15; Lk.

they do not fear God (Ps. 36:1; Ro. 3:18).

15:23).

Some deny that actual fear is intended by this term, FATS. Wine-vats (Joel 2:24; 3:13).

but there is a genuine fear that man must have for God FATTED. Fattened (Lk. 15:23).

(Ex. 20:18-21; De. 2:25; 1 Sa. 11:6-7; 2 Ch. 17:10; FAULT. An erring or missing; a failing; hence, an 20:29; Is. 2:10, 19, 21; Jon. 1:16; Mt. 10:28; Lk. 12:5; 2

error or mistake; a blunder; a defect; a blemish; Co. 5:11; Ph. 2:12; He. 12:26-29; Jude 3). God is kind, whatever impairs excellence; an imperfection; any loving, and merciful, but He is also fearfully holy, being deviation from propriety; a slight offense; a neglect of described as a consuming fire. Godly fear is a proper duty or propriety, resulting from inattention or want of and wise motivation for salvation and for Christian prudence (Webster). Jesus Christ had no fault at all (Jn.

service.

18:38; 19:4, 6). The Christian is to confess his faults to

“It is often urged that the actions which are his brethren (Ja. 5:16). The Greek word translated stimulated by fear have no moral worth, that fear is but Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 255

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a form of selfishness, and that therefore no fruit Flattery, Flattering Titles, Guile, Hypocrisy, Sincere, produced by it, however well it may look to the eye, can Sleight, Subtil, Unfeigned.]

be truly acceptable to God. This is true; but it is only a FELIX (happy). Ac. 23:24; 24:24.

half truth, and half truths are often the most dangerous FELLER. One who hews or knocks down trees (Is.

of errors. What is the other half of the truth? Although 14:8).

fear in itself and by itself cannot produce truly good or spiritually right action, it yet performs a vital function in FELLOES. Exterior part of the rim of a wheel, keeping the soul awake. Fear rings the alarm bell and supported by the spokes (1 Ki. 7:33).

rouses the conscience. It blows the trumpet of warning.

FELLOWS. Companions (Jud. 11:37; Ps. 45:15).

It creates pause and opportunity for all better and FELLOWSHIP. Sharing; communion. The Christian is nobler things to make themselves heard. It allows a man brought into fellowship with God and the household of to become aware fo the realities, and when he is once faith through Jesus Christ (1 Jn. 1:3; 2 Co. 1:9-10).

placed in contact with them the best things begin.

Maintaining fellowship requires separation from evil Everything depends on being made earnest, sensitive, and confession of sin (1 Jn. 1:5-9; 1 Co. 10:20-21; 2 Co.

lifted into a sense of the eternal verities. The highest 6:14; Ep. 5:11). [See Church Discipline, Love, principles, righteousness and love, are often in the best Separation, Unity.]

of men forgetful and fickle. They are ensnared, FEMINISM. A movement which denies, to various oppressed, and bewildered many a time, and need the degrees, the Bible’s teaching on the nature and created keen influence of fear to being them to themselves position of the woman. [See God for commentary on again” (The Biblical Illustrator).

“Almighty God.”] [See also Anglican Church, Episcopal,

“God claims fear as a Father—reverence, no doubt, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Timothy, Women mainly—honor, awe in the realizing of His infinitude; Preachers, World Council of Churches.]

but something else. For God as a Father judgeth. Did He FEN. Swamp (Job 40:21).

not judge and condemn all sin He could be no true FENCED. Fortified; defended (Nu. 32:17; De. 3:5).

Father. Love must hate sin and show its hatred. Father is FERTILE CRESCENT. The territory which stretches no weak, soft, indulgent word. It means love, and along the Euphrates river and down into Palestine. It is because it means love it means right, and undying the fertile land bordering the Syrian desert from the opposition to evil. The Father judgeth without respect of northeast to the northwest.

persons. There is no other Father than the Father who judgeth. If I believe in a Father that judges, that will FERVENT. (1) Ardent; earnest; excited; glowing; certainly rouse me up—it will waken my slumbering vehement (Ro. 12:11; 1 Pe. 1:22; 4:8). (2) Burning (2

energies, it will cause me to look well to the state of my Pe. 3:10, 12).

heart and life; but the word Father will always keep the FESTIVAL. A holiday or religious celebration. [See thought of judgment from overwhelming me” ( The Feasts.]

Biblical Illustrator). [See Anger, Day of the Lord, God, FETTERS. Bonds or chains which bind prisoners (Ju.

Holy, Humble, Judgment, Pride, Vengeance.]

6:21; Ps. 105:18; 149:8).

FEASTS. Jewish holy days prescribed in the O.T.

FIDELITY. Faithfulness; steadfastness (Tit. 2:10).

There were seven feasts—Day of Atonement, Firstfruits, FIGURATIVE. Symbolical; typical. [See Allegorical, Passover, Pentecost, Sabbath, Tabernacles, Trumpet, Poetry, Type.]

Unleavened Bread, (Le. 23).

FILLET. To fasten (Ex. 27:17; 38:28).

FEED WITH THY ROD. This expression in Micah FILLING OF THE SPIRIT. [See Holy Spirit.]

7:14 “signifies both to feed and to rule. The shepherd invariably carries a staff or rod with him when he goes FILTH. Dirt; that which soils; waste; corruption; forth to feed his flock. With this staff he rules and pollution (Is. 4:4; 1 Co. 4:13; 1 Pe. 3:21).

guides the flock to their green pastures, and defends FILTHINESS. That which defiles; dirtiness; foulness; them from their enemies. With it, also, he corrects them corruption; pollution; impurity (2 Ch. 29:5; Ezr. 6:21; when disobedient, and brings them back when 9:11; Pr. 30:12; Is. 28:8; Eze. 22:15; 24:13; 2 Co. 7:1; wandering” ( The Land and the Book).

Ep. 5:4; Ja. 1:21; Re. 17:4). In Ep. 5:4 this term is FEIGN. To devise; to pretend; to impersonate (1 Sa.

particularly connected with that which is immoral and 21:13; 2 Sa. 14:2; 1 Ki. 14:5-6; Ne. 6:8; Ps. 17:1; Je.

sexually impure. Elsewhere it is a general description of 3:10; Lk. 20:20; 2 Pe. 2:3). [See Beguile, Cunning, anything that is morally and spiritually unclean. [See Cunning Craftiness, Deceit, Dissemble, Dissimulation, Immoral, Sin.]

Doubletongued, Entice, False Teaching, False Witness, FILTHY COMMUNICATION. This phrase in Col. 3:8

refers to any sort of immoral and improper language. It 256

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is mentioned in the context of “fornication, uncleanness, FIRMAMENT. The expanse of space surrounding the inordinate affection, and evil concupiscence” (Col. 3:5), earth, which includes everything between the earth and all of which have to do with that which is immoral and the stars (Ge. 1:6-8, 14). [See Heaven.]

unclean and unlawfully lustful. The term “filthy” in FIRST BEGOTTEN. (1) The superior status of the Scripture describes anything that defiles and makes firstborn son (Ex. 12:29; De. 21:16-17). (2) Israel’s unclean. [See Evil Speaking, Filth, Jesting.]

preeminence before God (Ex. 4:22). (3) Christ’s FILTHY LUCRE. [See Lucre, Money.]

resurrection as the firstborn from the dead and the FINANCES. [See Gold, Lucre, Money, Offerings, beginning and head of the new creation (Ps. 2:7; 89:27; Stewardship, Tithe.] [Lack of finances as a trial see Ac. 13:33; 26:23; Ro. 8:29; 1 Co. 15:20,23; Col. 1:15, Suffering.]

18; He. 1:6; Re. 1:5,18). “The Greek word for firstborn FINE. (1) Excellent quality; pure; goodly (Ge. 18:6; ( prototokos) is a most important one to lay to heart, 41:42; 2 Ch. 3:8). (2) Refine; purify (Job 28:1).

indicating, as it does, the fact of His divine personal dignity and precedence. This is the explanation of the FINER. To refine (Pr. 25:4).

same word in Col. 1:15, ‘the firstborn of all creation’; FINING. Refining (Pr. 17:3; 27:21).

which does not for a moment mean that our Lord was a FIRE - BAPTISM. [See Baptism - Fire.]

creature, but that He is the head, object and heir of all FIRE - CHILDREN PASSING THROUGH. [See creation. The very next verse declares that ‘all things Molech.]

were created by him, and for him’” (William Newell, FIRE - JUDGMENT BY. 1 Corinthians 3:13 speaks of Revelation). [See Jesus Christ, Only Begotten, fire which shall try every Christian’s work. I believe the Resurrection.]

fire is the Holy Scriptures by which men will be judged.

FIRST WATCH. [See Watch.]

(1) Scripture is likened to fire (Je. 23:29). (2) Scripture FIRSTFRUITS. An O.T. feast in which the firstfruits of will be the judge (Ps. 96:13; Jn. 12:48). (3) Scripture is the harvest were to be waved before the Lord and complete (Re. 22). (4) Scripture is sufficient to perfect prescribed sacrifices were to be offered (Ex. 23:16-19; the man of God (2 Ti. 3:16, 17). (5) Scripture is the Le. 23:9-14). It depicts the following: (1) Christ, the mind of God (1 Co. 2:9-16). (6) Scripture is capable firstfruits from the dead (1 Co. 15:20, 23). (2) (Acts 20:32; 2 Pe. 1:4-11). We do not have to wait for Christians, the firstfruits of the Spirit (Ro. 8:23; 11:16; the judgment seat of Christ before we can know the Ja. 1:18). (3) The first Christians of a particular location mind of God. We have His judgments today in the Bible, (Ro. 16:5; 1 Co. 16:15). (4) The firstfruits of the Jewish and it is this same Book which will test our work in that restoration at the beginning of Christ’s kingdom (Re.

day. WHAT SHALL BE REVEALED? (1) The character of 14:4). [See Day of Atonement, Offerings, Passover, our work for Christ will be revealed. The fire will try the Pentecost, Tabernacle, Trumpet, Unleavened Bread.]

work to demonstrate “what sort it is.” Was the work hot, FIRSTLING. First born (Ge. 4:4; Ex. 13:12-13; cold or lukewarm (Re. 3:15, 16)? Was it faithful (1 Co.

34:19-20; Le. 27:26; Nu. 3:41; 18:15, 17; De. 12:6, 17; 4:2)? Was it abounding (1 Co. 15:58)? Was it self-14:23; 15:19; 33:17; Ne. 10:36).

denying (Lk. 9:23)? Was it pure (2 Co. 7:1)? Was it FISH GATE. [See Gate.]

loving (1 Co. 13)? Was it done in the fear of God (He.

12:28; 1 Pe. 1:17)? (2) The motives of our work for FISHERS. Fishermen (Is. 19:8; Je 16:16; Mt.

Christ will also be revealed (1 Co. 4:5). The hidden 4:18,19). [See Fishing.]

things and the counsels of the heart will be tested in FISHING. Some little known Bible facts about that day. The Bible warns that there are many devices in fishing: (1) God made fish, and obviously intended that a man’s heart, but it is only the counsel of the Lord that man be involved in fishing (Ge. 1:20-21, 26, 28; 9:2).

shall stand (Pr. 19:21). The Pharisees did great religious (2) Solomon knew a lot about fish; could it not be that works, but they did them not for the glory of God but to he was a fisherman (1 Ki. 4:33)? (3) There was a gate be seen of men (Mt. 6:5; 23:5). [See Judgment.]

in Jerusalem called the “fish gate,” “which doubtless led FIREBRAND. Firebrand is translated from three to a fish market” (Concise) (2 Ch. 33:14; Ne. 3:3; Hebrew words: (1) A stick for stirring fire (Is. 7:4; Am.

12:39). Where there are fish gates and fish markets, 4:11). (2) Brands; sparks (Pr. 26:18). (3) A torch (Ju.

there are fishermen! (4) Man can learn things from fish.

15:4; 7:16) (Compact).

“... the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee” (Job 12:8). This passage might indicate that Job was a FIREPAN. A vessel for carrying hot coals (Ex. 27:3).

fisherman. (5) Men will fish in the Millennium (Eze.

FIRKIN. [See Weights and Measures.]

47:9-10). (6) Above all, we are to be fishers of men (Mk. 1:17).

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FISHING AND SOUL WINNING: Jesus Christ Himself obstacles and frustrations: objects in the water, wind used fishing as an illustration of evangelism, and there and rain and cold and heat, glare, rust, lost tackle, lost can be no doubt that the parallels between the two are fish, lost time, mud and grime, trash fish, dull hooks, remarkable and educational. Of course, the fishing done broken line, motors that won’t start, boats that leak, fish by the disciples was commercial net fishing, but in the that won’t bite! A similar list can be made pertaining to following study I have compared modern sport fishing the obstacles and frustrations of soulwinning: doors to soul winning:

slammed in one’s face, people that don’t want to hear, (1) As with fishing, success in soul winning is based on miscommunication, wrong preconceptions, dogs, three key ingredients: knowledge (Ac. 8), persistence and worldly distractions, fear, demonic interference, false dedication (2 Co. 11:23-27; 2 Ti. 2:3), and God’s teachers, discouragement, bad experiences, loneliness, blessing (1 Co. 3:7). The fisherman must understand spiritual oppression. Neither of these occupations are many things: fish, water, structure, wind, tides, weather, easy.

thermo clines, seasons, regulations, boats, motors, rods, (5) Fish have different ways of biting, and people also reels, line, hooks, lures, flies, trolling, plunking, still respond in different ways to the Gospel. Some bite hard fishing, fly fishing, downriggers, shorelines, rivers, (salmon, bass, the Philippian jailer—Ac. 16:29-33).

lakes, streams, oceans. The soulwinner, too, must know Some have a medium take (walleye, the Bereans—Ac.

many things: The Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the 17:10-11, certain Athenians—Ac. 17:34). Some have a Bible, the Gospel, human nature, language, culture. The faint take (crappie, trout, Nicodemus—Jn. 3:1; 19:39, fisherman must also be very persistent. My grandfather, Lydia—Ac. 16:14-15).

with whom I often went bass fishing as a boy, often said (6) The great motivation that keeps both the fisherman to me, “Son, you must keep your line in the water if you and the soulwinner plugging away is the joy of the catch.

want to catch fish.” The counsel was needed because I It makes all the difficulties worthwhile (Lk. 15:7). [See goofed off a lot! The fisherman must be willing to Angle, Drag, Gospel, Great Commission.]

endure difficulties and unpleasantries. He must FITCHES. (1) A species of grain resembling wheat sometimes rise up long before dawn, travel long with shorn ears (Eze. 4:9). The same word is in Ex. 9:32

distances, tolerate inclement weather, suffer being wet, and Is. 28:25, translated “rye.” (2) Black cummin (Is.

cold, tired, and dirty; he must be willing to spend his 28:25-27). This is doubtless the nigella sativa. Its small hard earned money. The soul winner, too, must be black seeds are aromatic, and are used as a condiment persistent; he must give out the Gospel on every hand and a medicine. The prophet says they are beaten out and by every means; he must endure hardness as a good with a rod (Concise).

soldier of Jesus Christ if he wants to catch men. In the final analysis, though, in both fishing and soul winning, FLAG. A reed or bulrush which grows along river we are dependent upon God for success. If He doesn’t banks (Ex. 2:3, 5; Job 8:11; Is. 19:6).

bless, the best fishermen in the world can toil all night FLAGON. (1) A cake of grapes (2 Sa. 6:19). (2) A in vain (Lk. 5:5), as can the best soul winner.

container for wine; large bottle or flask (Is. 22:24).

(2) Though there are many similarities among fish, FLATTERY. Insincere praise used to further one’s there are also different kinds of fish, and there are selfish purposes (Job 32:21, 22; Pr. 28:23; 1 Th. 2:5).

different techniques and approaches for each. This is also

“To please a person by applause or favorable notice, by true for men; though they have the same basic nature respectful attention, or by anything that exalts him in and spiritual needs, there are great differences as well; his own estimation, or confirms his good opinion of and they must be dealt with individually (Mt. 13:19-23; himself” (Webster). Flattery is contrasted with sincere Jude 22-23). Fishing for trout is entirely different from praise and thankfulness (Ro. 16:1-16; 1 Th. 1:2). The fishing for catfish or panfish or salmon. Each fishery is wickedness of flattery: Ps. 5:9; 36:2; 78:36; Pr. 2:16; different, and the same is true for fishing for men. Jesus 7:7, 21. Warnings to avoid flatterers: Pr. 20:19; 26:28; approached Nicodemus one way (Jn. 3), the Samaritan 29:5. Examples of flattery: 1 Ki. 22:11, 12; Pr. 2:16; woman another way (Jn. 4), and the Pharisees yet 6:24; 7:5, 21; Da. 6:6, 7; 11:21, 32, 34; Mt. 22:16; Ac.

another way (Mt. 23).

12:22. God’s judgment of flattery: Job 17:5; 32:21, 22; (3) The best way to learn fishing is from experienced Ps. 12:2, 3. Flattery practiced by false teachers: Ro.

fishermen, and the best way to learn soul winning is from 16:17, 18; Ga. 4:17; 2 Pe. 2:1-3. [See Beguile, Cunning, experienced soul winners (2 Ti. 2:2).

Cunning Craftiness, Deceit, Dissemble, Dissimulation, Doubletongued, Entice, False Teaching, Feign, Flattering (4) Fishing is not easy, and neither is soul winning.

Titles, Hypocrisy, Sleight, Subtil, Unfeigned, Winketh, The fish don’t want to be caught. The fish don’t Worship.]

necessarily feed on a schedule convenient to fishermen.

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FLATTERING TITLES. Exalting titles (Job 32:21).

The Size of the Ark. (1) Its size (Ge. 6:15)—450 feet Examples of flattering titles in the religious realm are (137 meters) long by 75 feet (23 meters) high. (2) Its Father, Scholar, Most Reverend, Pope, His Holiness, capacity—90,000,000 pounds (41,000,000 kilograms).

Archbishop, Cardinal, etc. [See Father, Flattery, The Ark could carry more tonnage than 520 freight train Reverend, Scholar.]

cars, stretching about four miles long.

FLAX. A plant used to make cloth and oil (Ex. 9:31).

The Typology of the Ark. Noah’s Ark is a picture of The “smoking flax” of Is. 42:3 speaks of Christ’s Christ and Salvation. (1) The Ark was planned by God, compassion for His people. It is a picture of an oil lamp not man. Compare 2 Ti. 1:9. (2) There was only one with a flax wick that is not properly trimmed or that is Ark, as there is only one Saviour. Compare Ac. 4;12; 1

low on oil. Rather than burning brightly, it is smoking.

Ti. 2:5. (3) There was only one door. Compare Jn. 14:6.

Rather than providing light in the darkness as it is (4) It was built by Noah, whose name means “rest.” He intended to do, it is smoldering and producing irritants.

is a picture of Christ, the believer’s Rest. Compare Mt.

Christ doesn’t throw away His smoking lamps. Those 11:28-30; He. 4:9-11. (5) It was built by one man.

with true faith even as weak as a smoking flax are Compare He. 1:3. (6) It was sufficient and complete.

accepted and taken into His tender care. He renews the Compare He. 9:12. (7) It was offered to all men.

oil and tenderly the wicks and fans the smoldering Compare 2 Pe. 2:5; 1 Ti. 2:4. (8) It was needed by all fibers into a bright flame. Peter was a smoking flax after men. Compare Ro. 3:23; 6:23. (9) It saved both man he denied Christ, yet Christ restored Him, and afterward and creation. Compare Ro. 8:18-25. (10) It required Peter’s lamp burned more brightly than ever.

faith to enter. Compare He. 11:7; Jn. 3:16. (11) God FLEE. To run with rapidity, as from danger; to patiently waited. Compare 1 Pe. 3:20; 2 Pe. 3:9. (12) attempt to escape; to hasten from danger or expected The offer of safety had to be heeded while there was evil (Webster). There are three things the Christian is opportunity. Compare Ge. 7:11-13; 2 Co. 6:2; 2 Th.

told to flee: (1) Fornication (1 Co. 6:18), (2) idolatry (2

2:10-14. (13) The Ark was secured by God. Compare Co. 10:14), and (3) the love of money (1 Ti. 6:10). [See Ge. 7:16; Jn. 10:27-29; 1 Jn. 5:11-13.

Covet, Fornication, Idolatry, Lucre, Money.]

The Flood as a Picture of the Last Days. (1) There was FLESH. This word is used in four ways in the N.T.: great evil and ignorance of God (Mt. 24:37-39). (2) (1) The body of man and animal (Lk. 24:39; 1 Co.

There was scoffing (2 Pe. 3:3-9). (3) There was a 15:39). (2) A reference to man in general (Mt. 24:22; 1

catching away—Enoch was taken before the Flood (Ge.

Co. 1:29). (3) The weakness of man’s nature (Mt.

5:24; 1 Th. 4:13-18; 5:3-9; Re. 3:10). (4) The Flood 26:41). (4) The fallen, sinful nature of man (Ga.

came upon the unbelieving world unexpectedly (Mt.

5:17-24; Col. 2:11). “In its doctrinal signification, as 24:38-39).

employed by Paul in his epistles to the Romans and The Universality of the Flood. Many modernistic and Galatians, it applies to that principle of life in man New Evangelical commentators today say that the Flood which is alienated from God, incurable and unmendably was not worldwide. The New Bible Commentary, bad. The flesh and Spirit are repeatedly contrasted by published by InterVarsity Press, has this comment on the Apostle in their character, tendencies, and results.

Genesis 6: “The narrative does not directly affirm a The flesh and its works, and the Spirit and its fruits, are universal flood ... deductions drawn from the eternally opposed (Jn. 3:6; Ga. 5:19-24)” (Handbook).

assumption that all mankind was destroyed are

[See Carnal, Natural, Sanctification, Sin, Worldly.]

precarious” (page 88). Many would claim that it does FLESH-HOOK. An instrument for handling pieces of not matter whether Noah’s flood was universal or meat (Ex. 27:3; 38:3; 1 Ch. 28:17; 1 Sa. 2:13-14).

regional. We disagree. If the Bible plainly states FLOOD. (1) A deluge of water (Ge. 6:17; Job 22:16).

something, it DOES matter whether or not we believe it,

[See Flood - Noah’s.] (2) A body of water, such as a and there is no doubt that the Bible does claim that the river or sea (Ps. 66:6).

Flood was worldwide.

FLOOD - NOAH’S. The worldwide flood which God First, the language used in the bible to describe the sent as judgment upon mankind in the days of Noah flood is language depicting a universal, worldwide flood.

(Ge. 6-9).

No one living today witnessed the flood, so we are dependent upon the Bible to tell us what happened.

The Cause of the Flood. (1) Mixing of good and evil, Consider the following descriptions of Noah’s flood by truth and error (Ge. 6:1-2). (2) Rejection of God (Ge.

an Eyewitness (Ge. 6:17; 7:4; 7:19-24; Ps. 104:6,9; 2

6:3). (3) Wickedness of man (Ge. 6:5). Noah preached Pe. 3:5-6).

120 years while he was building the ark (1 Pe. 3:20; 2

Pe. 2:5). The people refused to repent and perished in Second, the fact that Noah was required to gather two the Flood.

each of the animals proves that it was a worldwide flood.

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endeavor, because animals would have survived outside FLOWERS. Menstrual discharges (Le. 15:24, 33).

of the flood area. If Noah’s flood was not universal and FLUX. Dysentery (Ac. 28:8).

worldwide, the Bible account of the same is certainly a FODDER. Provender; feed (Job 6:5).

myth. Either we accept the Bible as the infallible Word of God which it claims to be, and if we do, we accept FOLDEN. Folded (Na. 1:10).

what it says about a worldwide flood. Or we must adopt FOLK. People (Ge. 33:15; Je. 51:58).

the modernistic position that the Bible is man made.

FOOL. The Bible defines the fool as one who (1) says The middle of the road position that many scholarly there is no God (Ps. 14:1; 53:1), (2) despises wisdom New Evangelicals take, that the Bible is the infallible and instruction (Pr. 1:7), (3) utters slanders (Pr. 10:18), Word of God but is not correct in all that it says (4) despises his father’s instruction (Pr. 15:5), (5) does scientifically, is impossible.

not respond to discipline (Pr. 17:10), (6) has perverse Third, the judgment of Noah’s day is compared with lips (Pr. 19:1), (7) returns to his folly (Pr. 26:11), (8) the judgment of the last days (Mt. 24:37-39; 2 Pe. 3:6-7).

trusts in his own heart (Pr. 28:26), (9) is full of words Since we know that the last days judgment will be (Ec. 5:3; 10:14), (10) speaks foolishly (Pr. 15:2), (11) universal and worldwide, we can assume the same was mocks at sin (Pr. 14:9). Jesus’ warning about calling true for the first judgment.

someone a fool (Mt. 5:21-24). It is not the use of the Fourth, god promised that there would not be a flood word “fool” itself that is forbidden here, but the use of like this again, yet there have been many large scale the word “fool” as an angry, hateful slander. Christ regional floods. If the flood of Noah’s day were only a Himself called men fools on occasion; He publicly called regional one, God’s promise has failed. In 1970, for the Pharisees fools (Mt. 23:17, 19; Lk. 11:40); and He example, flooding in South Asia resulted in an estimated called the disciples fools when they did not believe His one-half million deaths and left 3,500,000 homeless. If, resurrection (Lk. 24:25). God calls men fools when they on the other hand, the flood of Noah’s day was universal act foolishly and wickedly (Ps. 14:1; 53:1; Lk. 12:20).

and worldwide, as the Bible plainly states, God’s The Apostle called certain ones fools who were promise is true.

questioning the bodily resurrection (1 Co. 15:36). The context of the admonition in Mt. 5:21-24 gives the proper There is geological evidence throughout the world meaning. Christ is addressing the issue of murder and is which testifies to a universal flood. An excellent book on showing that the root of the problem is the heart, that it this topic is The World That Perished: An Introduction to is really a matter of hatred and strife between men. It is Biblical Catastrophism, John C. Whitcomb, Baker Book this problem that He is admonishing, not the general House. As one wise man has said, if the Flood were not use of the term “fool.” The following verse confirms this universal, it was the only egg-shaped flood that ever when He speaks of the importance of reconciliation (Mt.

occurred, because the Bible plainly says that the 5:23).

mountains were covered! [See Ark, Fable, False Teaching, Inspiration, Noah, Prophecy, Rapture, Second FOOLISH QUESTIONS. The Bible warns about Coming, Type.]

“foolish questions” (2 Ti. 2:23; Tit. 3:9). The Bible also says proper questions should be patiently answered FLOTES. Rafts (2 Ch. 2:16).

from the Word of God (2 Ti. 2:24-26). How can we FLOURISH. To blossom; prosper (Ps. 72:7; 92:12).

know if a question is foolish? Following are some FLOWER. To be in the prime and spring of life; to characteristics of the foolish question: (1) A foolish flourish; to be youthful, fresh, and vigorous (Webster) question is a question which produces strife and (1 Sa. 2:33; 1 Co. 7:36). 1 Co. 7:36 refers to a young contention. 2 Ti. 2:23 says foolish questions “gender woman who is past the marriageable age and remains strifes.” Tit. 3:9 connects foolish questions with unmarried—referring to a daughter, or ward, or any

“contentions and strivings.” When someone is not unmarried female committed to a man’s care. “It is well sincere but only wants to argue against the Word of God known that in the east it was regarded as peculiarly and to stir up strife and debate, the Christian is not to dishonourable to remain unmarried; and the authority enter into such discussions. (2) A foolish question is a of a father, therefore, might be the means of involving question which seeks to corrupt the Gospel. The Bible his daughter in shame and disgrace (Barnes). “If any further defines foolish questions with “strivings about man thinks he behaves unhandsomely towards his the law” (Tit. 3:9). The law was given to lead men to daughter, and that it is not for her credit to remain the grace of Jesus Christ (Ro. 3:19-25; Ga. 3:1-14). It unmarried, when she is of full age, and that upon this was not given to be a rule of life for the Christian; it was principle it is needful to dispose of her in marriage, he not given so that the Christian could obey it and thereby may use his pleasure. It is no sin in him to dispose of perfect his salvation. When men corrupt the gospel and her to a suitable mate” (Matthew Henry).

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law in any form, they should not be allowed to teach them” (Col. 3:7). [See Curse, Evil Speaking, Jesting, their doctrine or to ask their foolish questions (1 Ti.

Filthy Communication.]

1:3-11). (3) A foolish question is a question which is FOOTMEN. Footsoldier; infantryman (Nu. 11:21; Je.

connected with heresy (Tit. 3:9-11). In Titus 3 the foolish 12:5). [See Military.]

questions are mentioned in connection with the heretic.

FOOTSTOOL. Something upon which to rest the feet This is someone who is selfwilled and who rejects (2 Ch. 9:18; Ja. 2:3). The earth is called God’s footstool sound doctrine in favor of his own perversions of the (Is. 66:1; Mt. 5:35). Footstool is also used to describe truth. He is not content with the plain teaching of the subjection of enemies (Ps. 110:1; Mt. 22:44; Ac.

Scripture. Questions which arise from such a context are 2:35; He. 1:13).

not sincere, but are asked in an attempt to produce questions and doubt in the minds of the hearers. Such FOOTWASHING. The following is from James questions should not be entertained. A foolish question Crumpton, New Testament Church Discipline: is one which is used in an attempt to overthrow plain Some teach that footwashing (Jn. 13:1-20) is a Bible teaching, such as questions about the Trinity, or church ordinance, just as baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Resurrection, or Inspiration, or hell. It is good to ask We doubt not their sincerity and respect their desire to questions, but it is evil to entertain questions which obey Christ in a day when so many are so lax; yet, we deny Bible truth. If the Bible says Jesus is God, who are are convicted and fully satisfied that they have mistaken we to ask how it was possible for this to be? If the Bible our Lord’s meaning here.

says unbelievers will suffer conscious eternal torment in The following facts prove conclusively that Jesus is fire, which it does, we must not worry about how that not referring to literal foot washing and that he was not could be possible, or whether or not that this could be a giving us a third church ordinance: (1) “What I do thou just punishment. If the Bible claims to be the perfect knowest not now” (Jn. 13:7). The disciples certainly Word of God, who are we to question how that could be knew that their feet had been literally washed. (2) The possible? God’s part is to Proclaim Truth; man’s part is Scriptures nowhere indicate that any local church in the to believe his Creator. Our questions must be controlled N.T. ever observed footwashing as a church ordinance by the Bible, not the Bible by our questions.

because of this experience recorded in John 13. (3) “If I An example of how to deal with foolish questions is wash thee not, thou has no part with me” (Jn. 13:8). If found in Lk. 20:1-8 and 20-26. Here the Lord Jesus under these circumstances footwashing is a church Christ is confronted with the foolish questions of the ordinance, then footwashing would be a part of Pharisees. In His reply Christ fulfilled the wisdom of Pr.

salvation. This is the same mistake made by those who 26:4-5—”Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest teach that baptism is essential to salvation. There is no thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to sacramental salvation taught in the Bible. (4) “Know ye his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.” A fool is not what I have done to you” (Jn. 13:12)? This would to be answered in like manner to his foolishness, but as indicate that what Jesus was doing to them had a deep his foolishness deserves. Jesus did this with the spiritual meaning of which they were unaware.

Pharisees. He did not argue with them, nor did He Some teach that the account in Jn. 13 is given waste time giving detailed replies to their insincere primarily to teach the humility of our Lord and to give questions. He answered with statements that got to the us an example of how humble we should be. There is no root of the matter and which shut their rebellious question but that the humility of our Lord is revealed mouths! Compare Tit. 1:11. [See Apostasy, Bible, here, but it is not given primarily for this purpose. His Doctrine, Fable, False Prophet, False Teaching, Heresy, humility was manifested throughout His entire earthly Inspiration, Separation, Timothy.]

sojourn. “And being found in fashion as a man, he FOOLISH TALKING. This term in Ep. 5:4 refers to humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, speech which is immoral, unclean, unwholesome, or in even the death of the cross” (Ph. 2:8). [See Humility.]

any way improper for the Christian. It is listed in the ONE BATH, BUT DAILY FOOTWASHING. In his context of “filthiness” and “jesting.” It is defined as that discussion with the disciples, Jesus distinguished which is “not convenient.” In the next verse the Apostle between being washed (bathed) and needing the feet mentions whoremongers, unclean persons, and washed. He was saying that there is one bath and many idolaters. “Foolish talking” is a reference to the type of footwashings. The whole picture is that of the public suggestive, unwholesome conversation that the world baths. When they walked from the bathing place home, delights in. The Christian is warned, “... because of they contracted dust (since they wore sandals) and so these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children the practice of footwashing. Hosts and hostesses washed of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with the feet of their guests as a gesture of genuine hospitality when folk came to visit them (1 Ti. 5:9-10).

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FOR ALL - FOREORDAIN

Now, what is the spiritual application? The once-for-Word (James Crumpton, Footwashing: Church all bath refers to the once-for-all cleansing in the Ordinance or Church Discipline? New Testament Church Precious Blood of Calvary (Jn. 13:10-11). The disciples Discipline). [See Bible, Church, Holy, Justification, had been washed (bathed); that is, with one exception.

Ordinance, Sanctification, Tabernacle.]

You see, Judas Iscariot was never saved; he had not FOR ALL. Although; notwithstanding (Jn. 21:11).

been washed (bathed). He was a devil, a lost man all FOR BECAUSE. A redundant expression in which the the way (Jn. 6:70). Before him lay “the blackness of two words are equivalent in meaning; the combination darkness for ever.” His heart was harder than the nether of the two being employed to make the whole more millstone, and his conscience was seared with a red-hot forcible (The Bible Word-Book) (Ge. 22:16; Jud. 6:22).

iron. He was not a lamb of the Lord becoming unclean, but a dog returning to his vomit. [See Eternal Security, FOR THAT. Because; inasmuch as (Ge. 41:32; 1 Ti.

Judas.]

1:12).

The act of footwashing was symbolic of that which FOR TO. In order to (Ge. 31:18; Ex. 16:27).

ever will be necessary, the cleansing of defilement FOR WHY. Why (Ge. 47:15).

contracted by the way. We are pilgrims, and in our daily FORBEAR. To be indulgent to, or patient with. The walk we become defiled. In Jn. 12 we are pointed to the exercise of patience; longsuffering; indulgence towards feet of our Lord; His were anointed feet. As He passed those who injure us; lenity; delay of resentment or through this world, He contracted no defilement. When punishment; the act of avoiding, shunning or omitting; He went away, He was still like He was when He came: either the cessation or intermission of an act

“holy, harmless, and undefiled.” The “feet” speak of the commenced, or a withholding from beginning an act walk. As His feet were anointed with spikenard, we are (Webster) (Ex. 23:5; Pr. 25:15; Je. 20:9; Ro. 2:4; 3:25; reminded of the sweet savor which ever ascended from Ep. 4:2; 6:9; Col. 3:13). In commenting on the Greek Him to the Father. In Jn. 13, the feet of the disciples word “anoche,” which is translated “forbearance” in Ro.

were washed. In contrast to their Lord, the disciples 2:4 and 3:25, W.E. Vine says: “A delay of punishment, in were defiled, and the dirt must be removed. [See both places of God’s ‘forbearance’ with men; in the Conversation, Walk.]

latter passage (Ro. 3:25) His ‘forbearance’ is the ground, The blood is applied once and for all, and we are not of His forgiveness, but of His pretermission of sins, saved forever. “For by one offering he hath perfected for His withholding punishment. In 2:4 it represents a ever them that are sanctified” (He. 10:14). The N.T.

suspense of wrath which must eventually be exercised knows nothing of a re-application of the blood. We do unless the sinner accepts God’s conditions; in 3:25 it is not come again or anew to the fountain which has been connected with the passing over of sins in times past, opened for sin. Sins which are contacted after being previous to the atoning work of Christ.” [See Patience, saved—defiled feet in the way—are cleansed by the Repentance.]

washing of the Water of the Word (Ep. 5:26).

FORCE. (1) Compel; constrain; rob; spoil; catch; So, being washed (bathed) and cleansed by the take away (Ge. 31:31; De. 22:25; 1 Sa. 2:16; Jn. 6:15; blood is a once-for-all transaction. It has to do with our Ac. 23:10). (2) Physical vigor; strength; power; ability position in Christ. Footwashing is a daily thing. We are (De. 34:7; Job 30:18; 40:16). (3) In effect; effective cleansed from the defilement of the daily walk. It has to (He. 9:17).

do with our fellowship with Him. When Jesus said to FORCES. (1) Military might; strength or power for Peter, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with war; army; troops; armament (2 Ch. 17:2; Je. 40:7; Da.

me” (Jn. 13:8), He was referring to fellowship (1 Jn.

11:10, 38). (2) Wealth; possessions (Is. 60:5). [See 1:7-10).

Military.]

In the Tabernacle there was the altar of burnt FORECAST. To devise beforehand; to plot; to offering first. That pictures Calvary in the N.T. where we contrive (Da. 9:24-25).

receive the once-for-all cleansing in the Blood (washed FOREKNOW. The truth that God knows events or bathed according to Jn. 13). Then, there was the before they occur and the character and choices of men laver; at the laver the priests washed their hands and before they are born (Ac. 2:23; Ro. 8:29; 11:2; 1 Pe.

their feet in water (Ex. 30:18-21; 38:8; 40:7). This 1:2). [See Election, Eternal Security, Foreordain, pictures the daily cleansing of defiled feet (foot washing Predestination, Presbyterian.]

in Jn. 13) by the water of the Word in the N.T. The FOREORDAIN. God’s prior knowledge of and priests washed their hands and their feet. Jesus washed bringing to pass of events according to His will (1 Pe.

His disciples’ feet only. If the walk be right, the work 1:20). [See also Election, Eternal Security, will be acceptable. So for us, it is the daily washing of Predestination, Presbyterian.]

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FOREPART - FRANKINCENSE

FOREPART. The front; the bow of a ship (Ex. 28:27; FORMER. (1) Past; of old time; before; previous (Ge.

39:20; Eze. 42:7; Ac. 27:41).

40:13; Nu. 21:26; De. 24:4; Is. 41:22; 42:9; 43:18; He.

FORERUNNER. One who precedes; a messenger sent 10:32; Re. 21:4). (2) Author; maker (Je. 10:16; 51:19).

in advance (He. 6:20).

FORNICATION. All forms of immoral activity outside FORESHIP. The bow of a ship (Ac. 27:30).

of holy marriage (1 Co. 7:2; 1 Th. 4:3-7). Fornication FORESKIN. The male foreskin that is cut off in encompasses adultery, homosexuality, incest, rape, circumcision (Ge. 17:11; Ex. 4:25). [See Abraham, bestiality, pornography, and other such things. The Covenant, Circumcision.]

Greek word translated fornication is porneia, from which the English word “pornographic” is derived. The FORETELL. To tell beforehand (2 Co. 13:2).

Bible uses this term as a general description for FOREVER. Perpetual; never ending. The Greek immorality (Mt. 5:32; 15:19; 19:9; Ac. 15:20, 29; phrase translated “forever” is aionas ton aionon, which 21:15; Ro. 1:29; 1 Co. 5:1; 6:18; 7:2; 2 Co. 12:21; Ga.

could be rendered “for the ages of ages.” Aion is the 5:19; Ep. 5:3; Co. 3:5; 1 Th. 4:3; Re. 9:21). Like Greek word translated “ages” (Ep. 2:7; Col. 1:16) and adultery, fornication is also used in a spiritual sense to

“world” (Mt. 12:32; 13:39; 24:3; 1 Co. 10:11; 2 Ti.

describe turning from God to serve false gods (Eze.

4:10; He. 9:26). It refers to the generations and periods 16:29-34; Re. 2:21; 14:8; 17:2, 4; 18:3; 19:2). [See of time during which God is working out His purposes.

Adultery, Concupiscence, Divorce, Idolatry, Inordinate Aionas ton aionon views the ages and workings of God Affection, Lascivious, Lust, Modesty, Nakedness, rolling forward in succession, time without end. These Sodomy, Whore, Whoremonger.]

Greek words are used to describe the blessing of Jesus FORSOMUCH AS. Because; forasmuch as (Lk. 19:9).

Christ (2 Co. 11:31), Christ’s eternal priesthood (He.

5:16; 6:20; 7:17,28), the nature of life possessed by the FORSWEAR. To swear against or falsely (Mt. 5:33).

resurrected Christ (Re. 1:18), God’s judgment upon the FORTH OF. Out of; out from (Ge. 8:16; Am. 7:17).

devil and the unsaved wicked (Mt. 18:8; 25:41, 46; 2

FORTUNATUS (fortunate). 1 Co. 16:17.

Th. 1:9; Re. 20:10), the blessed condition of the FORWARD. (1) From then onward (1 Sa. 10:3). (2) redeemed (Mt. 19:29; Lk. 18:30; Jn. 3:16, 36; 5:24; To the front (Eze. 10:22). (3) To desire; to hasten; to be 6:40, 47, 51, 58), God’s reign (Mt. 6:13), Christ’s reign earnest (2 Co. 8:8, 10, 17; Ga. 2:10).

(Lk. 1:33; 2 Pe. 1:11; Re. 1:6; 11:15), the reign of the FOUL. (1) Evil spirit (Mk. 9:25; Re. 18:2). (2) To redeemed (Re. 22:5), God’s promises to Abraham (Lk.

trample; to pollute and spoil (Eze. 32:2; 34:19). (3) Bad 1:55), the throne of God (He. 1:8), the nature of God’s weather (Mt. 16:3). [See Devils.]

life (Re. 4:10; 5:14; 10:6; 15:7), the Holy Spirit’s presence with the believer (Jn. 14:16; 2 Jn. 2), the FOUNDER. Refiner (Ju. 17:4; Je. 6:29).

Word of God (1 Pe. 1:23, 25), the judgment upon false FOUNTAIN GATE. [See Gate.]

teachers (2 Pe. 2:17; Jude 13). These Greek words are FOURSQUARE. Square (Ex. 27:1; Eze. 43:16, 17).

also translated “eternal” (Jn. 3:15; 2 Co. 4:17), FOURTH WATCH. [See Watch.]

“evermore” (Re. 1:18), “world without end” (Ep. 3:21), FOWL. [See Bird.]

“everlasting” (Jn. 3:16; Ro. 16:26). [See Age, Day, FOWLER. A bird catcher (Ps. 91:3; Pr. 6:5; Hos. 9:8).

Eternal, Eternal Security, Hell, Judgment, Times, World.]

FOX. A quick, sly animal of the dog family (Ne. 4:3; Eze. 13:4). Jesus called Herod a fox because of his FORGAT. The old form of the past tense of forget craftiness (Lk. 13:32).

(Ge. 40:23; Is. 106:21).

FRAME. (1) To form; to fabricate by orderly FORGIVE. God can forgive man’s sins only because construction and union of various parts; to adjust; to Jesus has paid the penalty for them (Ep. 1:7; 4:32; Ac.

make; to compose (Webster) (Ps. 50:19; 94:20; Is.

13:38). Forgiveness of sins is part of the blessings 29:16; Je. 18:11; Ep. 2:21; He. 11:3). (2) To form a Christians receive from God in Christ (Ac. 26:18).

word; to pronounce a word (Jud. 12:6). (3) Man’s weak Christians have been forgiven of all sins (Ps. 103:3; condition in his present fallen state (Ps. 103:14).

130:4; Je. 31:34; 36:3; Ac. 5:31; 13:38; 26:18; Ro. 4:7; Ep. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 2:13; 1 Jn. 2:12), and we are to FRANKINCENSE. A fragrant resin obtained from forgive others (Lk. 6:37; 2 Co. 2:7, 10; Ep. 4:32; Co.

certain trees (Is. 60:6; Je. 6:20). In the O.T. sacrifices, 3:13). [See Gospel, Grace, Justification, Mercy, Purge.]

frankincense represents complete devotion to God. In the meal offerings, all of the frankincense was burnt for FORGIVEN UNTO. Forgiven (Mt. 12:31).

God in the fire; none was left for the offerer or the FORM CRITICISM. [See Inspiration.]

priest (Le. 2:16). This represents Christ’s total devotion to God the Father. This meaning is also seen in Le. 24:7.

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bread in the tabernacle as an “offering” to God (Le.

“The Lord Jesus was placed on the cross about 9:00

30:34). This represents the Son of God as the Bread of A.M. our time and was there until about 4:00 P.M. It Life who is both the delight of God the Father and was on Wednesday! He was taken down from the cross salvation for men. [See Meal Offering, Offerings, Peace and placed in the tomb before sunset— before the Offering.]

beginning of the sabbath. Note that this was not the beginning of the regular weekly sabbath at sunset on FRANKLY. Freely (Lk. 7:42).

Friday, but a ‘high sabbath’—a Passover sabbath which FRAY. To cause to tremble; trouble (De. 28:26; Je.

came on Thursday that week! [See Lev. 23:5-7, where 7:33).

we find that the first day of the Feast of Unleavened FREE. Without price; unmerited; gratuitous; Bread was a sabbath day.] At about sunset on Thursday He had been in the grave one day and one night. At unearned and undeserved. Salvation is a free gift of about sunset on Friday, He had been in the grave two God’s grace because of the blood atonement of Jesus days and two nights. Then, just after the three full days Christ (Ro. 3:24; 5:15, 16; Re. 21:6; 22:17). [See and nights, He arose. He arose as it began to dawn the Eternal Security, Gospel, Grace, Hope, Justification.]

first day of the week (just after sunset Saturday, our FREELY. Liberally; gratuitously; without charge (Ge.

time). The women came early Sunday morning, our 2:16; 1 Sa. 14:30; Ps. 54:6; Hos. 14:4; Mt. 10:8; Ro.

time, but He was already gone. The expression ‘on the 3:24; 8:32; 1 Co. 2:12; 2 Co. 11:7; Re. 21:6; 22:17).

third day’ in the Gospels referring to His resurrection

[See Eternal Security, Gospel, Grace, Hope, would be ‘after the third day’ in our way of saying it.

Justification.]

“Many have sunrise services commemorating the resurrection, and we see nothing wrong with that; but FREEMAN. A slave who has obtained freedom (1 Co.

maybe we should have a SUNSET service. He arose 7:22).

about sunset on Saturday. And that was sunset for our FRET. To worry or be irritated (1 Sa. 1:6; Ps. 37:1, s i n s — b e c a u s e t h e y w e r e g o n e f o r e v e r.

7-8; Pr. 19:3; 24:19). [See Anxious, Peace.]

Hallelujah!!!” [See Crucify, Easter, Justification, FRIDAY. The false idea that Jesus died on Friday has Resurrection, Roman Catholic Church, Unleavened Bread.]

passed from the Roman Church to the Protestant denominations, and today ‘Good Friday’ is observed—at FRIEND. A man that hath friends must show himself least recognized—even by many Baptists. The following friendly (Pr. 18:24). A friend loveth at all times (Pr.

study is by Dr. James Crumpton, Pastor, Westside Baptist 17:17). Faithful are the wounds of a friend (Pr. 27:6).

Church, Natchez, Mississippi:

Do not forsake your friends, nor your father’s friends (Pr. 27:10). A friend should show pity (Job 6:14). Two

“The traditional view is that Jesus was crucified on Friday—but was He? The Catholics had a church rule are better than one (Ec. 4:9-12). Friends must be agreed for years forbidding the eating of meat on Friday, since (Am. 3:3). Don’t weary your friends (Pr. 25:17; 27:14).

that was supposedly the day of the crucifixion. Some Do not be surety for your friend (Pr. 6:1-3; 17:18).

time ago the rule was done away with, but many still Wealth makes many friends (Pr. 19:4, 6). The poor don’t voluntarily observe it.

have many friends (Pr. 14:20). Gossip can separate even

“In Mt. 12:40, our Lord Jesus said: ‘For as Jonah was the chiefest of friends (Pr. 16:28; 17:9). [See Gossip.]

three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so The sweetness of a friend’s hearty counsel rejoices the shall the son of Man be three days and three nights in heart (Pr. 27:9). God’s saints will be betrayed even by the heart of the earth.’ How could there be three days their friends in the last days (Lk. 21:16). Examples of and three nights from late Friday afternoon until early Good Friends: Jesus Christ; He is the friend that sticketh Sunday morning? At the most, there could only be two closer than a brother (Pr. 18:24), and He is a friend of nights, one day, and a part of another! Had the sinners (Mt. 11:19); Abraham, the friend of God (2 Ch.

Scriptures only said three days, we could have understood them to mean a part of three days, since 20:7; Is. 41:8); Jonathan, David’s friend (1 Sa.

both in and out of the Scriptures we use the word to 20:30-33; 23:16-17; 2 Sa. 1:26); Hushai who stood mean only a portion of a day. However, the Scriptures with David (2 Sa. 15:31-37; 16:15-23); Cornelius who specify ‘three days and three nights,’ and thus verbal called his friends together to hear the Gospel (Ac.

inspiration demands three twenty-four hour days.

10:24). God’s people are to love their enemies, and not

“It is good for us to note the difference in the Roman just their friends (Mt. 5:43, 44). Examples of the Wrong day, the Jewish day, and our present day. THE ROMAN

Kind of Friends: Job’s friends (Job 2:11; 16:20; 19:19); DAY began at 6:00 A.M. and closed at 6:00 the next Amnon’s friend Jonadab (2 Sa. 13:3); Jesus’ friends (Ze.

morning. THE JEWISH DAY began at sunset and closed 13:6; Mt. 26:47-50); the wicked (Pr. 21:10); the angry at the next sunset (or from about 6:00 P.M. to the next man (Pr. 22:24, 25).

6:00 P.M.). OUR DAY begins at midnight and closes the next midnight.

FRIENDLY. Kindly; sociable; gentle; gracious; tender (Jud. 10:3; Ru. 2:13; Pr. 18:24).

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FRO. Back and forth (Ge. 8:7).

1900s. As theological modernism began gaining FROG. A small amphibian which lives in water and adherents in U.S. denominations, regenerate Christian on land. Frogs are born in the water and spend the first leaders who believed the Bible took a stand against it.

part of their lives growing from the tadpole stage to a The theological battle that followed was called the full grown frog. As tadpoles they do not yet have fully Fundamentalist-Modernist controversy.

developed legs and feet for living on the land (Ex.

The stage was set for this conflict by the publication 8:2-14; Ps. 78:45).

of a series of books that were written to expound FROM THY HAND. From you (Ge. 4:11).

fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. Published FRONTLET. Something bound on the forehead. God over a five-year period from 1910-1915, The commanded the Israelites to make His Word so Fundamentals comprised 90 articles written by 64

prominent in their hearts and lives that it would be like authors. With the financial backing of California oil frontlets (De. 6:8; 11:18-20). But after the Babylonian magnates Milton and Lyman Stewart, some three Captivity, the Jewish leaders turned this into a vain million copies of the 12 paperback volumes of The tradition. They invented the phylactery. [See Fundamentals were distributed to Christian workers in Phylactery.]

the United States and 21 foreign countries. The articles FROWARD. Perverse; wicked (De. 32:20; Pr. 2:12, defended the infallible inspiration of Scripture, 14, 15; 3:32; 4:24; 16:28, 30; 17:20; Is.. 57:17; 1 Pe.

justification by faith, the new birth, the deity, virgin 2:18). The Hebrew and the Greek terms translated birth, miracles, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and

“froward” refer to crookedness and distortion. The other cardinal Bible doctrines. Not only did The Hebrew term, ikkashe, is also translated “crooked” (Pr.

Fundamentals address the heresy of theological 2:15) and “perverse” (Pr. 19:1). The Greek term, skolios, modernism, but also of Romanism, Socialism, and some is also translated “crooked” (Lk. 3:5) and of the Cults. Contributors included W.B. Riley, James

“untoward” (Ac. 2:40). This term describes evil in Gray, G. Campbell Morgan, H.C.G. Moule, James Orr, general, but also emphasizes the fact that the wicked A.T. Pierson, Thomas Spurgeon (son of Charles), J.C.

(1) are crooked in their dealings, and (2) have distorted Ryle, Philip Mauro, W.H. Griffith Thomas, R.A. Torrey, the good ways of God. [See Sin.]

and B.B. Warfield.

FUGITIVE. A deserter; runaway; vagabond; The Fundamentalist cause was further advanced with wanderer (Ge. 4:12; Jud. 12:4; 2 Ki. 25:11).

the gathering of the World Conference on Christian Fundamentals in Philadelphia in 1919.

FULL. (1) To be filled with; replete; having within its limits all that it can contain; at capacity; saturated (Ge.

It is said that the name “fundamentalist” was first 15:16; 25:8; Ex. 8:21). (2) Completed (Ge. 41:1; Le.

used in 1920 by Edward Lee Laws, editor of the 25:9). (3) Fully (Jn. 7:8).

Watchman Examiner, a Northern Baptist publication.

Laws coined the term “to describe a group of concerned FULLER. One who cleans garments (Mk. 9:3).

Baptists who had just met at the Delaware Avenue FUNDAMENTALISM. The term “fundamentalism”

Baptist Church in Buffalo, New York, to discuss the has come to mean any number of things and is problem of modernism in the Northern Baptist commonly used in a derogatory and slanderous way by Convention” (David Beale, S .B.C. House on the Sand? p.

those who do not believe the Scriptures. It is used to 195).

describe all sorts of dangerous extremism, such as In England few accepted the name Fundamentalist, Islamic terrorists, Pentecostal snake-handlers, the racist preferring to remain known as Evangelicals. Peter Ayrian Nations, and psychotic cult leaders such as Jim Masters, pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in Jones who caused the mass suicide of his followers.

London, says: “In the UK the term fundamentalist has Biblical fundamentalism has no affinity with any of not been much used” ( Are We Fundamentalists? 1995, p.

these things. Let’s consider the origin of the name 4). G. Campbell Morgan said: “I dislike the word

“fundamentalist.”

‘Fundamentalist’ as much as I dislike the word Fundamentalism arose from the doctrinal

‘Modernist.’ I always decline to be labeled by either controversies that embroiled American churches at the designation. My own position is that of holding the beginning of the 19th century when theological Evangelical faith in its fullness” (“Fundamentalist modernism began to take control of seminaries, Bible Foibles,” The Biblical Evangelist, Oct. 12, 1984).

colleges, and leadership positions in the denominations.

The Fundamentalist movement was never In America, the church situation was significantly homogenous even in its earliest days. There were many different than in Europe and even in England. There types and divisions.

were no state churches, and the nation was blessed with powerful revivals in the 1700s, 1800s, and the early Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 265

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Protestant Fundamentalists in general were more attitudes” (Dollar, A History of Fundamentalism in oriented toward a “unity in diversity” type of America, 1973).

Fundamentalism that ignored such things as Dollar divides Fundamentalism into three periods.

ecclesiology and prophecy for the sake of a wider From 1875 - 1900 conservative leaders raised the umbrella.

banner against Modernism within the denominations.

The authors of The Fundamentals represented the From 1900 - 1935 these struggles resulted in men broader approach to Fundamentalism. They held a wide leaving their denominations to form separate churches variety of doctrine, including some serious doctrinal and groups. “They were the architects of ecclesiastical errors. James Orr of Scotland even denied the verbal separation.” From 1935 - 1983 the second generation inspiration of Scripture and allowed for theistic Fundamentalists continued the battle from outside of evolution. G. Campbell Morgan denied the literal fire of the mainline denominations and also contended against hell and believed that men could be saved even if they the New Evangelical movement. It is plain that this do not hear of nor believe in Christ.

historian, who gave a significant portion of his life to Baptist Fundamentalists have tended to be concerned the examination of these matters, identifies historic about a broader number of doctrines and issues. G.

Fundamentalism with earnest militancy and biblical Archer Weniger observed: “The bulk of fundamentalism, separation.

especially the Baptists of every stripe who composed the David O. Beale, who also has written a history of majority by far, never accepted ... the lowest common Fundamentalism from a Fundamentalist perspective, denominator in doctrine” (G. Archer Weniger, quoted in gives this definition: “The essence of Fundamentalism ...

Calvary Contender, April 15, 1994). An example was J.

is the unqualified acceptance of and obedience to the Frank Norris, who stood against Modernism in the Scriptures. ... The present study reveals that pre-1930

Southern Baptist Convention. He stood for the whole Fundamentalism was nonconformist, while post-1930

counsel of God and was not afraid to make an issue of Fundamentalism has been separatist” (Beale, In Pursuit anything clearly taught in Scripture.

of Purity: American Fundamentalism Since 1850, Bob Historic Fundamentalism involved a militant stand Jones University Press, 1986, p. 5).

for doctrinal truth and separation from error.

I offer one other example. John Ashbrook has deep Since the 1980s some professing Fundamentalists, roots in the Fundamentalist movement. His father, such as Jerry Falwell and Jack Van Impe, have been William, was brought to trial by the Presbyterian teaching that true historic Fundamentalism is simply a denomination because of his stand against Modernism.

stand for “the five fundamentals.” They downplay the After his separation from liberal Presbyterianism, issue of separation and doctrinal militancy, but the William Ashbrook established an independent following facts refute this.

Fundamentalist church. He also wrote an incisive book on New Evangelicalism entitled Evangelicalism: The New First, that historic Fundamentalism was more than the Neutralism. The first edition of this work appeared in affirmation of “the five fundamentals” is admitted by its 1958. His son, John, after a period of toying with New historians.

Evangelicalism as a young man, became a George Marsden gives this overview:

Fundamentalist leader in his own right. His book New

“By the 1930s, then it became painfully clear that Neutralism II: Exposing the Gray of Compromise is, in this reform from within could not prevent the spread of author’s opinion, one of the best books in print on this modernism in major northern denominations, MORE

subject. In looking back over the Fundamentalist AND MORE FUNDAMENTALISTS BEGAN TO MAKE

movement since the 1930s, John Ashbrook defines S E PA R AT I O N F R O M A M E R I C A’ S M A J O R

DENOMINATIONS AN ARTICLE OF FAITH. Although Fundamentalism in this way:

most who supported fundamentalism in the 1920s still

“Fundamentalism is the militant belief and remained in their denominations, many Baptist proclamation of the basic doctrines of Christianity dispensationalists and a few influential Presbyterians leading to a Scriptural separation from those who were demanding separatism” (Marsden, Reforming reject them” (Ashbrook, Axioms of Separation, nd., p.

Fundamentalism: Fuller Seminary and the New 10).

Evangelicalism, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987, p. 7).

Second, that historic Fundamentalism was more than George Dollar, one of the few historians of the the affirmation of “the five fundamentals” is proven by the Fundamentalist movement to write from the standpoint fact of New Evangelicalism.

of a genuine Fundamentalist, gives this definition: If it were true that historical Fundamentalism was

“Historic fundamentalism is the literal interpretation of merely a stand for “the five fundamentals,” the New all the affirmations and attitudes of the Bible and the Evangelical movement of the 1940s would have made militant exposure of all non-biblical affirmations and no sense, because New Evangelicalism has always held 266

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to “the five fundamentals.” In fact, Harold Ockenga, one endeavors to preach it to every creature. 6. Exposes and of the fathers of New Evangelicalism, said that there at separates from all ecclesiastical denial of that Faith, least several dozen fundamentals!

compromise with error, and apostasy from the Truth. 7.

It was not a stand for “the five fundamentals” that Earnestly contends for the Faith once delivered.

New Evangelicals protested. The keynote of New The Congress summarized its definition in this way: Evangelicalism was the repudiation of the separatism

“Fundamentalism is militant orthodoxy set on fire with and other militant aspects of old-line Fundamentalism, soulwinning zeal.”

which proves that Fundamentalism was characterized Those who deny the militancy and separation of by these very things.

historic Fundamentalism are trying to rewrite history.

In his history of Fuller Theological Seminary, Instead of admitting that they have repudiated biblical Reforming Fundamentalism, historian George M.

Fundamentalism and have adopted a New Evangelical Marsden makes it plain that Fuller’s early leaders were stance, these revisionists are trying to redefine consciously rejecting the negative aspects of old-line Fundamentalism to fit their backslidden condition.

Fundamentalism.

We close with the words of G. Archer Weniger, who It is clear to honest historians that fifty years showed the fallacy of the view that Fundamentalism is Fundamentalism ago was characterized by MILITANCY

merely a concern for “the five fundamentals”--

and SEPARATION, and it was this fact that produced the

“The five fundamentals have only to do with the New Evangelical reaction against Fundamentalism.

Presbyterian aspect of the struggle with modernism. ...

Third, that historic Fundamentalism was more than The bulk of Fundamentalism, especially the Baptists of the affirmation of “the five fundamentals” is acknowledged every stripe who composed the majority by far, never by historic fundamentalist organizations and publications.

accepted the five fundamentals alone. The World’s Christian Fundamentals Association, founded in 1919, Consider The Fundamentalist, published by J. Frank had at least a dozen main doctrines highlighted. The Norris, an influential Baptist leader of Texas.

same was true of the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship, Independent Baptist historian George Dollar describes which originated in 1920. A true Fundamentalist Norris’s paper in this way:

would under no circumstances restrict his doctrinal

“The Fundamentalist alarmed and alerted ... Reading position to five fundamentals. Even Dr. Carl F.H. Henry, the 1920-1930 back issues of The Fundamentalist, one a New Evangelical theologian, listed at least several can almost see the smoke and hear the battle cries of dozen doctrines essential to the Faith. The only those times” (Dollar, The Fight for Fundamentalism, advantage of reducing the Faith down to five is to published by the author, 1983, p. 3).

make possible a wider inclusion of religionists, who might be way off in heresy on other specific doctrines.

Norris’s paper is representative of that entire It is much easier to have large numbers of adherents generation of Fundamentalism in that it was noted for with the lowest common denominator in doctrine” (G.

its bold militancy for the truth.

Archer Weniger, quoted in Calvary Contender, April 15, Consider the following definition of Fundamentalism 1994).

t h a t w a s g i v e n b y t h e Wo r l d C o n g r e s s o f Let me also emphasize my own conviction that old-Fundamentalists, meeting in 1976 in Usher Hall, line Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism at their best Edinburgh, Scotland. Note particularly the last two were biblically deficient. I am a Fundamentalist as far as points:

biblical dogmatism and militancy for the truth and A Fundamentalist is a born-again believer in the Lord separation from error go, but the objective of my Jesus Christ who--

Christian life and ministry is not to be a good 1. Maintains an immovable allegiance to the Fundamentalist but it is to be faithful to God’s Word in inerrant, infallible, and verbally inspired Bible. 2.

all matters. Following are two weaknesses that I have Believes that whatever the Bible says is so. 3. Judges all observed in Fundamentalism as a movement: things by the Bible and is judged only by the Bible. 4.

The first weakness is the transdenominational Affirms the foundational truths of the historic Christian character that has often characterized Fundamentalism.

Faith: The doctrine of the Trinity; the incarnation, virgin I do not accept the philosophy that limits the basis of birth, substitutionary atonement, bodily resurrection fellowship to a narrow list of “cardinal” doctrines. While and glorious ascension, and Second Coming of the Lord the Bible does indicate that some doctrines are more Jesus Christ; the new birth through regeneration by the important than others, all teaching of the Bible is Holy Spirit; the resurrection of the saints to life eternal; important and is to be taken seriously. Timothy was the resurrection of the ungodly to final judgment and instructed not to allow any other doctrine than that eternal death; the fellowship of the saints, who are the which Paul had delivered to him (1 Ti. 1:3; 6:13, 20; 2

body of Christ. 5. Practices fidelity to that Faith and Ti. 2:2). Paul was concerned with the “whole counsel of Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 267

FURBISH - FUTURE EVENTS

God” (Acts 20:27). When the Bible instructs Christians of universal church. To attempt to purify a “church”

to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the composed of parachurch and denominational structures saints (Jude 3), it does not specify only a narrow aspect is something the New Testament never envisions or of the faith. “The faith once delivered to the saints”

requires. God has given His people clear instruction refers to the whole body of New Testament truth about discipline of sin and doctrinal purity, and those delivered by the apostles and prophets. When God instructions are in the context of the assembly (i.e., 1

instructs preachers to “preach the Word” (2 Ti. 4:2), no Corinthians 5). Regardless of what one believes about particular part of the Word is specified. He is to preach the New Testament definition of the church, in a all of it.

practical sense church truth can be applied only to the Obedience to these commands does not allow me to assembly. (I also reject every sort of Baptist Bride overlook denominational differences such as the mode position. See the article “Are You a Baptist Brider?” at of baptism, the manner of the Lord’s Supper, eternal the Church section of the End Times Apostasy Database security, the woman’s role in the ministry, or the at the Way of Life web site -- http://www.wayoflife.org/

interpretation of prophecy. If someone differs with me fbns/areyou.htm.) [See Anglican Church, Apostasy, on such things I can accept him as a true Christian, Apostate, Church, Doctrine, Ecumenical Movement, because these are not issues of “damnable heresy” (2 Pe.

Episcopal Church, Fable, False Teaching, Foolish 2:1); but I cannot have joint ministry with him, because Questions, Heresy, Inspiration, Legalism, Lutheran, I do not believe the Bible allows it.

Methodist, Modernism, Modesty, New Evangelicalism, A second weakness with Fundamentalism as a Pharisee, Presbyterian, Prophecy, Revelation, Roman movement is its “universal church” mentality. It is Catholic Church, Separation, Timothy, Unity, Women common among evangelicals and a large number of Preachers, World Council of Churches.]

Fundamentalists to view “the church” as all Christians in FURBISH. To polish (Eze. 21:9; Je. 46:4).

all denominations and parachurch organizations. This is FURLONG [See Weights and Measures.]

a great confusion that naturally produces an ecumenical FURNITURE. (Ge. 34:17, 19). Denotes a large round mentality and that makes purification of the churches pannier, placed one on each side of a camel, for a impossible. Harold J. Ockenga used the many divisions person, especially women, to ride in. It is a hamper, like of Evangelicalism-Fundamentalism and the “shibboleth a cradle, having a back, head, and sides, like a great of having a pure church” as an excuse for New chair. Moryson describes them as “two long chairs like Evangelicalism’s non-separatist mentality (Ockenga, cradles, covered with red cloth, to hang on the two sides

“From Fundamentalism, Through New Evangelicalism, of the camel” (Treasury). [See Camel.]

to Evangelicalism,” Evangelical Roots, edited by Kenneth FURROW. To make long narrow channels or Kantzer, p. 42). This is dangerous and unscriptural grooves; to plow (Ps. 129:3).

thinking. God’s Word does call for a pure church (1 Co.

5:6-8); this is not a mere shibboleth; yet it is the New FUTURE EVENTS. [See Prophecy.]

Testament assembly that we are to purify, not any sort 268

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-G-

GAAL (rejection). Ju. 9:26.

GALL. (1) A bitter poisonous herb which deadens GAASH (quaking). Jos. 24:30.

pain (De. 29:18; Ps. 69:21; Mt. 27:34). The Lord Jesus GABA (height). Jos. 18:24.

Christ refused the gall which was offered to Him on the cross. He drank the full cup of God’s wrath for sin and GABBAI (ingatherer). Ne. 11:8.

refused to mollify the bitter experience (Mt. 26:39,42; GABBATHA (elevated place). Jn. 19:13.

27:34). (2) Bitter experiences and judgment (Je. 8:14; GABRIEL (God is mighty). An angel mentioned four 9:15; 23:15; La. 3:5; Am. 6:12). (3) A bitter attitude times in the Bible (Da. 8:16; 9:21; Lk. 1:11-20, 26-38).

(Ac. 8:23).

[See Angel, Archangel, Michael.]

GALLANT. Powerful; mighty (Is. 33:21).

GAD (good fortune). Jacob’s seventh son (Ge.

GALLERY. A covered part of a building, commonly in 30:9-11; 46:16; 49:19). His children form the tribe of the wings, used as a place for walking (Eze. 41:15).

Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel (Nu. 1:24-25; GALLEY. A ship powered by oars (Is. 33:21).

26:18; De. 33:20; Jos. 4:12; 13:24-28; 18:7; 20:8; 21:7,38; 22:9-34; 1 Sa. 13:7; 1 Ch. 2:2; 5:11; 6:63, 80; GALLIM (fountains or heaps). 1 Sa. 25:44.

Eze. 48:27-34; Re. 7:5).

GALLOWS. The wooden frame on which persons are GADARENES (people of Gadara). Mk. 5:1; Lk.

hanged (Es. 5:14; 6:4; 7:10; 8:7; 9:13,25).

8:26,37.

GAMALIEL (God is recompenser). Nu. 1:10; Ac.

GADDEST. To walk about; to rove or ramble idly or 5:34. “Gamaliel was an unconverted Pharisee. God used without any fixed purpose (Je. 2:36).

him to deliver Peter and John from death (Acts 5), but he said a foolish thing which many Christians quote as GADDI (belonging to fortune). Nu. 13:11.

gospel truth. He advised the Jewish rulers not to kill GADDIEL (Gad is fortune bringer). Nu. 13:10.

Peter and John who had been preaching. People say that GADI (fortunate). 2 Ki. 15:14.

it is none of our business to rebuke sin, to expose GAHAM (blackness). Ge. 22:24.

modernism. We should leave that to God to attend to.

GAHAR (prostration, concealment). Ezr. 2:47.

They say if the work be of God, it will grow; if it is not GAIN THIS HARM. To escape or avoid danger (Ac.

of God, it will fail. But when they quote Gamaliel they 26:21).

are quoting an unsaved man, not what God Himself says. Note that the Bible only quotes Gamaliel; it does GAINSAY. To refuse; resist; contradict; oppose; deny not approve his statement. It is not true that if a work (Lk. 21:15; Ac. 10:29; Ro. 10:21; Tit. 1:9; Jude 11).

be not of God, ‘it will come to nought.’ The Jehovah’s GALAL (great, rolling). 1 Ch. 9:15.

Witnesses movement is not of God, but it is more than GALATIA. A Roman province in western Asia which one hundred years old and has not yet come to nought.

today is known as the country of Turkey. Many churches So with Mohammedanism and Romanism and Spiritism were established in this area in the first century (1 Co.

and Mormonism. So with the liquor business, so with 16:1; Ga. 1:2; 2 Ti. 4:10; 1 Pe. 1:1).

lewd literature. It is a foolish and unscriptural idea that GALBANUM. A resin used to increase the fragrance we are to leave things alone and if there is anything in incense (Ex. 30:34).

wrong with them, then they will come to nought of GALEED (heap of witness). Ge. 31:47.

themselves. This idea that the truth should never be defended and a wrong should never be attacked is GALILEE, SEA OF. A lake in northern Israel. It is also wholly different from the plain teaching of the Bible.

called (1) the Sea of Gennesaret (Lk. 5:1), so named The Lord Jesus commanded us to ‘beware of false because of the plain of Gennesaret located northwest of prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but the lake (Mt. 14:34); (2) the Sea of Chinnereth (Nu.

inwardly they are ravening wolves’ (Mt. 7:15). Young 34:11; De. 3:17; Jos. 13:27), meaning harp-shaped and Timothy was commanded, ‘Them that sin rebuke before describing the shape of the lake; (3) Chinneroth (Jos.

all, that others also may fear’ (1 Ti. 5:20). Paul was 12:3; 1 Ki. 15:20), so named because of a town by this inspired to write Titus about some ‘vain talkers and name on its shore (Jos. 19:35); (4) the Sea of Tiberias, deceivers, specially they of the circumcision ...

so named after the Roman city on the western shore Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound (Jn. 6:1; 21:1). Many events of Jesus’ life were in the faith’ (Tit. 1:10, 13). And Jude 3 tells us that ‘ye associated with this lake (Mt. 4:18; 15:29; 17:22; Jn.

should earnestly contend for the faith which was once 6:1)

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GAMMADIM - GENEALOGY

delivered unto the saints.’ Some follow Gamaliel, but it rooms in the gates (Ge. 19:1; De. 22:15; Ru. 4:11; 1 Sa.

would be far better if they would follow the 9:18; 2 Sa. 19:8; 2 Ki. 7:1; Ps. 69:12; Pr. 22:22; 24:7; Bible” (John R. Rice, Ecumenical Excuses for Unequal 31:23; Da. 2:49; Am. 5:15).

Yokes).

GATH (wine press, fortune). Jos. 11:22.

GAMMADIM. Hired soldiers; mercenaries (Smith) GATHHEPHER (wine press of the well). 2 Ki. 14:25.

(Eze. 27:11).

GATHRIMMON (wine press of Rimmon). Jos. 19:45.

GAMUL (weaned, matured). 1 Ch. 24:17.

GAY. Bright; cheerful (Ja. 2:3).

GAPE. To open the mouth in wonder or surprise; to GAZA (strong place). Ge. 10:19.

open the mouth with a desire to injure or devour (Webster) (Job 16:10; Ps. 22:13).

GAZZAM (devourer, swaggerer). Ezr. 2:48.

GARDEN. (1) The Garden of Eden (Ge. 2:8-16; GAZER (precipice). 2 Sa. 5:25.

3:1-24; 13:10; Eze. 36:35; Joel 2:3). (2) The delights of GAZEZ (shearer). 1 Ch. 2:46.

love (Song 4:12-16; 5:1; 6:2). (3) The garden of God GAZINGSTOCK. To be mocked; ridiculed; a spectacle (Is. 51:3; Eze. 28:13; 31:8; 31:9). (4) The garden of (Na. 3:6; He. 10:33).

Gethsemane where Jesus prayed before the crucifixion GEBA (height, hill). Jos. 21:17.

(Mt. 26:36; Mk. 14:32; Jn. 18:1, 26). (5) The garden GEBAL (hilly, border). Eze. 27:9.

where Jesus was buried (Jn. 19:41).

GEBER (strong). 1 Ki. 4:13.

GAREB (reviler, despiser). 2 Sa. 23:38.

GEBIM (springs). Is. 10:31.

GARMITE (bony). 1 Ch. 4:19.

GEDALIAH (Jehovah is great). 2 Ki. 25:22.

GARNER. A place for storing grain or valuables (Ps.

GEDEON. The Greek form of Gideon (He. 11:32).

144:13; Joel 1:17; Mt. 3:12).

[See Gideon.]

GARNISH. To overlay; to adorn; to set in order (2

GEDER (walled). Jos. 12:13.

Ch. 3:6; Job 26:13; Mt. 12:44; 23:29; Re. 21:19).

GEDERAH (sheep cote). Jos. 15:36.

GARRISON. A fortified post or camp (1 Sa. 10:5; 13:3; 14:1,6; 2 Sa. 8:6, 14).

GEDEROTHAIM (two sheepfolds). Jos. 15:36.

GAT. Got (Ge. 19:27).

GEHAZI (denier, diminisher). 2 Ki. 4:12-36; 5:20-25; 8:4-5).

GATAM (burnt valley). Ge. 36:11.

GEHENNA. A Greek word translated “hell” nine GATE. There were 10 gates in Jerusalem (Ne. 3).

times in the N.T. (Mt. 5:29-30; 10:28; 23:15,33; Mk.

These gates can be interpreted symbolically to teach 9:43, 45; Lk. 12:5). It is translated “hell fire” three times lessons for the Christian life (Ro. 15:4; 1 Co. 10:11).

(Mt. 5:22; 18:9; Mk. 9:47). At one time the word The sheep gate (v. 1) was listed first and symbolizes the probably referred to the Valley of Hinnom in Jerusalem, blood atonement of Christ, upon which our relationship a valley used for idolatry in O.T. times (2 Ki. 21:6; 2 Ch.

with God is founded (Jn. 1:29). The fish gate (v. 3) 28:3; 33:6; Je. 7:31, 32; 19:1-6; 32:35). [See Death, symbolizes evangelism (Mk. 1:17). The old gate (v. 6) Hell, Hades, Sheol.]

symbolizes the old paths, the fundamental truths of the Word of God (Jude 3). The valley gate (v. 13) GELILOTH (circles). Jos. 18:17.

symbolizes growth, trials, low times in our lives; GEMARIAH (camel owner). Nu. 13:12.

humility (1 Pe. 4:12; 5:10). The dung gate (v. 14) GENDER. To produce; to beget (Le. 19:19; Job illustrates refuse, that which is rotten, that which needs 21:10; 38:29; Ga. 4:24; 2 Ti. 2:23).

to be put out of our lives (1 Pe. 2:1). The fountain gate GENEALOGY. Lineage, family, seed, generation (1

(v. 15) represents the Spirit-filled life (Jn. 7:37-39). The Ch. 4:33; 5:1,17; Ezr. 8:3; Ne. 7:5; 1 Ti. 1:4; Tit. 3:9).

water gate (v. 26) represents the constant cleansing The main use of the Bible’s genealogies is to trace the necessary for fellowship with Christ (Jn. 13:10; 1 Jn.

lineage of Jesus Christ from Adam the first man, to 1:9). The horse gate (v. 28) represents spiritual warfare prove that He is a man and is thus qualified to be man’s (Ep. 6:10-18). The east gate (v. 29) stands for the Redeemer, (Lk. 3:33-38), and to trace His lineage from expectation of Christ’s return (1 Th. 1:10). The gate Abraham and David to show that He the Messiah who Miphkad (appointment, judgment) (v. 31) stands for the inherits God’s covenants and who will establish God’s judgment seat of Christ (1 Co. 3:10-15; 2 Co. 5:10).

eternal kingdom (Mt. 1:1-17). This is the purpose of the

[See Type.]

genealogies in Genesis 5; Genesis 10-11; 1 Chronicles GATE, IN THE. The phrase “in the gate” refers to the 1-8. Christ’s genealogy is traced from Adam to Seth (Ge.

place of judgment and business, which in ancient times 5:3), to Noah (Ge. 5:3-29), to Shem (Ge. 11:10), to was conducted in open spaces near the city gates or in Abraham (Ge. 11:10-26), to Isaac (Ge. 21:1-5), to Jacob 270

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GENERALLY - GILEAD

(Ge. 27:22-29), to Judah (Ge. 49:8-10), to David (2 Sa.

GETHSEMANE (oil press). The garden where Jesus 7:12-17). The apostles warned against “endless prayed prior to his arrest (Mt. 26:36-56; Mk. 14:32-52).

genealogies” (1 Ti. 1:4; Tit. 3:9). This refers to various It was located on the Mount of Olives (Lk. 22:39-54).

types of false teaching associated with Jewish fables and GETTING. (1) Gain; winnings (Ge. 31:18; Pr. 4:7).

pagan philosophy, such as Gnosticism. A modern (2) Obtaining (Pr. 21:6).

example is Mormon genealogies. (1) Endless GEUEL (God of salvation). Nu. 13:15.

genealogies are connected with fables instead of solid Bible truth (1 Ti. 1:4). (2) They “minister questions”

GEZER (a precipice). Jos. 10:33.

rather than godly edifying and faith (1 Ti. 1:4). (3) GHOST. An old English word for spirit (Job. 11:20; They are connected with foolish questions and strife Je. 15:9; Mt. 27:50; Jn. 19:30). Some of the disciples (Tit. 3:9). [See Foolish Questions, Generation.]

feared that the resurrected Christ was a spirit, but He GENERALLY. Altogether; all (2 Sa. 17:11; Je. 48:38).

proved to them that He was risen bodily (Lk. 24:36-43).

[See Devils, Holy Spirit, Spirit.]

GENERATION. (1) A line of ancestors. [See Genealogy.] (2) The people living in the same time GHOST - HOLY. Holy Ghost is the old English form period (De. 32:5,20; Mt. 24:34; Lk. 21:32). (3) of Holy Spirit. [See Holy Spirit.]

Offspring or likeness; class of people (Mt. 3:7; 1 Pe.

GIAH (waterfall). 2 Sa. 2:24.

2:9).

GIBBAR (mighty). Ezr. 2:20.

GENESIS. The book of beginnings. The first book of GIBBETHON (height). Jos. 19:44.

the Bible records the beginning of the earth and the GIBEA (highlander). 1 Ch. 2:49.

universe, man, marriage, sin, judgment, religion, Israel GIBEAH (height). Jos. 15:57.

and God’s promise of salvation in Jesus Christ. [See GIBEON (hill, height). Jos. 9:3.

Abel, Abraham, Adam, Ark, Babel, Babylon, Cain, Covenant, Death, Enoch, Evolution, Flood, Genealogy, GIDDALTI (I have magnified). 1 Ch. 25:4.

Generation, Gomorrah, Hagar, Ham, Inspiration, GIDDEL (very great). Ezr. 2:47.

Ishmael, Israel, Japheth, Joseph, Lot, Noah, Old Age, GIDEON (one who cuts trees). A judge of Israel who Replenish, Revelation, Satan, Shem, Sodom, Star.]

defeated Israel’s enemies through God’s power with only GENNESARET. [See Galilee, Sea of.]

a small number of men (Ju. 6-9; He. 11:32). He was GENTILE. All non-Jewish people (Lk. 2:32; Ro.

given the names Jerubbaal (Baal strives) because he 3:9,29; 9:24; 1 Co. 10:32). The Greek word translated overthrew Baal’s altar (Ju. 6:32). He is called Gentile ( ethnos) is also translated “people” (Ac. 8:19), Jerubbesheth (the idol strives) in 2 Sa. 11:21.

“nation” (Re. 7:9; 11:18), and “heathen” (2 Co 11:26).

GIDOM (desolation). Ju. 20:45.

[See Heathen, Idolatry, Israel, Nation, Pagan, GIER EAGLE. Being classed with the swan and the Uncircumcision.]

pelican, it has been thought to be some water-fowl; but GENTLE. Mild; kind; tender; peaceable. Christ is it is more generally considered to be the Egyptian gentle (2 Co. 10:1). Paul was gentle (1 Th. 2:7). The vulture. It visits Palestine only in the summer. It eats any fruit of the Spirit is gentle (Ga. 5:22). Heavenly wisdom carrion (Concise) (Le. 11:18; De. 14:17).

is gentle (Ja. 3:17). The Christian is to be gentle (Tit.

GIFT. (1) A present; anything given or bestowed; 3:2). The preacher is to be gentle (1 Th. 2:7).

anything, the property of which is voluntarily Unbelievers are to be dealt with in a gentle manner (2

transferred by one person to another without Ti. 2:24). David said God’s gentleness made him great compensation; a donation (Webster) (Ge. 34:12; Nu.

(2 Sa. 22:36; Ps. 18:35) [See Jesus Christ, Humble, 8:19; Mt. 7:11; 2 Co. 8:4; Re. 11:10). (2) A bribe (Ex.

Love, Meek, Pride.]

23:8; De. 16:19; 2 Ch. 19:7; Pr. 17:8; 29:4). [See GERA (enmity). Ge. 46:21.

Bribe.] (3) The gift of salvation in Jesus Christ (Jn.

GERAH. [See Money.]

4:10; Ac. 8:20; Ro. 5:15-18; 6:23; 2 Co. 9:15; Ep. 2:8; 3:7). [See Grace.] (4) Spiritual gifts given to the GERAR (circle). Ge. 10:19.

Christian (Ro. 1:11; 1 Co. 1:7; 1 Ti. 4:14; 2 Ti. 1:6; 1

GERIZIM (waste places). De. 11:29.

Pe. 4:10).

GERSHOM (a stranger there). Ex. 2:22; 18:3; 1 Ch.

GILBOA (bubbling fountain). 1 Sa. 28:4.

23:15, 16; 26:24).

GILEAD (strong, rocky). A territory east of the GESHAM (firm, strong). 1 Ch. 2:47.

Jordan River and southeast of the Sea of Galilee. It was GESHEM (carcass). Ne. 2:19; 6:1-2.

occupied by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh GESHUR (bridge-land). 2 Sa. 3:3.

until the area was conquered by the Assyrians. Ge.

37:25; Nu. 32:1; De. 2:36; 3:10; 34:1; Jos. 12:2; 13:11; Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 271

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17:1-6; Ju. 5:17; 10:8; 1 Sa. 13:7; 2 Sa. 2:9; 17:26; GIVING. [See Lucre, Money, Offerings, Stewardship, 24:6; 1 Ki. 4:13; 17:1; 22:3; 2 Ki. 10:33; 1 Ch. 2:22; Tithe.]

5:9-16; Ps. 60:7; 108:8; Song 6:5; Je. 8:22; 22:6; 46:11; GLAD, GLADNESS. Pleased; cheerful. Gladness 50:19; Eze. 47:18; Ho. 6:8; 12:11; Am. 1:3,13; Ob. 19; results from help received (1 Sa. 11:9). Gladness results Mi. 7:14; Ze. 10:10.

from victories given by God over enemies (Es. 8:15-17; GILGAL (revolving continually, roll away). Gilgal 9:17-19). Gladness is produced in parents by wise, denotes a new beginning after one’s sins are rolled away obedient children (Pr. 10:1; 15:20; 23:25; 27:11).

in Christ. Israel crossing the Jordan typified the new Gladness is associated with the blessings and pleasures birth (Jos. 3:13-17). The stones left in the water typified of life (Je. 20:15; 25:10; Ac. 14:17). Gladness is a sin covered (Jos. 4:5-9). The stones carried out of the product of righteousness (Pr. 10:28; Ps. 45:7). Gladness river and placed on the shore of the promised land is produced by a good word (Pr. 12:25). Gladness typified resurrection to newness of life in Christ (Jos.

results from the salvation of a soul (Lk. 15:32).

4:20). Baptism signifies the same thing. See also De.

Gladness results from being confident of God’s future 11:30; Jos. 5:9-10; 9:6; 10:6-43; 14:6; 15:7; Ju. 2:1; rewards (Mt. 5:12). Gladness comes through the 3:19; 1 Sa. 7:16; 10:8; 11:14; 13:4; 15:12; 2 Sa. 19:15; resurrection of Jesus Christ (Jn. 20:20). The gospel 2 Ki. 2:1; 4:38; Ne. 12:29; Ho. 4:15; 9:15; 12:11; Am.

must be received gladly (Ac. 2:41; 13:48). Gladness is a 4:4; 5:5; Mi. 6:5. [See Baptism - Immersion.]

product of a Spirit-filled Christian life (Ac. 2:46).

GILOH (great joy, exile). Jos. 15:51.

Gladness is produced in church leaders by obedient GIMZO (sycamore). 2 Ch. 28:18.

Christians (Ac. 11:23). The gospel is glad tidings (Lk.

1:19; 8:1; Ac. 13:32; Ro. 10:15). Trials, sufferings, and GIN. A trap used to catch animals and birds (Job difficulties are to be endured gladly, with faith in God (2

18:9; Ps. 140:5; Is. 8:14; Amos 3:5).

Co. 12:9). Jesus Christ is anointed with the oil of GINATH (protection). 1 Ki. 16:21.

gladness (Ps. 45:7; He. 1:9). Many references to GIRDED. Bound; put on; surrounded (Jn. 13:4).

“gladness” point to the coming of Christ and the GIRDLE. A belt (2 Ki. 1:8; Job 12:18; Ps. 109:19; Je.

establishment of His kingdom (Ps. 14:7; 45:15; 46:4; 13:1-11; Mt. 3:4; Mk. 1:6; Ac. 21:11; Re. 1:13). A girdle 48:11; 53:6; 64:10; 67:4; 96:11; 97:1; 97:8; 100:2; Is.

was worn as part of military equipment (1 Sa. 18:4; 2

25:9; 30:29; 35:1; 51:3, 11; 65:18; 66:10; Je. 31:7; Sa. 20:8; Is. 5:27). From it the sword was suspended. A 33;11; Joel 2:21, 23; Zep. 3:14; Ze. 8:19; 10:7; 1 Pe.

girdle was also worn by the O.T. priest (Ex. 28:4,8, 4:13; Re. 19:7). [See Cheer, Cheerful, Comfort, Delight, 27-39; 29:5; 39:5, 20-29; Le. 8:7; 16:4). The girdle Gospel, Happy, Hope, Joy, Laughter, Merry, Mirth, symbolized readiness to serve and pictures this quality Rejoice.]

in the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 13:4). His earthly life was a GLAD TIDINGS. [See Tidings.]

continual service to God the Father and to mankind.

GLADNESS, OIL OF. [See Oil of Gladness.]

Believers, as a nation of priests, are to have this same GLASS. (1) Looking glass; mirror (Job 37:18; 2 Co.

attitude of ready service (1 Pe. 2:9). [See High Priest, 3:18; Ja. 1:23). (2) Transparent or opaque glass (1 Co.

Jesus Christ, Military.]

13:12; Re. 21:18, 21). [See Cosmetics.]

GIRT. To gird; surround; bind; make fast (2 Ki. 1:8; GLEAN. The Hebrew custom of allowing the poor to Ep. 6:14; Re. 1:13).

follow the reapers and gather the grain that was left GISPA (listening). Ne. 11:21.

behind or the grapes which remained after the vintage GITTAIM (two wine presses). Jos. 19:13.

(Ju. 8:2; Ruth 2:2, 16; Is. 17:6) (Compact).

GITTITH (from Gath). This word is found in the title GLEDE. A vulture (De. 14:13).

to Ps. 8, 81, and 84. It probably refers to a type of harp GLISTER. Flashing like lightning (Lk. 9:29).

manufactured at Gath. It is possible that David became GLORY. Glory is used in six ways in the Bible: (1) It acquainted with it during his exile in Gath (1 Sa.

refers to praise (Lk. 2:14; 17:18; Ac. 12:23; 1 Co. 2:7; 27:2-11). Or it could refer to Gath-rimmon, a Levite city Ep. 1:6). (2) It refers to God’s holiness, exalted (Jos. 21:24).

magnificence, and divine perfection (Jn. 1:14; Ro.

GIVE DILIGENCE. Be diligent about this matter; be 1:23). (3) It refers to the splendor and wealth of a king earnest; hasten; endeavor (Lk. 12:58; 2 Pe. 1:10). [See and his kingdom (Mt. 6:29; 19:28; 25:31; Jn. 12:41; Diligence.]

17:5, 22, 24; Ro. 9:23; Col. 3:4). (4) It refers to the GIVE EAR. Give heed; listen; attend (Ex. 15:26; De.

brilliant light which surrounds the presence of God (Ex.

1:45; 32:1; Ps. 5:1; 49:1; Is. 1:2).

16:10; 40:34, 35; Le. 9:6, 23; Nu. 14:10; 1 Ki. 8:11; 2

GIVE PLACE. Give way; yield (Ga. 2:5; Ep. 4:27).

Ch. 7:1-3; Eze. 10:4; Mk. 13:26; 9:29-31; Lk. 2:9; Re.

1:16; 21:11, 23). (5) It refers to beauty (Is. 28:1; 63:1).

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When the Bible says believers will be with Christ in GOD. The Bible teaches that there is one God, and glory, it refers to all of the above—the praise, splendor, this one God is revealed in three Persons: the Father, the wealth, light, and beauty which are in Christ’s presence Son (the Word), and the Holy Spirit.

and kingdom. (6) It refers to boasting (1 Co. 1:29, 31; Names for God:

3:21; 4:7; 5:6; 2 Co. 5:12; Ga. 6:13). [See Heaven, God. This is from the Hebrew word elohim (Ge. 1:1).

Kingdom of God, Majesty, Millennium.]

It is a general term that refers to God as all-powerful. “It GLUTTONOUS. One who lives for fleshly pleasures; is not a personal name of God, but it is God’s official excessive eating and drinking (Mt. 11:19). [See Lust, title--what He is, God!--Elohim! It is the title of God just Temperance.]

as the word ‘pastor’ is the title of an office” (Cambron).

GNASH. To bite and gnaw; referring to deep anger, Elohiym is used about 2,300 times in the Bible, and it is hatred, or pain (Job 16:9; Ps. 35:16; 37:12; Ac. 7:54).

used not only for God but also for false gods (Ex. 20:3; Most frequently used in reference to hell (Ps. 112:10; 23:24; 32:1). In some places, such as Leviticus 19:4 and Mt. 8:12; 13:42; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30; Mk. 9:18; Lk.

Jeremiah 46:25 and Daniel 1:2, elohiym refers both to 13:28). [See Hell, Judgment.]

false gods and to the true God in the same verse.

GNAT. A small flying insect (Mt. 23:24).

Elohiym is also used for man (Ex. 22:28; Ps. 82:6). Men GNOSTICISM. A philosophy prevalent in the days of are called “gods” in the sense that they have been the Apostles. According to Gnostic teaching, the physical appointed to rule the earth and they hold positions of creation was made by God through a progression of authority (Ps. 82:6). The word e lohiym is also translated angels. The Gnostics believed that God is pure, but that

“judges” (Ex. 22:9) and “angels” (Ps. 8:5). The New the creation—the physical things of the world—are Testament Greek word for God is theos (Mt. 4:10). Like impure, since the progression of angels was thought to elohiym, it is a general term for God.

have become less pure as they moved from God.

Lord ( adonai, adon) Genesis 15:2. “The primary Gnostics had two different opinions about how men meaning is Master, and it is applied in the O.T.

could become pure. One group tried to deny and Scriptures both to God and to man. As applied to man, mistreat their bodies through fasting, sleeplessness, the word adonai is used of two relationships: master flagellations, etc. Christians are warned against this in and husband (Ge. 24:9-10, 12; 18:12)” (Scofield). The Col. 2:18-23. The other group believed that since their N.T. Greek word for Lord, kurios, corresponds to the bodies were evil it did not matter how they lived as long Hebrew adonai. Kurios is used for Jehovah God. For as their thoughts were high. These Gnostics lived in example, compare De. 6:5 with Mt. 22:37 and De. 6:16

sensual pleasure and debauchery. This idea is rebuked in with Mt. 4:7 and Psalm 18:23 with Mt. 21:42. The fact Col. 3. Gnostic means knowledge, and Gnosticism that kurios is also used 663 times for Jesus identifies promoted a sort of secret society of the intellectual.

Him as Jehovah God of the O.T. (Mt. 12:8; Lk. 24:3, 34; Only a certain special group were considered advanced Jn. 9:38). In John 20:28, Thomas called Jesus “My Lord enough to be accepted. The Apostle Paul denied this ( kurios) and my God ( theos).”

search for secret knowledge when he said all knowledge Jehovah (Ge. 2:4). Jehovah is the personal name by is in Christ (Col. 2:1-4). When we have Christ Jesus, we which God is revealed in the Old Testament. In the King have access to all wisdom. Gnostics also believed that James Bible, Jehovah is translated LORD in all caps and Christ was only an angel, or an emanation from God, it appears more than 6,500 times. Jehovah is the self-but not truly God Himself. The Apostle Paul countered existent, eternal, self-revealing, promise-keeping God.

this false belief in Col. 1:15-19 and 2:8-10. [See Jehovah is both Saviour and Judge. He is the covenant-Celibacy, Christian Science, Fasting, Vegetarian.]

keeping Redeemer to the believer as well as the holy GO ASIDE. To swerve from the path of duty (Nu.

God of judgment to the unbeliever (De. 7:9-10). The 5:12).

greatness of Jehovah’s mercy and salvation can only be GO BEYOND. To overreach (1 Th. 4:6).

understood in light of His terrible holiness (Lev. 11:45; 19:1-2; Ps. 11:4-5; Is. 6:3; Hag. 1:12-13). Jehovah is the GO TO. (1) A kind of interjection; come, let us do lawgiver and the punisher of lawbreakers (Ex. 20:1-18).

this; hearken; indeed (Ge. 11:3). (2) Go toward; travel; Jehovah is the Redeemer who sought Adam after the fall move (Ge. 13:9; 15:15; 24:56).

and clothed him in coats, which signified the salvation GOAD. A sharpened rod used for prodding cattle (Ju.

provided by Jesus (Genesis 3:8-9, 21). The book of 3:31; 1 Sa. 13:21). It is used symbolically to refer to the Psalms is a book of praise to Jehovah God. Forty-one challenge of instruction (Ec. 12:11).

times the Psalmist says, “Praise the LORD” or “Praise ye GOATH (constance). Je. 31:39.

the LORD.” Jehovah is to be praised because of His GOB (a pit). 2 Sa. 21:18.

goodness and mercy (Ps. 106:1; 103:8-14). Sixteen GOBLET. A container (Song 7:2).

times we are told that Jehovah is good (1 Ch. 16:34; 2

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Ch. 5:3; 7:3; Ezr. 3:11; Ps. 34:8; 100:5; 106:1; 107:1; He is the King of glory’ (Ps. 24:10), and accordingly in 118:1, 29; 135:3; 136:1; 145:9; Je. 33:11; Lam. 3:25; O.T. Scripture this name is revealed in the time of Nah. 1:7). Jehovah’s mercies are great (1 Ch. 21:13), Israel's need. It is never found in the Pentateuch, nor manifold (Ne. 9:19), tender (Ps. 25:6), plentious (Ps.

directly in Joshua or Judges, and occurs but rarely in 86:15), multitudinous (Ps. 5:7; 51:1; 69:16; 106:7, 45; the Psalms; but Jeremiah, the prophet of approaching lam. 3:32), everlasting (Psa 100:5; 118:1, 2, 3, 4, 29; national judgment, uses the name about 80 times.

136; 138:8). The believer is compassed with Jehovah’s Haggai in two chapters uses the name 14 times; mercy (Ps. 32:10). His mercies are as high as the heaven Zechariah calls upon the Lord of hosts about 50 times.

is above the earth (Ps. 103:11). He is full of compassion In Malachi the name occurs about 25 times. In the (Ps. 145:8). The reason that Jehovah can be merciful to utmost extremity, the Psalmist twice comforts his heart sinners is because He Himself has satisfied the with the assurance ‘the Lord of hosts is with us’ (Ps.

requirements of His own holy law. Jehovah is the God of 46:7, 11). The meanings and uses of this name may be the Passover (Ex. 12:1-7). Yea, Jehovah is the Passover thus summarized: (1) The ‘hosts’ are heavenly. Primarily Lamb. He is the only Saviour (Is. 43:11). He is the angels are meant, but the name gathers into itself

“Jesus” (Mt. 1:21; John 1:29). Jehovah is the Father the idea of all divine or heavenly power as available for who sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world (1 John the need of God’s people (Ge. 32:1-2; Is. 6:1-5; 1 Ki.

4:14).

22:19; Lk. 2:13-15). (2) In use this is the distinctive The name Jehovah is used as a compound with other name of Deity for Israel’s help and comfort in the time words to signify various aspects of His character: of her division and failure (1 Ki. 18:15; 19:14; Is. 1:9; Jehovah-Jireh (Jehovah will provide). This is the 8:11-14; 9:13-19; 10:24-27; 31:4-5; Hag. 2:4; Mal.

name Abraham gave to an altar after God had provided 3:16-17; Jas. 5:4)” (Scofield).

a sacrifice in the place of Isaac (Ge. 22:1-14). It reminds I Am That I Am (Ex. 3:14). This name emphasizes the us of God’s mercy in seeing man’s need of salvation and fact that God is the self-existing, eternal Creator. There in providing His Son as a ransom for sin (Jn. 3:16).

“is no past or future with Him; He is the Eternal Jehovah-Nissi (Jehovah is my banner). This is the Present” (Cambron). Because God is the self-existing name Moses gave to an altar after God defeated Israel’s One He can be trusted. God revealed Himself by this enemy, Amalak, and promised to destroy him utterly name to Moses and Israel in the context of His promise (Ex. 17:8-15). This name reminds us that God is to redeem them from Israel. Moses asked God how he powerful and faithful to defeat the enemies of His would convince the Jews that he was sent by God and people. God is the believer's victory over all enemies.

that God would fulfill His Word, and He replied, “Thus shalt thou say unto the children of God, I AM hath sent Jehovah-Shalom (Jehovah is peace). This is the name me unto you.” By using the title “I Am,” the Lord Jesus Gideon gave to an altar after God had spoken to him Christ was claiming to be God, and the Jews understood (Jg. 6:21-24). It reminds us that God gives peace to His this and tried to stone Him (Jn. 8:56-59). The “I am’s”

people because of the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ (Jn.

of the Gospel of John are claims to deity (“I am the 14:27; 16:33; Ro. 5:1; Ep. 2:13-19; Col. 1:20). In the bread of life” Jn. 6:35; “I am the light of the world” Jn.

N.T. God is often called the God of peace (Ro. 15:13; 8:12; “I am the door” Jn. 10:9; “I am the good 16:20; 2 Co. 13:11; Ph. 4:9; 1 Th. 5:23; 2 Th. 3:16; He.

shepherd” Jn. 10:14; “I am the resurrection and the life”

13:20). Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6). The Jn. 11:25; “I am the way, the truth, and the life” Jn.

Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ is the Gospel of 14:6; “I am the true vine” Jn. 15:1). When Jesus said “I peace (Ro. 10:15).

am,” His persecutors fell down (Jn. 18:6).

Jehovah-Tsidkenu (Jehovah is our righteousness).

Almighty. God is called “Almighty” 57 times in This is a name given prophetically to the Lord Jesus Scripture, beginning with God’s revelation to Abraham Christ (Je. 23:6). It is another proof of Christ’s Deity.

in Genesis 17:1. See also Ge. 28:3; 35:11; 43:14; 48:3; The name is also applied prophetically to Jerusalem (Je.

49:25; Ex. 6:3; Job 31:35; 33:4; 34:12; 37:23; 40:2; Ps.

33:15-16). After the Lord Jesus returns and sets up His 91:1; Is. 13:6; Eze. 1:24; 10:5; Joe. 1:15; This is from throne in Jerusalem, His city will be called after His own the Hebrew word Shaddai, which means “to be burly, name-- the Lord our righteousness. Finally Jerusalem will i . e . ( f i g u r a t i v e l y ) p o w e r f u l ( p a s s i v e l y, be the holy city that God has always intended.

impregnable)” (Strong). “Almighty” appears nine times Jehovah-Sabaoth (1 Samuel 1:3). “Sabaoth means in the New Testament, and it is translated from the simply host or hosts, but with special reference to Greek word pantokrator, meaning the omnipotent, warfare or service. In use, the two ideas are united; absolute Ruler. See 2 Co. 6:18; Re. 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; Jehovah is Lord of hosts. It is the name, therefore, of 15:3; 16:7, 14; 19:15; 21:22. In Revelation 19:6, Jehovah in manifestation of power. ‘The Lord of Hosts, pantokrator is translated omnipotent. Contrary to what 274

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some commentaries claim and what I erroneously age or dispensation” (Scofield). [See Anger, El Shaddai, taught in previous editions of this course, the Old Holy, Idolatry, Inspiration, Jesus Christ, Trinity.]

Testament Hebrew word ( shadday) translated GODHEAD. Pertaining to Deity; divine nature or

“Almighty” in the King James Bible has nothing to do essence (Ac. 17:29; Ro. 1:20; Col. 2:9).

with the breast. The Hebrew word shadday is from the GOD SPEED. An old English phrase for greeting (2

word “shadad,” which means “to be burly, i.e.

Jn. 10). The same Greek word is translated “hail” (Mt.

( f i g u r a t i v e l y ) p o w e r f u l ( p a s s i v e l y , 26:49), “rejoice” (2 Jn. 4), “greeting” (Ac. 15:23; Ja.

impregnable)” (Strong). We agree with the following 1:1), and “farewell” (2 Co. 13:11). The Apostle John (2

study from George Pember: “In order to corroborate the John 10) is saying that Christians should not give false doctrine (of sex in deity) just mentioned, certain teachers hospitality or even a normal cheerful greeting.

Theosophists have invented a new derivation for the

[See Separation.]

Hebrew Shaddai, which in our versions is correctly rendered ‘Almighty.’ They suppose it to be connected GODLINESS. The qualities of God’s nature—

with a word shad, which signifies a woman’s breast. But holiness, love, compassion, justice, etc (1 Ti. 2:2, 10; such a derivation is impossible, and, so far as we are 4:7-8; 6:3, 11; 2 Ti. 3:5; Tit. 1:1; 1 Pe. 1:3, 6-7; 3:11).

aware, has never been proposed by an unbiased scholar.

[See Holy, Righteousness, Sanctification.]

More than one Christian scholar has taken up this GODLY SORROW. This phrase in 2 Co. 7:10 speaks Theosophical derivation of Shaddai, and explained the of true repentance as contrasted with the “sorrow of the word as meaning first ‘full-breasted,’ and then world.” The Greek word translated “sorrow” ( lupe) is

‘bountiful’” (Pember, The Church, the Churches, and the also translated “heaviness” (Ro. 9:2; 2 Co. 2:1), Mysteries).

“grief” (1 Pe. 2:19), and “grievous” (He. 12:11). Godly Lord of Hosts (Jehovah Sabaoth) 1 Sa. 1:3. “Sabaoth sorrow concerns itself with God. It means to change means simply host or hosts, but with special reference to one’s mind and attitude toward God, to sorrow for the warfare or service. In use, the two ideas are united; fact that one has sinned against Him. It is the product of Jehovah is Lord of hosts. It is the name, therefore, of the Word of God (2 Co. 7:8); it was the Apostle’s Jehovah in manifestation of power. ‘The Lord of Hosts, inspired letter which produced repentance in the He is the King of glory’ (Ps. 24:10), and accordingly in Corinthians. It results in a change in one’s actions (2 Co.

O.T. Scripture this name is revealed in the time of 7:11). The sorrow of the world, on the other hand, Israel’s need. It is never found in the Pentateuch, nor concerns itself with self and with temporal lose. It is directly in Joshua or Judges, and occurs but rarely in merely to sorrow for the trouble that one’s sins have the Psalms; but Jeremiah, the prophet of approaching brought upon one’s self and upon others. Thus it does national judgment, uses the name about 80 times.

not result in salvation or sanctification, but only in Haggai in two chapters uses the name 14 times; death (2 Co. 7:10). Judas, who betrayed Christ, had the Zechariah calls upon the Lord of hosts about 50 times.

sorrow of the world over his actions, and he hung In Malachi the name occurs about 25 times. In the himself (Mt. 27:3-4). Had he had godly sorrow, he utmost extremity, the Psalmist twice comforts his heart would have turned to God in repentance and faith and with the assurance ‘the Lord of hosts is with us’ (Ps.

been saved. [See Judas, Repentance.]

46:7, 11). The meanings and uses of this name may be GOETH ABOUT. (1) Going around (Jos. 6:11). (2) thus summarized: (1) The ‘hosts’ are heavenly. Primarily Endeavor; seek (Ro. 10:3).

the angels are meant, but the name gathers into itself GOG (high). The Gog and Magog of Ezekiel 38-39

the idea of all divine or heavenly power as available for refer to a military alliance which will attack Israel from the need of God’s people (Ge. 32:1-2; Is. 6:1-5; 1 Ki.

the north in the latter days.

22:19; Lk. 2:13-15). (2) In use this is the distinctive What is Gog and Magog? There are seven reasons we name of Deity for Israel’s help and comfort in the time believe this refers to Russia:

of her division and failure (1 Ki. 18:15; 19:14; Is. 1:9; 1. The genealogy points to Russia. “Magog was the 8:11-14; 9:13-19; 10:24-27; 31:4-5; Hag. 2:4; Mal.

second son of Japheth (Ge. 10:1-2), one of the three 3:16-17; Ja. 5:4)” (Scofield).

sons of Noah. Before the dawn of secular history his Everlasting God (El Olam) Ge. 21:33. “The Hebrew descendants seem to have inhabited exclusively the Olam is used in Scripture: (a) of secret or hidden things region of the Caucasus and of northern Armenia” (Louis (Le. 5:2; 2 Ki. 4:27; Ps. 10:1); (b) an indefinite time or Bauman, Russian Events in the Light of Bible Prophecy, age (Le. 25:32; Jos. 24:2). Hence the word is used to 1942, p. 23).

express the eternal duration of the being of God (Ps.

2. The name points to Russia. Wilhelm Gesenius 90:2), and is the Hebrew synonym of the Greek aion, (1786-1842) said in his Hebrew-English lexicon that Gog is “undoubtedly the Russians.” “He declared that Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 275

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‘Rosh’ was a designation for the tribes then north of the and westward to the extremities of Europe” (Young).

Taurus mountains, dwelling in the neighborhood of the Thus, “Gomer and all his bands” probably refers to Volga, and he held that in this name and tribe we have Russia’s former East European satellites, particularly the first trace in history of the ‘Russ,’ or Russian nation.

East Germany, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Gesenius also identified ‘Meshech’ as Moscow, the Poland. Togarmah refers to the former southern capital of modern Russia in Europe. ‘Tubal’ he identified republics of the Soviet Union and to Turkey.

as Tobolsk, the earliest province of Asiatic Russia to be 6. The equipment points to Russia (Eze. 38:7). The colonized, and, also, the name of the city wherein Peter northern enemy of Israel appears as a great provider of the Great built the old fortress after the pattern of the war materiel. Who has been equipping Israel’s many Kremlin at Moscow. Moscow bespeaks Russia in Europe, enemy nations for decades? It is Russia. Libya, for and Tobolsk bespeaks Russia in Asia” (Bauman, Russian example, has an awesome stockpile of Soviet-supplied Events, p. 24). Richard Watson, writing in his 1831

weapons.

Biblical and Theological Dictionary, said, “Magog 7. This power’s hatred of Israel points to Russia. Of the signifies the country or people, and Gog the king of that great world powers today, none have expressed as much country; the general name of the northern nations of hatred toward God and Israel as Russia. One of the chief Europe and Asia, or the districts north of the Caucasus, propaganda cries of Russian communism was “Zionism or Mount Taurus” (p. 417). Russia is divided into is Racism.” In 1984, the U.S. ambassador dealing with eastern and western parts by the Ural mountains. This human rights under the Helsinki Accords said, “Berlin mountain range runs 1,300 miles from the Arctic ocean was once the world capital of anti-Semitism; I am afraid to Kazakhstan, a southernmost republic of the former that today it is in Moscow.”

Soviet Union, and is the traditional boundary between Europe and Asia (Funk & Wagnalls). It is interesting to When Shall Gog and Magog Attack Israel? (1) It will note that Moscow lies in the European side of Russia, occur in the latter days (Eze. 38:8). (2) It will occur while Tobolsk lies in the Asian side. By selecting these when Israel is regathered (Eze. 39:8). This points to the two cities of the “land of Magog,” God has covered the times in which we are now living. Since 1948 Israel has entire region which has made up the U.S.S.R.

again dwelt in the land. (3) It will occur in conjunction with Israel’s conversion. In Eze. 39 we see that God’s 3. The location points to Russia. Ezekiel tells us judgment upon Gog will result in Israel realizing that He exactly where this enemy of Israel lives—to the north of is their God. (Eze. 39:7). We know from other Israel (Eze. 38:6, 15; 39:2). And Ezekiel doesn’t merely prophecies that this conversion of Israel will occur say “north.” He says Gog’s place is in “the north parts.”

during the Great Tribulation (See Ze. 12-13). (4) It will John Darby translated this “the uttermost north.” A occur at the time when Israel feels secure from danger quick reference to a modern map reveals only one great (Eze. 38:11). Obviously Israel does not feel secure power to the extreme north of Israel, and that is Russia.

today. The tiny nation is armed to the teeth; and, while 4. The size of the army points to Russia. “even a great doing an admirable job of defending itself, there company mighty army” (Eze. 38:4, 9, 15). Israel has certainly is no letting down of the guard for Israel today.

many enemies other than Russia—especially the When will this time of safety be? It will probably be neighboring Arab nations, but no Arab enemy can field when Antichrist makes the peace pact with Israel an army as mighty as the one Ezekiel sees descending described in Da. 9:27 and 8:25. Israel will be deceived from the north.

into thinking the pledge of Antichrist will guarantee 5. The alliance points to Russia (Eze. 38:4-6). Gog is them safety. It is then that Russia and her cohorts will the leader of and “a guard unto” a massive military move. Since Da. 9:27 says the Antichrist will break his alliance. Those who are said to be associated with Gog covenant with Israel in the middle of the seven years, point to Russia and its former satellites. It is significant we can be reasonably certain that the battle of Gog will that six of the former Soviet republics are Israel-hating occur in the first half of the Tribulation. [See Antichrist, Islamic nations today (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Daniel, Great Tribulation, Last Days, Prophecy, Second Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan).

Coming, Revelation.]

Persia is modern Iran (the name was changed in 1935), GOING FORTH. (1) An outlet (Nu. 34:4; Eze. 44:5).

which is a friend of Russia and an enemy of Israel.

(2) Moving; traveling (1 Sa. 17:20; Ps. 19:6). (3) First Ethiopia in northern Africa also has close ties with proclamation of (Da. 9:25).

Russia. The same is true for Libya. Wikipedia says, GOINGS. Movements (Nu. 33:2).

“Russia regards Libya as its strongest ally in the Arab world, both politically and historically.” Gomer refers to GOLAN (circle). A Levitical city of Manasseh in Germany and neighboring people. Gomer “settled in the Bashan east of the Sea of Galilee beyond Jordan, and north of the Black Sea (Ge. 10:2) and spread southward 276

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GOLD - GOSPEL

one of the three cities of refuge (De. 4:43; Jos. 20:8; that Gomer refers to the east European satellite nations 21:27; 1 Ch. 6:71). [See Cities of Refuge.]

which have been aligned with Russia. [See Gog.]

GOLD. Precious metal; the name derives from its GOMORRAH (a ruined heap, submersion). One of shining substance. Gold is referred to from the Garden the cities destroyed by fire from heaven because of its of Eden to the new heaven and new earth (Ge. 2:11-12; wickedness (Ge. 19:23-29). This judgment is often used Re. 21:18, 21). The Bible frequently warns of the in the Bible as a warning to Israel and other people (De.

danger of gold (Job 22:24; 34:24; De. 8:13; 17:17; Ac.

29:23; 32:32; Is. 1:9; 13:19; Je. 23:14; 49:18; 50:40; 20:33). Consider some things that are more valuable Am. 4:11; Zep. 2:9; Mt. 10:15; 2 Pe. 2:6; Ju. 7). The than gold: The Word of God (Ps. 19:7-10; 119:72, 127), Bible says the lives of the citizens of Gomorrah were salvation through the blood of Christ (1 Pe. 1:18-19),

“ungodly” (2 Pe. 2:6), “filthy” and “wicked” (2 Pe. 2:7), wisdom (Job 28:12-16; Pr. 3:13-14; 8:10, 19; 16:16), and “unlawful” (2 Pe. 2:8). The peculiar sin of Sodom lips of knowledge (Pr. 20:15), loving favor (Pr. 22:1), a and Gomorrah was that they “gave themselves over to wise reprover (Pr. 25:12), the trying of our faith (1 Pe.

fornication” and went “after strange flesh” (Jude 7).

1:7), a meek and quiet spirit (1 Pe. 3:3-4). Gold refers They were also guilty of pride and idleness (Eze. 16:49).

to the wealth of Christ’s kingdom (Ps. 45:9 ,13; 72:15; Sodomy is the sin of homosexuality and gross Is. 60:6, 9, 17). Gold is used symbolically to refer to immorality. [See Sodomy.]

salvation and spiritual wealth (Re. 3:18). [See Covet, GOOD CHEER. [See Cheer.]

Employment, Greedy, Labor, Money, Possessions, Private GOOD FRIDAY. [See Easter, Friday.]

Ownership of Property, Sluggard, Steal, Stewardship, Tithe.]

GOOD MAN. Husband; master (Pr. 7:19; Mt. 20:11; 24:43).

GOLDEN CALF. [See Idolatry.]

GOOD SPEED. Good success; good fortune (Ge.

GOLDEN CUP. [See Cup.]

24:12).

GOLGOTHA (skull). This was the place of the Lord’s GOODLIER, GOODLIEST. Best; well favoured; most crucifixion (Mt. 27:33; Mk. 15:22; Jn. 19:17). Golgotha excellent; handsome; beautiful (1 Sa. 8:6; 9:2; 1 Ki.

is Greek, meaning skull. The Latin name for this hill is 20:3).

Calvary (Lk. 23:33). There are several possible explanations for the name. (1) The place had the GOODLY. Honorable; valuable; desirable; beautiful appearance of a skull when viewed from a short (Ge. 49:21; Ex. 2:2; De. 3:25; 2 Sa. 23:21; Ps. 16:6).

distance. (2) As a reference merely to the rounded GOPHER WOOD. The wood used in building Noah’s appearance of the human head and thus to the hill so ark (Ge. 6:14).

named. Though the Bible does not expressly say that GOSHEN. (1) The part of Egypt in which the Golgotha was a hill, it does say that the place could be Israelites were located. It is also termed “the land of seen from far away (Mk. 15:40), so it must have been Rameses.” It is generally supposed that Goshen was higher than much of the surrounding countryside. (3) situated on the east of the ancient Delta of the Nile The word skull may have been used symbolically to (Concise) (Ge. 45:10; 46:28,29,34; 47:1, 4, 6, 11, 27; picture a place of execution. [See Atonement, Blood, 50:8; Ex. 8:22; 9:26). (2) Land in the southern part of Cross, Crucify, Death, Friday, Gospel, Jesus Christ.]

Palestine (Jos. 10:41).

GOLIATH (exile). The giant slain by David (1 Sa.

GOSPEL (glad tidings). The Gospel of Jesus Christ is 17). The giant was 9.5 feet tall; his coat of armor the glad tidings that Jesus Christ died for man’s sins, weighed 125 pounds; and his spear’s head weighed 15

that He was buried, and that He rose again from the pounds (1 Sa. 17:4-7, 23; 21:9; 22:10). His brothers dead to be the Saviour of those who receive Him (1 Co.

were slain by David’s men (2 Sa. 21:19; 1 Ch. 20:5).

15:1-11). It is the message of free righteousness for GOMER (completion, heat). Eldest son of Japhet and those who trust Christ (Ro. 1:15-17). It is also called father of Ashkenez, Riphath, and Togarmah, B.C. 2340.

“the gospel of the grace of God” (Ac. 20:24), “the gospel He was progenitor of the Cimerians, Cimbei, and other of Christ” (Ga. 1:7), “the gospel of God” (2 Co. 11:7), branches of the Celtic family, as well as of the modern

“the gospel of peace” (Ro. 10:15), “the glorious Gad and Cymry, the latter preserving the original name gospel” (2 Co. 4:4), and “the gospel of salvation” (Ep.

with slight variation (Ge. 10:2-3; 1 Ch. 1:5-6). The 1:13). Each of these names emphasizes different aspects descendants of Gomer settled on the N. of the Black of the same gospel. For example, “gospel of the grace of Sea, and then spread themselves southward and God” emphasizes that true salvation is a free gift of westward to the extremities of Europe (Young). In God’s grace (Ep. 2:8-9). The gospel is grace alone relation to Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38-39, we can see through faith alone without admixture of works (Ac.

15:11; Ro. 3:24; 4:5-16; 11:6; Ep. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:5-7).

Any addition to the gospel of the grace of Christ is Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 277

GOSSIP

cursed of God (Ga. 1:6-11). [See Adam, Abel, Adoption, try to hurt the pastor by spreading things around the Atonement, Believe, Blood, Born Again, Cain, Convert, church membership or community. We must also use Eternal Security, Forgive, Grace, Holy, Hope, Impute, wisdom about such matters. For example, it is not Jesus Christ, Justification, Mercy, Mercy Seat, Pardon, usually wise and proper to question a pastor publicly Peace, Propitiation, Purge, Reconcile, Redemption, about some perceived error or problem. It is best Repentance, Righteousness, Salvation, Sanctification, handled in private, at least at first. That being said, the Seventh-day Adventism, Sin, Tabernacle.]

bottom line is that it is not wrong to question a pastor’s GOSSIP. Though the word “gossip” does not appear teaching. Acts 17:11; 1 Th. 5:21; and 1 Co. 14:29 settle in the Bible, the concept does. Gossip is described by the that. Pastors have much authority, but they are not biblical words “backbiting,” “busybody,” “evil speaking,”

popes and they are not to be followed blindly. Their

“slander,” “talebearer,” and “tattler.” God’s people must authority is the Word of God, and if they veer from that guard themselves vigilantly against these sins. Gossip is they have no authority whatsoever and should be extremely damaging. In fact, gossip can destroy a corrected. And yet many godly Christians have been preacher’s effectiveness and can ruin an entire church.

branded as gossips and troublemakers when they have What Gossip Is Not

attempted to question something the preacher taught.

All too many pastors have wrongly defined “gossip” in It is very important not to confuse gossip with order to manipulate the church members and to make legitimate Christian endeavors.

them fear to question anything he does. This is not right Speaking truth to proper parties for a godly purpose is and does not create a wholesome New Testament not gossip. It is not wrong to share truthful things with church atmosphere. The pastor must remember that he those who have a right to such information. For not to lord it over God’s people. “Neither as being lords example, it was not gossip for the household of Chloe to over Gods heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1

tell Paul about the problems in the church at Corinth (1

Peter 5:3). According to this passage, the pastor needs Co. 1:11). As the founder of that church, Paul had a to be more concerned about providing a godly example right to know about those problems. It is not talebearing to the flock than lording it over them. This does not to talk to a pastor or Sunday School teacher or deacon mean, of course, that the pastor does not have more about matters in church members’ lives that they should authority than others in church. He does have authority know about. It is not talebearing to talk to a father or (He. 13:7, 17). What we are referring to here is the mother about matters affecting their children.

abuse of that authority. Even the Apostle Paul, who had It was not gossip or slander for Paul to remind greater authority than any pastor today, said, “Not for Timothy that the Cretians had a poor national character that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers which he described in such harsh-sounding terms as of your joy: for by faith ye stand” (2 Co. 1:24).

“liars, evil beasts, slow bellies” (Titus 1:12). What Paul Warning of sin and error is not gossip. Marking false said about the Cretians (quoting one of their own poets) teachers and warning about compromisers is not gossip was true, and his motive was not to hurt them but to or slander. Paul warned of false teachers and help them (“that they may be sound in the faith” verse compromisers by name no less than ten times in 1 and 2

13) and to further the work of Christ in Crete. It is not Timothy alone. If a church leader publicly teaches error gossip or slander to speak the truth in love, regardless of or commits a serious sin that would disqualify him or how harsh the truth might sound.

otherwise does something that people should be warned It is not wrong for a Christian to warn another about, it is not gossip or slander for men of God to person about a serious problem in a church or describe the problem publicly. I have often been charged organization, so long as the information is true and the with being a slanderer or a busybody when I have motive is not to hurt but to help and warn. Oftentimes I named men such as Billy Graham or Jerry Falwell or have warned people about serious problems with James Dobson and have warned about their errors. This certain churches that I have known about. That is not is not slander, though. I have the right and responsibility gossip and it is not slander. Speaking the truth in love is as a preacher to mark those who depart from the Word not gossip.

of God. I do not have to get their permission to do so, Questioning a preacher’s teaching is not gossip. It is and I do not have to approach them first. If their error is also not wrong to question a pastor in a humble and public and persistent, my responsibility is to warn of godly manner and to test his teaching by the Scriptures.

them publicly, just as Paul did in regard to Hymenaeus In fact, we have a responsibility before God to do that.

and Alexander (1 Ti. 1:20), Phygellus and Hermogenes That is not gossip and it is not wrong. Of course, we (2 Ti. 1:15), Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Ti. 2:17), always must guard our spirits that we don’t become Demas (2 Ti. 4:10), and Alexander the coppersmith (2

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Ti. 4:14-15). Slander is spreading ill founded, untrue about someone in an attempt to hurt that person is things about others with the intent to injure them.

wicked gossip. We must be extremely careful about Admonishing one another is not gossip. Romans 15:14

passing along things that we hear. If there is any says, “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my question whatsoever about the truthfulness of brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all something, it is essential to verify it from someone who knowledge, able also to admonish one another.”

is in a position to know the matter.

Christians have an obligation to admonish one another Gossip is being a busybody (2 Th. 3:11; 1 Ti. 5:13; 1

to serve the Lord. This involves watching over one Pe. 4:15), which is meddling into the affairs of others another and exhorting one another about things that when I have no legitimate reason to be involved. [See would hinder our walk with Christ (He. 3:13; Backbiting, Busybody, Evil Speaking, Grudge, 10:24-25). This ministry should not be confused with Intermeddle, Murmur, Prate, Slander, Talebearer, Tattler, gossip. In some churches, though, this is exactly what Whisperer.]

happens. If a mature church member attempts to GOT HIM OUT. Escaped (Ge. 39:12, 15).

admonish and correct other church members, he or she GOTTEN. The old form of the past participle of the can be labeled as a gossip and a troublemaker and a verb get; got; obtained (Ge. 4:1).

busybody in other men’s affairs. Admonishing others requires maturity and godliness (Ro. 15:14), but it is a GOVERNMENT. God has ordained civil government legitimate duty of mature church members. It is not and requires that men obey those that are over them something that is to be left strictly to the pastor. Titus (Ro. 13:1-2, 5-7). When there is no government, there is 2:3-5 describes how older women in the church are to anarchy because of the sin and selfishness of fallen man.

teach and admonish younger women. I have known of The role of government is to maintain peace and order churches, though, in which older women have gotten in this wicked world, to punish evil and to reward into trouble for attempting to exercise this ministry in a righteousness (Ro. 13:3-4; 1 Pe. 2:14; Job 29:17). While godly and scriptural manner. They were told that it was God wants His people to obey civil government, there is strictly up to the pastor to correct and disciple younger a limit, and that is when the government requires women about their personal lives and homes, but that is disobedience to God (Ac. 4:19-20; 5:29; Da. 6:10). God certainly not what the Bible says. There is a ministry of does not require obedience to man’s laws if in so correction that is to be exercised by church members. I obeying the Christian is forced to disobey the Scriptures.

recall a situation in a church in which a young man was For example, if a government passes laws to restrict the admonished by some mature church members to quit Great Commission, the churches are forced to break his job at a wicked movie theater for the sake of his own man’s law in order to obey the Higher Law (Mt.

spiritual wellbeing and for the sake of other young 28:18-20). The following verses in the book of Proverbs people in the church who were watching his example.

deal with human government: Pr. 10:10, 11; 16:12; When he refused to follow this counsel and quit the 19:6, 10, 12; 20:2, 8, 26, 28; 21:1; 22:11; 25:2-7, 15; church in a huff, those who admonished him from the 28:2, 16; 29:2, 4, 12, 14; 31:3-5. Believers are exhorted Word of God were branded by some as the to pray for government (1 Ti. 2:1-4). [See Bribe, Capital troublemakers. In fact, they were exercising the Punishment, Insurrection, Power, Rebellion, Tribute.]

legitimate biblical ministry of admonition among church GRACE. (1) Favour (Ru. 2:2, 10). (2) The free, members. This example illustrates that it is crucial to unmerited eternal salvation of God (Ep. 2:8-9). (3) A make a distinction between the ministry of admonition spiritual gift and empowerment (Ac. 14:26).

and gossip.

There are chiefly two ways grace is used in the New What Gossip Is

Testament— saving grace and serving grace: Gossip is talebearing (Lev. 19:16; Pr. 11:13; 18:8; SAVING GRACE is the free salvation that was 20:19; 26:20-22) and backbiting (Ps. 15:3), which is purchased by Jesus Christ when He died in the place of talking to others about the intimate details of people’s sinners (Ro. 3:24 - 4:6; 11:6; Ac. 15:11; 2 Co. 8:9; Ep.

lives for injurious purposes.

1:7; 2:8-9; 2 Th. 2:16; Tit. 2:11; 3:4-7; He. 2:9; 4:16).

Gossip is slander (Nu. 14:36,37; 2 Sa. 19:27; Pr.

Salvation by grace means salvation is not attained or 10:18; Je. 9:4-6; Ro. 3:8), which is stating things about maintained by human or religious works; rather, it is the people that are false with the intent to harm them. For free gift from God through faith in Christ’s blood. This is something to be slanderous, it must involve deceit and the gospel of the grace of Christ (Ga. 1:6). It is salvation falsehood and an injurious motive. To tell someone that by Christ alone, grace alone, faith alone. This is the a certain pastor is divorced is not gossip if indeed that gospel preached by the apostles and revealed in the information is true, but to say that a certain pastor is Word of God. Paul described the gospel in Romans 3:24

divorced when it is not true is gossip. To spread rumors

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GRACIOUS - GRAF-WELLHOUSEN

faith alone without works. Paul defined the gospel in 1

4:16), grace to serve God acceptably (He. 12:28). This Corinthians 15:1-4 as salvation through faith in the does not mean that the Christian is to be passive and death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is wait for God to pick him up and do something through salvation by Christ alone, grace alone, faith alone, him. The Christian must exercise the grace that God without works or sacraments. When the Philippian jailer gives (1 Co. 15:10). Serving grace comes through the asked Paul and Barnabas, “Sirs, what must I do to be power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and is received by saved?” they replied, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, prayer and by walking in obedience to the Holy Spirit and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Ac. 16:30 ,31).

(Ep. 3:7; Ga. 5:16; He. 4:16). [See Adoption, Eternal There is nothing here about works or sacraments or Security, Forgive, Freely, Gospel, Hope, Jesus Christ, priests. The Lord Jesus Christ taught the same thing.

Justification, Love, Mercy, Propitiation, Purge, When the crowd asked Him, “What shall we do, that we Redemption, Repentance, Salvation.]

might work the works of God?” He replied, “This is the GRACIOUS. Kindness; to act with grace; favorable; work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath friendly; benevolent; merciful (Pr. 11:16). Graciousness sent” (Jn. 6:28-29). Again, there is nothing about works is particularly an attribute of God (Ge. 33:5, 11; Ex.

or sacraments. John 3:16 says “whosoever believeth on 22:27; 34:6; 2 Ch. 30:9; Ne. 9:17, 31; Ps. 86:15; 103:8; him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Salvation 111:4; 112:4; 116:5; 145:8; Is. 30:19; Joel 2:13; Am.

is through Christ alone by grace alone via faith alone, 5:15; Jon. 4:2; 1 Pe. 2:3). [See Gentle, Kind, Humility, plus nothing and minus nothing.

Love, Mercy, Patience.]

The common error made by those who preach a false GRAFF. To graft in (Ro. 11:17-24).

gospel is to mix grace and law, faith and works. They GRAF-WELLHAUSEN. A modernistic theory about typically do this by redefining grace. Many who profess to the history of the Bible. Named for Julius Wellhausen believe in salvation by grace actually teach that (1844-1918) and another theologian named D. Karl salvation is by a mixture of grace and works. This was Heinrich Graf (1815-1869), this theory proposed that the error of the false teachers in Galatia (Ga. 1-5). In the Bible is a process of religious evolution rather than a rebuking their error, the apostle said that by mixing direct revelation of God. “While a student sitting in the faith and works, law and grace, these teachers had classroom under E.G.E. Reuss, Graf accepted his placed themselves under a divine curse (Ga. 1:6-9). This teacher’s theory of post-exilic origin of the Pentateuch.

was also the error of the Jewish legalizers whose This view was then passed on by Graf to Wellhausen, all teachings the apostles condemned in Acts 15. These of whom became proponents of this critical, historical false teachers admitted that God’s grace was necessary view of the Pentateuch” ( Wycliffe Biographical Dictionary for salvation, but they went beyond this by teaching that of the Church).

grace is to be mixed with obedience to the law. A great

“Wellhausen held that Hebrew religion had undergone number of false teachers today promote the same a development from the primitive stories of nomadic heresy. The apostle Paul vehemently fought against this times to the elaborate, institutionalized ritualism of the error. He emphasized repeatedly that salvation is by period of the centuries before the birth of Jesus. He grace ALONE through faith ALONE (Ro. 3:21-28; claimed to find various sources behind the Old 4:4-6;11:6; Ac. 15:7-11; Ga. 2:15 - 3:29; Tit. 3:3-7). He Testament law, which he dated to different stages of also taught that true faith produces good works, but the history of Israel” (Lion’s History of Christianity).

works are the fruit of salvation and should never to be Wellhausen denied the historicity of Abraham, Noah, confused with the root of salvation, which is grace (Ep.

and other Bible characters. “Before his death, 2:8-10; Tit. 3:3-8).

Wellhausen conceded that the rationalism which he had SERVING GRACE is the ability that God gives to embraced so avidly in earlier years had made havoc of believers for His service (Ro. 1:5; 12:3, 6; 15:15; 1 Co.

his own faith in the authority and authenticity of the 3:10; 2 Co. 1:12; 8:1-2; 9:8; 12:9; Ga. 2:9; Ep. 3:7-8; Old Testament (R.K. Harrison, Introduction to the Old 4:7; He. 12:28). God gives the believer everything he Testament, pp. 21, 26).

needs to live a good Christian life and to do God’s will.

“One of the major ‘props’ upon which liberal theology A person cannot have serving grace until he receives rests is the Graf-Wellhausen historical-critical method saving grace. There is grace for exercising spiritual gifts of interpretation. Is the Bible the inspired Word of God, (Ro. 12:6), grace for establishing churches (1 Co. 3:10), without any mixture of error? Did Moses write the grace to live a holy life in this wicked world (2 Co.

Pentateuch as the Bible claims, or are this and other 1:12), grace to give to meet the needs of God’s people large sections of Scripture simply a patchwork of exaggerated oral tradition handed down by bigoted and God’s work (2 Co. 8:1-2), grace to endure trials and Jewish nationalists? If the Bible is unreliable in these difficulties (2 Co. 12:9), grace to minister the Word of areas, then how can we depend upon it in other areas, God (Ep. 3:7-8), grace to help in time of need (He.

such as the person of Christ and the New Birth?

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GRASSHOPPER - GREAT TRIBULATION

“In essence the historical-critical method assumes that GREAT DEAL. More abundantly (Mk. 7:36; 10:48).

the Bible is not a trustworthy and straightforward

[See Deal.]

record which God revealed to ‘holy men’ who ‘spake as GREAT SEA. (Nu. 34:6-7). [See Mediterranean Sea.]

they were moved by the Holy Ghost’ (2 Pe. 1:21); rather, each of the books of the Bible is made up of GREAT TRIBULATION. The Great Tribulation is the stories which were gradually put together and altered name Jesus gave to the period of intense judgment as time went on. The term ‘JEDP theory’ is often used which will occur just prior to His coming (Mt.

to refer to this approach because the letters J-E-D-P

24:15-31). The O.T. prophets also spoke of this time.

stand for the four supposed sources which were put The prophecies of Revelation 6-19 give the details of the together over a period of centuries to form the first five events of this period.

books of the Bible. The name ‘Graf-Wellhausen method’

is taken from the names of two nineteenth-century Major Prophecies of the Great Tribulation. Is. 2:10-22; German critics who assigned dates to these imaginary 13:1-16; 26:20-21; 28:21-22; 30:26-33; 31:4-9; sources of the Pentateuch.

34:1-10; Je. 25:30-33; 30:7; Eze. 30:1-3; Da. 12:1; Joel

“If one accepts the historical-critical method, then the 1:14-20; 2:1-11; 3:9-17; Am. 5:18-21; Ob. 15-21; Mi.

historical accuracy of the Bible is out of the question: 1:3-4; 5:8-15; Zep. 1:7-18; 2:1-2, 11; 3:6-8; Hag. 2:6-7; Moses could not have written the Pentateuch, even Ze. 14:1-3; Mal. 4:1-3; Mt. 24: 3-31; 1 Th. 5:1-3; Re.

though Christ Himself ascribes it to him; Deuteronomy 3:10; Re. 4-19.

was a pious fraud passed off on the people of Josiah’s The Length of the Great Tribulation. The Great day as an ancient work of Moses” (Dr. David Beale, Tribulation corresponds with Daniel’s 70th Week S.B.C. House on the Sand? , pp. 6, 7). [See Bible, referred to in Da. 9:27. It is therefore seven years in Fundamentalism, Inspiration, Modernism.]

duration, but is divided into two 3 year periods. The last GRASSHOPPER. An insect which eats much half is more intense and awful than the first. Re. 11:3

vegetation (Nu. 13:33; Ju. 6:5; 7:12; Is. 40:22; Je.

and 13:5 refer to the two 3 year segments of the Great 46:23; Am. 7:1; Na. 3:17). The reference in Ec. 12:5

Tribulation. [See Revelation.]

probably refers to the weakness of old age. Even small things become a burden to the aged. [See Grinders, Old The Time of the Great Tribulation. Jesus’ prophecy Age.]

plainly reveals the time of the Great Tribulation. It will occur just prior to His Second Coming (Mt. 24:29-31).

GRATE. The grill upon which the O.T. animal sacrifices were laid to be burned (Ex. 27:4; 38:4-5, 30).

The Description of the Great Tribulation. “the great

[See Tabernacle.]

tribulation” (Mt. 24:21); “the day of the Lord” (Is. 2:12; 13:6); “the indignation of the Lord” (Is. 26:21; 34:2); GRAVE. (1) To engrave (Ex. 28:9,36; 2 Ch. 2:7). (2)

“his strange work” (Is. 28:21); “a consumption” (Is.

respectful; honorable (1 Ti. 3:4, 8, 11; Tit. 2:2, 7). This 28:22); “the day of the Lord’s vengeance” (Is. 34:8); refers to someone whose upstanding life and seriousness

“the Lord’s controversy with the nations” (Je. 25:31); of purpose about serving God leads others to respect his

“the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Je. 30:7); “the time of the spiritual life. The Greek word, semnos, is translated heathen” (Eze. 30:3); “time of trouble, such as never

“honest” in Ph. 4:8 and 1 Ti. 2:2. The Greek root of this was since there was a nation even to that same word is translated “devout” and “worship.” (3) The t i m e ” ( D a . 1 2 : 1 ) ; “ a d e s t r u c t i o n f r o m t h e place where dead bodies are laid (Ge. 35:19-20; Jn.

Almighty” (Joel 1:15); “a day of darkness” (Joel 2:1); 11:17). The Jews normally buried their dead in tombs

“the great and terrible day of the Lord” (Joel 2:31); “the carved out of the side of hills (Jn. 11:38; Mt. 27:60).

great day of the Lord” (Zep. 1:14); “the day of the

[See Cremation, Death, Honesty, Sheol, Sober.]

Lord’s wrath” (Zep. 1:18); “the fire of my GRAVITY. [See Grave.]

jealousy” (Zep. 3:8); “The great and dreadful day of the GREAT COMMISSION. A title commonly applied to Lord” (Mal. 4:5)

the command given by Jesus Christ to His disciples to The Major Events of the Great Tribulation. (1) It will preach the Gospel in all the world (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk.

be a time of great deception; it will be the day of the 16:15; Lk. 24:44-48; Jn. 20:21; Ac. 1:8). It involves two Antichrist (2 Th. 2:7-13; Re. 13; Da. 7-12). (2) There major tasks: evangelism and discipleship. The Gospel is will be worldwide preaching of the kingdom message, to be proclaimed to every person; those who believe on which is the announcement of the impending kingdom Christ are to be baptized and trained. The Great of God and God’s demand for men to repent (Mt. 3:1; Commission is to be fulfilled by the churches and is to 4:17; 10:5-7; 24:14; Re. 7). (3) There will be worldwide result in the multiplication of churches as we see in the persecution of God’s people (Da. 7:25; 8:24; 11:33-35; N.T. pattern (see the book of Acts). [See Church, Re. 13:7; Mt. 24:9-10). (4) There will be fearful Evangelist, Gospel, Missions, Repentance.]

judgments from God (Is. 24:1 - 26:11; Re. 7-18). (5) Frightful armies will march and fight (Eze. 38-39; Da.

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11; Ps. 2; Ze. 14; Re. 9:13-19; 16:12-16). (6) It will be a GRIEF. The pain of mind produced by loss, period of increased demonic activity (Re. 9:1-11; misfortune, injury or evils of any kind; sorrow; regret; 13:2-4; 16:13-14). (7) It will be a day of supernatural that which afflicts (Webster) (Ge. 26:35; 1 Sa. 1:16; Job demonic signs by which multitudes will be deceived (Is.

2:13; Ps. 31:9-10; Ec. 2:23; Is. 17:11; 53:3, 10; 2 Co.

34:4; Joel 2:10; 3:15; Mt. 24:29; 2 Th. 2:8-10; Re.

2:5; He. 13:17; 1 Pe. 2:19). The same Hebrew word 6:12-14).

frequently translated “grief ” is also translated The Purpose of the Great Tribulation. (1) The Great

“sickness” (De. 7:15; 28:59 ,61) and “disease” (2 Ki.

Tribulation will be a time when God prepares Israel to 1:2). [See Suffering.]

receive her Messiah and to inherit her kingdom. During GRIEVE. (1) To feel pain of mind or heart; to be in the “time of Jacob’s trouble,” God will purge the rebels pain on account of an evil; to sorrow; to mourn from the nation (Eze. 20:33-44; Je. 30:1-11). He will (Webster) (1 Sa. 2:23; 1 Ch. 4:10; Ep. 4:30). The Greek then gather the believing Israelites from among all word translated “grieve” in Ep. 4:30 and four other nations and bring them into their land, never again to passages ( lupeo) is also translated “was sorry” (Mt.

be removed or to be ruled by the Gentiles. Christ shall 14:9), “sorrowful” (Mt. 19:22), “caused grief” (2 Co.

be their only Ruler. (2) The Great Tribulation will be a 2:5), “are in heaviness” (1 Pe. 1:6). (2) To inflict bodily time of God’s wrath and judgment upon all nations for harm; to wound (Ge. 49:23). [See Suffering.]

man’s willful rebellion and sin (Is. 13:9-11). (3) The GRIEVOUS. Heavy; oppressive; burdensome; Great Tribulation is a time when God shall be exalted painful; sorrowful (Webster) (Ge. 12:10; 21:11; 41:31; and man humbled (Is. 2:10-22; 13:11; 25:12; 26:5-6).

50:11; Ex. 8:24; 9:3,18,24; 10:14; 1 Ki. 2:8; Ps. 10:5; (4) The worldwide deception of Antichrist will be a Pr. 15:1; Is. 21:2; Je. 10:19; 16:4; Ac. 20:29; 25:7; Ph.

judgment upon unbelievers for their rejection of the 3:1; He. 12:11; 1 Jn. 5:3; Re. 16:2).

gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Th. 2:12; Is. 29:9-13). (5) The GRIEVOUSLY. Severely (Ge. 12:10; Je. 10:19).

deception of the Antichrist will be the culmination of the warfare of this present church age. The deception GRIND. (1) To crush or pulverize; to break and began in the day of the apostles and has grown worse reduce to fine particles or powder by friction (Jud.

and worse toward a final worldwide state of deception 16:21; Is. 47:2; Mt. 21:44). (2) Copulation (Job 31:10).

(Ph. 3:18-19; 2 Ti. 3:13; 2 Pe. 2; 1 Jn. 2:18-29; 4:1-6; 2

GRINDERS. A symbolic reference to the teeth (Ec.

Jn. 7). (6) The Great Tribulation will be a day of 12:3). Ec. 12:2-7 depicts the approach of old age and salvation for multitudes (Re. 7). Though multitudes will the time of death. “The grinders cease because they are be saved during the Great Tribulation, for those today few” refers to the loss of teeth. [See Old Age.]

who willfully reject or carelessly put off the gospel of GRISLED. Grey color, or mixed with grey (Ge. 31:10; Jesus Christ, God promises nothing but delusion and Ze. 6:3, 6) (Concise).

eternal judgment (2 Th. 2:8-12). Today is the day of GROSS. Fat and thick; insensitive; stupefied or salvation! [See Antichrist, Covenants, Daniel, Israel, rendered callous (Strong) (Mt. 13:15; Ac. 28:27).

Judgment, Kingdom of God, Last Days, Prophecy, GROVE. Wooden poles and trees used as idols and Rapture, Resurrection, Revelation, Second Coming, places of idolatry by people of Canaan. This idolatry was Vengeance.]

often adopted by the Israelites (Ex. 34:13; De. 7:5; GREAVES. Protective armor for the legs of soldiers (1

12:3; 16:21-22; Ju. 3:7; 6:25-30; 1 Ki. 14:15, 23; 15:13; Sa. 17:6).

16:33; 18:19; 2 Ki. 13:6; 17:10; 18:4; 21:3, 7; 23:4-15; GRECIA. Greece (Da. 8:21).

Is. 17:8; 27:9; Je. 17:2; Mi. 5:14). It is interesting that GRECIAN. Greek-speaking Jew (Ac. 6:1).

the idolaters worshipped in pleasant nature settings.

GREEDY. Excessively desirous of acquiring or Pagans, new agers, and humanists today do the same.

possessing, especially wishing to possess more than Since his fall in the Garden of Eden, corrupted man has what one needs or deserves; covetous (Ps. 17:12; Pr.

worshipped and served the creature more than the 1:19; 15:27; 21:26; Ep. 4:19; 1 Ti. 3:3, 8; Jude 11).

Creator (Ro. 1:21-23). [See Idolatry.]

[See Covet, Gold, Possessions.]

GRUDGE. To murmur; complain; envy; being uneasy GREEK. (1) The language in which the New at another’s possession of something which we have a Testament was written. It was the common language of desire to possess (Ps. 59:15; 2 Co. 2:7; Ja. 5:9; 1 Pe.

the Roman Empire in the days of Christ and the Apostles 4:9). The Greek word translated “grudge” in Ja. 5:9 is (Jn. 19:20). (2) People of Greek ancestry (Ac. 14:1). (3) also translated “grief” (He. 13:17) and “groan” (Ro.

Non-Jews (Ro. 1:14, 16; 10:12; 1 Co. 1:22-24; Ga. 3:28; 8:23; 2 Co. 5:2). [See Gossip.]

Col. 3:11).

GUDGODAH (incision). De. 10:7.

GREYHOUND. A very fast running dog (Pr. 30:31).

GUESTCHAMBER. A room for the reception of guests (Mk. 14:14; Lk. 22:11).

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GUIDANCE, GOD’S. God’s leading in the believer’s 23:3-6). He works all things for good (Ro. 8:28). “In all life.

thy ways...” (Pr. 3:5-6). Important Verses On God’s Why We Need God’s Guidance. “O Lord, I know that Guidance. Ex. 15:13; Pr. 3:5-6; 6:20-22; 11:3, 5; Ps.

the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that 5:8; 16:11; 18:28; 23:3; 25:1-14; 32:8-9; 37:23; 43:3; walketh to direct his steps” (Je. 10:23). See also Je.

48:14; 73:24, 72; 112:4; Is. 61:8; Jn. 16:13; Ro. 12:1-2; 17:9; Pr. 20:24.

Ep. 5:11-18. [See Bible, Chasten, Correction, Counsel, How God Guides. With His Word (Ps. 119:105; 25:5; Exhort, Instruct, Rebuke, Reproof, Sanctification.]

73:24; Is. 61:8). With the instruction of those in GUIDE OF HER YOUTH. This expression in Pr. 2:17

authority (Pr. 6:20-23). In His strength (Ex. 15:13). By refers to those who are responsible for training youth in teaching us His way (Ps. 25:9). By the integrity and spiritual and moral matters. It refers to one’s father and righteousness of the upright (Pr. 11:3, 5). With His eye mother and religious instructors. It could also refer to (Ps. 32:8). By ordering our steps (Ps. 37:23). By giving one’s husband who is ordained by God to be the light in darkness (Ps. 112:4). By the transforming of our spiritual leader of his home and the spiritual nurturer of minds (Ro. 12:2). By His Spirit (Ep. 5:11-18; Ac. 16:6-7; his wife. It can also refer to the Word of God which is a Jn. 16:13). By working in us to do His will (Ph. 2:13).

“lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Ps.

Who God Guides. Those who have been redeemed 119:105). [See Adultery, Harlot, Strange Woman.]

(Ex. 15:13). Those who trust Him (Pr. 3:5). Those who GUILE. Deception; entrapment (Ps. 32:2; 34:13; Jn.

do not lean upon their own understanding (Pr. 3:5).

1:47; 2 Co. 12:16; 1 Th. 2:3; 1 Pe. 2:1; 2:22; 3:10; Re.

Those who acknowledge Him in all their ways (Pr. 3:6).

14:5). The Hebrew word translated “guile” in Ps. 32:2

Those who heed commandments (Pr. 6:20-22). Those ( remiyah) is translated “deceit” nine times (Job 13:7; who prayerfully seek His guidance (Ps. 5:8; 25:4).

27:4; Ps. 52:2; 78:57; 101:7; 120:2; Je. 48:10; Ho.

Those who wait upon Him all the day (Ps. 25:5). Those 7:16; Mi. 6:12). The Greek word translated who fear Him (Ps. 25:12). The meek (Ps. 25:9). Those

“guile” ( dolos) is “from an obsolete primary verb, dello, who keep His covenant and testimonies (Ps. 25:10).

probably meant to decoy” (Strong). It is also translated Those who are not stubborn, but are sensitive to His

“subtilty” (Mt. 26:4; Ac. 13:10), “deceit” (Mk. 7:22; Ro.

leading (Ps. 32:8-9). A good man (Ps. 37:23). The 1:29), and “craft” (Mk. 14:1). The word “guile”

upright (Ps. 112:4). His sheep (Ps. 23:1-2). Those with ordinarily has to do with deception in a sinful sense, but whom He makes everlasting covenant (Is. 61:8). Those it is also used of a craftiness in a positive sense. The who commit themselves to Him (Ro. 12:1-2). Those Apostle Paul used guile in this sense with the who are not conformed to this world (Ro. 12:1-2).

Corinthians (2 Co. 12:16), in that he used wisdom and Those who renew their minds (Ro. 12:1-2). Those who godly reasoning and circumspectness in his dealings separate from and rebuke evil (Ep. 5:11-18). Those who with them with the aim of motivating them to repent walk carefully (Ep. 5:11-18). Those who are filled with and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. [See Beguile, Craft, the Spirit (Ep. 5:11-18).

Cunning, Cunning Craftiness, Deceit, Dissemble, Where God Guides. In His righteousness (Ps. 5:8). In Dissimulation, Doubletongued, Entice, False Witness, His truth (Ps. 25:5; Is. 61:8). In the way He chooses (Ps.

Feign, Flattery, Flattering Titles, Hypocrisy, Sincere, 25:12). In judgment (Ps. 25:9). In mercy and truth (Ps.

Unfeigned, Wilily, Winketh.]

25:10). In the paths of righteousness (Ps. 23:3). In the GUILTY OF BLOOD. Guilty of committing murder path of life (Ps. 16:11). Into the house of God (2 Th.

(Nu. 35:27). [See Avenger of Blood.]

3:5). To His holy habitation (Ex. 15:13).

GUILTY OF DEATH. (1) Guilty of committing murder Why God Guides. For His name’s sake (Ps. 23:3; (Nu. 35:31). (2) Deserving death; guilty of a crime 31:3). Because He is the God of our salvation (Ps. 25:5).

which requires the death penalty (Mt. 26:66; Mk.

Because He is good and upright (Ps. 25:8). Because of 14:64).

our enemies (Ps. 5:8). Because He is gracious, and full GULF. A chasm (Lk. 16:26).

of compassion, and righteous (Ps. 112:4).

GUNI (protected). Ge. 46:24.

What God Guides. My steps (Ps. 37:23). My work (Is.

GUR (dwelling, lion’s whelp). 2 Ki. 9:27.

61:8). My paths (Pr. 3:5-6). My thoughts (Pr. 16:3). My GURBAAL (dwelling of Baal). 2 Ch. 26:7.

heart (2 Th. 3:5). My feet (Lk. 1:79).

GUTTER. Watercourse (2 Sa. 5:8).

How Thoroughly Does God Guide? “On every side” (2

Ch. 32:22). He goes before, with, and behind us (Ps.

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HAAHASHTARI (the courier). 1 Ch. 4:6.

as of God’s city, Jerusalem above, that is free. The HABAIAH (Jehovah is protection). Ezr. 2:61.

church is of God’s eternal counsel, heavenly, and is HABAKKUK (love’s embrace). Hab. 1:1.

never in Scripture called a mother” (Concise). [See Abraham, Isaac, Law, Seventh-day Adventism.]

HABERGEON. (1) A jacket of armor to protect the chest and neck (2 Ch. 26:14; Ne. 4:16). (2) A linen coat HAGGAI (festive). A prophet who prophesied after (Ex. 28:32).

the captivity (Ezr. 5:1; 6:14; Hag. 1:1).

HABOR (united). 2 Ki. 17:6.

HAGGERI (wanderer). 1 Ch. 11:38.

HACHALIAH (Jehovah is hidden). Ne. 1:1.

HAGGI (festive). Ge. 46:16.

HACHILAH (drought). 1 Sa. 23:19.

HAGGITH (festive). 2 Sa. 3:4.

HACHMONI (the wise). 1 Ch. 27:32.

HAI (heap of ruins). This is the form in which Ai appears in the first instances in the KJV (Ge. 12:8; HADAD (mighty). Ge. 36:35.28

13:3). [See Ai.]

HADADEZER (mighty is the help). 2 Sa. 8:3.

HAGIOGRAPHA. The third division of the O.T, the HADADRIMMON (Hadad of Rommon). Ze. 12:11.

other two being the Law and the Prophets. Sometimes HADAR (powerful). Ge. 25:15.

called the “Writings,” they comprise 11 books in the HADAREZER (Hader is help). 2 Sa. 10:16.

following order: Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of HADASHAH (new). Jos. 15:37.

Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, HADASSAH (myrtle). Es. 2:7.

Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, 1 and 2 Chronicles (Compact).

HADATTAH (new). Jos. 15:25.

HAIR. The Bible makes a clear distinction between the man and the woman. They were created to fill two HADES. A Greek word translated hell in the N.T. (Mt.

different roles, and the distinction between the sexes is 11:23; 16:18; Lk. 10:15; 16:23; Ac. 2:27, 31; Re. 1:18; to be maintained in their appearance. Though there is 6:8; 20:13-14). It is the place of punishment for the room for variation as to exactly how long or short the unsaved. The word means unseen, referring to the fact hair is to be, it is certain that the man’s hair is to be that it is not visible to the living. Hades is translated shorter, while the woman’s hair is to be longer (1 Co.

“grave” only one time in 1 Co. 15:55. All other times it 11:1-16). Long hair is symbolic of the woman’s is translated “hell.” As soon as an unsaved person dies submission to God-ordained authority. The only men he goes to Hades (Lk. 16:23). Christ taught in this who had long hair in the Bible were (1) the Nazarite passage that Hades is a place of fire and torment. [See (Nu. 6:1-12; Ju. 13:4-5; 16:4-31), and (2) the rebel, of Death, Hell, Resurrection.]

which Absolom is an example (2 Sa. 14:26; 15:1-12).

HADID (peak, sharp). Ezr. 2:33.

[See Nazarite.]

HADLAI (lax). 2 Ch. 28:12.

Did Jesus Wear Long Hair? Contrary to what we see HADORAM (Hadar is high). Ge. 10:27.

in artists’ portrayals, we know that the Lord Jesus Christ HADRACH (periodical return). Ze. 9:1.

did not have long hair for the following reasons: (1) The HAFT. The handle of an instrument (Ju. 3:22).

Lord Jesus Christ was not a Nazarite; He was a Nazarene, meaning He lived in Nazareth (Mt. 2:23). (2) HAGAR (wandering). The handmaid of Sarah, Christ would not have lived contrary to His own Abraham’s wife. She bore Abraham a son, Ishmael (Ge.

instructions in 1 Co. 11:14-15. (3) We know from 12:10-20; 16:1-16; 21:9-21). “An allegory is drawn from history that it was common in the days of Christ for men the history of Hagar being cast out of Abraham’s home to have short hair. “Several pictures of busts of (Ga. 4:21 - 5:1). Hagar answers to the covenant of law numerous Roman emperors during and after the time of and to Jerusalem then in bondage; and Sarah to the Christ—General Pompey, the Emperor Trajan, Julius covenant of promise and to Jerusalem above, which is Caesar, Caesar Augustus and King Herod Agrippa the free. The conclusion as to the believer is, ‘so then, First of Judaea, a Jew by religion, who ruled shortly brethren, we are not the children of the bondwoman, after the time of Christ—all show the men to have short but of the free.’ The Christian is not under the law nor hair. These men set the example and the pace for men in the flesh; but is free, under grace. Being the seed of during the time of Christ” (Philip Vollmer, The Modern Abraham according to promise, that is, being ‘of Christ,’

Student’s Life of Christ, pp. 286). (4) Christ is a Priest, or ‘Christ’s,’ the gospel and new covenant blessings have and the Jewish priests wore their hair short (Eze.

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44:20). “The Jewish Talmud states that all priests HAMOR (large jackass). Ge. 33:19; 34:2-26; Jos.

should have their hair cut once every thirty days. The 24:32; Ju. 9:28.

Talmud further tells us exactly what hairstyle—the HAMUEL (God is a sun). 1 Ch. 4:26.

‘Julian’—or what we would call a Caesar cut. There are HAMUL (pity). Ge. 46:12.

numerous other references to cutting hair in the Talmud” (Ibid., p. 187). Isn’t it strange that artists’

HAMUTAL (God is fresh life). 2 Ki. 23:31.

portrayals of the Apostles typically depict them with HANAMEEL (gift or grace of God). Je. 32:7.

short hair; whereas their Master looks like an effeminate HANAN (merciful). 1 Ch. 8:23.

hippy? It is more than strange; it is ungodly!

HANANEEL (God is gracious). Ne. 3:1.

HALE. To pull or draw by force; to drag. This is now HANANI (gracious). There are six men with this more generally written and pronounced haul (Webster) name in the Bible. (1) One of the sons of Heman, (Lk. 12:58).

David’s prophet (1 Ch. 25:4,25). (2) The prophet who HALLELUJAH. An expression of praise to God (Re.

rebuked Asa (2 Ch. 16:7). (3) The prophet who testified 19:1, 3, 4, 6).

against Baasha and Jehoshaphat (1 Ki. 16:1, 7; 2 Ch.

HALLOW. To set apart for God (Ex. 28:23; 29:1; Nu.

19:2; 20:34). [See Micaiah.] (4) A priest who had taken 6:11; Je. 17:22; Mt. 6:9). This is the same word in the a strange wife (Ezr. 10:20). (5) A brother of Nehemiah Hebrew and Greek as sanctify, holy, and saint. The (Ne. 1:2; 7:2). (6) A priest and musician who assisted in expression “hallowed be thy name” in Mt. 6:9 means to the dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem (Ne.

set God’s name apart, to sanctify His name. It is a 12:36).

reminder that His name is to be exalted and revered. To HANANIAH (The Lord has graciously given). 1 Ch.

hallow God’s name is to (1) praise and exalt God, (2) 25:4; Da. 1:7. [See Shadrach.]

avoid the use of His name in a profane manner, (3) HAND, INTO THY. The phrase “into thy hand” or avoid the use of His name in a vain or light manner, (4)

“into your hand” means into your possession and glorify God in all aspects of one’s daily life and to refuse control (Ge. 9:2; 14:20).

to besmirch His name through unrighteous conduct (1

HAND OF, AT THE. [See At the Hand of.]

Co. 10:31). [See Holy, Sanctification, Vain.]

HAND OF, UNDER THE. [See Under the Hand of.]

HALOHESH (the whisperer). Ne. 3:12.

HAND, OUT OF. [See Out of Hand.]

HALT. (1) To limp; walk lamely (Ge. 32:31; Ps.

HAND, STRONG. The phrases “with a strong 38:17). (2) Lame; crippled (Mt. 18:8).

hand” (Ex. 6:1) and “with a high hand” (Ex. 14:8) refer HAM (burnt, black). A son of Noah (Ge. 9:20-27; to God’s great power.

10:6-20). Ham’s descendants inhabited Egypt and other HAND WEAPON. A weapon used in the hand, such African areas. For this reason, Egypt is sometimes called as a knife, club, etc. (Nu. 35:18). [See Military.]

Ham (Ps. 78:51; 105:23,27; 106:22). “Ham signifies burnt or black; and this name was peculiarly significant HANDBREADTH. The hand width; the width of the of the regions allotted to his family. To the Cushites, or four fingers closely pressed together (Ex. 37:12; 2 Ch.

descendants of Cush, were allotted the hot southern 4:5). [See Weights and Measures.]

regions of Asia, along the shores of the Persian Gulf, HANDFUL. (1) A measure; a hand full; probably Susiana or Chusistan, etc; to the sons of Canaan, never brought to any greater accuracy than the natural Palestine and Syria; to the sons of Mizraim, Egypt and capacity of the human hand (People’s Bible Lybia, in Africa” (Treasury). Ham’s son Canaan was Encyclopedia) (Le. 2:2; 5:12; 1 Ki. 17:12). (2) cursed because of his immoral actions pertaining to his Abundance (Ps. 72:16). (3) The bare necessities (Ec.

grandfather Noah. [See Canaan, Japheth, Noah, Shem.]

4:6).

HAMAN (magnificent). An enemy of the Jews in O.T.

HANDLE. (1) To be skilled in the use of; to employ times (Es. 3:1 - 9:24).

(Ge. 4:21; Jud. 5:14; 1 Ch. 12:8). (2) To touch; to use HAMATH. (a garrison, fortress). Nu. 13:21.

the hands (Ps. 115:7; Lk. 24:39). (3) To treat; to accomplish (Pr. 16:20; Mk. 12;4).

HAMMATH (warm springs). Jos. 19:35.

HANDMAID. A female slave or servant (Ge. 16:1; HAMMEDATHA (given by Ham). Es. 3:1.

29:24; Ex. 23:12). It is used as an expression of humility HAMMELECH (the king). Je. 36:26.

and willingness to serve (Ru. 3:9; 1 Sa. 1:11, 16; Lk.

HAMMOLEKETH (the queen). 1 Ch. 7:18.

1:38,48).

HAMMON (hot spring). Jos. 19:28.

HANDSTAVE. A pole or club used as a weapon ( Eze.

HAMONAH (multitude). Eze. 39:16.

39:9). [See Military.]

HANDYWORK. Workmanship (Ps. 19:1).

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HANES (Mercury). Likely it was identical with the foot of the hills, a beautiful district which lies Tahpanes, Daphne, a fortified town on the eastern between the Khabour and the Euphrates (Young) frontier of Egypt (Young) (Is. 30:4).

HARARITE (mountaineer). 2 Sa. 23:1.

HANG. (1) Death by strangulation. It refers to HARBONA (ass-driver). Es. 1:10.

suspension of the body, either by a cord tied around the HARD. (1) Difficult; laborious (Ge. 18:14; Ex.

neck or by some other means, and hung from a tree or 18:26). (2) Close; near (Le. 3:9; Jud. 9:52; 1 Sa. 14:22; wooden frame (Jos. 10:26; 2 Sa. 17:23; Mt. 27:5).

Ps. 63:8; Ac. 18:7). (3) Tough; oppressive; severe; harsh According to the law of Moses, the one that was hung (Ex. 1:14; Mt. 25:24; Jude 1:15). The Greek word was cursed of God (De. 21:23). Jesus Christ thus took translated “hard” in Mt. 25:24 and Jude 1:15 is our curse upon Himself (Ac. 5:30; Ga. 3:13). (2) A translated “fierce” in Ja. 3:4. (4) Unfeeling; closed; not curtain (Ex. 26:36-37; 27:16; Mt. 26:36-37; 27:9, 16).

moved by pity (Job 41:24).

[See Cross, Crucify, Tabernacle.]

HARDLY. Difficultly (Mk. 10:23). “Hardly bestead” in HANNAH (grace). Samuel’s mother (1 Sa. 1-2).

Is. 8:21 refers to hard pressed, or difficult circumstance.

HANNATHON (dedicated to grace). Jos. 19:14.

HARDNESS. Hardship; trouble; suffering (2 Ti. 3:4).

HANNIEL (God is gracious). Nu. 34:23.

HARE. An animal similar to a rabbit (Le. 11:6; De.

HANOCH (dedicated). Ge. 25:4.

14:9).

HANUN (gracious). 2 Sa. 10:1.

HAREPH (early born). 1 Ch. 2:51.

HAP. Chance; appointment; occasion (Ru. 2:3). The HARETH (thicket). 1 Sa. 22:5.

same Hebrew word ( miqreh) is translated “befall” (1 Sa.

HARHAIAH (God is kindled with anger, fearing the 20:26; Ec. 3:19), “chance” (1 Sa. 6:9), “happeneth” (Ec.

Lord). Ne. 3:8.

2:15), and “event” (Ec. 2:14; 9:2-3). This is speaking from the human perspective, of course. From God’s HARHAS (glitter, splendor). 2 Ki. 22:14.

perspective, nothing happens by chance (Ps. 66:7; 89:9; HARHUR (nobility, distinction). Ezr. 2:51.

103:19; Pr. 16:33; Ro. 8:28).

HARIM (snub-nosed). 1 Ch. 24:8.

HAPHRAIM (double wells). Jos. 19:19.

HARIPH (early born). Ne. 7:24.

HAPLY. Perchance; perhaps; if that; lest at any time; HARLOT. A prostitute; an immoral woman (Ge.

lest by any means (1 Sa. 14:30; Mk. 11:13; Lk. 14:29; 38:15-24; Le. 21:14; Jos. 6:17; Pr. 7:10; 1 Co. 6:15). It Ac. 17:27).

is used to describe idolatry, which is harlotry against HAPPY. The term “happy” is used 26 times in the God (Is. 1:21; Je. 2:30; 3:1-8; Eze. 16:15-41; Ho. 2:5; Scriptures (Ge. 30:13; De. 33:29; 1 Ki. 10:8; Job 5:17; 3:3; 4:15). The humanist supports the legalization of Ps. 127:5; 128:2; 137:8; 144:15; 146:5; Pr. 3:13; 14:21; prostitution on the grounds that (1) man should have 16:20; 28:14; 29:18; Jn. 13:17; Ac. 26:2; Ro. 14:22; Ja.

the right to do what he pleases in the area of morals, 5:11; 1 Pe. 3:14; 4:14). As can be seen from these and (2) for men to satisfy their “natural” desires would references, biblical happiness speaks more of a lessen crime. Just the opposite is true. Lust, when confidence and joy in God than of an emotional entertained, increases in intensity and depravity. The merriment. It speaks of a condition of blessing. We see Bible teaches that harlotry causes immorality to increase this from the fact that one can be “happy” even when in a land (Le. 19:29; Pr. 23:28). [See Adultery, being chastened by God (Job 5:17), or enduring Fornication, Modesty, Nakedness, Strange Woman, tribulation (Ja. 5:11), or being persecuted (1 Pe. 3:14; Whore.] [For study on the Harlot of Revelation 17 see 4:14)—even with a house full of children (Ps. 127:5)!

Mother of Harlots, Prophecy.]

[See Cheer, Cheerful, Delight, Glad, Jesting, Joy, HARNEPHER (panting). 1 Ch. 8:36.

Laughter, Merry, Mirth, Oil of Gladness, Rejoice, HARNESSED. Armed (Ex. 13:18). [See Military.]

Suffering.]

HAROD (terror, trembling). Ju. 7:1.

HARA (hill country). 1 Ch. 5:26.

HAROEH (the seer). 1 Ch. 2:52.

HARADAH (terror). Nu. 33:24.

HAROSHETH (forest). Ju. 4:2.

HARAN (strong). (1) Lot’s father (Ge. 11:26-31). (2) HARP. A stringed musical instrument (Ge. 4:21; 1

The place to which Abraham migrated from Ur, and Sa. 10:5; 16:16, 23; 2 Sa. 6:5; 1 Ki. 10:12; 1 Ch. 13:8; where the descendants of his brother Nahor established 15:16, 21, 28; 16:5; 25:1, 3, 6; 2 Ch. 5:12; 9:11; 20:28; themselves (Ge. 11:31-32; 12:4-5; 27:43; 28:10; 29:4)..

29:25; Ne. 12:27; Job 21:12; 30:31; Ps. 33:2; 43:4; Hence Haran is called “the city of Nahor” (Ge. 24:10). It 49:4; 58:8; 71:22; 81:2; 92:3; 98:5; 108:2; 137:2; was in Padan-aram, which is the cultivated district at 147:7; 149:3; 150:3; Is. 5:12; 16:11; 23:16; 24:8; 30:32; Eze. 26:13; Da. 3:5-10; 1 Co. 14:7; Re. 5:8; 286

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14:2; 15:2; 18:22). There are two Hebrew words HATTUSH (contender). 1 Ch. 3:22.

translated harp. The most common is KINNOR. “The HAUGHTY. Proud and disdainful; having a high Kinnor is first mentioned in Ge. 4:21, and doubtless was opinion of one’s self, with some contempt for others; one of the most popular instruments of the Bible. It was lofty and arrogant (Webster) (2 Sa. 22:28; Pr. 16:18; one of the instruments most frequently used to 18:12; 21:24; Is. 2:11, 17; 3:16; 10:33; 13:11; 16:6; accompany the voices. The name comes from the word 24:4; Je. 48:29). The Hebrew word translated kanar which meant to give forth a tremulous and

“haughty” nine times ( gahvah) is also translated “lifted stridulous sound, as a string when struck. The up” (2 Ch. 26:16), “be high” (Is. 52:13), “exalted” (Eze.

instrument probably resembled very closely the lyre and 31:5), “be proud” (Je. 13:15), “great height” (2 Ch.

was played either with a plectrum or by plucking the 33:14), “upward” (Job 5:7), and “mount up” Job strings with the fingers. It was portable and could easily 39:27). [See Humble, Pride.]

be used in processions to accompany vocal music. Psalm HAUNT. To go habitually; to lodge (1 Sa. 23:22; 81:2 tells us that the kinnor had a ‘pleasant’ sound. It 30:31).

was most frequently associated with services and occasion of a joyful nature. When Israel was in bondage HAURAN (cave district). Eze. 47:16.

(Ps. 137:2) it was the kinnor which they hung upon the HAVEN. Place of refuge and protection (Ps. 107:30; willows; and as a punishment for her sin, the prophets Ac. 27:12).

Isaiah and Ezekiel (Is. 24:8 and Eze. 26:13) promised HAVILAH (sand, circle). Ge. 10:7.

that ‘the joy of the kinnor ceaseth’ and ‘the sound of thy HAVOC. To injure; to insult and spoil (Ac. 8:3).

kinnor shall be no more heard’” (Paul McCommon, HAVOTH JAIR (villages of Jair). Nu. 32:41.

Music in the Bible). The other O.T. word translated harp HAZAEL (God sees). 1 Ki. 19:15.

is KEETHAHROHS. This is used only four times, all in Daniel chapter three (vv. 5, 7, 10, 15). “About all we HAZAIAH (Jehovah is seeing). Ne. 11:5.

know of the instrument is that it was a type of harp or HAZAR ADDAR (walled encampment). Nu. 34:4.

lyre” (Ibid.). [See Music, Psaltery.]

HAZAR ENAN (court of the fountains). Nu. 34:9.

HARROW. To plow a field (Job 39:10; Is. 28:24; Ho.

HAZAR GADDAH (court of Gad). Jos. 15:27.

10:11).

HAZAR HATTICON (middle Hazar). Eze. 47:16.

HARSHA (artificer). Ezr. 2:52.

HAZAR MAVETH (court of death). Ge. 10:26.

HART. A male deer (De. 12:15; Ps. 42:1; Is. 35:6).

HAZAR SHUAL (fox or jackal village). Jos. 15:28.

HARUM (elevated). 1 Ch. 4:8.

HAZAR SUSAH (horse village). Jos. 19:5.

HARUZ (industrious). 2 Ki. 21:19.

HAZELELPONI (protection of the face of). 1 Ch. 4:3.

HASADIAH (Jehovah is kind). 1 Ch. 3:20.

HAZERIM (villages). De. 2:23.

HASENUAH (the violated). 1 Ch. 9:7.

HAZEZON TAMAR (row of palms). Ge. 14:7. This HASHABIAH (Jehovah is associated). 1 Ch. 6:45.

may be the “city of palm trees” (Ju. 1:16) (Young).

HASHABNAH (Jehovah is a friend). Ne. 10:25.

HAZIEL (God is seeing). 1 Ch. 23:9.

HASHEM (shining). 1 Ch. 11:34.

HAZO (vision, seer). Ge. 22:22.

HASHMONAH (fruitfulness). Nu. 33:29.

HAZOR (enclosed). Jos. 11:1. Hazor was located HASHUM (associate). 1 Ch. 9:14.

north of the Sea of Galilee overlooking “the waters of HASHUBAH (association). 1 Ch. 3:20.

Merom” where Joshua’s battle against the northern alliance occurred (Jos 11:1-5). Hazor was situated in a HASHUM (shining). Ezr. 2:19.

beautiful area on a hill overlooking the surrounding HASRAH (splendor). 2 Ch. 34:22.

countryside. To the northwest are the Lebanon HASSENAAH (the thorn hedge). Ne. 3:3.

mountains where the famed cedars grew. Across the HASTED. Hastened; urged (Ge. 18:7; Ex. 5:13).

mountains on the coast were Tyre and Sidon, cities that HASTILY. Quickly (Ge. 41:14; Jud. 2:23).

formed a major part of the ancient Phoenician kingdom HASUPHA (nakedness). Ezr. 2:43.

and dealt in far-flung international commerce. To the northeast of Hazor is the majestic Mt. Hermon, a cluster HATACH (verity). Es. 4:5.

of mountains with three peaks (the highest being 9,200

HATHATH (bruised). 1 Ch. 4:13.

feet). Today Hermon straddles the border between HATIPHA (captive). Ezr. 2:54.

Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. The peak inside Israel is HATITA (exploring). Ezr. 2:42.

7,300 feet and is the highest elevation in the country. It HATTIL (decaying). Ezr. 2:57.

is here that the Jordan River originates. Hazor dominated the Way of the Sea which was the main Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 287

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commercial and military route through Canaan from the Hazor. After the stone surface of the floor was laid it north (Syria, the Hittite kingdom, the Mesopotamian was leveled with mortar and smoothed over with kingdoms such as Babylon and Nineveh) to Egypt in the plaster. The citizens of the city enjoyed a bounty of south. Hazor was a powerful, wealthy city state for foodstuff, including wheat and olives. Ancient olive and hundreds of years prior to the time of Joshua. It is wine presses and 14 large jars of wheat were found at mentioned in documents that were found in the city Hazor. Hazor conducted extensive international trade in state of Mari on the Euphrates River. Seven Mari letters a wide variety of goods. One cuneiform tablet found mention Hazor and tell us that Hazor was so important there contains a long list of items, including textiles, that King Hammurabi of Babylon (c. 1775 BC) kept two gold, silver, and copper that were to be sent from Hazor ambassadors there. Hammurabi built an empire that to the city state Mari, and a document found at Mari covered thousands of square miles by dominating describes the purchase of tin from Hazor.

kingdoms across Mesopotamia, from Ur to Mari. This HAZOR HADATTAH (new court or village). Jos.

was more than 300 years before Joshua entered 15:25.

Canaan. A cuneiform tablet found at Hazor and another HEAD STONE. This title in Ps. 118:22 refers to found at Mari are addressed to a king of Hazor named Christ as the chief cornerstone. [See Cornerstone, Ibni Addu (Addu was Hadad, another name for Baal as Rock.]

the storm god) who lived in the 18th century BC by archaeological reckoning (cited from a descriptive sign HEADY. Rash; hasty; hurried on by will or passion; at Tel Hazor). This is near the time of Abraham and ungovernable (Webster) (2 Ti. 3:4).

300-350 years before Joshua entered the land. The HEALING. There are some who teach that healing is acropolis or upper part of the city encompassed 30

promised to the Christian in this life because of Calvary.

acres, while the lower part encompassed more than 175

This is based on a faulty interpretation of Isaiah 53:5, acres. It was a magnificent Canaanite city, with great

“with his stripes we are healed.” The primary meaning temples and opulent palaces (Israel Finkelstein, The of this passage is that we are healed from sin through Bible Unearthed). The city would have provided Christ’s death. This is what 1 Peter 2:24 says. “Who his everything to satisfy man’s sensual appetites. Sitting on own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that a high hill overlooking the area, ancient Hazor would we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: have been very impressive and pleasing to the eyes, by whose stripes ye were healed.” The apostle Peter with its beautiful temples, splendid palaces, and applies Isaiah 53:5 to salvation from sin.

mysterious idolatrous statues. The larger buildings and Other important teachings relative to physical healing: temples were made of cut stone blocks and panels, 1. The physical aspect of salvation pertains to beautifully-finished wood, rare jewels, silver, gold, and resurrection; it is a future hope not a present reality.

other metals. In front of the palace stood two massive

“And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the wooden pillars. The city walls were high and thick, and firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within we can probably get an idea of the gate from the one ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the that has been unearthed at Dan, located north of Hazor.

redemption of our body” (Ro. 8:22-25). The Christian The Dan gate featured three beautiful arches made of has eternal life; his sins are forgiven; his name is written brick. It stood 21 feet high and was flanked by towers.

in heaven; he is a child of God. Even so, the Christian Stone steps led up to it. The gate has been dated to lives in a body that is under the curse of death (Ro.

about 1750 BC, which is 300 years before Joshua 8:10). It is at death or at the Rapture that the Christian entered the land and takes us back to about the time of will gain liberty from this body of death and will have Abraham. Since the exact date of construction isn’t the perfect physical healing and wholeness that is so known, it is even possible that Abraham entered this intensely desired.

gate when he came to Dan in pursuit of Lot (Ge. 14:14).

2. The healing ministry of Christ was unique—to prove The city had “an ingenious drainage system consisting he was the Messiah. “But I have greater witness than that of clay pipes” (Alfred Hoerth, Archaeology and the Old of John: for the works which the Father hath given me Testament). The stone houses were finished inside and to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, out with plaster and decorated with mosaics and that the Father hath sent me” (Jn. 5:36; see also 10:25; paintings. There are ancient houses in the Philistine city 10:37-38; 14:11; 15:24; 20:30-31). These verses leave near modern Tel Aviv that still bear plaster, and the no doubt as to the purpose of Christ’s miracles. They construction process can be seen. First they built the were not done as examples of what every Christian can walls with stone, then they filled in the cracks with and should do, but to demonstrate that He was the mortar, finally they applied a smooth, attractive plaster promised Holy Son of God. This explains why no one surface over this. The floors of the houses were also before or since Christ has ever been able to perform the plastered. Remnants of it can be seen in a house at 288

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healings He performed. He healed every type of disease, to do so. He was told that this infirmity was something cast out every type of devil, raised the dead, and He did God wanted him to have FOR HIS SPIRITUAL

these miracles repeatedly, at will. He healed perfectly.

WELLBEING. Upon learning this, Paul bowed to God’s He never failed to heal those who were brought to Him.

will. This is a perfect example for Christians today. We Not once did He fail; there was no kind of disease He should pray for healing and release from trials, but could not heal. Who can say that today?

when God does not heal, we must bow to His will and 3. The healing ministry of the apostles was unique—to accept that sickness or trial as something from the hand authenticate their work. “Truly the signs of an apostle of God. This is not lack of faith; it is obedience to the were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and sovereignty of God.

wonders, and mighty deeds” (2 Co. 12:12; See also Mk.

5. Charismatic healers cannot heal themselves. The 3:14-15; Ac. 2:43; 4:33; 5:12, 15; 19:12).

hypocrisy of the “faith healing” movement is amazing.

Note that the miracles of the Apostles were special It’s leaders teach that healing is promised in the and were for the purpose of marking them as the atonement and that it is always God’s will for the Apostles of Christ. They had miracle-working power to Christian to enjoy wholeness. Yet these very leaders do authenticate their unique ministries. That is what not enjoy such wholeness! It is important to note that Scripture says. All Christians could not do the sign those today who claim that healing is in the atonement miracles of the Apostles. The only exceptions were a few do not enjoy perfect healing and physical wholeness.

men upon whom the apostles had laid hands. There was They wear glasses; they go bald; they get sick; they have no general miracle-working experience among the first operations; they die. They have no greater success in churches. If there had been, Paul could not have pointed living a perfectly healthy life than those who don’t to his miracle-working ability as a special sign. His believe healing is guaranteed for the Christian.

would have been just another miracle-working Christian 6. Charismatic healers cannot heal others. The fact is ministry if all could have performed such things; but all that modern “faith healers” simply cannot heal as Christ could not. If all could have performed miracles as a and the apostles did. They claim God wants to heal matter of course, the Christians would not have called today as He did during the life of Christ, but the fact is for Peter to come and raise Dorcas from the dead (Acts that He doesn’t heal that way through them. All you 9:36-42). Peter’s miracle that day was the “sign of an have to do to prove this is attend ANY faith healing apostle.”

crusade and note the sick people who attend only to go It has never been God’s will for all Christians to be away disappointed. The fact is that the “faith healers”

running around performing sign miracles and healing simply cannot heal any more effectively than can any everyone. That has never been the case, and will never godly, non-Pentecostal pastor who faithfully prays over be the case in this age. Don’t be deceived. Don’t seek his people. We have seen many marvelous healings that which God has NOT promised and thereby leave among our church members and friends in answer to yourself open to the deception of the devil.

prayer. The Charismatic faith healers have nothing on Jesus warned that an evil generation seeks a sign us! (See the article “I Believe in Miracles” at the Way of (Mt. 12:39). Let’s not be identified with evil. Let us seek Life web site -- http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/

those humble things which God HAS promised and ibelievein-miracles.html.)

which He wants to do in and for and through us to the 7 . Mighty saints of bygone days often were sick and not glory of Christ. Let us seek to live holy, gentle lives; to healed. We think of William Tyndale, translator of the preach the Gospel and see souls saved and lives changed English Bible, sitting in a dank prison cell, lonely, sick, for the glory of God; to be looking and longing for cold, neglected. Most of the powerful preachers in Christ’s return; to be obedient, fruitful Christians.

history past suffered great sicknesses and physical 4. God did not always heal, even in the first century.

handicaps which were not healed. One writer notes: Timothy was not healed. “Drink no longer water, but use

“Almost every hymn that we have in our hymnbook a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often came to us from the hands of sick people. Charlotte infirmities” (1 Ti. 5:23). Trophimus was not healed (2

Elliot was sick all her life. Fanny Crosby was blind from Ti. 4:20). Paul was not healed (2 Co. 12:7-10). In 2 Co.

birth, blind 95 years. She wrote, ‘Saved by Grace’ and 12:8-10 we read that the Apostle Paul was afflicted with

‘Safe in the Arms of Jesus.’ William Bradbury, who wrote some sort of infirmity. We are not told the exact nature

‘He Leadeth Me’; August Toplady, who wrote ‘Rock of of Paul’s problem, but the word translated “infirmities”

Ages’; Philip Doddridge, who wrote ‘Oh Happy Day’; in 2 Co. 12:9-10 is also translated “weakness” (v. 9), Sarah Flower Adams, who wrote ‘Nearer My God to

“sickness” (Mt. 8:17; Jn. 11:4), and “disease” (Ac.

Thee’—all of them had TB all their lives and finally died 28:9). Three times the faithful Apostle asked God to of it. Isaac Watts, who wrote ‘When I Survey the take away this problem, but the Bible says God refused Wondrous Cross,’ and ‘Marching to Zion,’ and ‘Joy to the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 289

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World,’ suffered all his life of acute suffering. He had a prophecy of increasing apostasy, not of revival. [See frail body. Are those today who believe in perfect Mystery, Prophecy, Revelation, Tares, Timothy.]

healing more spiritual than these men and women of The signs and wonders spoken of for the last hours old? If healing was in the atonement and if it was God’s are deceiving signs. Consider some Scriptures: Mt.

will for us to be in health, to be prosperous, why weren’t 24:24; 2 Th. 2:7-9; Re. 13:13-14. In light of these these [saints of bygone days] healthy and warnings it is crucial that the Christian be wary of any prosperous?” (Paul Locke, “What the Bible Teaches signs or wonders movement in these last hours. The about Healing”).

signs and wonders movement prophesied in Scripture 8 . The Bible speaks of two kinds of faith—overcoming for the hours prior to Christ’s return is one of demonic and enduring (He. 11:32-38). Charismatic healers speak deception.

much of faith. “If you have faith, God will heal you; you 10. The healing movement has caused great harm.

must only believe;” but this teaching ignores the fact How discouraging it is for those who try to work up that faith does not always overcome. There are two enough faith to be healed, only to suffer severe kinds of faith mentioned in this passage in Hebrews—

disappointment when no healing comes. There is overcoming and enduring. Some heroes of the Bible discouragement on the part of those multitudes who overcame sickness and troubles by faith, but others, have attended healing crusades and who thought they whose faith was just as real, were not delivered from were healed, but realized later that there was no their troubles. Yet the names of those who endured are healing. It is impossible to calculate the damage the noted as prominently in God’s “hall of faith heroes” as healing movement has done to people through its false, those who overcame.

unscriptural claims. The highway of the healing The fact is that God’s Word does not guarantee movement is strewn with the wreckage of physical healing. Sometimes He heals; sometimes He discouragement.

does not. This is the clear example of the New Some might be protesting all of this, saying, “You just Testament and is the honest experience of godly don’t believe in the miracle-working power of God.”

Christians of every century. God sometimes has a That accusation is not true. I believe in a miracle-purpose in our sicknesses, and as long as we are in this working God. You see, I DO believe in miracles. My God body we will be subject to infirmities, weaknesses, can do anything. He created the world in six days. He disease, old age, death.

destroyed the ancient world by a great flood. He parted The teaching which says God always heals if we pray the Red Sea so the millions of the children of Israel in true faith has resulted in much confusion, for it is a marched through on dry ground. He brought Jesus into cruel error. Many have believed this false idea and have this world through the womb of a virgin. He died on the become discouraged and confused when God did not cross for my sins, and He rose from the dead the third heal. It is crucial to understand exactly what God day! He has saved multitudes of all nationalities from promises and does not promise about faith and healing.

eternal hell and brought them into the kingdom of His We must rightly divide the Word of God.

dear Son.

9. The Bible warns of false miracles in the last days.

I have personally experienced physical healings in

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, answer to prayer. I have experienced all sorts of and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, miracles, in fact, since I was converted in 1973. I if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Mt.

couldn’t count the miraculous answers to prayer I’ve 24:24). According to many charismatic teachers, the witnessed from the hand of God. Our missionary and modern sign gift movement is a fulfillment of prophecy.

literature ministry has been one long miracle.

They teach that a revival of sign gifts is prophesied My God can do ANYTHING. But my God also does before the coming of Christ. Not only is this not true; it what He wants when He wants! He isn’t flooding the is exactly contrary to what the Bible actually teaches world today, nor is He parting the Red Sea today, nor is about the last hours of this age. Scripture doesn’t He dying on a cross today. And He is not giving a new foretell a revival of miracle sign gifts in the churches.

Pentecost today. That part of His glorious plan has been Just the opposite. The Scripture prophesies of a accomplished, and He is marching on toward the End.

leavening apostasy which will grow within the lump of My friends, I want to march in step with God. We Christendom until the whole is leavened (Mt. 13:33).

must be satisfied with that which He IS doing, not The mystery of iniquity will increase over the course of carnally seeking after that which He has done in the the church age until the final revelation of the great past and that which we WISH He would do!

Harlot of the seventeenth chapter of Revelation. 2 Ti.

3:13 warns that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse We close with the words of Fanny Crosby about the and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” This is a matter of health. This godly woman was blind all her 290

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life, yet she did not demand that God heal her; she did clean heart in man (Ps. 51:10). THE LORD tries the not believe that the devil had afflicted her with the heart (Je. 11:20); looks on the heart (1 Sa. 16:7); blindness; she did not rebuke the devil for her trouble; ponders the hearts (Pr. 21:2; 24:12); gives she did not doubt God because He chose not to heal her.

understanding to the heart (Job 38:36); opens the heart She had a different testimony:

(Ac. 16:14); hardens the heart (Ex. 4:21); searches the O what a happy soul am I!

heart (Ro. 8:27).

Although I cannot see

How to Help the Heart: Trust in the blood of Jesus I am resolved that in this world

Christ and have the heart cleansed (Je. 24:7; Eze.

Contented I will be.

36:26; Ac. 15:9; He. 10:22); hide God’s Word in the How many blessings I enjoy,

That other people don’t.

heart (Ps. 119:11); fix the heart to praise God (Ps.

To weep and sigh because I’m blind,

108:1); fix the heart to trust in the Lord (Ps. 112:7); I cannot, and I won’t.

seek God with all the heart (Ps. 119:2); observe God’s

[See Apostle, Charismatic, Death, Hope, Jesus Christ, Word with the whole heart (Ps. 119:34); keep the heart Miracles, Resurrection, Salvation, Soul, Spirit.]

with all diligence (Pr. 4:23); apply thine heart to wisdom (Pr. 2:2); trust in the Lord with all thine heart HEAPS, UPON. In heaps (Ex. 8:14).

(Pr. 3:5); keep the heart from evil ways (Pr. 7:25); guide HEAR SAY. Report; rumor; common talk (De. 13:12; your heart in God’s way (Pr. 23:19); stay away from 2 Sa. 20:16).

wine (Ho. 4:11); seek God with all the heart (Je.

HEART. In the Bible the heart is a term for the center 29:13). [See Conscience, Imagination, Mind, Pure of man’s thinking, emotions, and will. Man thinks in his Conscience, Soul, Sin, Spirit.]

heart (Ge. 6:5; Pr. 23:7). He understands with his heart HEATHEN. The Hebrew word translated “heathen” is (Pr. 2:2). He deviseth his way with his heart (Pr. 16:9).

“gowy,” which is also translated “nations” (Ps. 9:17) and The heart meditates (Ps. 19:14), considers (De. 4:39),

“Gentile” (Je. 14:22). The heathen are those that have purposes (Da. 1:8), takes counsel (Pr. 20:5), reasons forgotten the true God of the Bible (Ps. 9:17), do not (Lk. 5:22), desires (Ro. 10:1), has intents (He. 4:12).

call upon His name (Ps. 79:6), and worship idols (Ps.

From the heart proceed all the actions and motivations 135:15). Are the heathen saved? Can men be saved apart of man (Pr. 4:23-27; Mt. 15:18-20). The mind is used as from the gospel? The answer to this question is no, and a synonym for the heart (De. 28:65; 1 Sa. 2:35; 1 Ch.

we offer the following Bible evidence that no man can 28:9; Da. 5:20; Phil. 4:7; He. 8:10). The heart/mind is be saved apart from faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

the source of the thoughts and imaginations (Gen. 6:5; 1. Plain Bible statements tell us the heathen are lost (2

De. 15:9; 1 Ch. 29:18; Pr. 23:7).

Th. 1:8; 1 Jn. 20). 2. The Bible describes the heathen as Bible Truths about the Heart: The heart can be proud unsaved — (a) Dead in sin (Ep. 2:1). (b) Dominated by (Pr. 18:12), pure (Pr. 22:11), heavy (Pr. 11:25; 25:20), Satan (Ep. 2:2). (c) Dominated by the flesh (Ep. 2:3).

sick (Pr. 13:12), bitter (Pr. 14:10), sorrowful (Pr. 14:13), (d) By nature children of wrath (Ep. 2:3)(because of sin merry (Pr. 15:13, 15; 17:22), fretful (Pr. 19:3), envious Ep. 5:3-6). (e) Without Christ (Ep. 2:12). (f) Aliens and (Pr. 23:17), trust (Pr. 31:11), lust (Pr. 6:25), faint (Ge.

strangers (Ep. 2:12). (g) Having no hope (Ep. 2:12). (h) 45:26), willing (Ex. 35:5), discouraged (Nu. 32:7), Without God (Ep. 2:12). (i) Far off (Ep. 2:13). (j) In trembling (De. 28:65), desire (Ps. 37:4), disquieted (Ps.

darkness (Ac. 26:18). (k) Under the power of Satan (Ac.

38:8), hot (Ps. 39:3), contrite (Ps. 51:17), overwhelmed 26:18). 3. The Bible says no man can be saved unless he (Ps. 61:2), smitten (Ps. 102:4), wounded (Ps. 109:22), repents of his sin and idolatry (Lk. 13:3, 5; Ac. 17:31; 2

broken (Ps. 147:3), melt (Eze. 21:7), hardened (Ex.

Pe. 3:9). 4. The Bible says no man can come to the 8:15), obstinate (De. 2:30), grieved (De. 15:10), forgive Father except by Jesus Christ (Jn. 14:6). 5. The Bible (Mt. 18:35), love the Lord (Mt. 22:37), doubt (Mk.

says there is no other name given under heaven 11:23), troubled (Jn. 14:1), pricked (Ac. 2:37), whereby men can be saved (Ac. 4:12). 6. The Bible says anguished (2 Co. 2:4), condemn (1 Jn. 3:20). The devil those who do not believe the Gospel are blinded by the can put thoughts into the heart (Jn. 13:2; Ac. 5:3). The devil (2 Co. 4:4). [See Gentile, Idolatry, Israel, Nations, heart must be guided in the right way (Pr. 23:19), kept Pagan, Uncircumcision.]

with all diligence (Pr. 4:23), fixed to give praise to God HEAVEN. Heaven has three meanings in the Bible.

(Ps. 57:7), fixed to trust in the Lord (Ps. 112:7). The (1) It refers to the atmosphere surrounding the earth heart of fallen man is desperately wicked (Ge. 6:5; 8:21; (Ge. 1:6-8). (2) It refers to the area of the sun, moon, Je. 17:9; Pr. 22:15; Mt. 15:18-20). The Holy Spirit takes and stars (Ge. 1:14-19; Ps. 19:1). (3) It refers to the up residence in the heart of the child of God (2 Co.

place where God has His throne (Ps. 80:14; Is. 66:1; Mt.

1:22; Ga. 4:6). God knows the secrets of man’s heart 5:16, 45, 48).

(Ps. 44:21; Lk. 16:15; Ac. 1:24; 15:8). God can create a Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 291

HEAVEN

Other Biblical Names for Heaven. (1) Third heaven (2

waiting for His second coming (He. 10:12-13). (2) What Co. 12:2). (2) Paradise (2 Co. 12:4; Lk. 23:43; Re. 2:7).

Christians are doing: resting from their earthly labors (3) Glory (Col. 3:4). (4) The highest (Lk. 2:14). (5) The (Re. 14:13); praising God (Re. 4:10-11); being Father’s house (Jn. 14:2). (6) City of the living God (He.

comforted (Lk. 16:25); enjoying paradise (Lk. 23:43; 2

12:22). (7) Heavenly Jerusalem (He. 12:22).

Co. 12:3-4); serving the Lord (Re. 7:15); waiting for the Who Lives in Heaven? (1) The living God (He. 12:22).

completion of God’s plans (Re. 6:9-11); waiting for their He is called the “God of heaven” 22 times (Ps. 136:26) resurrection bodies (1 Th. 4:14-16); observing Jesus’

and the “Lord of heaven” four times (Acts 17:24). (2) eternal glory (Jn. 17:24); learning and discussing Angels innumerable (He. 12:22). (3) The spirits of mysteries (2 Co. 12:4); praising and talking about the redeemed men (He. 12:23). (4) Jesus Christ (He.

Lord (Ps. 145:1-11); rejoicing over people being saved 12:24). Jesus came down from heaven (Jn. 6:38) and on earth (Lk. 15:7, 10).

was received back up into heaven (Mk. 16:19) and will Books in Heaven. (1) The book of tears (Ps. 56:8), return from heaven (Acts 1:11). Jesus is the “Lord from which is the book that records the believer’s trials, heaven” (1 Co. 15:47).

troubles, sorrow, and pain. (2) The book of births (Ps.

What Does the Believer Have in Heaven? (1) His name 139:16), which records the details of a person’s physical is written there (Lk. 10:20). (2) His Father is there (Lk.

characteristics before he is born. (3) The book of 11:2). (3) His mansion is there (Jn. 14:2). (4) His hope remembrance (Mal. 3:16), which records the is there (Col. 1:5). (5) His Master is there (Col. 4:1). (6) conversations of those who speak of the Lord. (4) The His “better and enduring substance” is there (He.

book of life (Re. 20:12; Lk. 10:20), which is the list of 10:34). (7) The blood of the new covenant is there (He.

the names of those who are saved. (5) The book of the 12:24). (8) His inheritance is there (1 Pe. 1:4).

unbeliever’s works (Re. 20:12), in which are recorded What Is Heaven Like? (1) It is a holy place—no sin or every sinful thought, word, and deed of those who are evil (Ps. 20:6; 1 Co. 6:9-10; Re. 21:8, 27; 22:15). (2) It not written in the book of life.

is a place of worship (Re. 4:8-11). (3) It is a place of Do People Recognize One Another in Heaven? (1) Our paradise (Lk. 23:43; 2 Co. 12:4; Re. 2:7). Things that names are recorded in heaven, and we will be known by are there: Spectacular beauty (Re. 4:2-3; 21:18-21); our names (Lk. 10:20). (2) Moses and Elijah were mansions (Jn. 14:2); a glorious throne (Re. 4:2-6); known by Peter even though he had never seen them seven lamps of fire (Re. 4:5); glorious foundations and before (Mt. 17:3-4). (3) The rich man recognized pavements (Re. 4:6; 15:2); wonderful creatures (Re.

Lazarus and Abraham (Lk. 16:23). (4) The disciples 4:6-8); glorious music (Re. 5:11-14; 14:2; 15:2; 19:6); recognized Jesus after His resurrection, except when golden altar of incense (Re. 8:3); angels flying (Re.

their eyes were kept from recognizing Him (Jn. 21; Lk.

14:6); rest from earthly labors (Re. 14:13); white horses 24:16). (5) Our recognition will be perfect in heaven; it (Re. 19:11, 14); wonderful rivers (Re. 22:1); wonderful is not reasonable to think that we will know less there trees (Re. 22:2); ivory palaces (Ps. 45:8); lovely than on earth.

fragrances (Ps. 45:8); fullness of joy (Ps. 45:8); glorious What Should Be the Believer’s Attitude toward Heaven clothing (Ps. 45:13-14; Da. 7:9; 10:5; Mt. 17:2; Re.

Today? (1) We should set our minds on heaven (Col.

15:6). (4) It is a place of glory (Ps. 73:24). The Lord 3:1-3). (2) We should live holy lives fit for heaven (Col.

Jesus is the Lord of glory (1 Co. 2:8). Glory refers to 3:5; Ep. 5:8; 1 Pe. 2:11). (3) We should lay up treasures kingly splendor and wealth (Mt. 6:29); God’s brilliant in heaven (Mt. 6:20; 1 Ti. 6:19). (4) We should act like light (2 Ch. 7:1-3; Lk. 2:9; Mt. 17:1-3; Lk. 9:29-31; Re.

citizens of heaven and pilgrims on earth (He. 11:13-16; 21:11, 23); great beauty (Is. 63:1); and the Ph. 3:20). (5) We should be certain of heaven (1 Jn.

manifestation of God’s unfathomable wisdom and 5:11-13). (6) We should be aware of heaven in our daily power (Ps. 19:1). (5) It is a place without any lives (He. 12:1-2).

unpleasant thing. No sorrow, pain, or death (Re. 21:4), What Will Not Be in Heaven. The following is no hunger or thirst (Re. 7:16), no darkness (Re. 22:5).

abbreviated from the F.B.F. Bulletin, Jan.-Feb. 1989: (1) (6) It is a place of service (Re. 22:3). (7) It is a place No More Sea (Re. 21:1). The sea represents danger, where everyone is like Jesus (He. 2:10-11; Ro. 8:29; 1

peril, fear, distress, unrest, agitation, commotion, Jn. 3:1-2).

division, all of which will end in the New Heaven and What Is Going on in Heaven Now? (1) What Jesus is New Earth. (2) No More Sorrow (Re. 21:4). (3) No doing: enjoying the Father (Pr. 8:30; Jn. 1:1); More Sickness and Suffering (Re. 21:4). (4) No More interceding for believers (Ro. 8:34; He. 7:25; 1 Jn.

Darkness or Shadows (Re. 21:22; 22:5). (5) No More 2:1-2); overseeing the work of world evangelism (Mk.

Sin (Re. 21:8, 27, 28; 22:15). (6) No More Curse (Re.

16:19-20); overseeing the churches (Re. 1; Ep.

22:3). Nothing that “defileth” will enter there, only 1:22-23); preparing a place for believers (Jn. 14:1-3); those whose names are written in the “Lamb’s book of 292

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HEAVILY - HELL

life.” [See Body of Heaven, Death, Glory, Hell, Hope, HELKATH HAZZURIM (field of rocks). 2 Sa. 2:16.

Mansion, Millennium, Paradise, Private Ownership of HELL. Hell is the place of punishment and Property, Resurrection, Suffering.]

imprisonment for those who rebel against God and HEAVILY. (1) Vigorously; laboriously (Ex. 14:25).

reject His offer of salvation. It was created for Satan and (2) Sorrowfully; mournfully (Ps. 35:14; 42:11). (3) the rebellious angels (Mt. 25:41). Unsaved men will go Oppressive; burdensome; grievous affliction (Is. 47:6).

there also (Mt. 25:41-46). In the O.T. the word hell HEAVINESS. Sadness; affliction; grief; sorrow (Ezr.

( sheol) has two meanings. Sometimes it means the 9:5; Job 9:27; Ps. 69:20; Pr. 10:1; 12:23; Is. 29:2; Ph.

grave or the place where dead bodies are laid (Ps. 6:5; 2:26; Ja. 4:9). [See Affliction, Joy, Sorrow.]

Ec. 9:10; Is. 38:18, 19). Usually, though, it means the HEAVY. (1) Weighty; ponderous (Ex. 17:12; 1 Sa.

place where departed spirits go (Ge. 37:35; De. 32:22; 4:18; 2 Sa. 14:26). (2) Burdensome (Ex. 18:18). (3) Ps. 9:17; 16:10; 55:15; 30:3; Pr. 9:18; 15:24; 23:14; Is.

Weight of judgment (1 Sa. 5:6, 11). (4) Oppressive; 5:14; 14:15; Eze. 31:16; 32:21, 27). Gehenna is the severe; harsh (1 Ki. 12:4; Ne. 5:18; Mt. 23:4). (5) Greek word translated “hell” nine times in the N.T. (Mt.

Sorrowful; grievous; discouraged; distress of mind (1 Ki.

5:29, 30; 10:28; 23:15, 33; Mk. 9:43, 45; Lk. 12:5). It is 14:6; Pr. 25:20; 31:6; Mt. 23:37). (6) Peevish; angry; translated “hell fire” three times (Mt. 5:22; 18:9; Mk.

frustrated (1 Ki. 20:43). (7) To refuse to listen; hard 9:47). At one time the word referred to the Hinnom hearted (Is. 6:10; 59:1).

Valley in Jerusalem, a valley used for idolatry in O.T.

times and also as a place to burn garbage (2 Ki. 21:6; 2

HEAVY LADEN. Struggling under the burden of sin; Ch. 28:3; 33:6; Je. 7:31, 32; 19:1-6; 32:35).

oppressed; discouraged; weighted down; afflicted (Mt.

11:28).

The Bible’s Description of Hell: (1) “hell fire” (Mk.

9:47). (2) “the fire that never shall be quenched” (Mk.

HEBER (companion). Ge. 46:17.

9:43, 45). (3) “where the worm dieth not” (Is. 66:24; HEBREW. (1) Abraham and his offspring (Ge. 14:13; Mk. 9:44, 46, 48). (4) “an abhorring to all flesh” (Is.

39:14; 40:15; 43:42). (2) The language of the Jews (Ac.

66:24). (5) “tormented in this flame” (Lk. 16:24). (6) 21:40). Most of the O.T. was written in Hebrew, though

“everlasting destruction” (2 Th. 1:9). (7) “flaming fire parts of Daniel and Jeremiah were written in Aramaic.

taking vengeance” (2 Th. 1:8). (8) “everlasting After the worldwide dispersion of Israel, Hebrew punishment” (Mt. 25:46). (9) “perdition” (2 Pe. 3:7).

became almost a dead language. It was used only by the (10) “tormented day and night forever and ever” (Re.

rabbis and a few Jews trained by them. When the Jews 20:10). (11) “cast into the lake of fire” (Re. 20:15). (12) began returning to the land of Israel in the early 1900s,

“tormented with fire and brimstone” (Re. 14:10). (13) they began to use Hebrew again in common speech and no “rest day nor night forever and ever” (Re. 14:10).

to teach it in their schools. It is the official language of (14) “wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Mt. 13:42, 50).

the modern state of Israel. [See Abraham, Israel.]

(15) “cast into a furnace of fire” (Mt. 13:42, 50). (16) HEDGE. A wall or fence (Ps. 80:12; Eze. 13:5; Mk.

“depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire” (Mt.

12:1; Lk. 14:23).

25:41). (17) “cast him into outer darkness” (Mt. 22:13).

HEIFER. A young cow (Ge. 15:9; De. 21:3; 1 Sa.

What Are the Conditions in Hell? (1) A place of 16:2).

torment (Lk. 16:23; Re. 20:10). (2) A place of HEIR. One who receives an inheritance (Ge. 15:3-4; consciousness and feeling (Lk. 16:23). (3) A place of 2 Sa. 14:7; Je. 49:1-2; Mt. 21:38; Ro. 4:13; 8:17; Ga.

fire (Lk. 16:24; Mt. 13:42, 50; Mk. 9:44-48; Re. 20:15; 3:29; 4:1, 7, 30; Tit. 3:7; He. 1:2; 6:17; 11:7; Ja. 2:5; 1

14:10). (4) A place of no comfort or help or mercy (Lk.

Pe. 3:7). [See Adoption, Born Again.]

16:24, 25). (5) A place of unfulfilled desires and HELAH (tenderness). 1 Ch. 4:5.

unanswered prayers (Lk. 16:27-31). (6) A place of HELBAH (fertility). Ju. 1:31.

isolation (Lk. 16:26). (7) A place without hope of escape (Lk. 16:26). (8) A place of remembrance and HELBON (fruitful). Eze. 27:18.

regret (Lk. 16:27-28). (9) A place of punishment (Mt.

HELDAI (enduring). 1 Ch. 27:15.

25:46). (10) A place of wailing and gnashing of teeth HELEB (fat). 2 Sa. 23:29.

(Mt. 25:30; 24:51). (11) A place of worms (Mk. 9:44, HELEK (portion). Nu. 26:30.

46, 48; Is. 66:24). (12) A place of banishment (2 Th.

HELEM (strength). 1 Ch. 7:35.

1:9). (13) A place of darkness (2 Pe. 2:17; Jude 13).

HELEPH (place of rushes). Jos. 19:33.

Are the Wicked Annihilated in Hell? (1) Plain Bible passages say the sinner will suffer in hell eternally (Mt.

HELEZ (strength). 2 Sa. 23:26.

25:46; Mk. 9:43-48; Re. 14:10-11; 19:20; 20:10). (2) HELKAI (Jehovah is a portion). Ne. 12:15.

The Bible says the punishment of the unsaved will be HELKATH (portion). Jos. 19:25.

worse than violent death (Mk. 9:42). This proves that Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 293

HELMET - HERESY

the punishment is eternal torment rather than helps (Ac. 6:1-6). Every Christian is called upon to be annihilation. (3) Jesus said it would have been better if involved in a ministry of helps in the sense of obeying Judas had never been born (Mt. 26:24). Jesus’ words the verses cited above, but according to 1 Co. 12:28-30, make no sense if Judas was only going to be there is also a special gift and grace of helps which is annihilated.

not given to every child of God. [See Grace, Holy Christ’s Teaching on Hell. Christ preached much about Spirit.]

hell. See Mt. 5:22; 12:23; 13:42, 50; 18:8-9; 23:33; HELVE. Wood handle (De. 19:5).

25:41, 46; Mk. 9:43-48; Lk. 16:19-31. The Lord HEMAM (raging). Ge. 36:22.

preached so much about hell because he loves men and HEMAN (faithful). 1 Ch. 6:33.

does not want them to go there.

HEMATH (warmth). Am. 6:14.

No Sinner Has to Go to Hell. See Jn. 3:16; 1 Ti. 2:3-6; 2 Pe. 3:9.

HEMDAN (pleasant). Ge. 36:26.

The End of Hell. After the Great White Throne HEMLOCK. A poisonous herb (Ho. 10:4; Am. 5:7; Judgment hell and all of the unsaved will be cast into 6:12).

the Lake of Fire (Re. 20:11-15). [See Annihilation, HEN. (1) A son of Zephaniah (Ze. 6:14). His name Condemnation, Damned, Damnation, Death, Eternal, means grace. (2) A fowl (Mt. 23:37).

Fire - Judgment By, Forever, Gehenna, Hades, Hinnom, HENA (low land). 2 Ki. 18:34.

Judgment, Perdition, Sin, Sheol, Torment.]

HENADAD (Hadad is gracious). Ezr. 3:9.

HELMET. Protective headgear (1 Sa. 17:5; Eze.

HENNA. A fragrant plant having clusters of white 38:5). The helmet is used symbolically to represent the flowers (Song 1:14; 4:13) (Analytical).

protection of the mind in the spiritual battle against the HEPHER (a digging, a well). Nu. 26:32.

devil (Ep. 6:17). The whole armour of God includes the HEPHZIBAH (my delight is in her). 2 Ki. 21:1.

helmet of salvation. In 1 Th. 5:8 the helmet is called

“the hope of salvation.” This refers to the know-so HERB. A general word for vegetation (Ge. 1:11, 12, salvation that is promised in the true gospel of Jesus 29, 30; 2:5; 3:18; 9:3; Ex. 9:22; De. 32:2; 2 Ki. 19:26; Christ. Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace to the Mt. 13:32; Lk. 11:42; Ro. 14:2; He. 6:7). [See Meat, believing sinner (Ep. 2:8-9). It was purchased fully by Vegetarian.]

the blood of Christ (Ro. 3:24). The believer can HERESIES, DAMNABLE. [See Damnable.]

therefore rejoice in confidence of eternal life (Ro. 5:2).

HERESY, HERETIC. Referring to schism and false We “know” that we have eternal life (1 Jn. 3:2; 5:13; teaching. The word “heretic” is used only one time in 5:18-20). This perfect confidence protects the mind the Bible (Tit. 3:9-11), but the term “heresy” is used from the relentless onslaughts of the devil, who desires four more times (Ac. 24:14; 1 Co. 11:19; Ga. 5:20; 2 Pe.

to shake the believer’s faith in God. [See Eternal 2:1). The same Greek word, hairesis, is translated “sect”

Security, Hope, Military.]

in Acts 5:17; 15:5; 24:5; 26:5; and 28:22. This Greek HELP MEET. This expression in Genesis 2:18 means word is used in two different ways in the N.T. (1) Any that God made the woman to be a suitable companion religious sect or party (Ac. 5:17; 15:5; 24:14; 28:22).

and helper to the man.[See Home.]

(2) False teachers and doctrinal error (Tit. 3:9-11; Ga.

HELPS. (1) An apparatus for securing a leaking 5:20; 2 Pe. 2:1). The terms heretic and heresy refer to a vessel, by means of ropes, chains, etc., forming a process willful choosing of false doctrine, a willful alignment of undergirding (Ac. 27:17). (2) A spiritual gift and with error. “The word ‘heresy’ originally meant ‘a ministry in the church (1 Co. 12:28). Since the gift of choice,’ then an opinion that is the product of choice or helps is not specifically defined in Scripture, it must of the will, instead of being drawn from the Divine have a very general and broad application. It Word. It refers to a manmade opinion. Hence the term incorporates two basic things: (a) The succor of those in was given as a name for departures from orthodox need, involving acts of mercy, kindness, encouragement, teaching which carried in them a breach of church financial and physical assistance, exhortation, unity” (G.P. Fisher, History of Christ Doctrine). Robert restoration, prayer, etc. (Ro. 12:8-10, 13; 15:2; 1 Co.

Sargent makes the following important comment: 16:15; 2 Co. 1:11; Ga. 6:1-2; Ph. 2:4; 1 Th. 5:14; Ja.

“Heresy is much more than ignorance. It is more than 5:19; 1 Pe. 3:8; 3 Jn. 6). (b) The accomplishment of a simply holding to an error. It is taking sides with error variety of helpful things which are necessary to further against truth. In Acts 5:17; 15:5; 24:5; 26:5; and 28:22, the work of the Lord through the assembly (Ro.

the word is translated ‘sect,’ which shows that the 16:1-6,9,12; 1 Co. 16:17-18; Ph. 2:25; 1 Pe. 4:8-10).

concept of heresy involves forming a ‘party’ within the The office of the deacon is an example of a ministry of main body.” [See Apostasy, Apostate, Church Discipline, Damnable, Doctrine, Ecumenical Movement, Fable, False 294

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HERETOFORE - HIGH PRIEST

Prophet, False Teaching, Foolish Questions, Prophecy, HESHBON (stronghold). Nu. 21:25.

Revelation, Separation, Timothy, Unity.]

HESHMON (fruitfulness). Jos. 15:27.

HERETOFORE. Before; in time past (Ex. 5:7, 14).

HETH (terrible). Ge. 10:15.

HERMAS (interpreter). Ro. 16:14.

HETHLON (lurking place, stronghold). Eze. 47:15.

HERMES (interpreter). Ro. 16:14.

HEW. To cut or carve out (Ex. 34:1; De. 19:5; 29:11; HERMON (prominent, rugged). The highest 1 Ch. 22:2; Pr. 9:1; Je. 2:13; Ho. 6:5; Mt. 27:60).

mountain in Israel, located northeast of Dan (De. 3:8).

HEZEKI (Jehovah is strength). 1 Ch. 8:17.

Hermon is actually a cluster of mountains with three HEZEKIAH (strengthened of the Lord). A godly king peaks (the highest being 9,200 feet). Today Hermon of Judah (2 Ki. 18-20; 2 Ch. 29-32; Is. 36-39).

straddles the border between Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.

The peak inside Israel is 7,300 feet. The two major HEZION (vision). 1 Ki. 15:18.

headwaters of the Jordan River are at the foot of HEZIR (insight, intuition). 1 Ch. 24:15.

Hermon: the Dan Spring and the Banias or Panias HEZRAI (blooming, beautiful). 2 Sa. 23:35.

Spring at Caesarea Philippi. The latter spring is named HEZRO (blooming). 1 Ch. 11:37.

for the god Pan, whose temple was nearby.

HEZRON (blooming). Ge. 46:12.

HEROD. The most famous Herod was known as HIDDAI (mighty, chief). 2 Sa. 23:30.

Herod the Great, who ruled as king of Judaea under the HIDDEKEL (rapid). Ge. 2:14; Da. 10:4.

Roman emperor (37-4 B.C.). He was a great builder who constructed Caesarea Maritima on the coast of HIEL (God is living). 1 Ki. 16:34.

Israel. Its manmade harbor was one of the wonders of HIERAPOLIS (priestly city). Col. 4:13.

the ancient world. He constructed the Herodium and HIGGAION. [See Music.]

Masada and enlarged the Temple in Jerusalem. Herod’s HIGH PLACE (2 Ki. 15:35). [See Idolatry.]

Temple was the one that existed in Jesus’ time. It was HIGH PRIEST. Jesus Christ is the High Priest and destroyed by the Roman armies in 70 AD. Herod was Intercessor between God and men (He. 2:17; 3:1; 4:14).

jealous of his power and killed many people, even his (1) Christ’s intercession means that He appears in the own sons, because he feared they would take his throne.

presence of God “for us,” making us acceptable to God When he heard that the King of the Jews had been born, because of His one sacrifice (He. 9:24-26). (2) Christ’s he ordered the death of all infants, in an attempt to kill intercession means that He continues the work of our the baby Jesus (Mt. 2:16). The son of Herod the Great, salvation so that we will be saved to the uttermost Herod Antipas, joined Pilate in mistreating Christ (Lk.

(Hebrews 7:25). We are saved by Christ’s death, and we 23:7-15). The grandson of Herod the Great, Herod are saved by His resurrection life (Ro. 5:10). His Agrippa I, persecuted the early churches (Ac. 12:1, 6, intercession is a guarantee of eternal security. (3) 11, 19) and was killed by God (Ac. 12:20-23). [See Christ’s intercession means that He is an advocate when Caesarea, Herodias.]

we sin (1 John 2:1-2). Christ made the propitiation for HEROD’S TEMPLE. [See Temple.]

our sins, and He is righteous in our place. The reason HERODIANS. The name comes from Herod, and that we can confess our sins and be forgiven is Christ’s refers to those who took part with him and his intercessory work. Our confessions are acceptable only successors in leavening the Jews with Grecian and because Christ was punished for our sins. Thus God is Roman manners and licentiousness (Mt. 22:16; Mk. 3:6; just to forgive our sins. (4) Christ’s intercession means 12:19). In skepticism they sided with the Sadducees, that He does not allow Satan’s charges against us to but were strongly opposed to the Pharisees (Concise) condemn us (Romans 8:34-35). The accuser of the yet they sided with these groups in opposing Jesus brethren is Satan (Re. 12:10). But the only thing that Christ. [See Herod.]

Jesus need do to destroy the effect of his accusations is HERODIAS. A daughter of Aristobulus, son of Herod to raise His nail-pierced hand as a testimony to the fact the Great. She was married to her uncle, Philip, but left that He died for those sins. (5) Christ’s intercession him for his brother Herod the tetrarch of Galilee (Mt.

means that He is working all things together for good 14:3, 6; Mk. 6:17, 19, 22; Lk. 3:19). [See Herod.]

according to His plan (Romans 8:28, 34). Observe that HERON. A bird with a long bill and large wings Romans 8:28 is directly connected with Romans 8:34.

which eats fish (Le. 11:19; De. 14:18). There are several All things work together in the believer’s life for good species in Palestine, one of which is called the White because Christ is alive and is interceding for him. Every Ibis, which are found in immense flocks about the Huleh event of life is under His almighty control. (6) Christ’s lake and marsh (Smith).

intercession means that He is always available to provide mercy and grace to help (Hebrews 4:14-16). He HESED (kindness). 1 Ki. 4:10.

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is the compassionate high priest who is touched with 13:14). The girdle represents Jesus as the Servant of the feelings of our infirmities. He knows our frame and God and man.

remembers that we are dust.

The Ephod. The ephod (Ex. 28:6-14) was placed over The Priestly Garments. Let us briefly consider the the head and shoulders of the high priest and was made garments for the high priest, which represent the Person of fine linen with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet colors and work of the Son of God. All of the garments were woven in it (Ex. 28:6; 39:2-5). The gold represents made with fine white linen, with blue, purple, scarlet, Christ’s deity; the blue, His heavenly origin; the purple, and gold thread (Ex. 28:5). The white linen speaks of His royalty; the scarlet, His sacrificial atonement; the Christ’s purity and sinlessness (1 Pe. 2:22). The blue white linen, His pure, sinless nature (He. 7:26).

thread speaks of Christ’s heavenly origin and present The Onyx Stones. On the shoulders of the ephod were position at the right hand of the Father (1 Co. 15:47).

two onyx stones set in gold with the names of the tribes The purple thread speaks of Jesus’ royalty; He is King of of Israel engraved therein (Ex. 28:9-12; 39:6-7). This kings. The scarlet thread speaks of Christ’s blood represented the truth that God’s people are kept secure atonement; He is the Saviour. The gold speaks of by Christ’s divine strength. We rest in Christ’s power, not Christ’s deity; Jesus Christ is God (1 Ti. 3:16). The our own (1 Pe. 1:2, 5; Mt. 11:28; 1 Pe. 5:7).

garments as a whole symbolize Christ in His three The Breastplate. Upon the ephod was bound the offices: Priest (ephod), Prophet (Urim and Thummin), breastplate, which was placed over the priest’s chest and King (mitre and crown). [See Colors.]

upon his heart (Ex. 28:15-29). On the breastplate were The Robe. The robe of the ephod was the main twelve precious stones set in four rows of three each, covering for the high priest—a long robe all of blue with a name of one of the tribes of Israel engraved color (Ex. 28:31-35). This pictures the truth that though thereon. This pictures Christ’s great love for His people.

Christ became a man and is still a man (Ac. 17:31; 1 Ti.

They are permanently engraved upon His heart (Jn.

2:5), He originated from heaven and is the Lord from 13:1). Each of the tribes of Israel had its own place heaven (1 Co. 15:47). He is not of this creation, and upon the heart of the high priest, and each believer those who receive Him are translated from this old today has a special place in Christ’s heart (Ep. 3:17-19).

creation and placed into a new creation (2 Co. 5:17).

As the names of Israel were always upon the priest’s They, too, are no longer of this world (Ga. 6:14).

shoulders and heart, each individual believer is forever Though believers still live in the world, they are even preserved and loved by Christ. The names were set in now citizens of heaven (Jn. 17:6, 14-17; Ph. 3:20-21; precious stones to illustrate the value God’s people have Col. 3:1-4).

in His eyes (Mal. 3:16-17).

Pomegranates. Upon the hem of the robe were sewn Urim and Thummim. The Urim and Thummin were blue, purple, and scarlet pomegranates. This is a fruit objects which were placed in a pouch in the breastplate and symbolizes the fruitfulness of Christ. Through the and used in discerning God’s will (Nu. 27:21; De. 33:8; atonement He made for sin and by His present work of 1 Sa. 28:6; Ezr. 2:63). The appearance of these objects world evangelism, He is drawing multitudes to Himself.

is not described in Scripture. The words “Urim and Bells. Between the pomegranates were sewn gold Thummin” mean “lights and perfections.” The Urim and bells which rang as the high priest went about his Thummim picture the perfection of Christ’s revelation to labors. These bells related particularly to the high men. Everything Jesus speaks is absolute truth. Those priest’s work in the Holy Place so that the people who desire to know the truth about God and life must outside the Tabernacle, though unable to see the priest, hear Jesus Christ.

could hear the bells and be assured that he was busy in The Crown. Upon the high priest’s head was placed a their behalf and that God was accepting his labors. This holy crown, or mitre, made of fine white linen (Ex.

beautifully fits this present age, during which Jesus, our 28:36-39). This represented Christ as King. Upon the great High Priest, has gone into heaven and is not front of the mitre was attached a golden plate engraved visible to human eyes on earth. The bells represent the with the words “Holiness to the Lord,” picturing the testimony of the Holy Spirit as He witnesses to men of absolute dedication of Christ to the will of the Father.

Jesus’ existence and work (Jn. 16:12-15). The Holy

“Holy” means set apart to God, and the Lord Jesus was Spirit has given us the Scriptures which plainly tell us of indeed this. His every thought and desire was to do the Christ, and He also abides in God’s people to witness will of the Father who had sent Him. Ex. 28:38 says the personally of the things of Christ (1 Jn. 2:20, 27).

golden plate was always upon Aaron’s forehead in order The Girdle. To secure the robe, a girdle was used (Ex.

that the people might be accepted before God. Thus we 28:39). The girdle was used in service, as when Jesus see that believers are not accepted before God because girded Himself to wash the feet of the disciples (Jn.

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their High Priest, Jesus Christ (Ep. 1:3-7; Col. 2:9-10; 1

Criticism is practiced by men who feel they have the Co. 1:30). [See Holy, Justification.]

ability and right to pass judgment on which parts of the The Consecration of the Priest. The consecration of the Bible are correct and authoritative. Most higher critics priests (Ex. 29) represents wonderful spiritual truths, reject or question the miracles of the O.T., the virgin especially as a picture of the consecration of believers birth and resurrection of Christ, as well as the today. The difference between Aaron and his sons is prophecies of Christ’s literal second coming and glorious noted in the following statement: “Aaron alone was earthly reign. [See Inspiration, Modernism.]

anointed before the blood was shed; he was clad in his HIGHEST. (1) The top (Eze. 17:3; 41:7). (2) A title robes of office and anointed with the holy oil before for God (Ps. 18:13; 87:5; Lk. 1:32, 35, 76; 6:35). (3) A ever his sons were clothed or anointed. The reason of reference to God’s dwelling place (Lk. 2:14; 9:38).

this is obvious. Aaron, when spoken of by himself, HIGHMINDED. Proud; haughty; arrogant (Ro. 9:20; typifies Christ in His own peerless excellency and 1 Ti. 6:17; 2 Ti. 3:4). [See Pride.]

dignity; and, as we know, Christ appeared in all His own HILEN (strong place). 1 Ch. 6:58.

personal worth and was anointed by the Holy Ghost previous to the accomplishment of His atoning work. In HILKIAH (Jehovah is protection). (1) Father of all things He has the preeminence (Col. 1:18). Still, Eliakim (2 Ki. 18:18-37; Is. 22:20; 36:3,22). (2) High there is the fullest identification afterwards between priest (2 Ki. 22-23; 1 Ch. 6:13; 9:11; 2 Ch. 34; Ezr. 7:1; Aaron and his sons, as there is the fullest identification Je. 29:3).

between Christ and His people. ‘The Sanctifier and the HIN. [See Weights and Measures.]

sanctified are all of one’ (He. 2:11). The personal HIND. A female deer (Ge. 49:21; Pr. 5:19; Je. 14:5).

distinctness enhances the value of the mystic HINDER. The end or rear (2 Sa. 2:23; 1 Ki. 7:25; Ps.

oneness” (C.H. Mackintosh, Notes on the Pentateuch, p.

78:66; Mk. 4:38; Ac. 27:41).

340).

HINDERMOST. The last; at the end (Ge. 33:2).

In the process of consecration, the priests first were HINNOM, VALLEY OF. A place in Jerusalem where washed with water (Ex. 29:4). Now it must be noted human sacrifices were made in idolatrous rituals (2 Ki.

that none of this typifies salvation. Consecration is the 23:10; 2 Ch. 28:3; 33:6; Je. 7:32; 19:6). It became a process of dedication and sanctification following place where garbage was burned. A N.T. word for hell redemption. The washing with water illustrates God’s ( Gehenna) is a transliteration of the Hebrew word demand that His people be pure and put away sin from Hinnon. [See Hell, Sheol.]

their lives. Often the Word of God is identified as the HILRAH (distinction, nobility). Ge. 38:1.

water God uses to cleanse His saints (Ep. 5:26; Jn. 15:3; 17:17; Ja. 1:21; 1 Pe. 2:1-2). The Scriptures are the HIRAM (noble). Also spelled Huram. King of Tyre, a living Word of God (He. 4:12), and not only show the major city of the Phoenician Empire (2 Sa. 5:11; 1 Ki.

way of righteousness, but give the believer power to 5:1; 11:1-3). Hiram was a friend of David and of walk in that way (Jn. 8:31-32). The need is seen for Solomon. It appears that he was a believer in Jehovah believers to let the Word of God dwell richly in them God (2 Ch. 2:11-12).

through reading, studying, singing, hearing, meditating HIRE. Wages; pay (Ge. 30:18; Mi. 1:7).

in, and memorizing the Scriptures (Col. 3:16).

HIRELING. A laborer who works for daily wages Aaron was next clothed and anointed with oil (Ex.

(Job 7:1-2; Mal. 3:5; Jn. 10:12-13). [See Employment, 29:5-7), symbolizing the first coming of Jesus and His Labor.]

anointing by the Spirit of God (Is. 11:1-3; 61:1-2; Lk.

HISTORY - CHURCH. [See Anglican Church, Baptist, 3:21-22; 4:16-21). Jesus was sinless and had no need Brethren, Church, Eastern Orthodox, Episcopal, for an atonement for Himself. He did not need to be Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Presbyterian, cleansed before receiving the Spirit. Thus, Aaron, as the Prophecy. Roman Catholic Church.]

type of Christ, was anointed before the blood of the HISS. (1) To make a hissing sound in derision and sacrifices was shed and applied. The sons of Aaron, scorn (1 Ki. 9:8; Je. 19:8; La. 2:15; Eze. 27:36; Zep.

typifying Christ’s people, could not be anointed until 2:15). (2) To call out to (Is. 5:26; Ze. 10:8).

first they had been cleansed by the blood. [See Agate, HITHER. Here (Ex. 3:5).

Amethyst, Anoint, Beryl, Carbuncle, Diamond, Emerald, Footwashing, Jasper, Jesus Christ, Laver, Offerings, HITHERTO. From then; from that time; until now Onyx, Priest, Sanctification, Sapphire, Sardius, (Jos. 17:14; Ju. 16:13; 2 Sa. 15:34; Jn. 5:17).

Tabernacle, Topaz, Type.]

HITTITES. Descendants of Heth, son of Canaan, who HIGHER CRITICISM. The modern tendencies to inhabited the mountainous country of Judah (Ge.

question the historical reliability of the Bible. Higher 15:20; 23:10; 25:9; 26:34; 36:2; 49:29; 50:13; Ex. 3:8; Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 297

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13:5; 23:23, 28; 33:2; 34:11; Nu. 13:29; De. 7:1; 31:23; Lk. 1:75; Ro. 6:19; Ep. 4:24). Holiness is 20:17; Jos. 1:4; 3:10; 9:1; 11:3; 12:8; 24:11; 1 Sa.

contrasted with uncleanness (Is. 35:8; 1 Th. 4:7) and is 26:6; 2 Sa. 11:3; 1 Ki. 9:20; 10:29; 11:1; 15:5; 2 Ki.

connected with cleansing from sin (2 Co. 7:1; 1 Th.

7:6; Ezr. 9:1; Ne. 9:8; Eze. 16:3, 45).

4:3).

HIVITES. Descendants of Canaan (Ge. 10:17; 34: 2; Two aspects of holiness in the Christian life. There are 36:2; Ex. 3:8; 13:5; 23:23; 33:2; 34:11; De. 7:1; 20:17; two ways a Christian can be holy: positionally and Jos. 3:10; 9:1, 7; 11:3, 19; 12:8; 24:11; Ju. 3:3, 5; 2 Sa.

practically. There is eternal holiness and temporal 24:7; 1 Ki. 9:20).

holiness, absolute and progressive. The Christian is HIZKIAH (Jehovah is strong). Ne. 10:17.

perfectly holy before God because of his eternal position HIZKIJAH (Jehovah is strong). Ne. 10:17.

in Christ, and he is becoming holy in a practical sense day-by-day as he conforms to the image of Christ.

HO. Threatening; grief; exhortation (Is. 55:1; Ze.

2:6).

Positional Holiness is to be set apart into God’s family.

To be in Christ is to be holy in this sense (Ep. 1:4; He.

HOAR, HOARY. Gray headed (Le. 19:32; 1 Ki. 2:6,9; 3:1). In position before God, every true believer is holy Job 41:32; Pr. 16:31; Is. 46:4).

and blameless from the day he is born again. This is HOBAB (beloved). Nu. 10:29.

because the born again believer is in Christ. God no HOBAH (lurking place). Ge. 14:15.

longer sees that person as a condemned sinner, but as a HOD (glory). 1 Ch. 7:37.

saint in Christ. God looks at the believer through the HODAIAH (honorer of Jehovah). 1 Ch. 3:24.

blood of His Son and sees no sin. The Christian is not HODAVIAH (praise Jehovah). 1 Ch. 5:24.

holy in this positional sense because he is good in himself, but because Christ has put away his sin and HODESH (new moon). 1 Ch. 8:9.

God has declared him righteous. Every child of God is HODEVAH (Jehovah is honor). Ne. 7:43.

holy in this positional sense.

HOGLAH (partridge). Nu. 26:33; 27:1; 36:11; Jos.

Practical Holiness is to be holy in daily living. Though 17:3).

Christians are holy in Christ positionally, the Bible HOHAM (Jehovah protects the multitude). Jos. 10:3.

teaches it is God’s will for them to be holy in practice HOISED. To hoist; to lift up (Ac. 27:40).

also (1 Pe. 1:15-16). The two aspects of holiness are HOLD. (1) To grasp; retain; seize; embrace (Ge.

seen in one verse in Eph. 5:8 and Col. 3:12. These 19:16; 21:18; He. 3:14; 4:14; 6:18; 10:23). (2) To verses teach that since believers are holy by position in celebrate; to have in session (Ex. 5:1). (3) Restrain (Ex.

Christ, they should live up to this position by being holy 14:14). (4) To regard; to judge; to consider (Ex. 20:7; in life. Every true Christian, because of his trust in De. 5:11; Ze. 11:5). (5) Maintain; sustain (Ps. 17:5; Christ’s blood, is perfect and holy before God—as holy 139:10). (6) To cleave to; to obey; to follow (2 Ch.

as Jesus is—but every Christian does not live a holy life 7:22; Ec. 2:3; Is. 56:6; Mt. 6:24; Mk. 7:4; Ro. 1:18; 1

day by day. The Christian is to perfect holiness (2 Co.

Th. 5:21; 2 Th. 2:15). (7) To contain; capacity to receive 7:1). The Bible teaches it is impossible to be holy in (Je. 2:16). (8) A fortress or prison (Jud. 9:46; 1 Sa.

daily life without first being made holy in Jesus Christ 22:4; 2 Sa. 5:7; Ac. 4:3).

positionally. Only after a person is born again will God accept his work of daily holiness. Outside of Christ there HOLD ONE’S PEACE. [See Peace, To Hold One’s.]

is no true holiness. Only by His blood can a person be HOLDEN. Held (2 Ki. 23:22; Job 36:8; Ps. 18:35; Ro.

cleansed of sin and made fit to serve God in 14:4).

righteousness and truth (Ga. 2:20; 6:14-16).

HOLON (strong place). Jos. 15:51.

Holiness and Christ’s Blood. The Bible connects HOLPEN. Helped (Ps. 83:8; 86:17; Da. 11:34; Lk.

holiness with the blood of Christ (He. 9:12,20-25). The 1:54).

Old Testament typology associated with the Tabernacle HOLY. The terms “holy,” “sanctify,” “consecrate,”

constantly depicted this truth. It was by blood that the

“dedicate,” and “saint” are translated from the same articles of the Tabernacle were made holy before God Hebrew and Greek words in the Bible. The basic (Ex. 30:10). It was by blood that the priests were meaning is to be set apart for God’s purpose (Le. 20:26).

consecrated (Le. 14:14). It was by blood that the Things other than people are said to be holy: the ground worshippers were purified (Le. 4:15-18, 30, 34). It was (Ex. 3:5), the sabbath (Ex. 16:23), Aaron’s garments with blood that the high priest could enter into the (Ex. 28:2), the altar of the Tabernacle (Ex. 29:37). A presence of God in the Holy Place and make atonement holy person is a person who has become God’s for the people (Le. 16:14-20). The word “blood” is used possession by the blood of Christ. Holiness is intimately 66 times in the book of Leviticus, the book which sets connected with righteousness and moral purity (Je.

forth Israel’s worship of God and sacrificial cleansing.

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The book of Hebrews uses the word “blood” 20 times, them freely, though we do not understand the process of showing that it is the blood of Christ that was development. In one sense Father, Son, and Spirit are foreshadowed by the O.T. types. Holy One. “Holy One”

three persons, and in another they are one. Webster’s is a title frequently used of God in Scripture (Is. 1:4; Dictionary defines the Trinity as ‘the union of three 5:19, 24; 6:3; 10:17, 20; 12:6; 17:7; 29:19, 23; 30:11, persons (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) in one 12, 15, 29; 31:1; 37:23; 40:25; 41:14, 16, 20; 43:3, Godhead, so that all the three are one God as to 14-15; 45:11; 47:4; 48:17; 49:7; 54:5; 55:5; 57:15; substance, but three persons as to individuality.’ This is 60:9, 14; Je. 50:29; 51:5; Eze. 39:7; Ho. 11:9; Hab.

in the main the doctrine of the trinity, as held by all the 1:12; 3:3; Lk. 1:49). His name is “holy” (Is. 57:15). The great communities of Christendom” (Cathcart).

Bible tells us that God is jealous for His Holy name (Eze.

The Holy Spirit’s Relationship with the Father and the 39:25). Jesus Christ is also called the “Holy One” (Lk.

Son. Some Bible passages speak of the Holy Spirit as the 4:34; Ac. 2:37; 3:14; 13:35). While men are called holy Spirit of God or the Spirit of Christ. By this, some in Scripture in the sense of sanctified unto God (Mk.

conclude that the Holy Spirit is only an indistinct part of 6:20; Ac. 3:21), the term “holy” is NEVER used as a title the Father and Son, something like man’s spirit is of for a fallen man. It is wrong, therefore, to speak of holy man. This is not the Bible’s teaching, though. The Holy Mary, or holy Joseph, or of the pope as His Holiness, etc.

Spirit is one with the Father and Son, yet He is also a These are titles of divinity and must never be given to a distinct Person (Mt. 28:19; 2 Co. 13:14; 1 Jn. 5:7; Ep.

man. [See Blood, Clergy, Dedicate, Healing, Jesus 2:18; 4:4-6; Jn. 14:16, 26; 16:7-15). (1) The Holy Spirit Christ, Joy, Just, Justification, Reverend, Roman is called a person and does the works of a person (Jn.

Catholic Church, Saint, Sanctification.]

14:17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-15). (2) The Holy Spirit has His HOLY OF HOLIES. The rearmost compartment in the own feelings (Ep. 4:20). (3) The Holy Spirit has His Tabernacle (Ex. 26:33-34; He. 9:3, 8). The holy of holies own will (Ac. 13:2; 15:28; 1 Co. 12:11). (4) The Holy contained the ark of the covenant which held the Ten Spirit has His own mind (Ro. 8:26-27).

Commandments and was covered with the mercy seat The Holy Spirit’s Works. IN O.T. TIMES: (1) Creation (Ex. 26:33-34). Images of the cherubim were on the (Ge. 1:2; Job 33:4). (2) Inspiration of the Scriptures mercy seat. The holy of holies pictured God’s dwelling (Ex. 31:3; 35:31; Nu. 11:17; 24:2; 27:18; Ge. 41:38; 1

place in heaven (He. 9:8-9; 10:19). When Christ died Ch. 28:11-12; 2 Ch. 15:1; Eze. 8:3; 11:1; Da. 4:8; Ze.

the veil into the holy of holies was rent, indicating that 1:1; Mi. 3:8). (3) Anointing God’s servants (Ge. 41:38; through Christ’s blood sinners have access into God’s Ex. 31:3; Ps. 51:11-12; Is. 48:16; 59:19). IN JESUS’ LIFE

holy presence (Mk. 15:37-38; He. 10:19-20). [See (Jn. 3:34): (1) In His birth (Mt. 1:18; Lk. 1:35). (2) At Atonement, Blood, Mercy Seat, Propitiation, His baptism (Mt. 3:16). (3) In His miracles (Mt. 12:28).

Tabernacle.]

(4) In His teaching (Ac. 1:2). (5) In His temptations HOLY SCRIPTURES. [See Bible, Bible Versions, (Mt. 4:1). (6) In His resurrection (Ro. 1:4; 1 Pe. 3:18).

Canon, Dynamic Equivalency, Erasmus, Inspiration, TOWARD THE UNSAVED: (1) Convicting and drawing Masoretic Text, Preservation.]

men to Christ (Jn. 16:7-11). (2) Regenerating those HOLY SEE. A name used by the Roman Catholic who trust Christ (Jn. 3:5-6; Tit. 3:5). TOWARD

Church to describe the office of the pope, as well as for CHRISTIANS: (1) Indwelling (Ro. 8:9). (2) Sealing (Ep.

the place of his residence in Rome. See means seat, or 1:13-14: 4:30; 2 Co. 1:22). (3) Imparting spiritual gifts place of authority. The Roman Catholic Church falsely (1 Co. 1:22). (4) Teaching (1 Jn. 2:20, 27). The Holy believes that the pope is the center of authority for all Spirit is called the “Spirit of truth” four times in the Christendom. [See Roman Catholic Church, Vatican.]

N.T.--Jn. 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 1 Jn. 5:6. (5) Giving HOLY SPIRIT. The Holy Spirit is not merely an access to the Father (Ep. 2:18). (6) Changing believers influence. He is also not merely the Lord’s spirit in the into the image of Christ (2 Co. 3:18). (7) Affirming that same sense that man’s spirit is man’s spirit. Man’s spirit we are children of God (Ro. 8:15-16). (8) Interceding is never said to be a separate person. The Holy Spirit, (Ro. 8:26-27). (9) Producing fruit (Ga. 5:22-23). (10) though, is a Person of the Trinity. The Father is God; the Giving power over sin (Ro. 8:12-13). (11) Sanctifying (1

Son is God; the Spirit is God. “The three divine persons Co. 6:11). (12) Empowering and overseeing world are one God. This is a great mystery; but not greater evangelism (Ac. 1:8; 13:4; 16:6-7). (13) Resurrecting than the mysteries presented by some of the material (Ro. 8:11).

objects around us. We cannot understand the mode by Emblems of the Holy Spirit. (1) Water (Jn. 3:5; which certain agencies produce the wood of a tree, and 7:38-39). (2) Fire (Mt. 3:11). (3) Wind (Jn. 3:8). (4) its bark, foliage, blossoms, and fruit; or the way by Oil (Ps. 45:7). (5) Rain and dew (Ps. 72:6). (6) Dove which human food makes bones, and flesh, and skin, (Mt. 3:16). (7) Voice (Is. 6:8). (8) A seal (Re. 7:2; Ep.

and hair, and nails. These are mysteries, but we believe 4:30) (Scofield).

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The Sealing of the Holy Spirit. The method of the other way promoting the Holy Spirit Himself. The Lord sealing: Believers are sealed with the Spirit when they Jesus Christ taught us to pray to the Father, not to the trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour (Jn. 7:39; Ep.

Spirit (Mt. 6:6, 9; Jn. 16:23). Christ’s own prayers were 1:12-14; Ga. 3:14). The meaning of the sealing: Security always addressed to the Father (Mt. 11:25; 26:39; Jn.

(Da. 6:17); ownership (2 Co. 1:21-22); authority (Ge.

11:41; 12:28; 14:16; 17:1). The Apostle Paul taught us 41:41-42; Es. 8:8; 2 Co. 5:20; Mt. 28:18-20); likeness—

to pray to God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ a seal imparts its own image (Ga. 5:22-23).

(Ro. 1:8). There is not one example of believers praying The Filling of the Holy Spirit. To be filled with the to the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit Holy Spirit means to be yielded to the Holy Spirit’s promotes the Lord Jesus Christ and focuses the control (Ep. 5:18). The evidences of the filling of the believer’s attention upon Christ. The believer does not Holy Spirit in the book of Acts include: (1) Witnessing receive the Holy Spirit by seeking the Holy Spirit; he in supernatural, foreign languages (Ac. 2:4-11). This is receives the Holy Spirit by trusting in the Lord Jesus the only time that tongues speaking is connected with Christ (Ephesians 1:12-14). Contrast this clear Bible Spirit filling. (2) Bold witness of Jesus Christ (Ac.

teaching with that of the Pentecostal-Charismatic 4:8-12, 31). (3) Good reputation (Ac. 6:3, 5). (4) movement where there is an unscriptural focus on the Heavenly-mindedness (Ac. 7:55-56). (5) Standing Holy Spirit. Consider the example of Pentecostal leader against false teaching (Ac. 13:8-10). The book of Benny Hinn. In his book Good Morning, Holy Spirit, Ephesians gives instruction about the filling of the Holy Hinn prays to the Spirit, seeks the Spirit, invites the Spirit but says absolutely nothing about the gift of Spirit to come, etc. None of this is based upon the tongues (Ep. 5:18-21). None of the other N.T. passages testimony of Scriptures.

that deal with the Spirit’s influence in the believer’s life Baptism by Fire. The baptism of fire has been mention tongues, but they DO mention the following promoted by the Pentecostal movement since its marks of a Spirit-filled life: Abounding in hope (Ro.

beginning in the early 20th century. Some Pentecostals 15:13); spiritual fruit (Ga. 5:22-24); spiritual wisdom have named themselves such things as “Fire Baptized (Ep. 1:17-18); spiritual strength (Ep. 3:16); sound Holy Ghost” people. The concept of being baptized by doctrine (1 Jn. 2:27).

the Holy Spirit and fire comes from John’s prophecy in The Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The baptism of the Matthew 3:11-12. Pentecostals ignore the context. John Holy Spirit was the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Baptist was speaking to the Jews when he quoted empower the churches for world evangelism (Ac. 1:8).

this prophecy. Those Jews which believed in Christ were (1) It was promised by John the Baptist and Jesus Christ baptized with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, (Mt. 3:11; Ac. 1:4-5). (2) It was fulfilled at Pentecost but the baptism of fire is a warning of judgment for the and at Cornelius’s house (Ac. 2:1-13; 10:44-47; unbeliever.

11:13-17). The baptism at Pentecost was for the Jews, Spirit Slaying. “Spirit slaying” is practiced by and the one at Cornelius’s house was for the Gentiles.

Pentecostals and Charismatics. Allegedly, the Holy Spirit (3) Christians are never told to seek the baptism of the knocks people down and sometimes even holds them on Spirit. After Pentecost there is no record of Christians the floor so that they cannot rise. This experience is also waiting for a Spirit baptism. The apostles taught that called “Holy Spirit glue” and “carpet time.” There is no every true Christian has the Holy Spirit (Ro. 8:9; 1 Jn.

example of such a thing in the New Testament. Consider 2:20, 27). Throughout the Epistles it is taken for the New Testament examples of people falling down: (1) granted that believers have the Holy Spirit (Ro. 8:1-27; Believers sometimes fell down before Christ to worship 15:13; 1 Co. 3:16; 6:11, 19; 12:3-11; 2 Co. 3:18; 13:14; Him (Mt. 2:11; 18:26; Lk. 17:16; Jn. 11:32; 1 Co.

Ep. 2:18, 22; 3:16; 4:3-4; 5:18; 6:18; Ph. 1:19; 2:1; Co.

14:25). The term “fall down” is frequently used in 1:8; 1 Th. 1:5; 5:19; 2 Ti. 1:14; 1 Pe. 1:2, 22; 1 Jn.

Scripture to describe worship (Ps. 72:11; Is. 44:19; 3:24). (4) Similarly, every reference to the reception of 46:6; Dan. 3:5; Mt. 4:9; Re. 4:10; 5:8, 14; 19:4). (2) the Holy Spirit after the book of Acts is in the past tense The disciples fell down on their faces and were afraid on or fulfilled tense (Ro. 5:5; 1 Co. 2:12; 3:16; 6:19; the Mt. of Transfiguration (Mt. 17:6). (3) The men who 12:13; 2 Co. 1:22; 5:5; Ga. 3:2; 4:6; Ep. 1:12-14; 2:22; took Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane went backward 4:30; 1 Th. 4:8; 2 Th. 2:13; 2 Ti. 1:14; Tit. 3:5-6; 1 Pe.

and fell down when he spoke the words, “I am he” (Jn.

1:2; 1 Jn. 2:20; 3:24; 4:2).

18:6). (4) Saul fell to the ground when the Lord The Holy Spirit and Prayer. The Holy Spirit does not appeared to him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:4).

promote Himself; does not draw attention to Himself (Jn.

(5) Ananias fell down when he was stricken of God for 16:13-15). Nowhere in the New Testament do we find his sin (Acts 5:5). (6) John fell at Christ’s feet “as dead”

the apostles praying to the Holy Spirit, worshipping the in Re. 1:17. Consider the differences between these events Holy Spirit, inviting the Holy Spirit to come, or in any and Pentecostal/Charismatic “spirit slaying” : (1) In the 300

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

HOLY WRIT - HONESTY

New Testament there was no laying on of hands The Husband’s Duty toward His Wife: (1) He is to love preceding the falling down. In fact, there was no human his wife (Ep. 5:25). (2) He is to leave father and mother instrumentality whatsoever in any of the instances of and dedicate himself to his wife (Ge. 2:24). (3) He is to falling in the Bible. (2) There was no jerking and nourish his wife (Ep. 5:28-29). (4) He is to cherish his shaking, which often accompany Pentecostal/

wife (Ep. 5:29). (5) He is not to be bitter against his Charismatic “spirit slaying.”. (3) There was no “Holy wife (Col. 3:19). (6) He is to honor the wife as the Spirit glue” that kept sokmeone from rising. (4) There weaker vessel (1 Pe. 3:7). He is to treat the wife as part was no laughter connected with the falling as there of his life and ministry (1 Pe. 3:7). (7) He is to meet the often is in Pentecostal “slaying.” (5) There was no physical needs of his wife (1 Co. 7:2-4). (8) He is to repetition of the falling. (6) There was no instruction meet the financial needs of his family (1 Ti. 5:8). (9) He about falling or expectation of falling. (7) There were is to be trustworthy (Pr. 5:15-21).

no people queuing up in lines waiting to fall. (8) There The Wife’s Duty toward Her Husband: (1) She is to were no repetitive choruses preparing people for love her husband (Tit. 2:4). (2) She is to submit to her experiences such as falling. (9) There was no falling in husband (Ep. 5:22-24, 33; Col. 3:18). (3) She is to Christian meetings. [See Charismatic, Cloud, Eternal maintain a meek and quiet spirit (1 Pe. 3:4). (4) She is Security, Healing, Holy, Miracles, Tongues, Trinity.]

to keep the home (Pr. 14:1; Tit. 2:5). (5) She is to be HOLY WRIT. Holy Writing. A name for the Bible.

trustworthy (Pr. 31:11). (6) She is to do him good and

[See Bible.]

not evil (Pr. 31:12). (7) She is to be virtuous (Pr. 12:4; HOMAM (raging). 1 Ch. 1:39.

Tit. 2:5; 1 Pe. 3:2). (8) She is to preach to him by her HOME. The home and family is God’s plan. God gave manner of life, not by her words (1 Pe. 3:1-5). (9) She is Adam a wife, brought them together in the first to meet the physical needs of her husband (1 Co. 7:2-4).

wedding, and instructed them to be fruitful in bearing

[Is Fornication marriage? See Marriage.] [See children (Ge. 1:28; 2:18-25). “God is the author of the Benevolence, Child Training, Divorce, Eli.]

family constitution. He has conceived the plan and HOMEBORN. (1) Native as opposed to foreign (Ex.

executed it. Its laws are stamped in nature and declared 12:49). (2) A slave born in the household (Je. 2:14).

in the Word. The equal numbers of the sexes born into HOMER. [See Weights and Measures.]

the world, the feebleness of childhood at first, and the HOMOSEXUAL. This term is not used in the Bible, returning frailty of age, are so many features of the but the concept is. It refers to men or women having family institute left by the Creator indented on his work.

sexual relations with members of the same sex. [See They intimate not obscurely the marriage of one man Sodomy.]

with one woman, the support of children by parents, HONEST. Upright; just; equitable; fair in dealing and the support of decayed parents by the children with others; free from trickery and fraud; acting and grown. There are many such laws deeply imprinted in having the disposition to act at all times according to nature; and in nature, too, a terrible vengeance is stored justice or correct moral principles; frank; sincere; up, which bursts with unerring exactitude on the head according to truth (Webster). There are two Greek of the transgressor. In practice, and for safety, keep words translated honest in the N.T.-- kalopoion is families together as long as it is possible. When the translated “honest” six times (Lk. 8:15; Ac. 6:3; Ro.

young must go forth from a father’s house, let a 12:17; 2 Co. 8:21; 13:7; 1 Pe. 2:12). It is also translated substitute be provided as closely allied to the normal

“good” (Mt. 3:10; 5:16; 7:17, 18, 19; 12:33), institution as the circumstances will admit” (William

“better” (Mt. 18:8, 9), “fair” Ac. 27:8), and “well” (Ga.

Arnot).

6:9). Semnos is translated “honest” two times (Ph. 4:8; 1

The Importance of Good Relationships in the Home: Ti. 2:2). This word is translated “grave” in 1 Ti. 3:4, 8, (1) The family is the foundational building block for 11; Tit. 2:2, 7. “Honest occurs frequently (Ro. 12:17; 2

society and the church; it was the institution first Co. 13:7; Ph. 4:8) in its original sense of ‘honorable, established by God (Ge. 2:18-25). (2) Marriage is a comely’” ( The Bible Word-Book). [See Deceit, Flattery, picture of Christ and the church (Ep. 5:22-33). (3) Good Grave, Hypocrisy, Integrity, Pure Conscience, Purloin, relations in the home are commanded by God (Col.

Sincere, Steal, Unfeigned, Uprighteous.]

3:18-19). (4) Poor relationships in the home is a bad HONESTY. Becoming deportment; honorableness; testimony that reflects on Christ (Tit. 2:4-5). (5) Poor venerableness; a serious and obedient Christian walk (1

marriage relationships hinder prayer (1 Pe. 3:7). (6) Ti. 2:2). The Greek word translated “honesty” in 1 Ti.

Poor marriage relationships disqualify men from being 2:2 is also translated “gravity” in 1 Ti. 3:4 and Tit. 2:7.

pastors (1 Ti. 3:2, 4-5; Tit. 1:6). (7) Poor parent-child The Greek root of this word is translated “devout” and relations populate jail cells (Pr. 29:15) and hell (Pr.

“worship.” [See Grave.]

23:13-14).

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HONOUR - HORITES

HONOUR. (1) Glory; praise; reverence (Ex. 14:17; not God’s will for the believer to be unsure about Jud. 4:9). (2) Position of respect or authority; dignity whether or not he possesses these things; rather it is His (Nu. 22:17; 27:20; Ps. 49:12; Pr. 4:8). (3) Esteem; will that we “abound in hope” (Ro. 15:13). Praise God dignity; value (1 Th. 4:4). (4) Valuables (Ac. 28:10; Re.

for such a salvation!

21:24). (5) To respect; esteem; venerate (Ex. 20:12; Le.

The Result of Denying the Believer’s Hope. To teach 19:32; Es. 1:20). Who Is to Be Honored? God the Father that the born again Christian can lose his salvation and God the Son (Jn. 5:23). Wives (1 Pe. 3:7). Parents results in the following things: (1) It takes away the (Ep. 6:2). True widows (1 Ti. 5:3-4). God-called pastors believer’s anchor of the soul (He. 6:19). The thing which (1 Ti. 5:17). Government leaders (Ro. 13:7). Masters (1

makes it possible for a Christian to stand fast through Ti. 6:1). Every Christian (Ro. 12:10). All men (1 Pe.

storms of doubt and fear and through the problems of 2:17). Honor to Men Involves the following: showing life is the sure knowledge that the blood of His Saviour respect (Le. 19:32); financial support (Mt. 15:6; 1 Ti.

has given him eternal life. Believers who do not 5:3-4); to prefer one another (Ro. 12:10).

understand their true position in Christ are left to drift HONOURABLE. (1) Actuated by principles of honor; on life’s stormy seas without an anchor. They have no of honest reputation (Ge. 34:19; 1 Sa. 9:6; 1 Ch. 4:9).

security or stability. They do not know exactly where (2) Of higher rank (Nu. 22:15; 2 Sa. 23:19, 23). (3) they stand with God. Their souls are often troubled and Distinguished; of high regard or station (Ps. 45:9; Is.

fearful, because they do not have a proper 3:5; 5:13; Ac. 13:50). (4) Glorious; exalted; highly understanding of salvation. (2) It takes away the esteemed (Is. 42:21; He. 13:4).

believer’s helmet (1 Th. 5:8-10). The helmet that protects HOPE. The Bible word hope means that salvation in the believer’s mind in spiritual warfare is the helmet of Christ is absolutely sure. Hope is called an “anchor both

“know-so salvation” (1 Jn. 5:11-13). The Christian who s u r e a n d s t e d f a s t ” ( H e . 6 : 1 9 ) , a “ s t r o n g does not understand his hope in Christ has no helmet to consolation” (He. 6:18), an “everlasting consolation” (2

protect him from Satan’s lies (Ep. 6:10-17). The Th. 2:16), “an helmet” (1 Th. 5:8), “a living hope” (1

Christian’s mind is thus exposed to Satan’s fiery darts.

Pe. 1:3). This is the opposite of the way the word “hope”

When the devil comes with his accusations and doubts, is used in everyday conversation. Normally we use the the Christian who has no helmet of a know-so salvation word “hope” to express something uncertain.

is defeated and tossed about. (3) It takes away the

If Hope Is Not Uncertain, Why Is It Called a Hope? Our believer’s consolation (2 Th. 2:16). God desires the salvation in Christ is called a hope, not because it is Christian to enjoy the comfort of knowing he is eternally uncertain, but because we do not yet enjoy the fulness safe in Jesus. Those who teach an uncertain salvation of it (Ro. 8:24-25).

rob believers of this priceless comfort. The true Christian cannot be robbed of his secure blessings in Why Can a Christian Have Confidence in Salvation?

Christ, but he can be robbed of the comforting (1) God’s promise (He. 6:17-19; Tit. 1:2); (1) God’s knowledge of these blessings in this life if not properly grace (2 Th. 2:16); (3) Jesus’ blood (He. 9:12); (4) instructed. [See Cheer, Comfort, Confidence, Jesus’ resurrection (1 Pe. 1:3); (5) Jesus’ priesthood Consolation, Eternal Security, Freely, Gospel, Grace, (He. 6:19-20). The believer can have certainty of eternal Healing, Joy, Justification, Rejoice.]

salvation because it is not the reward for faithful service, but it is the free gift of God’s grace through the HOPHNI (strong). 1 Sa. 1:3.

blood of Christ. The believer’s eternal security does not HOR (mountain). Nu. 20:22-27; 21:4; De. 32:50.

depend upon his own goodness and faithfulness, but HORAM (elevated). Jos. 10:33.

upon that of the Saviour. The believer’s hope is the Lord HOREB (desert). Another name for Sinai, the Jesus Christ Himself (1 Ti. 1:1). He is our hope. He has mountain on which God gave Moses the law (Ex.

risen from the dead and is alive forever more, and He 3:1,12; 17:6; De. 1:6; 4:15; 5:2; 1 Ki. 19:8; Ps. 106:19; lives within the believer (Col. 1:27).

Mal. 4:4).

What Is the Christian’s Hope? (1) Eternal life (Tit.

HOREM (fortress). Jos. 19:38.

1:2). (2) Christ’s coming (Tit. 2:13). (3) Bodily HORHAGIDGAD (hill of the cleft). Nu. 33:32.

resurrection is (Ro. 8:23-24). (4) The glory of God (Ro.

5:2; Col. 1:27). This is a reference to the splendor and HORI (free, noble). Ge. 36:22.

wealth of Christ’s kingdom (Col. 3:4). It also refers to HORITES. In the midst of the lineage of Esau we find the moral perfection that we will share at the the genealogy of the Horites (Ge. 36:20-30). The resurrection (1 Jn. 3:1-3). (5) Perfect righteousness (Ga.

Horites were the original idolatrous pagan inhabitants 5:5). (6) Rich inheritance (Ep. 1:18). (7) To be like of Seir (Ge. 14:6). Esau’s wife Aholibamah was the Jesus (1 Jn. 3:2-3). All of these things are the sure daughter of a renowned Horite leader named Anah and possession of every true Christian. This is our hope. It is the granddaughter of a Hittite named Zibeon; both men 302

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

HORMAH - HUMBLE

were dukes or rulers and were the sons of Seir, the means “love of strangers.” The Bible says, “Let brotherly founder of the pagan people of that region (Ge. 36:2, love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: 20, 24, 29). Esau left Canaan and settled in Seir and his f o r t h e r e b y s o m e h a v e e n t e r t a i n e d a n g e l s children freely intermarried with the pagan people and unawares” (He. 13:1, 2). [See Angel, Entertain, Love.]

eventually conquered and succeeded them (De. 2:12).

HOST. (1) A large body of people, stars, angels, or HORMAH (fortress). Nu. 14:45.

things, such as an army (Ge. 2:1; 21:22; De. 4:19; Ps.

HORN. (1) A musical instrument (1 Ch. 25:5). (2) A 103:21; Lk. 2:13; Ac. 7:42). (2) One who receives symbolic reference to strength, power, and authority (1

guests (Ro. 16:23). [For “Lord of Hosts” see God.] [See Sa. 2:1; Job 16:15; Ps. 75:4-5; Je. 48:25; Ze. 1:21). (3) also Angel, Star.]

A king (Re. 17:12). “Little horn” in Daniel refers to the HOTHAM (determination). 1 Ch. 7:32.

Antichrist (Da. 7:8; 8:9-14). [See Antichrist, Daniel, HOTHIR (abundance). 1 Ch. 25:4.

Government, Music, Prophecy.]

HOUGH. To cut the hamstring on an animal so it HORNET. A large wasp with a very painful sting (Ex.

cannot run (Ge. 49:6; Jos. 11:6,9; 2 Sa. 8:4).

23:28; De. 7:20; Jos. 24:12).

HOUSE. (1) Household, family (Ge. 7:1; 1 Ti. 3:4; HORONAIM (double caves). Is. 15:5.

5:14; 2 Ti. 1:16). (2) Dwelling; building (Ge. 19:4,10; HORSE. Not mentioned among Abraham’s cattle, but De. 6:7, 9; Ju. 16:27). (3) God’s presence (Ge. 28:22).

first as coming from Egypt (Ge. 47:17). The horse is (4) The Tabernacle (Ex. 34:26; Jos. 9:23; 1 Sa. 1:7). (5) almost exclusively used in war in Scripture, and is so Solomon’s Temple (1 Ki. 6-9). (6) The millennial Temple sculptured on the monuments both of Egypt and (Eze. 40-44). (7) Heaven (Jn. 14:2). (8) The body (2

Assyria. Job gives a most elegant description of a war-Co. 5:1). (9) The local church (1 Ti. 3:15). [See Church, horse in Job 39:19-25. The Bible warns men not to trust Home, Heaven, Tabernacle, Temple.]

in horses or military might (Ps. 33:17). Solomon HOUSE, TO. (1) To be shown hospitality (Jud.

disobeyed the letter and spirit of the prohibition not to 19:18). (2) Building houses close together (Is. 5:8). (3) multiply horses (De. 17:16), and his successors did also From one house to the next (1 Ti. 5:13).

(1 Ki. 4:26; 22:4). Horses are used as symbols by the HOWBEIT. Notwithstanding; nevertheless (Jud.

prophets (Ze. 1:8; Re. 6) (Smith). The Antichrist is 4:17; Is. 10:7).

depicted as riding a white horse because he imitates Christ and also to depict the fact that he rides into HOW THAT. That (Mt. 16:12).

power on a deceptive program of peace (Re. 6:2). The HUKKOK (ditch). Jos. 19:34.

Lord Jesus Christ and the heavenly armies will return HUKOK (ditch). 1 Ch. 6:75.

from heaven on white horses (Re. 19:11-15). [See HUL (circle). Ge. 10:23.

Antichrist, Heaven, Military, Revelation.]

HULDAH (weasel). 2 Ki. 22:14; 2 Ch. 34:22.

HORSE GATE. [See Gate.]

HUMBLE, HUMILITY. Humbleness of mind (Ro.

HORSELEACH. A blood sucking worm (Pr. 30:15).

12:3). Humility is the opposite of pride and boasting.

HORT - FENTON J.A. [See Westcott-Hort.]

Humility is to not seek or demand personal recognition HOSANNA. An expression of praise to God (Mt.

(Ph. 2:3). It is esteeming others better than oneself (Ph.

21:9,15; Mk. 11:9-10; Jn. 12:13). The word means 2:3). It is caring for others, not just for oneself (Ph.

“Save now.”

2:4). It is submitting to God and His will (Ph. 2:5-8; Ja.

HOSEA (Jehovah is help). An O.T. prophet who 4:6-7). It is refusing to seek greatness for oneself (Mk.

wrote the book of Hosea (Ho. 1:1). The Greek name of 9:35). It is being mindful of and condescending to the Osee is used in Ro. 9:25.

weak (Ro. 12:16), such as children (Mk. 9:36-37), the poor (Ja. 2), the weak-minded (1 Th. 5:14), those with HOSEN. Fine upper garments (Da. 3:21.

few talents (1 Co. 12:23-24), and those weak in faith HOSHEA (Jehovah is help). The original name of (Ro. 14). Humility is to be obedient to God’s will (Ph.

Joshua the son of Nun (De. 32:44). Also written 2:8). Humility is to esteem others better than oneself

“Oshea” (Nu. 13:8). [See Joshua.]

(Ph. 2:3). Humility is to give all glory to God (2 Co.

HOSHAMA (Jehovah is hearer). 1 Ch. 3:18.

10:17). Humility is not to be dependent upon God (1

HOSHEA (Jehovah is help). The original name of Co. 2:3-4). Humility is to be kind and gentle and patient Joshua the son of Nun (De. 32:44). Also written towards others (2 Ti. 2:24-25; Tit. 3:2).

“Oshea” (Nu. 13:8). [See Joshua.]

What Humility Is Not. We know that Christ was meek HOSPITALITY. Friendliness to strangers and visitors and lowly in heart (Mt. 11:29); thus by observing Him (Ro. 12:13; 1 Ti. 3:2; Tit. 1:8; 1 Pe. 4:9). The Greek we can see what humility is and what it is not. (1) It is word from which the word “hospitality” is translated not cowardice and timidity (Jn. 2:13-17; 8:44; Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 303

HUMBLENESS OF MIND - HYPOCRITE

10:31-39; Mt. 23:1-12). (2) It is not an apologizing, HYENA. A large, carnivorous, dog-like mammal self-degrading attitude (Jn. 6). (3) It is not uncertainty which lives in caves by day and prowls by night, often (Mt. 7:29). (4) It is not quietness in the face of feeding on refuse and dead animals (1 Sa. 13:18).

unrepentant sin (Mt. 23:13-33).

HYMN. A Christian song of worship (Mt. 26:30; Ep.

Bible Lessons on Humility. (1) Humility is essential for 5:19; Col. 3:16). “[In Ep. 5:19] the great apostle is greatness in God’s kingdom (Mt. 18:4). (2) Humility stating how singing Christians will act when they come precedes being exalted by God (Mt. 23:12; Ja. 4:10).

together as contrasted to the behavior of non-Christians (3) Humility precedes honor (Pr. 15:33; 18:12; 22:4).

when they assemble for their wild and licentious (4) The Christian is to be characterized by humility drunken orgies. Christians will express themselves (Col. 3:12; 1 Pe. 5:5). (5) It is a product of the Spirit of differently. ... THE PSALM has reference to the O.T.

God (Ga. 5:23). (6) It is to be exercised by teachers (2

psalm or to a composition similar to it in construction.

Ti. 2:25). (7) It is a requirement for hearing God’s Word There is seemingly no limit placed on this word as some (Ja. 1:21). (8) It is precious in God’s sight (1 Pe. 3:4).

have implied, for there were also Christian psalms (9) It is connected with gentleness (2 Co. 10:1; Tit.

which had been composed by members of the early 3:2). (10) It involves patience (Ep. 4:2).

churches. The meaning here could apply to either the Examples of Humility. Moses (Nu. 12:3), David (2 Sa.

Hebrew or Christian psalms or perhaps both. The use of 16:11), Jeremiah (Je. 26:14), Stephen (Ac. 7:60), Paul this word in this manner seems to indicate an (2 Ti. 4:16), Jesus Christ (Mt. 11:29; Is. 53:7). [See accompaniment on an instrument or group of Base, Boast, Condescend, Fear of God, Gentle, Haughty, instruments. Paul admonishes them to utilize the Impenitence, Impudent, Low Degree, Lowliness, Lowly, psalms. The use of this word also leads us to believe Mean, Meek, Poverty, Presumptuous, Pride, Puffed Up, that instrumental music, which was such a vital factor in Repentance, Scorn, Stiffhearted, Stubborn, Vainglory.]

Jewish music, was also carried over into the N.T.

HUMBLENESS OF MIND. [See Humble, Lowliness, churches. THE HYMNS referred to were primarily songs Lowly.]

of praise to God or Christ, and are supposed by some to have been distinctly Christian. The principal idea here is HUMTAH (enclosed place). Jos. 15:54.

not whether they were accompanied or unaccompanied HUNGERBITTEN. Famished (Job 18:12).

but that the song is directed toward the Lord. He HUPHAM (protected). Nu. 26:39.

becomes the point of reference and the central figure, HUPPAH (protection). 1 Ch. 24:13.

and in the hymn, all attention is focused on his person, HUPPIM (protection). Ge. 46:21.

character, will, and action. ... SPIRITUAL SONGS ...

HUR (noble, free). Ex. 17:10, 12; 24:14.

probably refers to a specific type of sacred song similar to our present-day gospel songs. … just as today, it is HURAI (free, noble). 1 Ch. 11:32.

probable that the psalm or the hymn might have been HURAM (noble, free). 1 Ch. 8:5.

used for the same purposes as the spiritual song.

HURI (linen weaver). 1 Ch. 5:14.

Though the exact meaning of these words as they are HUSBAND. [See Home.]

used here is quite difficult to determine, it is reasonable HUSBANDMAN. A farmer (Ge. 9:20; Jn. 15:1; 2 Ti.

to assume that the apostle had in mind three distinct 2:6; Ja. 5:7).

types of sacred song. It seems quite evident that he believed churches should use every effective means of HUSBANDRY. Farming (2 Ch. 26:10; 1 Co. 3:9).

proclaiming the gospel and adding life and variety to HUSHAH (haste). 1 Ch. 4:4.

the worship services” (Paul McCommon, Music In the HUSHAI (quick). 2 Sa. 15:32, 37; 16:16-18; 17:5-15; Bible). It is possible that one of the distinctions between 1 Ki. 4:16; 1 Ch. 27:33).

these terms lies in their connection with inspiration. The HUSHAM (hasting). Ge. 36:34.

psalms were inspired Scripture. The first hymns were HUSHIM (hasting). Ge. 46:23.

written by men in the early churches who were closely HUZZAB (established). Na. 2:7.

connected with the giving of revelation. The spiritual songs are not inspired but are based upon the truth of HYMENÆUS (nuptial). 1 Ti. 1:20; 2 Ti. 2:17.

the inspired Scripture. [See Music.]

HYACINTH. A precious stone used in the breastplate HYPOCRITE. A pretender; a false professor; of the high priest (Ex. 28:19). It is the transparent red, insincerity. The Greek word hypokrites referred to a play yellow, orange, or brown form of the mineral zircon actor who wore a mask to represent an identity other (Boyd). [See High Priest.]

than his own (Pr. 11:9; Is. 9:17; Mt. 6:2, 5, 16; 15:7; 22:18; 23:13, 14, 15, 23, 29; 24:51; Mk. 12:15; 1 Ti.

4:2; Ja. 3:17). [See Craft, Cunning, Cunning Craftiness, 304

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Deceit, Dissemble, Dissimulation, Doubletongued, Le. 14:4, 49-52; Ps. 51:7). The hyssop was used to Entice, False Witness, Feign, Flattery, Flattering Titles, sprinkle the blood of the Passover Lamb on the door of Guile, Pure Conscience, Sincere, Sleight, Subtil, the house (Exodus 12:22). Hyssop, therefore, signifies Unfeigned, Winketh.]

the believer’s faith that appropriates Christ’s atonement HYSSOP. A small bush (Le. 14:4, 6, 51, 52). The to our lives. Hyssop was used to sprinkle blood on the hyssop was mentioned together with the cedar to refer book of the Law and on the Tabernacle to cleanse and to the creation in general, serving as specimens of small sanctify it for God’s service (Hebrews 9:18-20). [See and large plants (1 Ki. 4:33). A bundle of hyssop was Cedar, Passover.]

used to sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice (Ex. 24:6-8; Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 305

-I-

I AM THAT I AM. A name for God that emphasizes Idolatry was the result of darkened hearts (Is. 44:18-20; the fact that He is the self-existing, eternal Creator (Ex.

Ro. 1:21), demonic power (De. 32:17; 1 Co. 10:20; 2

3:14). By using the title “I Am,” the Lord Jesus Christ Co. 4:3-4), and God’s curse (Is. 44:17, 18; Ro. 1:21-24).

was claiming to be God, and the Jews understood this Idolaters are religious but lost, and they must hear the and tried to stone Him (Jn. 8:56-59). All of the “I ams”

gospel and be saved (Ac. 17:23-31; Ep. 2:1-3, 11-13; 1

of the Gospel of John are claims to deity (Jn. 6:35; Th. 1:9-10). The idolater will not inherit the kingdom of 8:12; 10:11; 14:6). [See God, Immanuel, Jehovah, Jesus God unless he is converted through faith in Jesus Christ Christ.]

(1 Co. 6:9-11). God warns Christians of the danger of IBHAR (chooser). Ge. 30:34.

idolatry (1 Co. 10:7; 2 Co. 10:14; 6:16, 17; 1 Jn. 5:21).

IBLEAM (place of victory). Jos. 17:11.

Idolatry is a cause for church discipline (1 Co. 5:11).

IBNEIAH, IBNIJAH (Jehovah is builder). 1 Ch. 9:8.

Idols and False Gods Mentioned in the Bible: IBRI (passer over). 1 Ch. 24:27.

Adrammelech (2 Ki. 17:31). An Assyrian sun god that was introduced into Samaria after the deportation of IBZAN (splendid). Ju. 12:8).

Israel. Children were offered in sacrifice to this idol.

ICHABOD (without glory, the glory has departed).

Annammelech (2 Ki. 17:31). An Assyrian moon The son of Phinehas, grandson of Eli, was given this goddess that was introduced into Samaria after the name because the ark of the covenant had been deportation of Israel. Children were offered as human captured by the Philistines (1 Sa. 4:19-22).

sacrifices.

ICONIUM (breast of sheep, image-like). The modern Ashima (2 Ki. 17:30). Worshiped under the image of Konieh, on the central plateau of Asia Minor. This level a goat.

district was anciently called Lycaonia, or “domain of Jove” (Young). Paul visited Iconium on his church-Ashtoreth (1 Ki. 11:33). Baal had a female planting journeys (Ac. 13:51; 14:1, 19, 21; 16:2; 2 Ti.

counterpart, known in Canaan as the goddess Ashtoreth 3:11).

(Jud. 2:13; 1 Sa. 7:4). (Also spelled Ashtaroth, Ashteroth.) The goddess was sometimes represented by IDALAH (memorial of God). Jos. 19:15.

a grove of trees rather than an image. Jezebel had 400

IDBASH (stout, fat one). 1 Ch. 4:3.

prophets of Ashtoroth (1 Ki. 18:19). Ashtaroth’s symbols IDDO. There are several different Iddos in the O.T.

also included the star, the crescent moon, and the lion.

The meanings of their names are as follows: (1) Ashtaroth was worshipped by nations all across the

“festal” (1 Ki. 4:14; 2 Ch. 9:29; 12:15; 13:22). (2) ancient world and went by many names, including

“favorite” (1 Ch. 6:21; 27:21). (3) “opportune” (2 Ch.

Astarte, Inanna, Baalat, Baalah, Ishtar, Isis, Anath, and 9:29; Ezr. 5:1; 6:14; Ne. 12:4,16; Ze. 1:1, 7). (4) Nana. She was the Greek goddess Aphrodite or Artemis

“honorable” (Ezr. 8:17).

or Diana and the Roman goddess Venus. She was the IDLE. Slothful; careless; lazy (Ex. 5:8; Pr. 19:15; Mt.

goddess of sensual love, good fortune, and war. She was 12:36; 1 Ti. 5:13). [See Diligence, Employment, Labor, worshiped as the Queen of Heaven (Je. 44:17-19).

Sluggard.]

Baal (1 Ki. 18:21). The chief god worshipped by the IDOLATRY. The worship of false gods (Le. 19:4; people of Canaan. Baal worship is mentioned at least 26:1, 30; De. 29:17; 1 Sa. 15:23; 1 Ki. 15:12; 21:26; 2

150 times in Scripture and was a perpetual temptation Ki. 17:12; 21:11, 21; 23:24; 2 Ch. 34:7; Ps. 96:5; 97:7; to Israel (Nu. 22:41; Ju. 2:13; 6:28-32; 1 Ki. 14:24; 106:36; 115:4; 135:15; Is. 2:8,18, 20; 10:10-11; 19:1; 16:31-32; 18:17-40; 2 Ki. 21:3; 2 Ch. 17:3; 21:6; Je.

45:16; Je. 50:2; Eze. 6:4-13; 8:10; 14:3-7; 16:36; 19:4-5). Many places were named after Baal worship, 18:6,12, 15; 20:7-39; 22:3-4; 23:7, 30, 37, 39, 49; including Baalpeor which refers to Baal worship on Mt.

30:13; 33:25; 36:18; 36:25; 37:23; 44:10, 12; Ho. 4:17; Peor (Nu. 23:28; 25:3). Baal was associated with the 8:4; 13:2; 14:8; Mi. 1:7; Hab. 2:18; Ze. 10:2; 13:2; Ac.

worship of the sun, moon, and stars (2 Ki. 21:3). Baal 7:41; 15:20, 29; 17:16; 21:25; Ro. 2:22; 1 Co. 5:10, 11; was also associated with immorality (Nu. 25:1-18). The 6:9; 8:1, 4, 7, 10; 10:7, 19, 28; 12:2; 2 Co. 6:16; Ga.

devil uses the lust of the flesh to draw men away from 5:20; Ep. 5:5; Col. 3:5; 1 Th. 1:9; 1 Pe. 4:3; 1 Jn. 5:21; God (1 Jn. 2:15-17). Baal worship involved child Re. 2:14, 20; 9:20). Idolatry is the breaking of God’s sacrifice (Je. 19:5; 32:36). Baal priests worshipped in a first commandment (Ex. 20:3-5). Idolatry originated demonic frenzy (1 Ki. 18:28). Ahab and Jezebel brought with man’s unthankfulness toward God (Ro. 1:21-23).

Baal worship into Israel (1 Ki. 16:30-33). Elijah 306

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challenged Baal and killed 450 of the pagan prophets (1

Dagon (1 Sa. 5:2). Dagon is mentioned 13 times in Kings 18). Jehu destroyed the Baal temple in Samaria (2

the Bible, always in the context of the Philistines Ki. 10). Baal worship took many forms. In fact, Baal (Judges 16:23-30). Dagon was closely associated with worship is called “Baalim” in reference to its plurality Baal. In some legends, Dagon was said to be Baal’s (Judges 10:6). Baal was depicted as the storm god who father. Like Baal, Dagon appeared in various forms. He controlled the weather and the crops. He was depicted was a storm god and a god of harvest. He also appeared as the supreme god seated on a throne. He was also as half man-half fish.

depicted as a calf or a bull. Baal was also called Belos, Diana. A moon goddess that was popular among the Adad, and Hadad. Ashtaroth was the female or goddess Greeks and Romans (Acts 19:24-35). Diana of the side of Baal worship (Jud. 2:13).

Romans was called Artemis by the Greeks. She was also Baal-berith (Ju. 8:33). Lord of covenants; worship of the immoral goddess of fertility, and her worship was Baal by the Shechemites.

accompanied by immoral practices such as temple Baalpeor (Nu. 25:3). Lord of the opening; worship prostitution. She was worshipped under a variety of of Baal by the Moabites. It was in Moab that the forms, including a woman with many breasts, a Israelites were seduced to this filthy form of idolatry.

seductive woman, and a hunter/warrior. One of her Baalzebub, Beelzebub (2 Ki. 1:2, 6; 2:16). A god of images was a crescent moon. There was a magnificent the Philistine city of Ekron. Baal-Zebub means the “lord temple of Diana in Ephesus. It took 220 years to build of flies.” The Jewish leaders in N.T. times applied this and was one of the “seven wonders of the ancient title to the devil and blasphemously said Christ was world.” Ephesus’ coins featured images of the goddess.

working in the devil’s power (Mt. 12:22-30; Mk. 3:22; Golden Calf (Ex. 32:1-6). A form of idolatry borrowed Lk. 11:15-19).

from Egypt. The Egyptian god Apis was worshiped as a Bamah (Eze. 20:29). The word signifies an idolatrous calf or bull. Jeroboam established this form of idolatry high place’ Bamoth (plural) means “high places,” and in Israel (1 Ki. 12:28), no doubt because of its refers to Baal worship in high and exposed places (Jos.

familiarity to Apis when in Egypt (1 Ki. 11:40).

13:17).

High Places. The high places usually referred to Bel (Is. 46:1; Je. 50:2). The chief male deity of the places of idolatry that were used by the people in their Babylonians, worshipped as the sun god, one of his daily lives (Lev. 26:30; De. 12:2; 1 Ki. 14:23). In a few symbols being a disc or a wheel encircling a star and/or passages, the high places refer to worship of Jehovah rays. Bel was also called Bel-Nimrod, Bel-Nipru, and done in an improper place and manner (1 Ki. 3:2-3; 2

Bel-Merodach (Marduk). Bel-Nimrod doubtless points Ch. 33:17). Usually, though, it refers to the worship of back to the biblical Nimrod, the founder of the first idols. See also 1 Kings 15:14; 22:43; 2 Ki. 12:3; 14:4; Babylon kingdom and probably the leader of the 15:4, 35; 16:4; 17:9, 11; 21:3.

idolatrous Tower of Babel (Ge. 10:9-10). Bel had the Jupiter and Mercury (Acts 14:12). Jupiter was characteristics of Nimrod. He was a proud god-king and supposed to be the most powerful of the Roman gods.

a mighty warrior. Bel-Nipru means “the god of the Another name for him was “Jove,” which means father.

chase” or “the great hunter.” Compare Ge. 10:9. Bel was He was depicted as a large, strong man with a beard.

called “the supreme” and “the father of the gods.” Bel or Mercury was the son and messenger of Jupiter. Mercury Marduk was worshipped as a dragon and a serpent. The was also called Hermes. He was smaller and had a Ishtar Gate of Babylon had depictions of Marduk as a winged hat that depicted his speed to carry messages for dragon. In Nebuchadnezzar’s day, the tower of Babel the gods. We probably see from this how Paul and was named for Marduk, and the shrine at the top had a Barnabas looked. Barnabas was larger, while Paul was 40-foot-high gold image of the god. Hammurabi’s Code smaller. Compare 2 Co. 10:10.

(c. 1700 BC) mentions Bel and depicts King Marduk. One of Babylon’s chief gods, also called Hammurabi of Babylon receiving the law from an Merodach. See Bel.

enthroned sun god. The Cyrus Cylinder also mentions Merodach (Je. 50:2). One of Babylon’s chief gods, Marduk. In fact, Cyrus king of Persia calls Marduk “my also called Marduk. See Bel.

lord.” [See also Nebo.]

Milcom (1 Ki. 11:5). An Ammonite idol which is the Chemosh (Nu. 21:29). A principal god of the same as Moloch.

Moabites and Ammonites, worshipped by Solomon.

Moloch (2 Ki. 23:10). Molech and Baal were the Human sacrifices were offered to Chemosh (2 Ki. 3:27).

same, according to the Bible (Je. 32:35). Child sacrifices Chiun (Am. 5:26). An idol worshipped by Israel in were made to Moloch. The fearful idol was a human the wilderness. It was one of the astrological gods. See figure with a bull’s head. The large metal idol was also Remphan.

heated by a furnace and the children were burnt alive to Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 307

IDUMEA - ILLUMINATION

gain the god’s favor and to avoid bad luck. “The cries of Tammuz (Eze. 8:14). The myth of Tammuz was the children were drowned in the noise of flutes and popular among ancient nations. It had many varieties, kettle-drums. Mothers stood by without tears, because if and the gods and goddesses went by a variety of names they wept or sobbed they lost the honor of the act, and (Osiris, Adonis, Ishtar, Isis, Aphrodite, Venus). According their children were sacrificed anyway.” Child sacrifice is to this myth, the god was killed and mourned by his mentioned frequently in the Old Testament (De. 18:10; goddess wife, who descended into the underworld to 2 Ki. 16:3; 17:17; 21:6; 23:10; 2 Ch. 33:6; Je. 32:35; raise him from the dead. Afterwards he produced a son.

Eze. 16:21; 20:26, 31).

Women celebrated this myth with mourning and with Nebo (Is. 15:2; 46:1; 48:1). Also spelled Nabo or

immoral acts. The supposed resurrection was a demonic Nabu. Nebo was worshipped by the Babylonians and attack on the uniqueness of the resurrection of Jesus Assyrians, Nebo was the god of speech, learning, and Christ.

writing. He supposedly kept the Tablets of Destiny, in Tartak (2 Ki. 17:31). A pagan idol introduced into which was recorded the fate of every person as dictated Samaria after the overthrow of the kingdom of Israel. It by the gods. In astrology, Nebo was associated with the was called the “prince of darkness.” Its image was a planet Mercury. He was supposed to be the son of donkey.

Marduk, and on New Year the idol was carried from its Teraphim (Ju. 17:5). Household gods. They were temple in Borsippa to Babylon so it could visit Marduk.

consulted as oracles and used in occultic rituals.

Nebo’s emblems included the writing tablet and the Unknown God (Ac. 17:23). The Greeks inscribed an writing stylus that was used to impress letters into clay idol with the name “the Unknown God.” Perhaps they tablets. Some of the Babylonian kings were named for were admitting that they were unable to find God.

this god, including Nebuchadnezzar, which means

“Nebo protect the crown.”

IDUMEA (territory of Edom). The Greek form of the name of Edom, the “field of Edom,” or Mount Seir Nehushtan. The brazen serpent of Numbers 21:8 was (“rugged”) whose original inhabitants were called later set up as an idol by the Israelites. When king Horites from Hori the grandson of Seir, also because Hezekiah destroyed it, he called it “Nehushtan,” a word Hori was descriptive of their name as troglodites or word of contempt that means “a piece of brass” (2 Ki.

dwellers in caves (Is. 34:5-6; Eze. 35:15; 36:5; Mk. 3:8).

18:4).

[See Edom.]

Nergal (2 Ki. 17:30). An Assyrian and Babylonian IF SO BE. If (Jos. 14:12; 1 Co. 15:15).

god supposed to preside over the fortunes of war and hunting. He was represented as part lion and part IGAL (deliverer). Nu. 13:7.

human.

IGEAL (deliverer). 1 Ch. 3:22.

Nibhaz (2 Ki. 17:31). One of the idols introduced IGDALIAH (God is magnificent). Je. 35:4.

into Samaria after the deportation of the ten northern IGNOMINY. Shame; confusion (Pr. 18:3).

tribes. It was worshiped under the image of a dog.

IGNORANCE. Unknowing; unaware; unwitting; Nisroch. An eagle-headed god that was depicted in destitute of knowledge (Le. 4:2; Nu. 15:24; Ac. 17:30; the Assyrian palaces. Sennacherib was worshiping this Ep. 4:18; 1 Pe. 1:14; 2:15).

idol when he was slain by two of his sons (2 Ki. 19:37; IIM (circles, heaps). Nu. 33:45.

Is. 37:38).

IJEABARIM (the heaps of Mount Abarim). Nu.

Queen of Heaven (Je. 7:18; 44:17-19, 25). Astarte the 21:11; 33:44.

moon goddess. Several of the ancient goddesses, IJON (heap). 1 Ki. 15:20.

including Venus and Ishtar, were called the Queen of IKKESH (twisted, perverse) 2 Sa. 23:26.

Heaven. The Roman Catholic Church converted this idolatry into veneration of Mary and the infant Jesus.

ILAI (the shade of the Lord, elevated). 1 Ch. 11:29.

Remphan (Ac. 7:43). An astrological god associated ILL. (1) Imperfect; sickly (Ge. 41:20; De. 15:21). (2) with Moloch. It was possibly the planet Saturn. It is Hurt; injury (Ps. 106:32; Ro. 13:10). (3) Stink (Joel called Chiun in Amos 5:26.

2:20). [See Healing, Suffering, Trials.]

Rimmon (2 Ki. 5:18). A Syrian god associated with ILL FAVOURED. Imperfect; sickly; bad looking (Ge.

Baal. It was also called Hadad Rimmon, Hadad being 41:3, 4, 19, 20).

another name for Baal.

ILLUMINATION. To enlighten; infusion of Succothbenoth (2 Ki. 17:30). A Babylonian goddess intellectual light; an enlightening of the understanding worshiped by “sacred prostitution.” Succothbenoth by knowledge, or the mind by spiritual light; the special means “tents of daughters.”

communication of knowledge to the mind by [God]

(Webster). It refers to the enablement God gives men so 308

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they can understand His truth (He. 6:4; 10:32; Ep. 1:18; I M M O R A L . [ S e e A d u l t e r y, C h a m b e r i n g , Jn. 1:9; 8:12). The Geneva Bible translated He. 10:32 as Concupiscence, Divorce, Dog, Episcopal, Filthiness,

“after that ye received light.” [See Believe, Bible, Holy Filthy Communication, Foolish Talking, Fornication, Spirit, Revelation.]

Inordinate Affection, Jesting, Lascivious, Law, Lewd, IMAGE. (1) To form a likeness, as an idol (Ge. 31:10; Lust, Methodist, Mincing, Modesty, Nakedness, Ex. 23:24; 34:13; Da. 3:1). [See Idolatry] (2) Jesus Presbyterian, Sanctification, Sodomy, Trim, Unclean, Christ is the express image of God, meaning He is very Wanton, Whore, Whoremonger.]

God Himself (He. 1:3). [See I Am, Immanuel, Jesus IMMORTAL, IMMORTALITY. Deathlessness; not Christ.]

subject to death (1 Co. 15:53-54; 1 Ti. 6:16). The IMAGERY. Imagination; images of the mind (Eze.

following study is by I.W. Rogers:

8:12). [See Conscience, Heart, Imagination.]

The word immortality is the reverse of mortality.

IMAGINATION. The thoughts of man’s heart (De.

Mortality means death. When we speak of the 29:19). Because of sin, the imagination is corrupt (Ge.

mortality rate we mean the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given area within a given time.

6:5; 8:21; De. 31:21; 1 Ch. 28:9; 29:18; Pr. 6:18; Je.

So, immortality means deathlessness, or endless 3:17; 7:24; 9:14; 11:8; 13:10; 16:12; 18:12; 23:17; existence. When we speak of the immortality of the Lam. 3:60, 61; Ro. 1:21; 2 Co. 10:5). [See Conscience, soul we mean that the soul will continue to exist Heart, Sin, Soul, Spirit.]

throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.

IMLA, IMLAH (he fulfills, whom God makes full). 1

The doctrine of the immortality of the soul is one of Ki. 22:8.

the truly great doctrines taught in the word of God. It IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. The Roman Catholic is also being attacked by some of the religious cults doctrine that Mary, Jesus’ mother, was born without a and by some modernist-infidels. Let us examine some of the Bible passages that give us the facts about this fallen nature and lived a sinless life. The Immaculate very important doctrine. ... The immortality of the soul Conception was proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in the year is briefly taught in a few passages in the O.T., both for 1854. This idea is contrary to the teaching of the Bible, the just and the unjust. Daniel, in 12:2 said, “And many which says all have sinned and come short of the glory of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, of God (Ro. 3:13). Mary recognized her sinfulness and some to everlasting life, and some to shame and need for redemption when she called God her Saviour everlasting contempt.” Here we have a very plain (Lk. 1:47). The teaching of the immaculate conception statement not only of the immortality of the soul, but of Mary is a blasphemy which robs Christ of His also of the resurrection of the body. Jesus and the splendid uniqueness. [See Jesus Christ, Mary, Roman Apostles taught over and over again the doctrine of the Catholic Church.]

immortality of the saved soul, although the expression

“immortality of the soul” is not found in the Bible. That IMMANUEL. A prophetic name for Jesus which the believer has “eternal,” “everlasting” life is asserted means “God with us” (Is. 7:14; Mt. 1:23). [See God, over and over again. Surely no Bible believer will deny Jehovah, Jesus Christ.]

this. Out of scores of passages that might be quoted, I IMMEDIATELY. Straightway; directly (Ac. 10:33).

quote only one: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that

“Immediately” is one of the key words of the Gospel of heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, Mark (Mk. 1:31, 42; 2:8, 12; 4:5, 15, 16, 17, 29; 5:2, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (Jn.

30; 6:27, 50; 10:52; 14:43). Mark presents Jesus Christ 5:24). If words could make it any plainer than this, I as the Servant of God, coming to earth to do His will.

believe that Jesus would have spoken them. The Thus He goes from activity to activity “immediately,”

description of heaven in Re. 21 makes it very clear that without any delay. [See Straightway.]

those who go there will continue their blessed IMMER (saying, promise). 1 Ch. 9:12.

existence forever.

IMMERSION. The biblical mode of water baptism.

One of the ways in which the Seventh-day Adventists The candidate is completely immersed in water to and other heretics wage war against the teachings of picture his identity with Christ’s death, burial, and the Bible is in their doctrine of the annihilation of the wicked dead. In this they dispute against our Lord resurrection. The word baptism means immersion. [See Jesus Christ more than against any other Bible Baptism.]

character. “And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it IMMINENT. Impending; could happen any moment.

is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with This describes Christ’s teaching regarding His coming one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: for church-age saints (1 Th. 1:9-10; Tit. 2:12-13; Mt.

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not 24:42-44; Ja. 5:8-9; 1 Jn. 2:28; Re. 1:3). [See Prophecy, quenched” (Mk. 9:47,48). Again in Mt. 25:46 Jesus Rapture, Second Coming.]

said, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” You IMMODEST. [See Modesty, Nakedness.]

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will notice that here Jesus uses the same word to

[See Death, Eternal, Everlasting, Heaven, Hell, describe the length of time of the blessedness of the Judgment, Resurrection, Seventh-day Adventism, Soul, righteous in heaven. One will last just as long as the Spirit.]

other. In Lk. 16 Jesus told of a rich man who died and went to hell (hades), and “And in hell he lift up his IMMUTABLE. Unchangeable. This is a character of eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, God (Ps. 33:11; 102:26; Mal. 3:6; He. 13:8; Ja. 1:17).

and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, IMNA (he will strain). 1 Ch. 7:35.

Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus IMNAH (prosperity). 1 Ch. 7:30.

that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame: (vv. 23

IMPART. To share; to give a portion; to and 24). Does this look like annihilationism? Not if communicate; to supply (Lk. 3:11; Ro. 1:11).

words have any meaning. The soul of this sinner IMPEDIMENT. A restriction; a hindrance; an certainly was and is immortal.

obstruction (Mk. 7:32).

Now, having given proof of the immortality of both the IMPENITENCE. The state of refusing to repent; hard-saved and the lost soul, let us notice a few Scripture hearted; stubborn toward God (Ro. 2:5). [See Humble, texts that have been difficult for many to interpret.

Impudence, Presumptuous, Pride, Repentance,

“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so Stiffhearted, Stubborn.]

also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Eze. 18:4). This passage is quoted by IMPERIOUS. Ruling; domineering (Eze. 16:30).

practically all those who believe in the doctrine of IMPLACABLE. Irreconcilable; refusing to be annihilationism to prove that souls of lost sinners cease appeased; stubborn; constantly in enmity (Ro. 1:31).

to exist after death. The difficulty arises as to what is IMPLEAD. To call into court; sue at law or to answer meant by the word “soul” and the word “die.” The use of the word soul shows very clearly that many times in to a suit (Ac. 19:38).

the Bible it simply means the person; for example, IMPORTUNITY. Bearing on; pressing or urging in

“And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob request or demand (Lk. 11:8).

were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt IMPOTENT. Powerless; weak; sick (Jn. 5:3, 7; Ac.

already” (Ex. 1:5). Of course, other times the word 4:9; 14:8).

means the spiritual part of man.

IMPRECATORY. To invoke judgment or a curse on In this Ezekiel passage, if one will read carefully the context, and especially the following verses, he will see one’s enemies. This term is used to describe some of the that the writer has reference to persons. Ezekiel meant Bible prayers and Psalms which contain expressions of practically the same thing that God meant when he vengeance toward one’s enemies (Ps. 2; 37; 69; 79; 109; told Adam and Eve, “But of the fruit of the tree which 139; 143). Some have thought that the spirit of is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall vengeance expressed in these Psalms is not morally not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die” (Ge.

justifiable by the standard of the ethics of the N.T. Such 3:3). After they broke this commandment, the germ of passages do not cause difficulty, though, when it is death was in their bodies, and they died spiritually that observed that they are not dictated merely by private day. What is meant by death? Does it mean to cease to vindictiveness, but spring ultimately from zeal for God’s exist? Not according to the Scriptures. Death means cause, with which the psalmist identifies himself, and separation. The death of the Christian means separation from the body; but for the lost sinner it they show a willingness to leave vengeance in the hands means separation from God.

of God. They show a spirit of righteous indignation, and Paul in 2 Ti. 1:10, speaking about our Lord Jesus, said spring from an aroused sense of justice (Compact Bible that he (Jesus) “... abolished death, and hath brought Dictionary). Compare 2 Ti. 4:14-15; Re. 6:9-10. These life and immortality to light through the gospel.” This prayers in the Psalms are also founded upon God’s passage has puzzled some Bible readers, but it should promises in the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants. God not, for no one can bring to light something that does has promised Abraham that “I will bless them that bless not already exist. In other words, Jesus revealed life thee, and curse him that curseth thee” (Ge. 12:3). That and immortality by means of his death, burial and promise has never been abrogated, and God will indeed resurrection.

curse Israel’s enemies (Mt. 25:31-46). Contrariwise, Another passage which causes difficulty in the minds of when the disciples wanted to call fire down from heaven some is 1 Ti. 6:16a: “Who only hath immortality, against their enemies, the Lord rebuked them and dwelling in the light which no man can approach explained that it was not His purpose in this unto.” Note that Paul does not say that God is the only dispensation to destroy but to save (Lk. 9:53-56). The immortal being. God “hath” (possesses) immortality and gives immortality as a gift to his human creatures.

day of judgment will come all too soon. [See Anger, He is the source of life, and is the source of Covenant, Day of the Lord, Great Tribulation, Judgment, immortality.

Kingdom of God, Vengeance.]

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IMPUDENT. Shameless; lacking modesty; bold with the India conquered by Alexander the Great (Es. 1:1; contempt of others (Pr. 7:13; Eze. 2:4; 3:7). [See 8:9) (Young).

Humble, Impenitence, Modesty, Presumption, Pride, INDIGNATION. Anger; contempt; disgust; Repentance, Stiffhearted, Stubborn.]

abhorrence; the anger of a superior (Ne. 4:1; Es. 5:9; IMPUTE. To put on someone’s account; to reckon; to Da. 11:30; Mt. 20:24; 26:8; Lk. 13:14; Ac. 5:17). The lay to one’s charge. This is what God does for those who Hebrew word zaam is translated “indignation” 20 times trust Jesus Christ. Christ’s righteousness is imputed to (Ps. 69:24; 78:49; 102:10; Is. 10:5, 25; 13:5; 26:20; the Christian (Ro. 4:6, 11, 22-24; 2 Co. 5:19; Ja. 2:23).

30:27; Je. 10:10; 15:17; 50:25; La. 2:6; Eze. 21:31;

[See Gospel, Grace, Justification, Offerings, 22:24,31; Da. 8:19; 11:36; Na. 1:6; Hab. 3:12; Zep.

Propitiation.]

3:8). Zaam is also translated “anger” (Ps. 38:3), and IN HAND. (1) In progress (1 Sa. 20:19). (2) In one’s

“rage” (Ho. 7:16). “Indignation” most frequently refers possession (Ge. 24:10; 35:4; 39:3; De. 24:1). (3) To to God’s wrath against sin (De. 29:28; Ps. 69:24; 78:49; expose one’s life to risk (Job 13:14; 1 Sa. 28:21; Ps.

102:10; Is. 10:5, 25; 13:5; 26:20; 30:27, 30; 34:2; 119:109). (4) Mediated by (Ga. 3:19).

66:14; Je. 10:10; 50:25; Eze. 21:31; 22:24, 31; Na. 1:6; IN REMEMBRANCE. [See Remembrance.]

Hab. 3:12; Mi. 7:9; Zep. 3:8; He. 10:27; Re. 14:10). In the O.T. prophets the word “indignation” especially IN VERY DEED. Really; truly (Ex. 9:16; 1 Sa. 25:34).

refers to God’s wrath which will be poured out during INCARNATION. The act of assuming flesh, or of the Great Tribulation. “Indignation” also refers to the taking a human body, and the nature of man. This is a blasphemies of the Antichrist (Da. 8:19; 11:36). [See term commonly used to describe Christ’s birth through Anger, Antichrist, Day of the Lord, Great Tribulation, the virgin Mary. God was incarnated in human form (Jn.

Judgment, Hell, Imprecatory, Judgment, Prophecy, Sin, 1:14; 1 Ti. 3:16; Ro. 8:3). [See Jesus Christ.]

Vengeance.]

INCENSE. A fragrant substance burned in religious INDITE. To bring forth; to compose an account of services (Ex. 25:6; 30:1-9; 35:8,28). The burning of (Ps. 45:1).

incense in the O.T. Tabernacle is symbolic of prayer (Ps.

INDUSTRIOUS. Zealous; hard working (1 Ki. 11:28).

141:2; Re. 8:3-4). The burning of incense on the golden

[See Diligence, Employment, Labor, Sluggard, Zeal.]

altar in the Tabernacle represents Christ’s intercessory ministry for His people, and the truth that we can only INERRANT. Without error. This term is used to approach God through Jesus Christ (1 Ti. 2:5; He. 7:25; describe the inspiration of Scripture. The Bible was 1 Jn. 2:1; Ro. 8:34). [See High Priest, Jesus Christ, given to man from God and has been preserved from Prayer, Tabernacle, Type.]

error in recording and transmission. [See Bible, Inspiration.]

INCONTINENCY. Lack of self-control (1 Co. 7:5; 2

Ti. 3:3). The Greek words translated “incontinent,”

INFALLIBLE. Not subject to error. This is often used akrasia and akrates, are also translated “cannot to describe the Bible. [See Bible, Inspiration.] The contain” (1 Co. 7:9) and “excess” (Mt. 23:25). [See Roman Catholic Church applies this term to the pope, Adultery, Concupiscence, Fornication, Lust, Temperance, believing the pope’s teachings are infallible when he Wanton.]

speaks official pronouncements concerning doctrine.

The Bible says nothing to support such an idea. [See INCORRUPTIBLE. Incapable of corruption; cannot Pope, Roman Catholic Church.]

decay (1 Co. 9:25; 15:42, 50-54; 1 Pe. 1:4, 23).

“Incorruptible” speaks of the perfect condition of the INFAMOUS, INFAMY. Having one’s name defiled; Christian after resurrection. He will never again be loss of reputation (Pr. 25:10; Eze. 22:5; 36:3).

subject to sickness, weakness, sorrow, or any of the INFANT BAPTISM. [See Baptism - Infant.]

other conditions brought upon the world because of sin.

INFIDEL. One who does not believe in the Bible and

[See Eternal, Heaven, Resurrection.]

in the divine origin of Christianity (Webster) (2 Co.

INDIA. This country was the eastern limit of the 6:15; 1 Ti. 5:8). [For evidence of God, see Bible.] [See territories of Ahasuerus, as was Ethiopia in the west.

also Atheism, Bible, Canon, Evolution, God, The names in Herodotus are similarly connected. The Inspiration.]

Hebrew form Hoddu is an abbreviation of Honadu, INFINITE. Having no end; without limits; boundless which is identical with the names of the Indies, Hindu, (Ps. 147:5; Job 22:5; Nah. 3:9). [See Eternal.]

or Sindhu, as well as with the ancient name of the INFIRMITY. Sickness; weakness (Le. 12:2; Ps. 77:10; country Hapta-Hendu, as it appears in the Vendidad.

Pr. 18:14; Mt. 8:17; Lk. 5:15; 7:21; Jn. 5:5; Ro. 6:19; The India of the book of Esther is the Punjab, and 15:1; Ga. 4:13; 1 Ti. 5:23; He. 4:15). The word perhaps Sind, i.e., the India which Herodotus described translated “infirmities” in 2 Co. 12:9, astheneia, is as forming part of the Persian empire under Darius, and translated “weakness” (2 Co. 12:9), “sickness” (Mt.

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8:17; Jn. 11:4), “disease” (Ac. 28:9). [See Healing, resulted in his sin. David said he was “shapen in Suffering, Trials.]

iniquity” (Psa. 51:5). This refers to his fallen character.

INFLAME, INFLAMMATION. (1) Redness and Iniquity is first of all the corrupt nature of man’s heart, swelling of the body (Le. 13:28; De. 28:22). (2) To be and then iniquity is the sinful deeds. Christ bore our excited, stirred up, intoxicated (Is. 5:11). [See iniquities (Isa. 53:5). [See Sin.]

Drunkenness, Lust, Wine.]

INJOIN. To order or direct with urgency; to INFOLDING. To fold in upon itself (Eze. 1:4). “This admonish or instruct with authority; to command was a fire infolding itself, a globe, or orb, or wheel of (Webster) (Phile. 8; He. 9:20). Same as “enjoin.”

fire. God being his own cause, his own rule, and his own INJURIOUS. Causing harm (1 Ti. 1:13).

end, if he be as a fire, he is as a fire enfolding itself ...

INKHORN. A container for writing ink (Eze. 9:2, 3, The fire of God’s glory shines forth, but it quickly infolds 11).

itself; for he lets us know but part of his ways; the fire INNOCENCY. An old form of innocence (Ge. 20:5; of God’s wrath breaks forth, but it also quickly infolds Ps.; 26:6).

itself, for the divine patience suffers not all his wrath to be stirred up. If it were not a fire thus infolding itself, O

INNOCENTS. Innocent persons (Je. 2:34; 19:4).

Lord, who shall stand!” (Matthew Henry).

INORDINATE. Excessive; disorderly; immoderate; INFORM. (1) Instruct; teach (Ps. 32:9). (2) Accuse; beyond legal bounds (Eze. 23:11; Col. 3:5).

bring information against (Ac. 24:1).

INORDINATE AFFECTION. This term in Col. 3:5 is INHERITANCE. An estate received from one’s in the context of that which is immoral and unclean. It parents or relatives or from a benefactor. Israel has been is included in a listing of sins which includes promised an inheritance of a land and an eternal fornication, uncleanness, and evil concupiscence. It kingdom through Abraham and David (Ge. 15:7; 15:8; would apply to any type of desire and interest which is 28:4; Le. 20:24; 25:46; De. 2:31; 16:20; 2 Sa. 7:8-17; unlawful and impure. [See Adultery, Affection, Is. 54:3; 57:13; 60:21; 65:9; Eze. 33:24; 47:13-14).

Concupiscence, Fornication, Sin.]

[See Covenant, Kingdom of God, Millennium.]

INSCRIPTION. Writing (Ac. 17:23).

Christians are heirs of God’s riches in Jesus Christ (Ac.

INSPIRATION. The word “inspiration” in 2 Timothy 20:32; 26:18; Ep. 1:11, 14 ,18; Col. 1:12; He. 9:15; 1

3:16 means to “breath into.” It describes God breathing Pe. 1:4). The Christian’s inheritance is not through the into the Scripture so that its words are His words. The law, but through grace (Ga. 3:18). The Christian’s Bible is a “God breathed” book. 2 Peter 1:21 says that inheritance is preserved in heaven for him (1 Pe. 1:4).

the Bible authors wrote as they were “moved by the The Christian himself is sealed and kept until he Holy Ghost.”

receives the full inheritance (Ep. 1:12-14; 1 Pe. 1:3-5).

Three Views regarding Inspiration

[See Eternal Security, Glory, Grace, Heaven, Hope, (1) The pagan view of inspiration: The Bible is Justification, Resurrection.]

inspired only in the sense that great human writings, INIQUITY. Sin; perverseness; unrighteousness (Ge.

such as those of Shakespeare, are inspired. (2) The 15:16; 19:15; 44:16; Nu. 23:21). There are four Greek partial view of inspiration. Some believe the Bible is words translated “iniquity” in the N.T. (1) anomia is inspired in those matters not affecting science, but that translated “iniquity” (Mt. 7:23; 13:41; 23:28; 24:12; Ro.

there are historical and scientific errors in the Bible. (3) 4:7; 6:19), “transgression” (1 Jn. 3:4), and The perfect view of inspiration: The Bible is perfectly

“unrighteousness” (2 Co. 6:14). (2) Adikia is translated inspired and contains no error; it is infallible; inerrant.

“iniquity” (Lk. 13:27), “unjust” (Lk. 16:8; 18:6), The Attack upon Inspiration

“unrighteousness” (Jn. 7:18; Ro. 1:18), and “wrong” (2

- The assault began in the Garden of Eden. God had Co. 12:13). (3) Poneria is translated “iniquity” (Ac.

spoken to Adam in the garden and had commanded 3:26) and “wickedness” (Mt. 22:18; Mk. 7:22; Ro. 1:29; him, “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely 1 Co. 5:8; Ep. 6:12). (4) Paranomia is translated eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,

“iniquity” (2 Pe. 2:16) and “contrary to the law” (Ac.

thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest 23:3). The Old Testament Hebrew word avon, translated thereof thou shalt surely die” (Ge. 2:16, 17). Eve knew iniquity about 215 times, refers to “that which is not this command, too, and as she was the weaker vessel, straight or upright, moral distortion.” Avon is from the Satan targeted her for his first assault upon God’s Word.

Hebrew word avah, which is translated “do amiss,”

Following are some of the characteristics of this assault:

“pervert,” “do wrong,” and “make crooked.” Iniquity refers first to the nature of sin, then to the action of sin, (1) The Word of God was questioned. The devil said, finally to the judgment of sin. David spoke of “the

“Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the iniquity of my sin” (Psa. 32:5). It was his iniquity that garden?” (v. 1 ). (2) The Word of God was subtracted fRo.

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Eve answered the devil, “We may eat of the fruit of the authorship of the Pentateuch, devising theories whereby trees of the garden,” thus subtracting the word “every”

the first five books of the Bible were formed late in from the words God had given Adam in Genesis 2:16.

Israel’s history from a variety of material, the authorship (3) The Word of God was added to. When Eve first of which was unknown. The modernists claimed that answered the devil about God’s command, she added Moses wrote part of the Pentateuch, but that he did not the words “neither shall ye touch it.” God did not say complete the Pentateuch as it stands in our Bible today.

that. (4) The Word of God was softened. Eve answered They claim that Genesis and the rest of the Pentateuch the devil that God had said they were not to eat of the were pieced together from various documents. One of tree “lest ye die.” In reality God had said, “for in the day the names for this theory is JEDP [Jehovist, Elohist, that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” That is Deuteronimist, Priestly], which stands for the names of much stronger, fearful, and certain than Eve’s new alleged separate parts of the Pentateuch which were softened paraphrase version. (5) The Word of God was supposedly written during various periods of Israel’s denied. The devil blatantly stated, “Ye shall not surely history. As already noted, there is no one modernistic die.” (6) The Word of God was blasphemed. The devil theory. The variety is almost endless, but they all hold further stated, “For God doth know that in the day ye one thing in common: they all deny that Moses wrote eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall the Pentateuch and they deny that the Pentateuch as it be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (7) The Word of stands in our Bible is true history throughout.

God was ignored and disobeyed. Eve ignored God’s Word A recent example of Modernism is found in a and “took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also commentary by CHARLES F. KRAFT ( Genesis: Beginnings unto her husband with her; and he did eat” (v. 6).

of the Biblical Drama, New York: Woman’s Division of From that day until this, the Word of God has Christian Service Board of Missions, The Methodist endured a continual assault by devils and men. One of Church, 1964). Note the following excerpts: the greatest miracles of all time is the preservation of

“Clearly, then, the Book of Genesis is a remarkable the Holy Scripture in spite of the vicious and unceasing combination of ancient folklore, tradition, custom, assault from its enemies.

myth” (Charles Kraft, Genesis, pp. 11, 12).

- The Roman Catholic assault beginning in 400 A.D.

“Is the astounding story of the marriage of the ‘sons of Rome has assaulted the Word of God in many ways, God’ and the ‘daughters of men’ not ancient folklore to including the following:

explain the origin of giants, ‘Nephilim,’ on the earth in prehistoric times...?” (Kraft, Genesis, p. 11).

Rome added strange traditions to the Bible (infant

“To read this old J narrative primarily as history, baptism, prayers to Mary, pope, priests, mass, etc.).

raising questions as to the historicity, as to whether it Rome added other books to the Bible (the could be factually true that the whole human race apocrypha).

came from this one common progenitor, is really to Rome promoted a weak translation of the Bible (the miss the profound significance” (Kraft, Genesis, p. 44).

Catholic vulgate).

Kraft, like all Modernists, believes the book of Rome tried to keep the Bible out of the hands of the Genesis is a mixture of history and myth, truth and people. (See our book Rome and the Bible, available religious fairy tale. This is not true. The Lord Jesus from Way of Life Literature.)

Christ and the Apostles quoted from every part of Rome killed the translators of the Bible (i.e., William Genesis and always cited it as authoritative and Tyndale, John Rogers).

historical Scripture. To question the infallible inspiration of the book of Genesis is to discount the entire Bible,

- The Modernistic assault beginning in the 1800s.

because the rest of the Bible stands or falls on this Modernism or theological rationalism began in the foundation. While Genesis does not claim internally to 1800s in Germany and quickly spread to England and have been written by Moses or even to be the inspired America. It applied the theory of evolution to the Bible.

Word of God, it was accepted unquestionably as part of Though modernism has taken a bewildering variety of the inspired canon of Scripture by Christ and the forms, at its heart, modernism claims that the Bible is Apostles, as we will see.

not God’s revelation to man but is merely the record of man’s search for God. The miracles of the Bible are Note the following additional false teachings from considered myths (i.e., crossing Red Sea, Jonah, the Charles Kraft’s commentary on Genesis: virgin birth). The modernists have especially attacked

“What is the origin of the expanded work? Certainly the first five books of the Bible. This is understandable.

oral traditions passed down by word of mouth for centuries. ... two hundred years of patient study have If the history and inspiration of the Pentateuch is resulted in the rather general agreement of scholars questionable, the rest of the Bible automatically falls.

that three interwoven documents form the present The modernists of the 19th century attacked the Mosaic book. ... Here is a prophet (or probably a prophetic Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 313

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school of writers), perhaps in the tenth century B.C.

one, for example, says God created the animals and golden age of King Solomon, proclaiming to his plants according to their kind and put within them the contemporaries the meaning of the existence of Israel ability to reproduce themselves according to their kind.

as a nation of Gods chosen people” (Kraft, Genesis, pp.

That is precisely what we observe in the world.

18,19).

Kraft also questions the historicity of Adam and Eve,

“... it [the Genesis creation account] is the sublime statement of religious faith hammered out over the claiming the biblical account is probably a religious centuries of Israel’s history” (Kraft, Genesis, p. 27).

myth that depicts general truths of some sort. I don’t In these excerpts, Kraft promotes the J.E.D.P. theory.

believe it is possible for any man to be saved who denies This teaching actually takes many different forms, but at the historicity of Genesis one through three. To deny root it claims the Pentateuch was written by various Adam and Eve is to deny the Fall. To deny the Fall is to unknown men and edited together in its present form make nonsense out of Christ’s Atonement. If Adam and many centuries after Moses. This is unadulterated Eve of Genesis merely represent mankind in general modernistic unbelief. Christ-denying Modernists devised (“every man and every woman”) what happened to these theories and today’s Evangelical scholars are mankind when Adam died (Ge. 4:5)! Further, if Adam gullibly following them. In reality, Genesis was written and Eve merely represent mankind in general, why does by MOSES by DIRECT REVELATION during Moses the Bible always refer to them as historic individuals?

lifetime! We have seen how Christ and the Apostles Adam and Eve are mentioned 35 times in 12 books of looked at Genesis.

the Bible (Ge. 2-5; De. 32:8; 1 Ch. 1:1; Job 31:33; Mt.

19:4-6; Mk. 10:6-7; Lk. 3:38; Ro. 5:12,14; 1 Co. 15:22, Note three additional excerpts from Kraft’s 45; 2 Co. 11:3; 1 Ti. 2:13-14; Jude 14).

commentary that illustrate the rationalistic unbelief that is rampant among biblical scholars today: Kraft also claims that the account of the clothing of Adam and Eve by God is a “Hebrew explanation.” Not

“Is it not logical that the Biblical writer could do no so; it is Divine Revelation! The account in Genesis three other than write in terms of the scientific theories of his own day? How else could he have been understood is precisely what occurred after Adam and Eve sinned previous to the rise of modern science?” (Kraft, against God. God clothed them in coats of skins. Not Genesis, p. 37).

only does it teach us that God intends for sinful man to

“The first chapter of Genesis was not written primarily be clothed properly because of the wickedness of his to explain how God created the universe” (Kraft, fallen heart; but the clothing in Genesis 3 also depicted Genesis, p. 37).

the death and blood that was required for the

“Above all, it is of the utmost importance that we see in atonement of mans sin and it pointed to the Cross of the story not merely primeval history about the first Jesus Christ.

man and the first woman which our current knowledge Charles Kraft is only one of hundreds of examples we of geology, anthropology, and biology will not allow us could give of biblical scholars who deny the infallibility to accept. ... not primarily two individuals, Adam and of Holy Scripture. This damnable assault upon the Word Eve, but, as their names imply, the man and the of God is called Modernism.

woman, that is, every man and every woman” (Kraft, Genesis, p. 54).

- The Evangelical assault beginning in the 1940s:

“Here, then, this story [of Adam and Eve being clothed New Evangelicalism broke down the walls of separation by God after they sinned] may be an early Hebrew between Bible believers and unbelieving modernists.

explanation for mans universal adult consciousness of New Evangelicals represented a new generation of oldsex and of the need for clothing to hide sex” (Kraft, time fundamentalists. They did not like separation and Genesis, p. 57).

contending for the faith and other “negative” aspects of Though Kraft claims Genesis chapter one was not old-time Christianity. They wanted a positive written to teach precisely how creation occurred, he Christianity.

does not tell us how he makes such an assertion. I have The term “New Evangelicalism” was coined by the read Genesis one many times, and it always strikes me late Harold Ockenga (1905-1985) to define a new type as a plain statement of how the world was created! That of Evangelicalism and to distinguish it from those who is certainly what it appears to be. What proof does Kraft had heretofore born that label. Ockenga has had a give that Genesis one was not written for this purpose phenomenal influence upon today’s Evangelicalism. He and that its “scientific” declarations cannot be trusted?

was the founder of the National Association of The only proof he has is his belief that Genesis one Evangelicals, co-founder and one-time president of contradicts scientific discoveries. This is not true, Fuller Theological Seminary, first president of the World though. The literal account of Genesis one does not Evangelical Fellowship, a director of the Billy Graham contradict any proven fact of science. In fact, it perfectly Evangelistic Association, and chairman of the board and fits every observable fact of the scientific world. Genesis one-time editor of Christianity Today.

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In the foreword to Dr. Harold Lindsell’s book The broadcast across the world. New Evangelicalism became Battle for the Bible, Ockenga stated the position of New the working principle of large interdenominational Evangelicalism:

organizations such as the National Association of

“Neo-evangelicalism was born in 1948 in connection Evangelicals, National Religious Broadcasters, Youth for with a convocation address which I gave in the Civic Christ, Campus Crusade, Back to the Bible, InterVarsity Auditorium in Pasadena. While reaffirming the Christian Fellowship, World Vision, Operation theological view of Fundamentalism, this address Mobilization, the Evangelical Foreign Mission repudiated its ecclesiology and its social theory. The Association, World Evangelical Fellowship, the National ringing call for A REPUDIATION OF SEPARATISM and Sunday School Association, etc. It was spread through the summons to social involvement received a hearty educational institutions such as Fuller Theological response from many Evangelicals. It differed from Fundamentalism in its repudiation of separatism and Seminary, Wheaton College, Gordon-Conwell, BIOLA, its determination to engage itself in the theological and Moody Bible Institute. Countless conferences have dialogue of the day. It had a new emphasis upon the been organized to promote New Evangelicalism. Two of application of the gospel to the sociological, political, the largest and most influential were Amsterdam ‘83

and economic areas of life.”

and Amsterdam ‘86 which were sponsored by Billy The New Evangelical philosophy called for dialogue Graham Ministries and were attended by thousands of with modernists rather than separation from them. The preachers from across the world.

New Evangelical called upon God’s people to stay in the Because of the tremendous influence of these men modernistic mainline denominations rather than leave and organizations, New Evangelical thought has swept them, to study at the feet of modernists in their the globe. Today it is no exaggeration to say that almost theological institutions rather than reject them as without exception those who call themselves heretics. The result was foreseeable. The Evangelical Evangelicals are New Evangelicals; the terms have world has been infected by modernistic thought.

become synonymous. Old-line Evangelicals, with rare Ockenga may or may not have coined the term “New exceptions, have either aligned with the Fundamentalist Evangelicalism,” but it is certain that the movement movement or have adopted New Evangelicalism.

itself was not “born” with his convocation address. He The breakdown of separation from modernism did not create the movement; he merely labeled and among New Evangelicals has resulted in the downgrade described the new mood of positivism and non-of the doctrine of biblical inspiration. This has been militancy that was quickly permeating his generation.

documented by Evangelical leaders themselves.

Ockenga and the new generation of Evangelicals, Billy Harold Lindsell, former vice-president of Fuller Graham figuring most prominently, determined to Theological Seminary and editor emeritus of abandon a militant Bible stance. Instead, they would Christianity Today, published two volumes on the pursue dialogue, intellectualism, and appeasement.

downgrade of the Bible in Evangelicalism, with They determined to stay within apostate denominations particular focus on Fuller Seminary, the Southern to attempt to change things from within rather than Baptist Convention, and the Lutheran Church-Missouri practice biblical separation. The New Evangelical would Synod. Lindsell’s The Battle for the Bible was first dialogue with those who teach error rather than published in 1976. The sequel, The Bible in the Balance, proclaim the Word of God boldly and without came out in 1979. This careful documentation by a compromise.

man who was in the inner circle of Evangelicalism’s The New Evangelical leaven spread rapidly. New leadership for many decades leaves no doubt about the Evangelical philosophy has been adopted by such well-fact that the Evangelical world of the last half of the known Christian leaders as Billy Graham, Bill Bright, twentieth century is leavened with apostasy.

Harold Lindsell, John R.W. Stott, Luis Palau, E.V. Hill, In 1984, well-known Evangelical leader Francis Leighton Ford, Charles Stanley, Bill Hybels, Warren Schaeffer published The Great Evangelical Disaster. The Wiersbe, Chuck Colson, Donald McGavran, Tony book’s title describes the thesis. The cover jacket says, Campolo, Arthur Glasser, D. James Kennedy, David

“In this explosive new book Dr. Francis Schaeffer Hocking, Charles Swindoll, and a host of other men.

exposes the rise of compromise and accommodation, New Evangelicalism was popularized through pleasant and the tragic consequences of this, within the personalities and broadcast through powerful print, evangelical church.” The issue that Schaeffer called “the radio, and television media. Christianity Today was watershed of Evangelicalism” is the inspiration and founded in 1956 to voice the new philosophy. Through authority of the Bible. He testified, “Within publishing houses such as InterVarsity Press, Zondervan, evangelicalism there are a growing number who are Tyndale House Publishers, Moody Press, and Thomas modifying their views on the inerrancy of the Bible so Nelson—to name a few—New Evangelical thinking was Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 315

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that the full authority of Scripture is completely the evangelical world. Almost all of the literature which undercut” ( The Great Evangelical Disaster, p. 44).

is produced in the evangelical world today falls into this A more recent exposure of the corruption of doctrine category. In the October 1985 issue of Christianity in the Evangelical world is found in No Place for Truth: Today, (the very popular and probably most influential or Whatever Happened to Evangelical Theology? by David voice of evangelicals in America), a symposium on Bible F. Wells, Professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological criticism was featured. The articles were written by Seminary. Time magazine described Well’s book as “a scholars from several evangelical seminaries. Not one of stinging indictment of evangelicalism’s theological the participants in that symposium in Christianity Today corruption.” Though Wells is himself a committed New was prepared to reject higher criticism. All came to its Evangelical, he properly identifies Evangelicalism’s chief defense. IT BECAME EVIDENT THAT ALL THE

problem as its repudiation of biblical separation and its SCHOLARS FROM THE LEADING SEMINARIES IN THIS

accommodation with the world:

COUNTRY HELD TO A FORM OF HIGHER CRITICISM.

“Fundamentalism always had an air of embattlement These men claim to believe that the Bible is the Word about it, of being an island in a sea of unremitting of God. At the same time they adopt higher critical hostility. Evangelicalism has reacted against this sense methods in the explanation of the Scriptures. This has of psychological isolation. It has lowered the become so common in evangelical circles that IT IS

barricades. It is open to the world. The great sin of ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND AN EVANGELICAL

Fundamentalism is to compromise; the great sin in PROFESSOR IN THE THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS OF OUR

evangelicalism is to be narrow” (emphasis added) L A N D A N D A B R O A D W H O S T I L L H O L D S

(David Wells, No Place for Truth, p. 129).

UNCOMPROMISINGLY TO THE DOCTRINE OF THE

Wells also made a telling statement that INFALLIBLE INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. The acknowledges precisely where the New Evangelical insidious danger is that higher criticism is promoted by world is today:

those who claim to believe in infallible inspiration

“But in between these far shores [Anglo-Catholicism (Herman Hanko, The Battle for the Bible, pp. 2, 3).

and Fundamentalism] lie the choppy waters that most

[Hanko’s book should not be confused with Harold evangelicals now ply with their boats, and here the Lindsell’s book by that same name.]

winds of modernity blow with disconcerting force, fragmenting what it means to be evangelical. This is The author of the above critique is a professor at the because evangelicals have allowed their confessional Protestant Reformed Seminary, Grandville, Michigan.

center to dissipate” (p. 128).

Let me give a specific example of this of the I believe a clear case can be established connecting hundreds that i could give from my files.

Evangelicalism’s apostasy with its acceptance of the Bruce Metzger, who is frequently cited as an critical text and its versions. The Fundamentalist who

“evangelical” scholar, is one of the most renowned defends the modern versions joins hands with textual critics, and he has spoken in forums which are as Modernists and New Evangelicals, because this has long theologically diverse as the National Council of been their position and they are the ones doing the vast Churches, the Roman Catholic Church, and even those majority of the “scholarly” writing on this subject.

which profess to be Evangelical, such as Dallas Pastor Mark Buch of Vancouver, British Columbia, Theological Seminary, the Congress on Biblical who was involved in the Fundamentalist movement Exposition, and Tennessee Temple Seminary. Metzger beginning in the 1930s, gives this testimony to wrote the notes to the Reader’s Digest Condensed Bible Evangelicalism’s corruption:

and co-edited the New Oxford Annotated Bible: Revised

“[Evangelicalism] today has fallen away from the old Standard Version.

faith and this is not the case of an exception among The following description of the Pentateuch from them, it is common and general. They no longer these two sources is the approach typically taken today believe in the veracity, the verbal inspiration of the by scholars of all perspectives:

Holy Bible and they have gone a whoring after all sorts of innovations and foolishness in order to fill their

“The Old Testament may be described as the literary churches...” (Buch, In Defence of the Authorized Version, expression of the religious life of ancient Israel. ... The 1977, p. 33).

Israelites were more history-conscious than any other people in the ancient world. Probably as early as the Consider this summary of the downgrade of the time of David and Solomon, out of a matrix of myth, doctrine of inspiration by today’s Evangelical leaders: legend, and history, there had appeared the earliest My main concern is with those who profess to believe written form of the story of the saving acts of God from that the Bible is the Word of God and yet by, what I can Creation to the conquest of the Promised Land, an only call surreptitious and devious means, deny it. This account which later in modified form became a part of is, surprisingly enough, a position that is taken widely in Scripture. But it was to be a long time before the idea 316

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of Scripture arose and the Old Testament took its individual accepts the Bible as the infallible Word of present form. ... The process by which the Jews God.)

became ‘the people of the Book’ was gradual, and the The Deception about Inspiration

development is shrouded in the mists of history and tradition. ... The date of the final compilation of the We must warn that many today who use the term Pentateuch or Law, which was the first corpus or larger inspiration, and who speak of an inspired Bible, do not body of literature that came to be regarded by the Jews necessarily mean that the Bible is the absolutely perfect as authoritative Scripture, is uncertain, although some Word of God. In writing of the condition in many have conservatively dated it at the time of the Exile in evangelical seminaries, Richard Quebedeaux notes, the sixth century. ... Before the adoption of the

“It is a well-known fact that a large number, if not Pentateuch as the Law of Moses, there had been most, of the colleges and seminaries in question now compiled and edited in the spirit and diction of the have faculty who no longer believe in total inerrancy, Deuteronomic ‘school’ the group of books consisting of even in situations where their employers still require Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, in them to sign the traditional declaration that the Bible much their present form. ... Thus the Pentateuch took is ‘verbally inspired,’ ‘inerrant,’ or ‘infallible in the shape over a long period of time” (Introduction to the whole and in the part,’ or to affirm in other clearly Old Testament, New Oxford Annotated Bible).

defined words the doctrine of inerrancy ... SOME OF

Genesis: “Nearly all modern scholars agree that, like THESE FACULTY INTERPRET THE CRUCIAL CREEDAL

the other books of the Pentateuch, [Genesis] is a CLAUSES IN A MANNER THE ORIGINAL FRAMERS

composite of several sources, embodying traditions that WOULD NEVER HAVE ALLOWED; OTHERS SIMPLY

go back in some cases to Moses” (Metzger’s Introduction SIGN THE AFFIRMATION WITH TONGUE IN

to Genesis, Reader’s Digest Condensed Bible).

CHEEK” ( The Worldly Evangelicals, p. 30).

Exodus: “As with Genesis, several strands of literary An example of claiming to believe in inspiration tradition, some very ancient, some as late as the sixth while denying that the Bible is the perfect Word of God century B.C., were combined in the makeup of the is found in the biography of Bible translator J.B.

books” (Metzger’s Introduction to Exodus, Reader’s Phillips: “As the years have passed—and it is now Digest Condensed Bible).

twenty-five years since I began translating the Deuteronomy: “It’s compilation is generally assigned

‘Epistles’—my conviction has grown that the New to the seventh century B.C., though it rests upon much Testament is in a quite special sense inspired. IT IS NOT

older tradition, some of it from Moses’ time” (Metzger’s MAGICAL, NOR IS IT FAULTLESS: human beings wrote Introduction to Deuteronomy, Reader’s Digest Condensed it. ... although I believe in the true inspiration of the Bible).

New Testament and its obvious power to change human lives in this or any other century, I should like to make it Be careful about labels in this confused hour. The quite clear that I could not possibly hold the extreme term “evangelical” is meaningless. It can refer to a

‘fundamentalist’ position of so-called ‘verbal Modernist or a Roman Catholic or a drunk-in-the-spirit inspiration’” (Phillips, Ring of Truth, pp. 27,28,29).

Charismatic or a Psychobabbler who believes the key to mental health is the recovery of hidden memories. I Another example of this was found in an interview don’t care what label a man bears, if he denies the Christianity Today conducted with Arie Brouwer, former perfect inspiration of Scripture he is an arch heretic and general secretary of the National Council of Churches in an apostate (both of these are biblical terms) and God’s America. “Concerning Scripture, he uses the word people should treat him as the dangerous false teacher

‘infallible’ rather than ‘inerrant.’ He says ‘the Gospels are that he is. The Bible is the foundation for everything in a faithful record of Jesus’ teaching. Their historical the Christian life and faith, and if the Bible is not quality is remarkable compared to other literature of the infallible, Jesus Christ and the Apostles were either time. WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO ME IS NOT WHETHER

deceived or were liars and we are foolish people to T H E Y R E C O R D V E R B AT I M W H AT J E S U S

follow them.

SAID” ( Calvary Contender, Feb. 15, 1986).

I repeat that Bruce Metzger is only one of hundreds This is deception of the highest order. If the Bible is of examples we could give of Evangelical scholars who not inerrant it is not infallible! If the Gospels are a deny the infallibility of Holy Scripture. Today’s faithful record of Jesus’ teaching, they contain an Evangelicals are polluted with the Modernism from accurate record of what He said! If they do not contain which they have refused to separate. A little leaven has an accurate record of what Christ said, they are not indeed leavened the whole lump. (Remember these sad faithful! What wicked doublespeak!

facts the next time you hear about how “thoroughly Referring to the strange matter of evangelical Evangelical” certain modern Bible translators are. Being scholars professing to believe in an inspired Bible while

“thorough Evangelical” today does not indicate that an at the same time claiming the Bible’s record is not Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 317

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accurate, the editor of Foundation magazine makes the church historically’ (Schaeffer, The Great Evangelical following important comments:

Disaster, p. 56). The use of these words will, no doubt,

“It is absolutely unbelievable that so many ‘evangelical’

save the jobs of many SBC seminary professors. A recent scholars can claim to believe in the infallibility of the article in SBC Today describes at least six different Bible but reject its inerrancy. But, that is exactly what current usages of the word inerrancy: critical inerrancy, is happening and God’s people need to be alerted. It limited inerrancy, qualified inerrancy, nuanced used to be that when a person said they believed the inerrancy, functional inerrancy, and absolute inerrancy.

Scriptures were infallible, it was not necessary to add Only the last one is the orthodox view, but liberals often the word ‘inerrant’ since ‘infallibility’ was taken to do not explain their own use of the word (Beale, “The imply ‘inerrancy.’ Today’s evangelical ‘scholars’ have already given us several new Bibles. Are they now Southern Baptist Convention’s Ongoing Battle,” The going to rewrite our English dictionaries? We decided Baptist Bulletin, Sept. 1986).

to examine the dictionary meaning of the words Friends, beware of this type of deception. It is being

‘infallible’ and ‘inerrant.’ This is what we discovered.

practiced widely in Christian circles. Do not be deceived According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, Second by the “good words and fair speeches” of heretics (Ro.

College Edition, inerrant means ‘not wandering, fixed, 16:17-18). Contrast man’s thinking about Bible not erring; making no mistakes; infallible.’ Please note inspiration with the following study of what the Bible that one of the definitions given for ‘inerrant’ is itself claims as to its inspiration:

‘infallible.’ The word infallible is defined as follows: ‘1.

incapable of error; never wrong; 2. not liable to fail, go The Claim of Inspiration

wrong, make a mistake, etc.; dependable; reliable; Thousands of times in Scripture we find the claim sure.’ Actually, then, ‘infallible’ (incapable of error) is that God is the author. Phrases such as “thus saith the an even stronger word than ‘inerrant.’ It is clear that Lord” and “the word of God” permeate the Bible. By my many scholars are trying to cover up their unbelief by own count, these phrases are used 1787 times in the ignoring the clear meaning of words—especially words Old Testament exclusive of the Psalms. Consider Exodus involved in major Christian doctrines. These men need to be exposed. For our part, we are happy to say that 34:27; 2 Samuel 23:2; Isaiah 1:2; Jeremiah 1:7, 9; we believe in both the inerrancy and infallibility of Ezekiel 2:7; Matthew 12:36; Luke 1:70; Acts 3:21.

God’s Holy Word, the Bible!” ( Foundation, Nov.-Dec.

If the Bible is not the Word of God, it is the greatest 1980, p. 19).

lie that has ever been perpetrated upon humanity.

Dr. David O. Beale, in writing of the doctrinal battles The Extent of Inspiration

which are raging in the Southern Baptist Convention, 2 Timothy 3:13-17 — Note that these verses were speaks of the deceptiveness of those who use the term written by the apostle Paul. He was chosen by God to

“infallible Bible” apart from a historical definition of reveal divine truths (Ep. 3; Ga. 1). If we cannot trust such:

this man’s writings, we can trust no man’s. Personally, I The doctrinal guideline for the [Southern Baptist]

had much rather trust Paul’s testimony than that of Peace Committee is the Baptist Faith and Message, a some modern, critical-thinking, miracle-denying liberal, statement of faith adopted by the SBC in 1925 and or some compromising liberally-influenced evangelical.

revised in 1963. Article one of the statement says that Paul was utterly dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Bible HAS truth, without any mixture of error.’

suffered constant persecution and hardship because of Fundamentalists, to the contrary, have always his faith. He was personally called by Christ to be an maintained that the Bible IS ‘truth, without any mixture Apostle and he had the signs of an Apostle (2 Co.

of error.’ One can readily see that the Baptist Faith and 12:12). Let us see what the Apostle Paul testified Message is actually a protector of liberals, who would of concerning the nature of the Bible:

course agree that truth has no mixture of error. That is a Consider some lessons from this passage: (1) The far cry from asserting the Bible is totally and absolutely Bible is “holy.” This means “set apart, different.” The inerrant. Much more significant, however, is the fact Bible is different from other books. (2) The Bible is from that liberals are being acknowledged as conservatives, God (v. 16). Though written by men, the Bible is a simply because they use the word ‘inerrant’ to describe product of God. It is “God breathed.” (3) The Bible is the Bible. Actually, they are using what Francis A.

from God in its entirety (v. 16). All of the Scripture is Schaeffer called ‘a new loophole.’ They readily use the said to have come from God. The word for Scripture word inerrancy, but they do not define the word in its here, graphe, is a word meaning “writing” or “book.”

historic, orthodox sense. Says Schaeffer, ‘There are those This is referred to as “plenary inspiration.” Plenary within evangelicalism who are quite happy to use the means full, complete, entire. (4) The Bible is from God words “infallibility,” “inerrancy,” and “without error,” but in its smallest detail (v. 15). The word for Scripture here upon careful analysis they really mean something quite is gramma, referring to a letter. This teaches that even different from what these words have meant to the 318

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the smallest details of the Bible are from God. This is things about Himself, salvation, and His plans (vv.

called “verbal inspiration.” (5) The Bible is one book 10-12). (3) God chose the very words of this revelation with an all-encompassing theme: Salvation in Jesus (v. 13). God did not give the Bible writers general Christ (v. 15). The Bible is not just a group of unrelated, thoughts only; He gave them the very words. Some disconnected religious writings. It is a unified Book sneeringly label this the “mechanical dictation theory,”

planned by God for the purpose of teaching man the but we don’t care what mockers call it, and we are not way of salvation (compare Lk. 24:44-45; Jn. 1:45; 5:39; concerned about whether we can understand how God Ep. 3:11). (6) The Bible can protect Christians from could have given a perfect Book through imperfect men.

error (vv. 13-15). If the Bible is full of myths, mistakes, That is His business! The Bible claims to be the perfect, and untrue claims concerning authorship, miracles, and verbally inspired Word of God, and I don’t have any prophecies—even if it contains some errors—it certainly problem with that, since I worship a God who can do is not a book which can give sure protection from false anything.

teachings! (7) The Bible is sufficient to make the 1 Peter 1:10-12 — (1) The Bible writers wrote by the Christian complete and mature (v. 17). An imperfect Spirit of God that was in them. (2) The main subject of book could not produce perfection.

the Bible is Jesus Christ and His salvation by the cross 2 Peter 1:19-21 — (1) The Bible is a light shining in a (“the sufferings of Christ”) and His coming kingdom dark place (v. 19). The dark place is the world. It is dark (“the glory that should follow”). This refers to Christ’s because of man’s sin and spiritual blindness and the first coming and second comings. (3) The Bible contains work of the devil (2 Co. 4:4). Man is not able to know prophecies of the future. This also proves that it is of spiritual truth without a revelation from God. The Bible God, for only God knows the future. (4) The prophets is that revelation that shines in the darkness. (2) The did not understand everything they wrote, because they Bible is a “sure word.” It is the infallible Word of God. It were not writing their own thoughts. This passage is trustworthy. (3) The Bible contains prophecy of the refutes the doctrine that the Bible was always relevant future, which proves that it is the Word of God. (4) The to the times of the prophets. Attempts are made, for Bible is not a product of man’s will (v. 21). Other books example, to figure out what situation David was are the product of the will of the human author, but not describing in his own day in Psalm 22. The answer is the Bible. It is the product of God’s will. According to that he was not describing any situation in his own day.

the context, the phrase “private interpretation” refers to Rather, by divine inspiration he was describing Christ’s the giving of revelation, rather than to the agony on the cross 1,000 years in the future (“not unto understanding of it. (5) The Bible writers were holy themselves, but unto us they did minister the things”).

men chosen and prepared by God for His work. (6) Acts 3:18, 21 — “But those things, which God before Those who take heed to the Bible are wise. This passage had showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ explains the method whereby the Bible was given. God should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. ... Whom the heaven used men, but He used them in such a way that what must receive until the times of restitution of all things, they wrote was precisely God’s Word. When the Bible which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy touches on inspiration and revelation, it focuses on God.

prophets since the world began.”

We are told very little about the actual mechanism. The (1) The Bible prophets spoke and wrote God’s words.

details of the method of inspiration is an unrevealed (2) The Bible’s main subject is Jesus Christ and His mystery. It was accomplished mysteriously by the Holy suffering and kingdom. (3) The Bible prophets were Spirit. We are not supposed to fret about the method of holy, meaning they were chosen by God and set apart inspiration; we are supposed to believe God’s testimony for His work. (4) The Bible was written by many men in that it happened and we are to have faith in the finished many different times, but it is one Book. All of the Bible product, the Holy Scriptures. Modern Bible scholars prophets spoken with one voice.

usually do just the opposite of what the Scriptures do in reference to inspiration. They focus on man’s part rather Psalm 12:6-7 — Common sense would dictate that if than upon God. That is because most modern scholars God has given an accurate revelation to men, He could do not operate by the principle of faith. They are and would preserve it for them. This truth is not left to operating by their own intellect and by the means of our common sense, though. Ps. 12:6-7 promises that human scholarship. No man can know the perfect Word God will preserve His pure Word for every generation.

of God through scholarship, for “without faith it is Ps. 12:6 refers to the perfect inspiration of Scripture. Ps.

impossible to please him” (He. 11:6).

12:7 refers to the preservation of this pure Word. Many say that the Bible must surely contain error because of 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 — (1) The Bible conrtains truth the imperfections of the men who wrote it and the men that man cannot know by his own investigation and who have copied it through the centuries. Not so, intellect (v. 9). (2) God, by His Spirit, has revealed according to the Psalmist. I have no problem with any of Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 319

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this. Is God not able to do what He desires to do? Does Sodom and Gomorrah (Lk. 17:28-29), Lot’s wife turning He not have the ability to give a perfect Bible through to salt (Lk. 17:32), Moses and the burning bush (Mk.

imperfect men? Of course He does. Does He not have 12:26), Manna from heaven (Jn. 6:31-32), the brazen the ability to preserve that Word pure through the serpent (Jn. 3:14-15), Jonah and the whale (Mt.

centuries? Of course He does. (For a defense of Psalm 12:39-41; Lk. 11:29-32), Ninevah repenting at Jonah’s 12:7 against those who claim it does not teach preaching (Lk. 11:32), the queen of Sheba visiting preservation, see the Bible Version Question-Answer Solomon (Lk. 11:31).

Database, which is available from Way of Life 6. The authors of the O.T. were those claimed by the Literature.)

Scripture. According to Jesus, Moses wrote the books of How Much of the Bible is Inspired Scripture?

the law (Lk. 24:44; Jn. 5:45-47); David wrote the The entire Bible from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 is Psalms bearing his name (Lk. 20:42); Daniel wrote the Holy Scripture. (1) The entire O.T. is Scripture (Lk.

book bearing his name (Mt. 24:15). Jesus often quoted 24:27; Ro. 3:2; 2 Ti. 3:16; 2 Pe. 1:19-21). The following from the book of Isaiah and said it was written by the O.T. books are specifically called Scripture: Genesis (Ro.

historical prophet Isaiah, not by some unknown group 4:3; Ga. 4:30), Exodus (Mt. 22:29-32; Ro. 9:17), of men. In John 12:38-41, Christ quoted from both Leviticus (Ja. 2:8), Kings (Ro. 11:2-3), Psalms (Mt.

major sections of Isaiah and said both were written by 21:42; Jn. 10:34-35; 13:18; 19:24, 36; Ro. 15:3-4), the same Isaiah. This destroys the modern myth that Isaiah (Mk. 14:28; Lk. 4:17-21; Ac. 8:32-33; Ro. 10:11; Isaiah was the product of more than one author.

1 Pe. 2:6), Zechariah (Jn. 19:37). (2) The Gospels are What Did the Apostles Believe about the Scriptures?

Scripture (compare 1 Ti. 5:18 and Mt. 10:10; He. 2:3).

The following study demonstrates the high esteem in (3) The writings of the Apostles are Scripture (1 Co.

which the early Christians held the Old Testament 2:7-13; 1 Pe. 1:12; 2 Pe. 3:1-2,15-16). (4) Revelation is Scriptures. Notice how the Apostolic concept of the O.T.

Scripture; it is called the Word of God (Re. 1:2). [See is directly opposed to the modern critical theories.

Canon.]

Surely we should have no difficulty in knowing whose What Did Christ Believe about the Scriptures?

testimony to trust.

1. The O.T. is perfect to the letter. “Think not that I am O.T. Stories Are Literal Historical Accounts.

come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come Creation (Ge. 1-2; Ac. 17:24-26)

to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till Abraham before God’s call (Ge. 11:27-32; Ac. 7:2) heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no Abraham’s call (Ge. 12:1-5; Ac. 7:2, 3) wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled (Mt. 5:17-18).

Abraham’s covenant (Ge. 13:14-17; Ac. 7:4) 2. The O.T. cannot be broken (Jn. 10:35). In this verse Abraham’s sojourn (Ge. 13:15; Ac. 7:5) Abraham’s prophecy of Egyptian bondage (Ge. 15; Christ is speaking of the authority of the Scriptures. He Ac. 7:6-7)

was saying that absolutely nothing written in the Isaac’s birth (Ge. 21:1-8; Ac. 7:8)

Scriptures can be set aside or ignored. It is authoritative Jacob’s birth (Ge. 25:19-26; Ac. 7:8)

to every detail. The Greek word translated “broken” in Jacob’s 12 sons (Ge. 29:31—30:24; Ac. 7:8) Jn. 10:35 is elsewhere translated “put off” (Ac. 7:33) Joseph’s birth (Ge. 30:22-24; Ac. 7:8) and “loose” (Jn. 11:44). Thus no statement in the Bible Joseph’s slavery (Ge. 37; Ac. 7:9)

can be put off or escaped. All will be proven to be true.

Joseph’s exaltation in Egypt (Ge. 39-41; Ac. 7:10) What a Book! Jesus Christ said it is perfect. This is the The famine during Joseph’s reign (Ge. 41:53-57; doctrine of infallibility.

7:11)

Jacob sends sons to Egypt (Ge. 43:1—45:8; Ac.

3. The O.T. is a divinely-planned book to prepare for 7:12-13)

the coming of Christ (Lk. 24:44).

Joseph calls his father (Ge. 45:8-28; Ac. 7:14) 4. Every part of the O.T. is inspired of God (Lk. 24:44).

Jacob journeys to Egypt (Ge. 46-47; Ac. 7:15) The law refers to the first five books of the Bible. The Jacob dies (Ge. 49:33; Ac. 7:15)

writings refers to the historical books (Judges to Esther) Jacob buried in Sychem (Ge. 50; Ac. 7:15, 16) and the prophets. The Psalms refers to the poetical Israel’s bondage in Egypt (Ex. 1:7-14; Ac. 7:17-18) books from Job to Ecclesiastes.

Murder of male babies (Ex. 1:15-22; 7:19) Moses’ birth (Ex. 2:1-2; Ac. 7:20)

5. The O.T. people, events, and miracles are true and Moses hid in parent’s house (Ac. 2:2; Ac. 7:20) historical. Some of the O.T. people and events Christ Moses retrieved from river by Pharaoh’s daughter referred to are as follows: the creation (Mk. 13:19), (Ex. 2:3-9; Ac. 7:21)

Adam and Eve (Mt. 19:4-6; Mk. 10:6-7), Cain and Abel Moses’ education in Pharaoh’s court (Ex. 2:10; Ac.

(Mt. 23:35; Lk. 11:50-51), Noah and the flood (Mt.

7:22)

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Moses’ experience at age 40 (Ex. 2:11-20; Ac.

Moses’s wife and two sons (Ac. 7:29; He. 3:5) 7:23-29)

Aaron (Ac. 7:40)

Moses’ marriage and two sons (Ex. 2:21-22; Ac.

Joshua (Ac. 7:45)

7:29)

Gideon (He. 11:32)

The burning bush (Ex. 3:1-6; Ac. 7:30-31) Samson (He. 11:32)

Moses’ call (Ex. 3:7—4:17; Ac. 7:31-35) Barak (He. 11:32)

The plagues upon Egypt (Ex. 7-12; Ac. 7:36; 13:17) Jephtha (He. 11:32)

Sinai and the ten commandments (Ex. 19-40; Ac.

Saul (Act. 13:21)

7:38,53)

Samuel (Ac. 13:20)

Israel’s rebellion and the golden idol (Ex. 32; Ac.

Jesse (Ac. 13:22)

7:39-41)

David (Ac. 7:45; 13:22)

Forty years wilderness wandering (Ex. 15-40; Solomon (Ac. 7:47)

Numbers; Deuteronomy; Ac. 7:44)

The prophets (Ac. 7:52)

Moses’ prophecy of the Messiah (De. 18:15, 18; Ac.

Elijah (Ja. 5:17-18)

7:37)

Joel (Ac. 2:16-21)

Possession of the Promised Land (Joshua; Ac. 7:45; Isaiah (Ac. 8:30)

13:19)

The Books of the Old Testament Prophets Are Cited as The division of the land to the tribes (Jos. 14; Ac.

Being Wholly Authoritative and Reliable.

13:19)

From Joshua to David (Judges-1 Samuel; Ac. 7:45; David (Ac. 1:15-20—Ps. 41:9; Ac. 2:25-28—Ps.

13:20)

16:8-11; Ac. 2:34,35—Ps. 110:1; Ac. 13:33—Ps.

Saul (1 Samuel; Ac. 13:21).

2:7)

David (1, 2 Samuel; Ac. 13:22)

Isaiah (Ac. 8:30-33—Is. 53:7-8; Ac. 7:49—Is.

Solomon and the temple (1 Kings; Ac. 7:47) 66:1-2; 13:34,47—Is. 49:5-6; Ac. 13:34—Is.

55:11)

The Miracles Recorded in the Old Testament Are True, Ezekiel (Ac. 20:25, 29—Eze. 7:42)

Literal, Historical Events.

Joel (Ac. 2:28-31—Joel 2:16, 21)

Creation (Ge. 1-2; Ac. 17:24-26)

Amos (Ac. 9:11, 12—Am. 15:15-17)

Enoch’s translation (He. 11:5)

Micah (Mt. 2:5-6—Mi. 5:2)

Noah’s flood (2 Pe. 3:5; He. 11:7)

Old Testament Prophets Are Said to Have Spoken the Destruction of Sodom (2 Pe. 2:6; Jude 7) Words Of God.

Baby Moses discovered in the bulrushes (Ex. 2; Ac.

7:20-21)

Compare Ac. 1:16, 17 with Ps. 41:9

The burning bush (Ex. 3-4; Ac. 7:30)

Compare Ac. 7:42 with Eze. 20:25, 39; Am.

The 10 plagues upon Egypt (Ex. 7-12; Ac. 7:36) 5:25-26.

Passing through the Red Sea (He. 11:29) Compare Ac. 7:49 with Is. 66:1-2 “saith the Lord.”

Wilderness wanderings (Exodus; Numbers; Compare Ac. 13:47 with Is. 49:5-6 “the Lord Deuteronomy; Ac. 7:36; 13:17; He 3:16-17) command us.”

Walls of Jericho falling (He. 11:30)

Compare Ac. 13:33 with Ps. 2:7.

Elijah stopping the rain (Ja. 5:17-18) Compare Ac. 13:36 with Ps. 16:10.

Old Testament Characters Are True Historical People Just The Old Testament is a Divine Book which as a Whole as Named and Described in the Bible Accounts.

Points to the N.T. Scriptures. “Yea, and all the prophets Adam and Eve (Ro. 5:14; 2 Co. 11:3; 1 Ti. 2:13) from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as Abel (He. 11:4,24)

have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days” (Ac.

Job (Ja. 5:11)

3:24).

Enoch (He. 11:5; Jude 14-15)

God’s Appearances to the Old Testament Characters Were Noah (He. 11:7; 1 Pe. 3:20; 2 Pe. 2:5) Historical Events.

Abraham (Ac. 7:2)

To Abraham (Ge. 12—Ac. 7:2; Ge. 15—Ac. 7:5-7; Lot (2 Pe. 2:7-8)

Ge. 17—Ac. 7:8)

Hagar and Ishmael (Ga. 4:22-24)

To Moses (Ex. 2, 3—Ac. 7:30-34)

Melchisadec (He. 7:1-4)

Isaac (Ac. 7:8)

Traditional Old Testament Authors Are Cited as the Actual Jacob (Ac. 7:8)

Writers.

Jacob’s 12 sons (Ac. 7:8)

David and the Psalms (Ac. 1:15-20; 2:25-28; Joseph (Ac. 7:9)

2:34,35; 13:33)

Pharaoh (Ac. 7:10)

Moses and the Pentateuch (Ac. 13:39; 15:1,5,21; Sychem (Ac. 7:16)

21:21; 26:22; 28:23)

Another pharaoh (Ac. 7:18)

Joel and Joel (Ac. 2:16-21)

Moses (Ac. 7:20)

Isaiah and Isaiah (Ac. 8:30)

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The Old Testament Is Considered to Be a Book Wholly 17:24-26; He. 11:3

Reliable and Pointing to Jesus Christ. The Apostles did Adam and Eve — Mt. 19:4-6; Mk. 10:6-7; Lk. 3:38; Ro.

not consider the O.T. to be a manmade, error-filled 5:12,14; 2 Co. 11:3; 1 Ti. 2:13

jigsaw puzzle, but a divinely-planned and inspired Book Abel — Mt. 23:35; Lk. 11:50-51; He. 11:4,24

with a perfect unity, each part having its unique place in Enoch — He. 11:5; Jude 14-15

the overall purpose: Ac. 2:13-36; 3:18-24; 7:52; Noah and the Flood — Mt. 24:37-39; Lk. 17:26-27; He.

8:30-35; 13:27-29; 10:43; 26:22-23.

11:7; 1 Pe. 3:20; 2 Pe. 3:5-6

The Apostles Believed the Old Testament Contains Abraham — mentioned 74 times in the N.T.; leaving his Literal Prophecy. “Whom the heaven must receive until homeland and traveling to Palestine (Ac. 7:2-5; He.

the times of restitution of all things, which God hath 11:8-9); God spoke to him (Lk. 1:55); God’s covenant to spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the him (Lk. 1:72, 73; Ac. 3:25; 7:17; Ga. 3:8-18; He. 6:13, world began” (Ac. 3:21). All O.T. prophecy describing a 14); Hagar and Ishmael (Ga. 2:22-25); begetting and final judgment of sin and the establishment of a circumcising Isaac (Ac. 7:8); offering Isaac (He. 11:17; worldwide righteousness is literal and true, according to Ja. 2:21); justified by faith before the covenant of the Lord’s Apostles.

circumcision (Ro. 4:3, 9-16; Ga. 3:6).

Biblical Evidence that Moses Wrote the Pentateuch Sarah — He. 11:11; 1 Pe. 3:6

Moses is mentioned 843 times in the Bible!

Melchisedec — He. 7:1-4

1. The books themselves claim to have been written Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah — Lk. 17:28-29; Jude 7; by Moses (Ex. 24:4,7; 34:27-28; Nu. 33:2; De. 1:1-5; 2 Pe. 2:6-8

4:4-5; 31:9-12, 24-26).

Lot’s wife — Lk. 17:32

2. Other O.T. books claim that Moses wrote the Pentateuch (Jos. 1:7; 8:30-35; Ju. 3:4; 1 Ki. 2:3; 2 Ki.

Isaac — mentioned 20 times in the N.T. (Mt. 1:2; He.

14:6; 22:8-11; 23:21-25; Ezr. 3:2; Ne. 8:1; 9:14; Da.

11:9, 17-20)

9:11; Mal. 4:4).

Jacob — mentioned 26 times in the N.T. (Mt. 1:2; Ac.

3. The N.T. claims Moses wrote the Pentateuch.

7:8)

Moses is mentioned 80 times in the New Testament. See Joseph — sold into slavery and raised to power over Mk. 12:26; Lk. 16:29-31; 24:27 (Moses writings are Egypt (Ac. 7:9-10); revealed to his brethren (Ac.

called Scripture); 24:44; Jn. 1:17; 5:45-47; 8:5; Ac.

7:11-16); prophesied of Israel’s exodus from Egypt to 15:21; 2 Co. 3:15.

the Promise Land (He. 11:21-22)

The Lord Jesus Christ quoted from every part of the Pharaoh (Ac. 7:10)

Pentateuch: Genesis (Mt. 19:4-6; 24:37-39); Exodus Were Adam and Eve Historical Figures? [See Adam.]

(Mk. 12:26 citing Ex. 3:6); Leviticus (Mt. 8:4 citing Le.

Was the Flood of Noah’s Day Universal? [See Flood -

14:1-32); Numbers (Jn. 3:14-15 citing Nu. 21:8-9 and Noah’s.]

Jn. 6:31-32 citing Nu. 11:6-9); Deuteronomy (Mk.

Did Isaiah Write the Book of Isaiah?

10:4-5 citing De. 24:1).

Modernistic theology often questions the authorship The Divine Inspiration of Genesis

of Isaiah. A popular theory is that the first part of Isaiah Genesis does not claim internally to have been written (chapters 1-39) was written by the biblical Isaiah, but by Moses or even to be the inspired Word of God. The that the last part (chapters 40-66) was written by other book of Genesis has been received, though, by the Jews men centuries later. This is contrary to what Christ and as part of the inspired law of Moses throughout their the Apostles taught about Isaiah. [See Isaiah.]

history. It is accepted unquestionably as part of the What about “Form Criticism?”

inspired Canon of Scripture by Christ and the Apostles.

Form criticism or redaction criticism are modernistic Statements such as “thus saith the Lord” appear in the theories about the formation of the Gospels. Some book of Genesis 95 times. Genesis 2:2 is cited as the aspects of form criticism are as follows: Word of God in He. 4:4, and Genesis 12:7 is cited as the Word of God in Ga. 3:16. Genesis 21:10 is cited as 1. The gospel writers used a common oral tradition Scripture in Ga. 4:30, and Genesis 15:6 is cited as that was passed around among the Christians for some Scripture in Ro. 4:3. Consider also the following people time before anything was written down. Textual critics and events from Genesis which are cited authoritatively Alford (1849) and Westcott (1860) promoted this view.

in the New Testament. Not one time in the New Theological modernists commonly believe that the Testament is there any hint that the book of Genesis is gospel story was passed along for some time in oral anything less than the infallible Word of God.

form before it was written down.

Creation by the Word of God — Mk. 13:19; Ac.

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2. The gospel writers used other sources. One event.

supposed source is the “Q” document, which does not

* The scribes and Pharisees were in reality decent exist but many false teachers believe this mythical people whom Matthew painted in an entirely negative writing was the source of some or all of the four light because of his personal bias against them.

gospels.

* The genealogies of Jesus in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 are 3. The gospel writers copied from one another. One figures of speech and not accurate records of Jesus’

theory is that Matthew was first written and Mark and physical and/or legal lineage.

Luke were then based on Matthew. This was the view of

* The magi who, according to Matthew 2, visited the textual critics Griesbach (1783) and Hug (1808). It is child Jesus after His birth are fictional, not real, the official position of the Roman Catholic Church characters.

(decreed by the Pontifical Biblical Commission, 1912).

Another theory is that Mark was first written and that

* Jesus uttered only three or four of the eight or nine Matthew and Luke are based on Mark plus the mythical beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12.

Q document. There are endless permeations of these

“Recognizably, the listed conclusions impinge upon the theories. Each prominent form critic strives to make a historical accuracy of the gospel records. Various evangelicals have opted for the stated unhistorical name for himself by inventing a new twist to this choice in each of the suggested instances. Granted, approach.

their reduction of historical precision in the Gospels is 4. The gospel writers modified things that Jesus did not the wholesale repudiation of historical data as is and said. They added to, subtracted from, and that of the original Jesus Seminar, but that it is a contracted, and otherwise changed the account.

repudiation is undeniable. An acceptance of Evangelicals and Form Criticism

imprecision is even more noticeable in light of the fact that the above questions are only the tip of the iceberg.

It is not only out and out modernists who are An exhaustive list would reach staggering entertaining unscriptural views of the Gospels. The proportions” (Robert L. Thomas and F. David Farnell, following amazing excerpt from The Jesus Crisis: The The Jesus Crisis, pp. 14, 15).

Inroads of Historical Criticism into Evangelical An example of the teaching of form criticism among Scholarship by Robert L. Thomas and F. David Farnell evangelicals is found in a report posted to the internet (Kregel, 1998) reveals how deeply evangelicals have by Dr. Daniel B. Wallace, Associate Professor of New been infected with the modernistic thinking of form Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary. In a 35-criticism:

page report entitled “The Synoptic Problem,” Wallace

“Outspoken evangelical critics have engaged in the same supports the redaction approach to the Gospels, that the type of dehistoricizing activity as the Jesus Seminar Gospels were written not by direct inspiration of God people with whom they differ. If they were to organize but by copying material from secondary sources, among themselves their own evangelical ‘Jesus Seminar,’

thereby denying the inspiration of Scripture by the Holy the following is a sampling of the issues they would vote Spirit as taught by Christ and the Apostles. Wallace’s on, most of which they would probably pass: report is largely a review of Robert H. Stein’s “The

* The author of Matthew, not Jesus, created the Sermon Synoptic Problem: An Introduction.” (The 63-year-old on the Mount.

Stein is a professor at the Southern Baptist Seminary in

* The commissioning of the Twelve in Matthew 10 is a Louisville, Kentucky.) In fact, Wallace says: “Indeed, I group of instructions compiled and organized by the have found Stein’s book so helpful a synthesis of the author of the first gospel, not spoken by Jesus on a issues involved, that to some degree our comments here single occasion.

will be merely a distillation of his work.”

* The parable accounts of Matthew 13 and Mark 4 are Note carefully the following excerpts from Wallace’s anthologies of parables that Jesus uttered on separate report:

occasions.

“It is quite impossible to hold that the three synoptic gospels were completely independent from each other.

* Jesus did not preach the Olivet Discourse in its In the least, they had to have shared a common oral entirety, as found in three of the gospel accounts.

tradition. But the vast bulk of NT scholars today would

* Jesus gave His teaching on divorce and remarriage argue for much more than that.” (“The Synoptic without the exception clauses found in Matthew 5:32

Problem,” p. 1)

and 19:9.

“We shall see later that before the Gospels were written

* In Matthew 19:16-17, the writer changed the words of there did exist a period in which the gospel materials Jesus and the rich man either to obtain a different were passed on orally, and it is clear that this oral emphasis or to avoid a theological problem involved in tradition influenced not only the first of our synoptic the wording of Mark’s and Luke’s accounts of the same Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 323

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Gospels but the subsequent ones as well.” (“The from divine inspiration. In fact, the Holy Spirit in Mark Synoptic Problem,” p. 4)

is presenting Christ as the Servant whereas in Matthew

“The majority of NT scholars hold to Markan priority the Holy Spirit is presenting Christ as the King. The

[Mark was written first and then Matthew and Luke different purposes of their Gospels dictated what was based their gospels upon it] (either the two-source included or omitted from Christ’s earthly life. Those hypothesis of Holtzmann or the four-source hypothesis choices were not made by Mark or Matthew; they were of Streeter). This is the view adopted in this paper as made by God. Yet, Carson says the unbelieving form well.” (“The Synoptic Problem,” p. 6)

criticism argument “has some weight.”

“One argument concerning Mark’s harder readings which has been (as far as I can tell) completely This approach to the Gospels, now parroted by overlooked is the probability that neither Luke nor scholars claiming to be “evangelical,” was devised by Matthew had pristine copies of Mark at their unbelieving modernists who deny the perfect inspiration disposal. . . . An intermediate scribe is probably of Holy Scripture. These men look at the Bible largely as responsible—either intentionally or unintentionally—

a product of human invention, not as a supernatural for more than a few of the changes which ended up in book given word-for-word by inspiration of God to holy Luke and Matthew.” (“The Synoptic Problem,” footnote men of old. Similarly, large numbers of “evangelical”

49)

scholars are parroting the unbelieving historical critical

“Matthew and Luke have in common about 235 verses approach to the Old Testament, which denies that Moses not found in Mark. . . . Only two viable reasons for wrote the Pentateuch, claiming rather that the such parallels can be given: either one gospel writer Pentateuch was formed over a long period of time and knew and used the gospel of the other, or both used a common source.” (“The Synoptic Problem,” p. 19) was not completed until during the era of Israel’s kings.

This nonsense is a blatant denial of what the Bible itself Another example of the evangelical use of form says about the Pentateuch. Christ and the apostles c r i t i c i s m i s “A n I n t r o d u c t i o n t o t h e N e w attributed every part of the Pentateuch to the historical Testament” (Zondervan, 1992) by D.A. Carson, Douglas Moses.

Moo, and Leon Morris. When discussing the origin of the Gospels, these men make NO MENTION OF DIVINE

We Reject Form Criticism for the Following Reasons: INSPIRATION and instead buy into the unbelieving 1. Form criticism is contrary to divine inspiration.

theories of form criticism. Consider this statement: The Lord Jesus Christ promised that the Holy Spirit

“Moreover, many of the assumptions on which form would guide the disciples into all truth and would criticism is based appear to be valid: there was indeed remind them of past events concerning Himself (Jn.

a period of mainly oral transmission of the gospel 14:26; 16:13-15). Further, the Gospels are Scripture materials; much of it was probably in small units; there (compare 1 Ti. 5:18 and Mt. 10:10; also see He. 2:3) probably was a tendency for this material to take on and are therefore given by inspiration of God (2 Ti.

certain standard forms; and the early church has 3:16). Nothing in the Scripture is there by happenstance undoubtedly influenced the way in which this material or because of man’s will (2 Pe. 1:21). Even Paul, though was handed down. Defined narrowly in this way, there he was not an eyewitness of the events of Christ’s life, is undoubtedly a place for form criticism in the study when writing about those things, was taught them of the Gospels” ( An Introduction to the New Testament, pp. 23, 24).

directly by the resurrected Christ (1 Co. 11:23).

In fact, there is no scriptural validity for any of these Thus, the apostles were not dependent upon their assumptions, and all of them fly in the face of divine own fallible memories in the recording of the Gospel inspiration. To say that the “early church has accounts. They were not dependent upon their own undoubtedly influenced the way in which this material thinking to select which material to present and how to was handed down” is a plain rejection of the doctrine of present it. They did not copy from one another. They did divine inspiration. Either the Gospels were written by not need secondary sources. They wrote by direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit or they were written by inspiration of God. The Holy Spirit guided each Gospel natural processes. There can be no middle ground for a writer to portray Christ in a special way via the manner believer.

in which the material is presented.

D.A. Carson and his fellow New Evangelicals repeat The crux of this matter is divine inspiration. Either the form criticism argument that Matthew in 13:58

the Gospels are infallible Scripture, or they are the omitted the words “could not do any miracles fallible work of men. There is no middle ground here, there” (that appears in Mark 6:5) in order to remove and we have no difficulty whatsoever in rejecting all

“the potentially troublesome implication that Jesus was form criticism theories (AND those who hold such incapable of working a miracle.” This is to say that theories) and accepting the Bible’s testimony about itself Matthew made this change on his own authority apart in simple faith.

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To make room for form criticism, D.A. Carson and his understand the reports written by redaction scholars.

fellow New Evangelical authors of “An Introduction to Ordinarily they do contain one word of doctrine, the New Testament” reject the verbal inspiration of the reproof, correction, or instruction in righteousness, yet Gospels and replace it with a more vague “voice those are the very purposes for which the Holy inspiration.” They say, “But their failure to preserve the Scriptures were given (2 Ti. 3:16-17).

ipsissima verba Jesu (the authentic words of Jesus) does 7. The alleged contradictions and problems within not mean that they have tampered with the ipsisima vox the Gospels that are raised by those who promote form Jesu (the authentic voice of Jesus)” (p. 44). This is the criticism have been answered satisfactorily without old modernistic argument that the Gospels give only a resorting to modernistic theories. For one thing, form semblance of what Christ said rather than His actual criticism ignores the traditional approach to the words. And it a repetition of the modernistic mumbo-Gospels, which says the Holy Spirit gave a supernatural jumbo that the Bible is somehow authoritative even fourfold portrait of Christ, and that the material in each though it is not verbally inerrant.

Gospel was divinely selected from the events of Christ’s 2. The Gospels are miraculous upon their very face.

life to contribute to the individual portrait.

They contain not merely eyewitness accounts that could Evangelicals who follow form criticism mention have been produced by men, but many things that could many alleged contradictions, and they claim that the not have been produced by even the closest human only satisfactory answer to these is some sort of observer. They describe the thoughts and motives of naturalistic redaction view of the writing of the Gospels.

men’s hearts, for example. How can that be accounted D.A. Carson and his co-authors state, “Only a theory for on any naturalistic basis? The disciples could hear that includes as a major component literary what Jesus said and see what He did, but they could not interdependence among the Synoptic Gospels is capable reach into His very mind to see, for instance, that He of explaining the data” (p. 29).

knew the thoughts of men’s hearts (i.e., Lk. 5:22; 6:8; 9:47; 11:17). And they could not discern the actual And Daniel Wallace says, “When one compares the motives of men such as Pilate (i.e., Mk. 15:15). Only synoptic materials with John’s Gospel, why are there so God the Holy Spirit could have produced the Gospels. It few verbal similarities? On an independent hypothesis, is foolish and unbelieving to attempt to look for any either John or the synoptics are wrong, or else John other explanation.

does not record the same events at all in the life of Jesus.”

3. If form criticism is true, we will never know for sure what part of the Gospels contains the fallible words The differences and apparent contradictions between of men and what part contains the infallible Word of the Gospels have been analyzed carefully by men of God God. If, as Dallas Seminary professor Daniel Wallace through the centuries and satisfactory answers have implies, there was a mysterious “Q” document from been given without resorting to fanciful textual which some of the Gospel writers drew their criticism. I have a large library of books dealing with the information, it will never be known because no such alleged contradictions in the Bible, including many document exists today. Dr. Wallace admits that there are volumes from the 18th and 19th centuries. The dozens of theories within the broad scope of problems raised by redaction critics have been answered reductionism or form criticism. If redaction theories of to the satisfaction of many godly minds.

the Gospels are true, we are not left with established Many of the “problems” in the Gospels are dealt with and settled truth; we are left with endless theorizing.

in our book Things Hard to Be Understood.

4. The theories of form criticism are contrary even to And though we cannot answer every problem that common sense. To think that Matthew and John, who arises when comparing parallel passages in the four were apostles and who were intimate eyewitnesses to Gospels, the solution for a believer is not to give up the the Gospel accounts would depend upon Mark or Luke, doctrine of verbal inspiration or to think that the who were not eyewitnesses, or upon any other human Gospels do not give us a verbally accurate transmission source such as a “Q” document, makes no sense.

of Christ’s actual words and deeds. The solution is to 5. If form criticism is true, there are errors in the walk by faith, not by sight, for “without faith it is Bible. Even the evangelicals who are dabbling in form impossible to please him” (He. 11:6).

criticism make this unbelieving conclusion. If there are 8. Form criticism focuses on the method of errors in the Bible, Jesus was wrong when He promised inspiration rather than the product. We know there is a that the Scripture cannot be broken (Jn. 10:35).

human element in the Scripture in the sense that men 6. Form criticism does not edify the flock; it wrote the Bible, but the Bible itself doesn’t focus on the entertains the scholars. Only someone trained in the human element. We are given brief glimpses from time finer nuances of modern textual criticism could even to time of some of the mechanics of the giving of Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 325

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Scripture, such as God speaking face to face with Moses Word above all Thy Name!’ ‘Only one word!’ But that and angels speaking to some of the prophets, but for the word ‘God.’ Better the whole living church of God most part we do not know the mechanics of inspiration should perish than that one word should perish. ‘If any and we are not instructed to fret about it. “The secret man take away from the words of the book of this things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things prophecy God shall take away his part.’ Let criticism pause. The principle at stake is solemn.

which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law” (De.

The point at issue in the whole controversy with

‘modern criticism’ is, whether the Bible can be placed 29:29). The crucial fact is that “ALL scripture is given by upon the same plane with other, merely human, inspiration of God.” That is all we need to know, and it literature and treated accordingly; or whether, as a is a fact that can be accepted ONLY by faith. It can never Divine Revelation, it addresses us with a command and be understood by scholarship. “But without faith it is sanction? The power of the Book is shaken from the impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God moment we deny its a priori binding claim on our must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of belief and obedience. The Book is a royal document, or them that diligently seek him” (He. 11:6).

series of documents issued by the King of kings, and 9. Form criticism is of the devil. It is the devil who binding upon every subject. The Book, then, is to be received with reverence by one who falls upon his loves to cast doubt upon the Word of God. He has been bended knees beneath the only shaft of light which, doing exactly this since his conversation with Eve in the from unknown eternity, brings to the soul the Garden (Ge. 3:1). He is doing it today through certainties of God—of His dealings in grace with men,

“evangelical” scholars who are trained at the feet of and of a judgment. The Old Testament is—in some modernists (either directly or through their writings or sense—more awful than the New—as it begins with a through other evangelical scholars who sat under creation out of nothing—as it thunders from Sinai, and modernists). This is the root problem with men such as as it prefigures and predicts the momentous facts of Daniel Wallace and Robert Stein and D.A. Carson. They Calvary and the Apocalypse. But it has been are leaning on the research of modernists and they are represented that the Bible has twisted itself up like a trying to impress those same modernists that they, worm from the dust by an Evolution in which the human element is most conspicuous.

though “evangelicals,” are serious scholars. They are trying to adapt the scholarship of unbelievers to a The inspiration of the Old Testament, including that of the whole Bible, is a matter, first of all, of pure Divine position of faith, and it is an impossible task. Does God testimony, which leaves us nothing but to receive it.

not warn that “evil communications corrupt good God says, ‘I am speaking.’ That ends it. The instant manners” (1 Co. 15:33)? Does God not warn the order of the Book to every reader is ‘Believe or die!’

believer not to sit in the seat of the scornful (Psalm The Book brings with it its authentication. Who would 1:1)? Does God not warn that the words of false think of standing up under the broad blaze of the teachers eat like a canker and increase ungodliness and noonday sun to deny the existence of the sun? His overthrow faith (2 Ti. 2:16-18)? Does God not warn shining is his authentication.

that the words of false teachers deceive hearts (Ro.

The Jews cherished the highest awe and veneration for 16:17-18)? The Bible says that two cannot walk their sacred writings which they regarded as the together except they be agreed (Amos 3:3), yet today’s

‘Oracles of God.’ They maintained that God had more

“evangelical” scholar thinks he can walk together for care of the letters and syllables of the Law than of the months and years on end with unbelievers and not be stars of heaven, and that upon each tittle of it, mountains of doctrine hung. For this reason every harmed spiritually. It is an unbelieving delusion.

individual letter was numbered by them and account A Testimony to the Inspiration of Holy Scripture kept of how often it occurred. In the transcription of an The following testimony to the authority and authorized synagogue manuscript, rules were enforced authenticity of the Holy Scriptures is by George Sayles of the minutest character. The copyist must write with Bishop. Preached in 1885 at the dawn of the modern a particular ink, on a particular parchment. He must era of Bible criticism, this message lays out that write in so many columns, of such a size, and containing just so many lines and words. No word to unquestioning faith in God’s Holy Word that has be written without previously looking at the original.

characterized true believers from the beginning of time.

The copy, when completed, must be examined and It is not a blind faith. It is not an ignorant faith. It is compared within thirty days; if four errors were found faith in a God who cannot lie. Contrast this humble faith on one parchment, the examination went no farther—

in the Word of God with the proud spirit of the modern the whole was rejected. When worn out, the rolls were Bible critic. In the following passage Bishop is writing in officially and solemnly burned lest the Scripture might defense of the word “God” in 1 Timothy 3:16: fall into profane hands or into fragments.

‘Oh, but it is only one word!’ Yes, but one word of The Old Testament, precisely as we have it, was Scripture of which it is said, ‘Thou hast magnified Thy endorsed by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. When He 326

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appeared on the earth, 1,500 years after Moses, the Amos write like a herdsman and David like a poet. He first of the prophets, and 400 years after Malachi, the made the difference, provided for it, and employed it last of them, He bore open testimony to the sacred because He would have variety and adapt Himself to canon as held by the Jews of His time. Nor did He—

all classes and ages.

among all the evils which He charged upon His He wrote through the men. How did He do this? I do countrymen—ever intimate that they had, in any not know. The fact, I know, for I am told it. The secret degree, corrupted the canon, either by addition, is His own. I read that ‘holy men of old spake as they diminution, or alteration of any kind. By referring to were moved’—then they did not choose their own the ‘Scriptures,’ which He declared ‘cannot be broken,’

language. ... I do not know how my soul dictates to the Lord Jesus Christ has given His full attestation to and controls my body so that the moving of my all and every one of the books of the Old Testament as fingertips is the action of my soul. I do not know how, the unadulterated Word of God.

in regeneration, God does all and I do all. He produces Our Blessed Lord puts ‘what is written’ equal to His all and I act all, for what He produces is my act.

own declaration. He saw the Old Testament inspired

‘But there are discrepancies—contradictions.’ No!

from one end to the other, divine from one end to the Scores of times I have corrected myself, but never other. Ah! how He valued the sacred text! Our modern God’s Word. Patience and a larger knowledge will solve critics, with arrogance which rises to daring impiety, every knot. Dr. Hodge, of Princeton, says: ‘Not one deny to Christ the insight which they claim for single instance of a discrepancy in Scripture has ever themselves. The point right here is this, Did Jesus been proved.’ Would all the united wisdom of men fundamentally misconceive the character of the Old have led them to relate the history of the creation of Testament? Did He take for a created and immediate the universe in a single chapter, and that of the revelation what was of a slow and ordinary growth? Or erection of the tabernacle in thirteen? The description was He dishonest, and did He make about Abraham, of the great edifice of the world, would it not seem to for example, statements and representations which require more words than that of a small tent?

belong only to a geographical myth—a personality To discredit the statement repeated in almost every which never existed?

chapter of Exodus and Leviticus—’And the Lord said to The authority of Jesus Christ, God speaking—not from Moses.’ To charge Christ with falsehood, who says, heaven only, but with human lips—has given a

‘Moses said,’ ‘Moses taught you,’ ‘David says’—quoting sanction to every book and sentence in the Jewish as He does, not from the 7th and the 18th only, but canon, and blasphemy is written on the forehead of from the 41st, the 110th, the 118th, and other Psalms.

any theory which alleges imperfection, error, The result is to disintegrate the Bible and throw it into contradiction, or sin in any book in the sacred heaps of confusion mingled with rubbish—to shake collection. The Old Testament was our Lord’s only faith to the very foundations and scatter Revelation to study book. On it His spiritual life was nurtured. In all the winds. It is to elevate Robertson, Smith, His life it was His only reference. Through His apostles Wellhausen, Baur, Astruc, Cheyne, and other heretics, He reaffirmed it. Five hundred and four (504) times is who seem to have taken God into their own hands, to a the Old Testament quoted in the New. The whole level with the Saviour of men and His prophets, whom Jewish nation, down to this day, acknowledge, without they criticize freely. THIS IS NOT EXEGESIS, IT IS

one dissenting voice, the genuineness of the Old CONSPIRACY. IT IS NOT CONTRIBUTION TO

Testament. The Book reflects upon them and condemns RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE, IT IS CRIME!

them; it also goes to build up Christianity, a system Think of the amazing, the stupendous difference which they hate, and yet, impressed with an between Christ quoting from a human compilation, or unalterable conviction of their divine origin, they have, from the living Oracles of God! ‘I came not to destroy,’

at the expense of everything dear to man, clung to the He says, ‘but to fulfil’—to fulfil what? A haphazard Old Testament Scriptures.

collection of Ezra’s time—made up of fragmentary The Old Testament is inspired from beginning to end.

documents of men, some of whom had an inspiration What do we mean by this? We mean infallibility and little above that of Browning and Tennyson! ... I perfection. We mean that the books are of absolute beseech you, therefore, Brethren, beware of what is authority, demanding an unlimited submission. We called ‘the modern school.’

mean that Genesis is as literally the Word of God as are

‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the the Gospels—Joshua as is the Acts—Proverbs as are earth!’ Here are the Pillars of Hercules through which the Epistles—the Song of Solomon as is the Revelation.

we pass from Time with all its changes into Eternity—a We mean that the writings were inspired. Nothing is shoreless, changeless sea. Here are the frontiers of said in the Bible about the inspiration of the writers. It human exploration, beyond which rolls and surges the is of small importance to us who wrote Ruth. It is every illimitable Ocean of Deity, Self-existent, blessed forever importance that Ruth was written by God. How did and independent of all creatures.

God write? On Sinai, He wrote, we are told, with His finger. We are told this in seven different places. God The first utterance of the Bible fixes it that matter is used men with different degrees of style. He made not eternal. That there was a point when the universe was not and when God, by simple fiat, brought it into Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 327

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being. So that, as the apostle says, He called the 4:6). [See Diligence, Labor, Straightway, Zeal.]

existent out of the non-existent—the visible from that INSTRUCT. The biblical term “instruct” refers to which had no visibility. In other words, God made the every aspect of child training. It is teaching; it is world out of nothing—an awful nothing—the idea of which we cannot comprehend. A lonely and a solitary encouraging; it is explaining; it is exemplifying; it is Worker, out of emptiness, He created fullness—out of correcting (De. 4:36; 32:10; 2 Ki. 12:2; Ne. 9:20; Ps.

what was not, all things—getting from Himself the 32:8; Pr. 1:2, 3, 7-8; 4:1, 13; 5:12, 13; 6:23; 8:10, 33; substance as well as the shaping—the fact as well as 10:17; 12:1; 13:1, 18; 15:5, 32, 33; 16:22; 19:20, 27; the how.

21:11; 23:12, 23; 24:32; Is. 8:11; 40:14; Je. 17:23; Mt.

‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the 13:52; Ac. 18:25; 2 Ti. 2:25). A person’s attitude toward earth.’ HE had to tell us that, for He ONLY was there.

instruction is a chief indicator of his spiritual condition He had to TELL us that, but, being told, we at once, (Pr. 1:7; 10:17; 12:1; 13:1; 15:5, 32). The Bible is given believe it, for everything outside the Self-existent must for instruction in righteousness (2 Ti. 3:16, 17). [See have a beginning. Matter must have had a beginning, Admonish, Bible, Chasten, Child Training, Convince, for—push the molecules back as far as you will, either Correction, Counsel, Discipline, Exhort, Guidance, matter was the egg out of which God was hatched, or Pastor, Rebuke, Reproof, Timothy.]

God hatched matter. Can there be any question as to which of these is true?

INSURRECTION. An uprising (Ezr. 4:19; Mk. 15:7;

‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Ac. 18:12). [See Government, Rebellion.]

earth.’ IF THIS FIRST SENTENCE IS UNAUTHENTIC, INTEGRITY. Purity; sincerity; honesty; uprightness THE WHOLE BIBLE IS UNTRUE AND FOR SIX

(Ge. 20:5; 1 Ki. 7:8; Ps. 7:8; 25:21; 26:1; Job 2:3, 9; THOUSAND YEARS MEN HAVE BEEN DUPED AND

27:5). When “integrity” is used to describe man’s DELUDED WHO HAVE LOVED AND CHERISHED ITS

condition, it does not refer to his own moral integrity, TEACHINGS. The credibility of the Bible, then, but to that which God gives to those who believe on depends upon the truth of the First Chapter of Genesis.

Him. The Bible says there is none righteous (Ro. 3:10), If that chapter contains ‘a few small scientific lies,’ then the Book is a compilation of deceptions from cover to but the very righteousness of Jesus Christ is put to the cover. Thus we are either Christians or skeptics! It has account of the believer (Ro. 3:22-25; 2 Co. 5:21). Thus been claimed that no essential injury is done to when the Psalmist spoke of his integrity (Ps. 7:8; 26:1, Christian faith by concessions made to modern 11; 41:12), he was referring to the fact that he had faith criticism—that if one believes in redemption, it is of in God and sought to walk in obedience to God’s small account what he believes of creation. But MEN

commands. [See Justification, Righteousness, WHO SPEAK SO RASHLY, OVERLOOK THE FACT THAT

Sanctification, Sincere, Upright.]

CREATION IS THE BASIS OF REDEMPTION—THAT

I N T E L L I G E N C E , T O H AV E . To h a v e a n THERE MUST BE MAN, AND MAN FALLEN, BEFORE

THERE CAN BE MAN SAVED—AND THAT THE BELIEF

understanding; to agree (Da. 9:30).

IN CREATION DEPENDS ENTIRELY UPON THE

INTENT. Purpose; reason (Jn. 13:28; Ac. 9:21). The ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GENESIS, AS A HISTORICAL

phrase “to the intent of” means “in order that” or “with DOCUMENT.

the purpose of” (2 Sa. 17:14; 2 Ki. 10:19).

The difficulty with Higher Criticism is that it INTERCESSION. Prayer; petitioning; entreating; disbelieves in advance, and the reason of this too mediation (Je. 7:16; 1 Ti. 2:1). It is used to describe frequently is that it is working with a brain whose man’s intercession to man (Je. 36:25); man’s crooked and vapid conclusions are guided by a heart intercession to God (Je. 7:16; 27:18; Ro. 11:2; 1 Ti.

averse to God—at enmity with God and working every way to get rid of Him.

2:1); Christ’s intercession to God the Father on behalf of man (Is. 53:12; He. 7:25); the Holy Spirit’s intercession

[For study on the ending of Mark 16 see on the behalf of the child of God (Ro. 8:26,27,34). In Resurrection.] [See Adam, Bible, Canon, Daniel, reference to man’s prayers to God, intercession speaks Evolution, Fable, False Teaching, Flood, Foolish particularly of that aspect of prayer whereby we come Questions, Isaiah, Jesus Christ, Jonah, Modernism, into God’s presence and petition Him for a specific Preservation, Prophecy, Red Sea, Revelation, Sargon, request. Thayer’s Greek English Lexicon defines Separation, Star, Timothy, Tyre, Zidon.]

intercession as “a falling in with, meeting with; an INSTANT, INSTANTLY. (1) Suddenly; in a moment interview; a coming together to visit or converse or for (Is. 29:5; 30:13; Lk. 2:38). (2) With urgency; any other cause; a conference or conversation.” Vine persevering; to be diligent in continuing a certain comments that it is “seeking the presence and hearing of ministry for God in spite of difficulties (Ro. 12:2; 2 Ti.

God on behalf of others.”

4:2). The Greek word translated “instant” in 2 Ti. 4:2 is ephisteemi, which is also translated “came upon” (Lk.

2:9; 21:34), “assaulted” (Ac. 17:5), and “at hand” (2 Ti.

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In commenting on Ro. 8:26, Barnes says that the present with the Lord (2 Co. 5:8-10). The Bible also says Greek word translated “intercession” ( huperentunchano) that no true Christian will be cast away from God.

“means properly to be present with any one for the Christians lose rewards for improper living, but they do purpose of aiding, as an advocate does in a court of not lose their secure position in God’s family (1 Co.

justice; hence to intercede for any one, or to aid or assist 3:13-15; Jn. 10:27-29). Christians are free from the in any manner. In this place it simply means that the condemnation of the Mosaic law and the Ten Holy Spirit greatly assists or aids us; not by praying for Commandments (Ro. 7:1-4; Jn. 3:18; 5:24; Ga. 3:10-13, us, but in our prayers and infirmities.”

24-29). In Ro. 7:1-4 the Apostle Paul teaches that the

“There is one great Intercessor between God and Mosaic law has no more power over a Christian than a man, who pleads for our salvation on the ground of dead husband has over his living wife. [See Eternal what he himself has done, but we are permitted to Security, Gospel, Grace, Judgment, Justification, Law, intercede for others, not on the ground of any merit Seventh-day Adventism.]

which they or we possess, but on the ground of the INWARDS. The entrails, intestines (Ex. 29:13,22).

merit of the great Advocate and Intercessor. It is an IPHEDEIAH (Jehovah will liberate). 1 Ch. 8:25.

inestimable privilege to be permitted to plead for the IR (flowing together). 1 Ch. 7:12; salvation of our fellow-men” (Barnes).

IRA (a watchman). 2 Sa. 20:26.

Two great examples of intercession are Abraham for Sodom (Ge. 18:20-33) and Moses for Israel (Ex.

IRAD (ornament of a city, fugitive). Ge. 4:18).

32:30-33; De. 9:18-29). [See High Priest, Intreat, Jesus IRAM (congregation, belonging to a city). Ge. 36:43.

Christ, Mediator, Mercy Seat, Prayer, Supplication, IRI (a crowd, urbane). 1 Ch. 7:7.

Tabernacle.]

IRIJAH (reverence toward God, protection of the INTERMEDDLE. To become mixed up with; to Lord). Je. 37:13.

meddle in the affairs of others (Pr. 14:10; 18:1). [See IRNAHASH (serpent city, magic city). 1 Ch. 4:12.

Busybody, Gossip, Talebearer, Tattler, Whisperer.]

IRON. (1) A heavy metal used for tools and other INTERPRETATION OF PROPHECY. [See Allegorical, chariots (Ge. 4:22; Nu. 31:22; 35:16; De. 3:11; 8:9; Prophecy.]

27:5; 28:23, 48; Jos. 6:19; 17:16; 22:8; Ju. 1:19; 4:3; 1

INTREAT. To ask; to desire; to beseech; to seek Sa. 17:7; 2 Sa. 23:7; 1 Ch. 20:3; Job 19:24; 20:24; favor; to supplicate (1 Ki. 13:6; Ps. 45:12; 119:58; Pr.

28:2; 40:18; 41:27). The evolutionary theory of man’s 19:6). Same as “entreat.” In the Old Testament, the origin claims that mankind has passed through stages term particularly refers to earnest beseeching in time of from the stone age to the iron age, but the Bible says extremity. Pharaoh had Moses intreat God to remove the that men knew how to work with metals from the very judgments from his land (Ex. 8:30; 9:28; 10:17-18); dawn of earth’s history (Ge. 4:22). We read of iron Manoah intreated the Lord about Samson (Jud. 13:8); implements in the two oldest books of the Bible, Genesis Israel intreated the Lord for delivery from their enemies and Job. [See Brass, Evolution.] (2) A city which meant (2 Sa. 21:14; 2 Sa. 24:25; 1 Ch. 5:20); the prophet

“place of terror” (Jos. 19:38).

intreated God to restore the withered hand of King IRPEEL (God is healer, God is restorer). Jos. 18:27.

Jeroboam (1 Ki. 13:6). [See Intercession, Prayer, IRSHEMESH (city of the sun). Jos. 19:41.

Supplication.]

IRU (watch). 1 Ch. 4:15.

INVENTIONS. Devices; man’s evil contrivances (Ps.

ISAAC (laughter). Abraham’s miracle son, who was 99:8; 106:29,39; Ec. 7:29). [See Conscience, Heart.]

promised by God and who inherited Abraham’s blessing INVESTIGATIVE JUDGMENT. A teaching of the (Ge. 15:1-6; 17:15-21; 18:9-14; 21:1-8; Mt. 1:2; 8:11; Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA). It is the belief 22:32; Lk. 3:34; 13:28; 20:37; Ac. 3:13; 7:8, 32; Ro.

taught by SDA prophetess Ellen G. White that Jesus 9:7, 10; Ga. 4:28; He. 11:9, 17, 18, 20; Ja. 2:21). Isaac Christ is presently in heaven conducting an investigation typified the Lord Jesus Christ. Like Jesus, Isaac had a of the lives of professing Christians. This judgment miraculous birth, loved his father, was offered supposedly is based on the Ten Commandments and will (symbolically) as a sacrifice, was given a bride by his determine the eternal destiny of God’s people.

father, loved his bride, and inherited his father’s wealth.

Adventists believe the Investigative Judgment began in

[See Jesus Christ, Type.]

the year 1844 and that Jesus will return to earth when ISAIAH (the salvation of the Lord). The prophet of this judgment is completed.

Israel who authored the book by his name (2 Ki. 19-20; The Bible does not say the Lord Jesus Christ is 2 Ch. 26:22; 32:20, 32; Is. 1:1; 2:1; 7:3; 13:1; 20:2-3; presently conducting a judgment of Christians. That 37:2, 5-6, 21; 38:1, 4, 21; 39:3, 5, 8). Skeptical scholars judgment will be a personal one; the believer will be claim that Isaiah 40-48 was written by an unknown Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 329

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“prophet” who lived in Babylon after its fall, 170 or ISCAH (covering, to watch). Ge. 11:29.

more years after the “traditional Isaiah.” “Only chs. 1-39

ISCARIOT, JUDAS. [See Judas Iscariot.]

can be assigned to Isaiah’s time; it is generally accepted ISBAH (appeaser). 1 Ch. 4:17.

that chs. 40-66 come from the time of Cyrus of Persia (539 B.C.) and later” ( The New Oxford Annotated Bible).

ISHBAK (free). Ge. 25:2.

Following are four of the many reasons why we reject ISHBIBENOB (whose seat is on high). 2 Sa. 21:16.

this view: (1) The skeptical view is the product of ISHBOSHETH (man of shame). 2 Sa. 2:8-15; 3:8-15; unbelief. It was invented by modernists in an attempt to 4:5-12.

deny Isaiah’s prophetic element. The prophecies of ISHI (my husband). A reference to Israel’s new Isaiah pertaining to the destruction of Babylon and relationship with God after Christ’s return (Ho. 2:16).

other ancient nations are so precise that modernists

“Ishi is a compilation of love and sweetness and were forced either to accept the Bible as divinely familiarity; Baali of reverence and subjection. Ishi is ‘my inspired or to concoct a theory about Isaiah being man;’ Baali is ‘my lord’” (Henry). [See Beulah, written AFTER the events. (2) The argument that the two Covenant, Israel, Kingdom of God, Millennium, major portions of Isaiah are so different in style that they Prophecy.]

must have been written by different men is explained by ISHIAH, ISSHIAH, ISHIJAH (It is the Lord). 1 Ch.

the great difference in subject matter. Chapters 1-39 deal 7:3; Ezr. 10:31.

with God’s warning of judgment, while chapters 40-66

ISHMA (high). 1 Ch. 4:3.

deal with God’s promise of salvation. The first section deals with woe; the second, with comfort. (3) The ISHMAEL (God hears). Abraham’s son by his skeptical view is refuted by Jesus’ reference to the entire concubine Hagar (Ge. 16:1-16; 17:18-20; 21:9-21; book of Isaiah as the prophecy of one Isaiah. In John 25:12-16; 28:9; 37:25-28). Ishmael married an Egyptian 12:38-41, Jesus quoted from both major portions of woman (Ge. 21:8-21), and Isaac’s son Esau married his Isaiah (6:1-5 and 29:10 from the first 39 chapters, and daughter (Ge. 28:9; 37:10). [See Abraham, Isaac, Israel, 53:1 from the last 27 chapters). Isaiah is the book that Hagar.]

is most frequently quoted by Christ and His apostles, ISHMAELITES. Descendants of Ishmael. They settled and every time they quoted from Isaiah, they did so in northern Arabia and were perpetual enemies of Israel with the understanding that the book was written by the (Ju. 8:24; Ps. 83:6).

historical prophet (Mt. 3:3; 4:14; 8:17; 12:17; 13:14; ISHMAIAH (God will hear). 1 Ch. 27:19.

15:7; Mk. 7:6; Lk. 3:4; 4:17; Jn. 1:23; 12:38, 39, 41; ISHMERAI (Jehovah keeps). 1 Ch. 8:18.

Ac. 8:28, 30; 28:25; Ro. 9:27, 29; 10:16, 20; 15:12).

ISHOD (man of honor). 1 Ch. 7:18.

Those who accept the authority of Jesus Christ give no credence to skeptical views of the Bible. (4) The ISHPAN (firm, strong). 1 Ch. 8:22.

skeptical view is refuted by Isaiah’s prophecies. Both parts ISHTOB (a good man). 2 Sa. 10:6

of Isaiah give the same prophetic outline of the future ISHUAH, ISUAH (equality, self-satisfying). Ge.

and describe the same Messiah. Since the prophecies 46:17.

were fulfilled to the letter in the life of Jesus Christ, it is ISHUI, ISHUAI, ISUI, JESUI (equality). 1 Sa. 14:49.

clear evidence of the book’s divine inspiration. Isaiah ISLAND, ISLE. In the Old Testament, the word island saw Christ’s virgin birth (Is. 7:14), His forerunner John has a wider meaning than the modern word. The root the Baptist (Is. 40:3-5), His ministry in Galilee (Is.

meaning is habitable land, and it has the following 9:1-2), His deity and eternal throne (Is. 9:6-7), His meanings: (1) Dry land, as opposed to water (Is. 42:15).

preaching and miracles (Is. 11:2; 50:4; 61:1-3), His (2) An island surrounded by water (Is. 23:6; Je. 2:10; determination (Is. 50:7), His rejection by the Jewish Ac. 27:16; 28:7; Re. 1:9). (3) A coastland (Is. 20:6; Ge.

nation (Is. 49:7; 53:1-3), and His sinless reputation (Is.

10:5). (4) The farthest regions of the earth (Is. 41:5; 53:9). Isaiah described Christ’s sufferings in great detail: Zep. 2:11). Isle refers to nations that were established His willingness to die for the nation (Is. 53:7); His awful by the children of Noah (Ge. 10:5), the nations of the marring (Is. 49:16; 50:6; 52:14); His unjust treatment earth which shall worship Christ in His kingdom (Ps.

(v. 8); and His body laid in the grave of a rich man 97:1), and the nations of the world that are called to (“made his grave with the rich,” v. 9). Isaiah also salvation in Christ (Is. 49:1-12).

described Christ’s justification of many through the ISMACHIAH (whom Jehovah upholds). 2 Ch. 31:13.

preaching of the gospel (Is. 53:11) and His ministry to the Gentiles (Is. 11:10; 42:1, 6, 7; 49:6). [See Bible, ISMAIAH (God will hear). 1 Ch. 12:4.

Fable, False Teaching, Foolish Questions, Inspiration, ISPAH (He will excel, firm, strong). 1 Ch. 8:16.

Jesus Christ, Modernism, Prophecy.]

ISRAEL (having power with God). The nation created by God to preserve His truth in the world, to be 330

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a light of the world, and to prepare the way for Christ’s monthly fertility cycle (Le. 15) and of offspring (2 Ki.

coming. The nation is named after Jacob, who was 20:18; Is. 39:7; Mt. 22:25). (2) To go forth (Jos. 8:22).

renamed Israel by God (Ge. 32:28). God called ITCHING EARS. This phrase describes the condition Abraham (Ge. 12:1-3). Abraham had Isaac (Ge. 21).

of apostate Christianity prior to the coming of Christ (2

Isaac had Jacob (Ge. 25). Jacob had twelve sons who Ti. 4:3). Multitudes of professing Christians will turn became the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel (Ge.

from the truth and will follow teachers who teach the 49). To this special people, God gave a land so they new things that they want to hear rather than what the could live separated from the idolatrous nations in order pure Word of God says. The ears of these apostates will to fulfill God’s purposes. God delivered the Scriptures to itch to hear new things. This prophecy has been fulfilled the world through Israel (Ro. 3:1-2). He also gave the increasingly since the first century (2 Ti. 3:13, and is Saviour through Israel (Ro. 9:4-5). Today the nation coming into full blossom before our very eyes today.

Israel has been set aside temporarily in the purposes of Compare 1 Ki. 22:12; Is. 30:10; Je. 5:31; Eze. 33:32; God, and He is creating a special body of saved people Am. 5:10. [See Apostasy, False Teaching.]

called the church composed of Jews and Gentiles (Ac.

ITHAI (strong, existing). 1 Ch. 11:31.

15:14-16; Ep. 3). After this present work is accomplished, God will again resume His purposes with ITHAMAR (like to the palm tree). Ex. 6:23.

Israel and will fulfill all the covenants and prophecies ITHIEL (God with me, God has arrived). Pr. 30:1.

concerning them (Ro. 11:25-27). [See Abomination, ITHMAH (an orphan). 1 Ch. 11:46.

Abraham, Allegorical, Covenant, Great Tribulation, ITHNAN (very excellent). Ge. 36:26.

Isaac, Jacob, Jesus Christ, Kingdom of God, Law, ITHREAM (excellence of the people). 2 Sa. 3:5.

Millennium, Miracles, Pharisee, Prophecy, Revelation, ITHRITE (excelling, remaining). 2 Sa. 23:38.

Zionism.]

ITTAHKAZIN (abode of a prince). Jos. 19:13.

ISSACHAR (he will bring reward). One of Jacob’s 12

sons (Ge. 30:17-18; 35:33). He became the head of the ITTAI (with the Lord). 2 Sa. 15:19.

tribe by his name (Ge. 46:13; Nu. 26:23-24; De. 27:12; ITURAEA (to keep, encircled). Lk. 3:1.

33:18; Jos. 17:10-11; Eze. 48:24-33; Re. 7:7). [See IVAH (overturning, ruin). 2 Ki. 18:34.

Israel.]

IZEHAR (olive tree, oil as producing light). Nu. 3:19.

ISSHIAH. [See Isaiah.]

IZHAR (always green). Ex. 6:18.

ISSUE. (1) To flow out, like an issue of blood (Mk.

IZRAHIAH (God is risen). 1 Ch. 7:3.

5:25) or the waters which issue from the throne (Eze.

IZRI (fasting, tribulation). 1 Ch. 25:11).

47:1, 8). In this sense “issue” is used of a woman’s Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 331

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JAAKAN, JAKAN (tribulation, labor). De. 10:6.

JADON (He judged, thankful). Ne. 3:7.

JAAKOBAH (another Jacob, supplanter, deceiver). 1

JAEL (wild goat, he who ascends). Ju. 4:17.

Ch. 4:36.

JAGUR (settled abode, lodging place). Jos. 15:21.

JAALA (wild goat, elevation, ascending). Ezr. 2:56.

JAH. An abbreviation for Jehovah. [See Jehovah.]

JAALAM (he shall be hid, hidden). Ge. 36:5.

JAHATH (he took away, unity, revival, comfort). 1

JAANAI (the Lord hears, the Lord answers). 1 Ch.

Ch. 4:2.

5:12.

JAHAZ, JAHAZA, JAHAZAH (earth pressed down, JAAREOREGIM (the curtains of the webs, forests of trodden down). Nu. 21:23.

the weavers). 2 Sa. 21:19.

JAHAZIAH (the Lord looked). Ezr. 10:15.

JAASAU (the Lord hears). Ezr. 10:37.

JAHAZIEL (God looks). 1 Ch. 24:23.

JAASIEL (the work of God, created). 1 Ch. 27:21.

JAHDAI (the Lord leads). 1 Ch. 2:47.

JAAZANIAH (the Lord hears). 2 Ki. 25:23.

JAHDIEL (the joining or unity of God). 1 Ch. 5:24.

JAAZER (he bringeth help, helpful). Nu. 21:32.

JAHDO (His joining, together). 1 Ch. 5:14.

JAAZIAH (the Lord comforts). 1 Ch. 24:26.

JAHLEEL (expectation of God, hoping in God). Ge.

JAAZIEL (God comforts). 1 Ch. 15:18.

46:14.

JABAL (flowing easily, wanderer, a stream). Ge. 4:20.

JAHMAI (God keeps). 1 Ch. 7:2.

JABBOK (with the constant murmur of the water, JAHZAH (earth pressed down, threshing floor). 1 Ch.

flowing). Ge. 32:22.

6:78.

JABESH (dry, parched, confusion). 2 Ki. 15:10.

JAHZEEL, JAHZIEL (God distributes). Ge. 46:24.

JABESH GILEAD (Jabesh in the territory of Gilead).

JAHZERAH (he leads back, protection). 1 Ch. 9:12.

Ju. 21:8. [See Gilead, Jabesh.]

JAILOR. Keeper of a prison (Ac. 16:23).

JABEZ (he produced sorrow, trouble). 1 Ch. 4:10.

JAIR (he shone brightly, illuminated). Nu. 32:41.

JABIN (he shall be intelligent). Jos. 15:11.

JAIRUS (he shall shine, running water). Mk. 5:22.

JABNEEL (the building of God). Jos. 15:11.

JAKEH (fearing God, obedient). Pr. 30:1.

JABNEH (building, understanding). 2 Ch. 26:6.

JAKIM (he makes to subsist, God sets up). 1 Ch.

JACHAN (he shall be fat, afflicted). 1 Ch. 5:13.

8:19.

JACINTH. [See Hyacinth.]

JALON (a sure abode, tarrying, lodging). 1 Ch. 4:17.

JACOB (heel-catcher, clever). Jacob is the son of JAMBRES. An Egyptian who withstood Moses in Isaac who inherited Abraham’s blessing and became the Pharaoh’s court (Ex. 7:9-13; 2 Ti. 3:8). The magicians father of the 12 tribes of Israel (Ge. 25-50; Ex. 1:1, 5; who withstood Moses illustrate the attitude of false 3:6, 15, 16; 4:5; 6:3, 8; 19:3; 33:1; Le. 26:42; Nu.

teachers in the last days. They will resist God’s men and 32:11; De. 1:8; 6:10; 9:5, 27; 29:13; 30:20; 34:4; Jos.

attempt to counterfeit the truth. [See False Teacher, 24:4, 32; 1 Sa. 12:8; 2 Ki. 13:23; Mal. 1:2; Mt. 1:2; Miracles, Witchcraft.]

8:11; 22:32; Mk. 12:26; Lk. 1:33; 3:34; 13:28; 20:37; JAMES (tricky, clever, heel-catcher). James is the Jn. 4:5-6, 12; Ac. 3:13; 7:8, 12, 14, 15, 32, 46; Ro.

Greek form of Jacob. There are a number of different 9:13; 11:26; He. 11:9, 20, 21). Israel is named after James referred to in the N.T. (1) James the son of Jacob, who was renamed by God (Ge. 32:28). “Jacob”

Zebedee and the brother of John (Mt. 4:21; 10:2; 17:1; also refers to Jacob’s descendants (Nu. 23:7; De. 32:9; Ac. 1:13; 12:2). He was an apostle and was put to death Ps. 22:23). [See Covenant, Israel.]

by Herod (Ac. 12:2). (2) James the son of Alpheus, who JACOB’S TROUBLE. The time of trouble during also was an apostle (Mt. 10:3; Mk. 6:15; Ac. 1:13; which God will judge the world and separate the godly 15:13; 21:18; Ga. 2:9, 12). James the son of Alpheus remnant of Israel from unbelieving Jews (Je. 30:7). [See was probably the brother of the apostle Jude (Lk. 6:16; Daniel, Day of the Lord, Great Tribulation, Prophecy.]

Jude 1). (3) James the brother of the Lord Jesus (Mt.

JADA (knowing). 1 Ch. 2:28.

13:55; Ac. 12:17; 1 Co. 15:7). He might be the same as JADAU (beloved of the Lord). Ezr. 10:43.

the son of Mary who was called “James the less” (Mk.

15:40). This James is probably the author of the epistle JADDUA (well distinguished, known). Ne. 12:11.

of James (Ja. 1:1). There is a variety of opinion about 332

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the exact identity of some of these men. [See Apostle, JASPER. A precious stone. It was in the high priest’s Canon.]

breastplate (Ex. 28:20; 39:13). The jasper comes in JAMIN (right hand, dexterous). Ge. 46:10.

many shades of colors, but red is the most common and JAMLECH (he appoints a king). 1 Ch. 4:34.

well-known. The Bible meaning for jasper might not be the same as the stone by that name in modern times. In JANGLING. Wrangling; quarreling; false teaching (1

Re. 21:11 jasper is described as “clear as crystal.” The Ti. 1:6). [See False Teaching, Foolish questions, Vain jasper is connected with the description of God’s glory Babbling.]

(Re. 4:3; 21:11, 18, 29) and with Satan before his fall JANNA (he afflicts, poor). Lk. 3:24.

(Eze. 28:13-15). [See High Priest, Satan.]

JANNES (he mocked, he deceived). An Egyptian who JATHNIEL (gift of God). 1 Ch. 26:2.

withstood Moses in Pharaoh’s court (Ex. 7:9-13; 2 Ti.

JATTIR (very excellent). Jos. 15:48.

3:8). [See Jambres.]

JAVAN (soft, tender, young). Ge. 10:2.

JANOAH (constant rest, quiet). 2 Ki. 15:29.

JAVELIN. A spear-like weapon (Nu. 25:7; 1 Sa.

JANOHAH (tarrying, resting). Jos. 16:6.

18:10-11; 19:9-10; 20:33). [See Military.]

JANUM (sleeping). Jos. 15:53.

JAZER [See Jaazer.]

JAPHETH (increase, expansion). One of the three JAZIZ (he shone greatly, made prominent). 1 Ch.

sons of Noah (Ge. 5:32). His descendants traveled north 27:31.

and west and populated the European continent. They also populated parts of Asia. Most, if not all, of the JEALOUS. (1) Suspicious; fear of losing someone’s notable world powers have sprung from Japheth, affection (Nu. 5:14-30; Pr. 6:34). (2) The spirit of including Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, Spain, rivalry (Ro. 10:19; 11:11). (3) Zeal for God and for His England, and America. [See Canaan, Ham, Noah, work and testimony (1 Ki. 19:10, 14; 2 Co. 11:2). (4) Shem.]

God is jealous; He rightfully should have the first place in the affections of His creatures which are made in His JAPHIA (illustrious, which lightens). Jos. 10:3.

image; and when those creatures worship and serve the JAPHLET (God has set free). 1 Ch. 7:32.

creation more than the creator, God is jealous and JAPHLETI (set free). Jos. 16:3.

indignant (Ex. 20:5; 34:14; Nu. 25:11; De. 4:24; 5:9; JAPHO (beautiful gate, fairness). Jos. 19:46.

6:15; 29:20; 32:16, 21; Jos. 24:19; 1 Ki. 14:22; Ps.

JARAH (honeycomb, pouring out, unveiler). 1 Ch.

78:58; 79:5; Is. 42:13; Eze. 36:5-6; 38:19; 39:25; Zep.

9:42.

1:18; 3:8; Ze. 1:14; 8:2; Na. 1:2). [See Emulations, JABEB (revenger, adversary). Ho. 5:13.

Envy.]

JARED (descended). Ge. 5:15.

JEARIM (woods, forests). Jos. 15:10.

JARESIAH (the bed of God, God has taken away JEATERAI (the Lord may make). 1 Ch. 6:21.

poverty). 1 Ch. 8:27.

JEBERECHIAH (he blessed with the blessing of JARHA (adoption). 1 Ch. 2:34.

God). Is. 8:2.

JARIB (he gave cause, fighting, adversary). 1 Ch.

JEBUS, JEBUSI (threshing floor). An early name for 4:24.

Jerusalem (Ju. 19:10; 1 Ch. 11:4-5). [See Jerusalem.]

JARMUTH (height, seeing). Jos. 21:29.

JECAMIAH (flock of God). 1 Ch. 3:18.

JAROAH (breathing, making a sweet odor). 1 Ch.

JECHOLIAH (God will enable). 2 Ch. 15:2.

5:14.

JECHONIAS (whom God establishes). The Greek JASHEN (drowsy, ancient). 2 Sa. 23:32.

form of Jeconiah (Mt. 1:11).

JASHER (righteous, straight). Jos. 10:13.

JECOLIAH (The power of God). 2 Ch. 26:3.

JASHOBEAM (he dwelt among the people). 1 Ch.

JECONIAH (God establishes). Je. 24:1.

11:11.

JEDIAH (the praise of God). Ne. 3:10.

JASHUB (he brought back). Nu. 26:24.

JEDAIAH (the Lord knew). 1 Ch. 9:10.

JASHUBILEHEM (he brought back bread). 1 Ch.

JEDIAEL (the knowledge of God). 1 Ch. 7:6.

4:22.

JEDIDAH (amiable). 2 Ki. 22:1.

JASIEL (God has made, the strength of God). 1 Ch.

JEDIDIAH (beloved of the Lord). The name given to 11:47. [See Jaasiel.]

Solomon by God (2 Sa. 12:25).

JASON (about to give health, the healer). Ac. 17:5.

J.E.D.P. . A modernistic concept which theorizes that the Pentateuch was written, not by the historical Moses, but centuries after Moses by unknown editors which are Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 333

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labeled J (Jehovist), E (Elohimist), D (Deuteronomist), JEHOVAH. The personal name by which God is and P (priestly). Many supposed “evangelical” scholars revealed in the Old Testament (Ps. 83:18). Jehovah is have adopted the J.E.D.P. theory of inspiration. [See the merciful, holy and just, promise-keeping, Creator Adam, Fundamentalism, Evolution, Graf-Wellhausen, God. The Bible emphasizes that Jehovah is both Saviour Inspiration, Modernism.]

and Judge. He is the covenant-keeping Redeemer to the JEDUTHUN (great love, praising). 1 Ch. 9:16.

believer, and He is the holy God of judgment to the JEEZER (help). Nu. 26:30.

unbeliever (De. 7:9-10). We see this definition in the first mention of Jehovah in Genesis 2-3. God is called JEGARSAHADUTHA (heap of witness). Ge. 31:47.

Jehovah 19 times in these chapters. We see Jehovah as JEHALELEEL (he praises God). 1 Ch. 4:16.

the loving Creator, making man and providing for all of JEHDEIAH (one Lord, unity). 1 Ch. 15:24.

his needs. We see Jehovah as the just Judge, giving man JEHEZEKEL (the strength of God). 1 Ch. 24:16.

the first law and warning of judgment for disobedience JEHIAH (God lives). 1 Ch. 15:24.

(Ge. 2:16-17). We see Jehovah as Judge, punishing man JEHIEL (God lives). Ezr. 8:9.

after the fall, but we also see Him as the Redeemer, seeking sinners, bringing them to repentance, JEHIELI (descendant of Jehiel). 1 Ch. 26:21.

prophesying of the coming Saviour, and clothing them JEHIZKIAH (God shows himself strong). 1 Ch.

in the coats which signified the salvation provided by 28:12.

the sacrifice of God’s Son (Ge. 3:8, 15, 21). This is the JEHOADAH (God held up). 1 Ch. 8:36.

definition of Jehovah that Solomon emphasized at the JEHOADDAN (delight of God). 2 Ki. 14:2.

dedication of the Temple (2 Ch. 6:14-15). Solomon said JEHOAHAZ (God has taken). 2 Ki. 10:35.

Jehovah God is the only God; He keeps covenant and shows mercy; He keeps His promises; He gives laws and JEHOASH (God has given). (1) A king of Judah (2

deals with men on the basis of their obedience (“thy Ki. 11-13; 2 Ch. 24-25). (2) A king of Israel (2 Ki.

servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts,”

13:10-13; 14:8-16; 2 Ch. 25:17-24).

verse 14). The greatness of Jehovah’s mercy and JEHOHANAN (God gave graciously). 2 Ch. 17:15.

salvation can only be understood in light of His terrible JEHOIACHIN (God establishes). One of the last holiness (Le. 11:45; 19:1-2; Ps. 11:4-5; Is. 6:3; Hag.

kings of Judah (2 Ki. 24:6-16; 2 Ch. 36:8-10).

1:12-13). Jehovah is the lawgiver and the punisher of JEHOIADA (God has known). 2 Ki. 11:4.

lawbreakers (Ex. 20:1-18). The book of Psalms is a book JEHOIAKIM (God confirms). 1 Ch. 3:15.

of praise to Jehovah God. Forty-one times the Psalmist JEHOIARIB (God has pleaded by cause). 1 Ch. 24:7.

says, “Praise the LORD” or “Praise ye the LORD.”

Jehovah is to be praised because of His goodness and JEHONADAB (God gave freely). 2 Ki. 10:15.

mercy (Ps. 106:1; 103:8-14). Sixteen times we are told JEHONATHAN (the gift of God). 1 Ch. 27:25.

that Jehovah is good (1 Ch. 16:34; 2 Ch. 5:3; 7:3; Ezr.

JEHORAM (God is exalted). (1) A king of Judah (2

3:11; Ps. 34:8; 100:5; 106:1; 107:1; 118:1, 29; 135:3; Ki. 8:16-24; 2 Ch. 21:1-20). (2) A king of the northern 136:1; 145:9; Je. 33:11; La. 3:25; Na. 1:7). [See God, I tribes (2 Ki. 3:1; 9:21-24).

Am, Immanuel, Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah-Nissi, Jehovah-JEHOSHABEATH (Oath of God). 2 Ch. 22:11.

Shalom, Jehovah-Tsidkenu, Jesus Christ.]

JEHOSHAPHAT (Jehovah is Judge). A godly king of JEHOVAH-JIREH (Jehovah will provide). The name Israel (1 Ki. 15-24; 2 Ch. 17-20). He did many Abraham gave to an altar after God provided a sacrifice wonderful things for the glory of God, but in his later in the place of Isaac (Ge. 22:1-14). It reminds us of years he sinned by yoking together with wicked Ahab (1

God’s mercy in seeing man’s need of salvation and in Ki. 22:1-36; 2 Ch. 18:1-34). Jehoshaphat was rebuked providing His Son as a ransom for sin (Jn. 3:16). [See for this (2 Ch. 19:1-3; 20:35-37).

God, Jehovah.]

JEHOSHAPHAT, VALLEY OF. The valley between JEHOVAH-NISSI (Jehovah is my banner). The name Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. It is also called the Moses gave to an altar after God defeated Israel’s valley of the Kidron (the brook which runs down the enemy, Amalak, and promised to destroy this enemy valley) and the valley of decision (Joel 3:14). Here utterly (Ex. 17:8-15). This name reminds us that God is Jehoshaphat defeated the enemies of Israel (2 Ki. 11:2; the believer’s victory over all enemies. [See God, 2 Ch. 22:11). Joel prophesies that here God will gather Jehovah.]

the heathen nations to judge them (Joel 3:1, 2). [See JEHOVAH-SHALOM (Jehovah is peace). The name Armageddon, Great Tribulation, Prophecy.]

Gideon gave to an altar after God spoke to him (Ju.

JEHOSHEBA (oath of God). 2 Ki. 11:2.

6:21-24). It reminds us that God gives peace to His JEHOSHUA. [See Joshua.]

people because of the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ (Jn.

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14:27; 16:33; Ro. 5:1; Ep. 2:13-19; Col. 1:20). In the lake of fire. (9) The Jehovah’s Witnesses are the only N.T. God is often called the God of peace (Ro. 15:13; true Christians. (10) Only a few Christians will go to 16:20; 2 Co. 13:11; Ph. 4:9; 1 Th. 5:23; 2 Th. 3:16; He.

heaven. (11) Some will have a second chance for 13:20). Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6). The salvation after death. (12) Christians should not serve in gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ is the gospel of the military or show honor governments such as peace (Ro. 10:15). [See God, Gospel, Jehovah, Peace.]

saluting the flag. These teachings are contrary to the J E H O VA H - T S I D K E N U ( J e h o v a h i s o u r Bible. The JWs must be marked and rejected (Ro righteousness). A name given prophetically to the Lord 16:17-18). [For refutation of the false JW beliefs see Jesus Christ (Je. 23:6). It is another proof of Christ’s Death, False Teaching, Gospel, Grace, Heaven, Hell, deity. The name is also applied prophetically to Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Justification, Judgment, Jerusalem (Je. 33:15-16). After Christ returns and sets Salvation, Soul, Spirit.]

up His throne in Jerusalem, His city will be called after JEHOZABAD (the Lord has given). 1 Ch. 26:4.

His own name—the Lord our righteousness. [See God, I JEHOZADAK (the justice of God). 1 Ch. 26:4.

Am, Immanuel, Jehovah, Jesus Christ.]

JEHU (the Lord He is). A king of Israel (2 Ki. 9-10).

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES. These false teachers JEHUBBAH (hiding). 1 Ch. 7:34.

originated with a man named Charles Taze Russell in 1884 in America. Until 1931 they were known as the JEHUCAL, JUCAL (he became superior, mighty). Je.

Russellites, Millennial Dawn People, and International 37:3.

Bible Students. The headquarters was moved to JEHUD (praise, place of renown). Jos. 19:45.

Brooklyn, New York, in 1909. In 1916, Joseph JEHUDI (God my praise). Je. 36:14.

Rutherford became president. In 1939, the name was JEHUDIJAH (praising of God). 1 Ch. 4:18.

changed to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. The JEHUSH (a congregation, a flock). 1 Ch. 8:39.

Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW) have a strongly centralized JEIEL, JEHIEL (God lives, carried away of God). 1

leadership, with the congregations directed from the Ch. 5:7.

headquarters in New York. A traveling minister preaches in about 20 congregations in a circuit, spending about a JEKABZEEL (God will gather). Ne. 11:25.

week at each one. Their meeting houses are called JEKAMEAM (congregation of the people). 1 Ch.

Kingdom Halls.

24:23.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to be the only true JEKAMIAH (flock of God, God will rise). 1 Ch. 2:41.

church today and are very aggressive in promoting their JEKUTHIEL (reverence toward God). 1 Ch. 4:18.

beliefs, having churches and missionaries throughout JEMIMA (a dove, affectionate). Job 42:14.

the world. Full-time preachers give at least 90 hours per JEMUEL (God circumcised). Greek form of Jephthah month to proclaiming the JW faith. Missionaries donate (He. 11:32). [See Jephthah.]

at least 140 hours per month. Most JW preachers provide their own support.

JEOPARDY. To be in danger; peril (Ju. 5:18; 2 Sa.

23:17; 1 Ch. 11:19; Lk. 8:23; 1 Co. 15:30).

The JWs have produced an amazing amount of literature. The Watchtower, official JW journal, has a JEPHTHAH (he opened). A judge of Israel (Ju. 11:1

circulation of more than 13 million. More than one

—12:7).

billion Bibles, books, and leaflets have been distributed JEPHUNNEH (he beheld). Nu. 13:6.

in at least 176 languages since 1920. Approximately 3.4

JERAH (the moon, month, pleasant odor). Ge.

million Witnesses are active in distribution work 10:26.

throughout the world (770,000 in the U.S.). There are JERAHMEEL (God pities). 1 Ch. 2:9.

more than 46,000 congregations in 98 countries JERED (ruling, a descent). 1 Ch. 1:2.

worldwide.

JEREMAI (he exalted). Ezr. 10:33.

Some of the False Doctrines Held by Jehovah’s JEREMIAH (God is the exalted One). The prophet Witnesses: (1) They reject the Trinity, saying that Jesus is who wrote the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations (2

not God and the Holy Spirit is not a Person, but a force.

Ch. 35:25; 36:12, 21, 22; Ezr. 1:1; Je. 1:1; Da. 9:2; Mt.

(2) Jesus was created. (3) Jesus was not bodily 2:17; 16:14; 27:9).

resurrected but was resurrected as a spirit being. (4) Jesus is no longer a man. (5) Jesus will not return to JEREMOTH (elevations, high places). Ezr. 10:26.

earth literally and physically. (6) Salvation is by grace JEREMY (God is exalted). An abbreviated English PLUS works. (7) The dead are asleep in the graves and form of Jeremiah (Mt. 2:17). [See Jeremiah.]

are not in heaven or hell. (8) Satan and the wicked will JERIAH, JERIJAH (God looks with favor). 2 Ch.

not suffer eternal torment, but will be burned up in the 26:31.

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JERIBAI (God pleads). 1 Ch. 11:46.

Antichrist (Da. 9:27). (3) The two witnesses of JERICHO (constant pleasant odor, place of Revelation 11 will prophesy in Jerusalem, and there will fragrance). Jericho was a pagan city that was conquered be a great earthquake following their resurrection (Re.

by Israel when God destroyed its walls (Jos. 6). A curse 11:11-13). (4) For the final 3.5 years of the Great was pronounced by Joshua that anyone who rebuilt Tribulation, Jerusalem will be “given unto the Gentiles: Jericho’s walls would lose his firstborn and youngest and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and sons (Jos. 6:26). This was fulfilled in 1 Ki. 16:34.

two months” (Re. 11:2; Mt. 24:15-21). (5) At the end of JERIEL (God looks on). 1 Ch. 7:2.

the Tribulation, all nations will be gathered together against Jerusalem (Joel 3:1-12). (6) The Lord Jesus JERIJAH. [See Jeriah.]

Christ will return, destroy the Antichrist, defeat the JERIMOTH (eminences, he who fears). 1 Ch. 7:7.

Gentile armies, and establish His earthly capital in JERIOTH (curtains, breaking asunder). 1 Ch. 2:18.

Jerusalem (Ze. 13-14; Joel 3:14-21; Is. 66:15-24). [See JEROBOAM (increase the people). (1) The first king Covenant, Israel, Kingdom of God, Millennium, of the northern tribes of Israel (1 Ki. 12-14; 2 Ch.

Prophecy, Second Coming.]

10-11). (2) The 13th king of Israel (2 Ki. 14:23-29).

JERUSHA, JERUSHAH (hereditary possession). 2 Ki.

JEROHAM (merciful, beloved). 1 Sa. 1:1.

15:33.

JERUBBAAL (Baal strives). A name given to Gideon JESAIAH, JESHAIAH (the salvation of God). 1 Ch.

because he overthrew Baal’s altar (Ju. 6:32). [See 3:21.

Gideon.]

JESHANAH (ancient). 2 Ch. 13:19.

JERUBBESHETH (contending with the shame). A JESHARELAH (upright toward God). 1 Ch. 25:14.

name given to Gideon because he overthrew Baal’s altar JESHEBEAB (a father’s home). 1 Ch. 24:13.

(2 Sa. 11:21).

JESHER (righteous). 1 Ch. 2:18.

JERUEL (the reverence of God). 2 Ch. 20:16.

JESHIMON (solitude, desolation). Nu. 21:20.

JERUSALEM (foundation of peace). The capital of JESHISHAI (God maketh to dwell in peace). 1 Ch.

Israel. Jerusalem’s History: (1) Before King David’s Time: 5:14.

In Abraham’s day, Jerusalem was called Salem. It was the city of Melchizedek, king of Salem (Ge. 14:18).

JESHOHAIAH (the meditation of God). 1 Ch. 4:36.

Later it was called Jebus and Jerusalem by idolatrous JESHUA, JESHUAH (the salvation of the Lord). Ne.

people (Jos. 10:1; 15:8; 18:28; Ju. 19:10). (2) During 8:17.

David’s Reign: Jebus was conquered by David’s men and JESHURUN, JESURUN (the righteous nation). A made the capital of his kingdom, and renamed “the city poetic name for Israel, a term of affection (De. 32:15; of David” (2 Sa. 5:6-9). (3) From Solomon to the Time of 33:5, 26; Is. 44:2). Israel is righteous because of God’s Christ: The temple of God was built in Jerusalem in redemption. [See Israel.]

Solomon’s reign and the city remained Israel’s capital JESIAH (God gives as a loan). 1 Ch. 12:6.

and center of worship until it was destroyed by JESIMIEL (God places). 1 Ch. 4:36.

Nebuchadnezzar’s armies (2 Ki. 24:25). After Israel’s 70-year captivity in Babylon, Jerusalem and the temple JESSE (gift of the Lord). The father of David (Ru.

were rebuilt under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Ezra, 4:18-22; 1 Sa. 17:12-14). The prophet Isaiah foretold Nehemiah, and the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and that Jesus would be both the root and branch of Jesse, Malachi. (4) From the Time of Christ to Present: as the Son of David (Is. 11:1, 10). This refers to His Jerusalem was destroyed in AD 70 by Roman armies humanity (branch of Jesse) and His deity (root of under General Titus. Jerusalem’s history from then until Jesse). [See Covenant, David, Jesus Christ.]

1948 was one of subjection by a succession of Gentile JESUI (equality, level). Nu. 26:44.

powers—Romans, European crusaders, Arabs, the JESURUN. [See Jeshurun.]

Ottomans, and the British. In 1948, the new state of JESTING. Improper joking (Ep. 5:4). This is not a Israel was announced and the Jews miraculously won condemnation of levity in general. The Bible says “a the war of independence against united Arab armies.

merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Pr. 22:17).

Jews began to return to Israel by the tens of thousands.

What is forbidden in Ephesians 5 is the laughing and In 1967, following the Six-day War against attacking joking in any improper sense, such as the telling of dirty Arab nations, Israel captured the Temple Mount and has jokes. The passage says, “But fornication, and all controlled the entire city since that time. Prophecies of uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named Jerusalem’s future: (1) A new temple will be built among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor which will be desecrated by the Antichrist (2 Th. 2:4; foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: Mt. 24:15). (2) Israel will sign a peace pact with the 336

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but rather giving of thanks” (Ep. 5:3-4). The context is

“and knew her not till she had brought forth her immorality and things which are not convenient, or firstborn son” (Mt. 1:25)

fitting, or proper. This is the type of “jesting” God is

“a virgin” (Lk. 1:27)

forbidding. [See Evil Speaking, Filthy Communication,

“the virgin” (Lk. 1:27)

Happy, Joy, Laughter, Merry, Mirth, Sober.]

“I know not a man” (Lk. 1:34)

JESUITES. The family of Jesui (Nu. 26:44).

“the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee” (Lk. 1:35) JESUS CHRIST. “Jesus” is the Greek equivalent of The Hebrew Word for the Virgin Birth: The Hebrew the Hebrew word meaning Saviour (Mt. 1:21). “Christ”

word translated “virgin” in Is. 7:14 is almah. It is used is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word Messiah, nine times in the Bible (Ge. 24:43; Ex. 2:8; Ps. 68:25; meaning “anointed” and refers to Jesus as the Messiah Pr. 30:19; Song 1:3; 6:8; Is. 7:14). Almah is translated promised in prophecy (Da. 9:25-26; Jn. 1:41; 4:25; Ac.

“maid” in Ex. 2:8 and “damsel” in Ps. 68:25. Though 2:36). Jesus refers particularly to the Lord’s humanity many commentators claim that the word can refer to a and incarnation by which He became a man to die for woman who is not a virgin, it is not certain that it is our sins, Christ refers particularly to the Lord’s eternal ever so used in Scripture. Ge. 24:43 refers to Rebekah deity as the Son of God.

before she became Isaac’s bride. She obviously was a

- Prophecies of Christ’s First Coming virgin in the strictest sense of the word. Ex. 2:8 refers to Moses’ sister when she was a girl living at home. Again His birth was foretold. (1) The lineage (2 Sa. 7:11-12; this is a clear reference to a virgin. Ps. 68:25 and Song Ps. 132:11; Is. 9:6; 16:5; Je. 23:5). (2) The time (Da.

1:3 and 6:8 are not as clear as to what kind of girls are 9:25). (3) The place (Mi. 5:2). (4) The miracle (Is.

in view, but there is absolutely no indication in the 7:14; Mt. 1:22-23). (5) The forerunner (Mal. 3:1; Mt.

contexts that these are not virgins. To say that they are 3:1-3). (6) The flight to Egypt (Ho. 11:1; Mt. 2:15). (7) not strictly virgins is mere speculation. The reference in The massacre of infants (Je. 31:15; Mt. 2:17-18). (8) Is. 7:14 without question speaks of a virgin, because it Dwelling in Nazareth (Is. 11:1; Mt. 2:23).

was fulfilled in the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The His life was foretold. (1) His preaching (Is. 61:1). (2) N.T. plainly tells us that though she was espoused to His healing ministry (Is. 61:1). (3) His wonderful words Joseph, she conceived the Lord Jesus Christ “before they (Is. 50:4). (4) His rejection by the Jewish nation (Is.

came together” (Mt. 1:18). The Holy Spirit quotes Isaiah 53:2-3). (5) His entrance into Jerusalem (Ze. 9:9).

and applies it directly to the Lord Jesus Christ. Any His death was foretold. (1) His betrayal by a friend

“theologian” who questions this application or the (Ps. 41:9; Mt. 26:14-36, 47-49). (2) Forsaken by his Authorized Version’s translation of Isaiah 7:14 is disciples (Ze. 13:7; Mt. 26:31, 56). (3) Perverted justice denying the testimony of God.

(Is. 53:7-8; Mt. 26:57-60; 27:11-14). (4) The crucifixion The Purpose of the Virgin Birth: (1) Christ became a (Ps. 22:14-16; Jn. 19:16-18). (5) Thirst (Ps. 22:15; Jn.

man so He could make atonement for man’s sin (Mk.

19:28). (6) Vinegar to drink (Ps. 69:21; Mt. 27:34, 48; 10:45; Ro. 5:12, 18-21; 2 Co. 5:19; 1 Ti. 2:5-6; He. 2:9, Jn. 19:28-30). (7) The words on the cross (Ps. 22:1; Mt.

17; 10:4-12; 1 Jn. 3:5). (2) Christ became a man to 27:46). (8) The mocking crowd (Ps. 22:6-8; Mt. 27:39, inherit the Davidic covenant (Is. 9:6-7; Lk. 1:31-33; Ac.

41-43). (9) The people sitting and staring (Ps. 22:17; 2:29-30). (3) Christ became a man to be an example to Mt. 27:36). (10) Soldiers casting lots for His garments the saints (1 Pe. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:6). (4) Christ became a (Ps. 22:18; Mt. 27:35). (11) His vicarious suffering (Is.

man to be our High Priest (He. 2:17; 3:1). (5) Christ 53:5-6; He. 9:28). (12) No bones broken (Ps. 34:20; Ex.

became a man to destroy the works of the devil (He.

12:46; Nu. 9:12; Jn. 19:33-36). (13) His burial in a rich 2:14; 1 Jn. 3:8). (6) Christ became a man to fulfill all man’s tomb (Is. 53:9; Mt. 27:57-60).

the prophecies of Scripture (Lk. 1:69-70). [See His resurrection was foretold (Ps. 16:10; Lk. 24:1-7).

Atonement, Covenant, High Priest.]

His ascension to heaven was foretold (Ps. 110:1; Mk.

- The Deity of Christ

16:9,14-19).

The fact that Jesus Christ is God is proven by the

- The Virgin Birth

following Bible passages:

The Fact of the Virgin Birth: The Bible plainly says 1. Everything said about Jehovah God in the O.T. is Jesus Christ was born of a virgin. This was the promise said about Jesus Christ in the N.T.

of the O.T. (Is. 7:14), and it is emphasized in the N.T.

Title Jehovah God Jesus Christ

“before they came together” (Mt. 1:18) Lord of lords

Ps. 136:3

Re. 19:16

“with child of the Holy Ghost” (Mt. 1:18) Stone of stumbling Is. 8:13-15

1 Pe. 2:6-8

“that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Creator

Is. 44:24 Col. 1:16

Ghost” (Mt. 1:20)

Only Saviour Is. 43:11 2 Ti. 1:10

“behold, a virgin shall be with child” (Mt. 1:23) King of kings

Ps. 95:3 1 Ti. 6:14-15

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Alpha and Omega Is. 44:6 Re. 1:7-18

mystery of the Trinity. Though we do not fully Good Shepherd Is. 40:10-11 Jn. 10:11

understand it, we believe it because it is the Every knee bow Is. 45:23 Ph. 2:10-11

teaching of the Scriptures.

Judge Is. 24:20-21 He. 12:23

What about Verses that Seem to Say that Jesus Is Less Reigning Is. 24:23 Mt. 25:31

Than the Father?

2. The O.T. Prophets said that the Messiah would be Mark 13:32 is a key example of this: “But of that day God (compare Is. 7:14 and Mt. 1:23; Is. 9:6; Je. 23:5-6).

and that hour knoweth no man no, not the angels which 3. Christ was proclaimed to be God at his birth (Mt.

are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.”

1:23; Lk. 1:17, 32, 76; 2:11).

(1) Christ might have been referring to the 4. Jesus claimed to be God, and He accepted worship completeness of His union with and submission to the from men (Mt. 2:11; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 20:20; Father. “Our Saviour does not deny that the knowledge 28:9, 17; Mk. 5:6; Lk. 24:52; Jn. 5:18, 23; 8:56-59; of that day and hour dwells in fullest measure with the 9:38; 10:30-33; 20:28). The Bible teaches that it is Son, but He mysteriously intimates (in conformity with idolatry to worship any one or any thing other than the what is found to have been His practice on many other one true God (Mt. 4:10; Ex. 34:14; Is. 42:8). Therefore, occasions), that the Son Himself does but know because the fact that Jesus accepted worship is indisputable of His oneness with the Father, the Fountain-head of all evidence that he is God. The elect angels refuse to knowledge and of all being, who had reserved that accept worship (Re. 19:10). The apostles refused secret from the holy angels themselves. He knows worship (Acts 14:11-15). Christ, though, was repeatedly because the Father knows. He would not know, if not ( ei worshipped by those who approached Him, and not me) the Father knew” (John William Burgon, cited by once does the Bible record that He corrected them or Edward Goulburn, John William Burgon: Late Dean of refused worship

Chichester, 1892, II, pp. 171, 72).

5. The N.T. writers said Jesus Christ is God (Jn. 1:1; (2) This verse is explained by Philippians 2:7. In the Ac. 20:28; 10:36; Ph. 2:6; Col. 1:15; 2:9; 1 Ti. 1:15-17; incarnation, the Son of God “made himself of no 3:16; 6:14-16; He. 1:3; Tit. 2:13; 1 Jn. 3:16).

reputation.” The Greek word is “kenoo,” meaning “to 6. Every man and angel will worship Jesus (Ph.

empty, to abase, to make of none effect” (Strong). “In 2:9-11; He. 1:8-9). If Jesus were not God He could not his kenosis, the eternal Son dropped for the time being receive worship (Ex. 20:3-5; 34:10; Is. 42:8; Mt. 4:10).

THE EXERCISE OF certain powers and attributes, but 7. Jesus is called “Lord” 663 times in the N.T. “The He remained Himself. ... He was still God the Son in Greek word kurios is the equivalent of the Hebrew adoni holy will, divine desire, righteous purpose, and and is so used by Jesus in Mt. 22:43-45. That the intent immaculate love. The infinity of powers not needed or is to identify Jesus Christ with the O.T. God is evident suited within the narrow scope of a human life, He laid from Mt. 3:3; 12:8; 21:9 (Ps. 118:26); 22:43-45; Lk.

aside. Jesus himself taught this doctrine before Paul did.

1:43; Jn. 8:58; 14:8-10; 20:28; Ac. 9:5; 13:33 (Ps.

He referred more than once to His personal 2)” (Scofield).

preexistence. Concerning his kenosis he said: ‘And now, Who Called Jesus God?

O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the David called Him God (Mt. 22:43-45).

glory which I had with thee before the world was’ (John Isaiah called Him God (Is. 7:14; 9:6).

17:5). And again, ‘What and if ye shall see the Son of Jeremiah called Him God (Je. 23:5-6).

man ascend up where he was before?’ (John Matthew called Him God (Mt. 1:23).

6:62)” (John Champion, The Virgin’s Son, 1924, pp. 88, Christ called Himself God (Jn. 5:17-18; 8:58-59; 89). Philippians 2:5-8 plainly says Christ was in the 10:30-33; Re. 1:8).

form of God and took the form of a servant. It was The angels called Him God (Lk. 2:11).

merely the form that he changed, not His Deity.

Elizabeth called Him God (Lk. 1:42-43).

John called Him God (Jn. 1:1; 1 John 3:16; 5:20).

(3) Mark 13:32 teaches the Son’s submission to the The blind man called Him God (Jn. 9:35-38).

Father. The Bible reveals the one God in three persons, Thomas called Him God (Jn. 20:28).

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All are God and are co-Peter called Him God (Acts 10:34-36).

equal, but there is an order within the Godhead, so that Paul called Him God (Acts 20:28; Ph. 2:5-6; 1 Ti.

the Son submits to the Father. “The reference is perfectly 3:16; Titus 2:13).

clear when one bears in mind the purpose of Mark’s God the Father called Him God (He. 1:8-9).

Gospel—to portray Jesus as the faithful Servant of Hebrews 1:8-9 is quoted from Psalm 45, and in Jehovah. Christ says in John 15:15, ‘The servant Psalm 45 it is obvious that Jehovah God is speaking knoweth not what his lord doeth.’ How significant that about the Son. God the Father calls the Son God, Mark, who presents Jesus as the perfect Servant, should and God the Son calls the Father God. This is the record this statement about the hour of His return as 338

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King of kings and Lord of lords. (Matthew also makes a occurs nearly 700 times in the N.T.; over 600 times in similar statement in Mt. 24:36; likewise, Luke, in Acts the gospels alone. We account for the infrequent use of 1:7.) In the aspect of His ministry as a Servant, our Lord this peerless name in the Epistles due to the new made a voluntary surrender of certain knowledge, in position of Jesus as risen and exalted. ‘Christ Jesus’ or order that He might walk the walk of faith, and thus be

‘Jesus Christ’ is the name used in the Epistles for this an object-lesson to all believers. While He ever new position of exaltation and glorification. These titles remained the eternal Son of God, co-equal and co-are used upwards of 200 times. ‘Jesus’ alone is used eternal with the Father; yet as a Servant, He chose a about 40 times in the Epistles” (Boyd).

limitation of His knowledge, bounded by the Father’s CHRIST. “This is the Greek word for the Hebrew will” (Louis Talbot, Bible Questions Explained, p. 38).

‘Messiah,’ meaning ‘anointed.’ This title occurs about 50

- The Humanity of Christ

times in the gospels as compared to about 300 times in 1. Jesus was given human names (Mt. 1:21; Lk.

the Epistles. ‘Christ’ is an official designation, or title, 19:10; Ac. 7:56).

and is usually written with the article prefixed as ‘the 2. Jesus had human ancestry (Lk. 2:7; Ac. 13:23; Mt.

Christ.’ When Jesus said to His disciples, ‘whom say ye 1:16).

that I am?’ Peter replied, ‘Thou art THE CHRIST, the Son of the living God’ (Mt. 16,16)” (Ibid.).

3. Jesus possessed a physical nature (Jn. 1:14; He.

2:14; 1 Jn. 4:3).

JESUS CHRIST. “This double title appears only five times in the gospels, but is used 184 times by Paul, 4. Jesus was subject to the laws of human Peter, and John in their Letters. The lowly humbled Man development (Mt. 4:1-11; Mk. 6:3; Lk. 2:40, 46, 52; on the earth, Jesus, is now the exalted and glorified He. 2:18; 5:8).

Man in the heavens, Christ. What He was as ‘Jesus,’ and 5. Jesus was subject to normal human characteristics.

what He is as ‘Christ’ combined, give the force of this He hungered (Mt. 4:2; 21:18). He thirsted (Jn. 4:7). He title. The sufferings of earth and the glories of heaven became weary (Jn. 4:6). He slept (Mt. 8:24). He had are thus wondrously linked in the divine order of the compassion (Mt. 9:36; 23:37; Mk. 10:21). He was angry names ‘Jesus Christ’ (Ibid.).

and grieved (Mk. 3:4; Jn. 2:16). He trusted (He. 5:7).

CHRIST JESUS. This title is not used in the gospels He wept (Jn. 11:35; Lk. 19:41; He. 5:7). He prayed (Mt.

but appears 58 times in Paul’s epistles and in 1 Peter.

14:23). He was sorrowful (Mt. 26:36-42).

The reversal of the order emphasizes the deity and 6. Jesus had a body (Jn. 1:14; He. 2:14), soul (Mt.

exalted status of the risen, ascended Lord.

26:38; Lk. 23:43), and spirit (Lk. 23:46).

LORD JESUS CHRIST. The full title of the Saviour 7. Jesus died (1 Co. 15:3).

appears 132 times in the epistles. “This is the full 8. Jesus is called a man both before and after His written title of our blessed Saviour, connecting His resurrection (Ac. 17:31; 1 Ti. 2:5) ( 100 Bible Lessons).

authority (Lord) with His manhood (Jesus) and glory

- The Character of Christ

(Christ)” (Ibid.).

It would be impossible to fully delineate the SON OF GOD. This title describes the eternal Sonship manifold, perfect character of Christ, but the following and Deity of Jesus Christ. He is GOD, the Second Person are some aspects emphasized in Scripture: of the Trinity. It appears in 42 verses.

(1) He is holy (Lk. 1:35; Ac. 3:14). (2) He is loving SON OF MAN. The term “son of man” appears 108

(Jn. 14:31; Ep. 5:25; Jn. 13:1). (3) He is compassionate times in the Old Testament, and refers to men in general (Jn. 11:35; Mk. 6:34). (4) He is prayerful (He. 5:7; Lk.

(Nu. 23:19; Job 25:6; Ps. 146:3) and to Ezekiel in 6:12; Mk. 1:35). (5) He is meek (Mt. 11:29). (6) He is particular (93 times). In Daniel 7:13, the title “son of diligent (Mt. 14:13-15; Jn. 9:4; Lk. 6:12). (7) He is bold man” refers to Christ prophetically. The term “son of (Jn. 2:13-17; Mt. 23). (8) He is sinless (He. 7:26; 1 Pe.

man” appears 85 times in the New Testament (81 times 2:22; 1 Jn. 3:5). (9) He is obedient to the Father (Lk.

in the gospels and four times in the epistles) and except 2:51; He. 10:7). (10) He is single-minded in fulfilling possibly for He. 2:6, it always refers to Christ. He often God’s will (Jn. 4:31-34).

used this term when referring to himself (Mt. 8:20; 9:6;

- The Names and Offices of Christ

10:23; etc.). It describes his identity with mankind and JESUS. “In the gospel records He is called ‘Jesus,’ His with humanity in his incarnation, death, burial, personal name by birth into the world (Mt. 1:21; Lk.

resurrection, and ascension.

1:31). Its basic meaning is ‘Saviour—salvation’ (He SON OF DAVID. This title is used 14 times in the saves, delivers, makes free, makes safe). It also speaks New Testament and identifies Jesus as the Son who has of reproach, suffering, and shame (Ac. 5:40, 41). It is inherited David’s throne (2 Sa. 7:12-16). “This title is the N.T. equivalent of ‘Joshua.’ This precious name found in the synoptical gospels 14 times (8 in Matthew, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 339

JESUS CHRIST

3 in Mark, 3 in Luke, and none in John). This title is Wonderful (Is. 9:6).

more confined in its application than the broader and Word (Jn. 1:1).

more comprehensive one, ‘Son of Man.’ The former has

- The Miracles of Christ

Judea in its range and the Jews as its subjects of The Characteristics of His Miracles: (1) He had power blessing; while the latter has earth as its sphere and over nature (Mt. 8:26-27; 14:25), devils (Mk. 5:12-13; mankind in general as the subject of its exercise” (Ibid.).

Mt. 8:28-32), disease (Mt. 8:3; 12:10-13), and death Other Names and Offices of Christ

(Jn. 11:44; Mt. 9:23-25; Lk. 7:12-15). (2) His power Advocate (1 Jn. 2:1).

never failed (Mt. 4:23-25). (3) His miracles were Bread of Life (Jn. 6:35).

immediate (Mt. 8:3; 20:34) and lasting (Lk. 8:38-39).

Bridegroom (Mt. 9:15).

The Purpose of His Miracles: (1) They proved He was Chief Cornerstone (Ep. 2:20).

the promised Messiah (Jn. 10:24-25). (2) They were Consolation of Israel (Lk. 2:25).

Cornerstone (Mt. 21:42).

done so people could believe in Him (Jn. 20:30-31). (3) Counsellor (Is. 9:6).

They showed that God sent Him (Jn. 5:36). (4) They Dayspring (Lk. 1:78).

proved His deity (Jn. 14:8-11). [See Healing, Miracle.]

Door (Jn. 10:7-9).

- The Resurrection of Christ

Emmanuel (Mt. 1:23).

The Evidence of the Resurrection (Ac 1:3): (1) The Everlasting Father (Is. 9:6).

empty tomb (Mt. 28:6; Lk. 24:3). Only the resurrection Friend (Jn. 15:15).

Friend of Sinners (Mt. 11:19).

can explain the fact that Jesus’ tomb was empty. The God (Jn. 20:28).

Jews did not steal the body. Wanting to prove that Jesus Good Shepherd (Jn. 10:11).

was an impostor, they did everything they could to hold Governor (Mt. 2:6).

onto Christ’s dead body. The fact that they had to invent Gift of God (Jn. 4:10).

a lie proves that no body could be found. When Peter Greater than Jonah (Mt. 12:41).

preached Christ’s resurrection on the day of Pentecost Greater than Solomon (Mt. 12:42).

43 days after He was crucified, he was standing not far Holy One of God (Mk. 1:24).

from the empty tomb. Had the Jews known where Heir (Mt. 21:38).

Christ’s body was, they could easily have exposed Peter King of Israel (Mt. 2:2; 21:5; 25:34).

as a liar. The Jews said the disciples stole the body, but I AM (Jn. 8:58).

Judge (2 Ti. 4:8).

they had no motive to do so. If the disciples had stolen Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29).

the body, they would have been complete fools to have Life (Jn. 11:25).

suffered and died for a lie of their own invention. This Light of the World (Jn. 8:12).

would also have contradicted their testimony as men of Living Water (Jn. 7:37-38).

good character. Further, the Jews said the disciples stole Lord (Mt. 12:8; Jn. 20:28).

Jesus’ body while the guards slept, but if they were Lord of glory (1 Co. 2:8).

sleeping, how could they know what happened! (2) The Master (Mt. 10:24).

testimony of the disciples (1 Co. 15:6; Mt. 28:16-17; Lk.

Mediator (1 Ti. 2:5).

24; Jn. 20-21). Before the resurrection, the disciples Messiah (Jn. 1:41).

were afraid and were hiding from the authorities (Jn.

Mighty God (Is. 9:6).

Nazarene (Mt. 2:23).

20:19). Only after Christ appeared to them and proved Only Begotten Son (Jn. 1:14).

His resurrection, did they become bold and were willing Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6).

to preach the gospel publicly and suffer and die for Prophet (Mt. 13:57).

Christ’s name. (3) Paul’s testimony (Ac. 9:5; 22:6-8; 1

Physician (Mt. 9:12).

Co. 15:8). Paul was a Jewish leader who persecuted the Rabbi (Jn. 1:38).

Christians. By believing in Jesus, he lost everything he Resurrection and the Life (Jn. 11:25).

held in value in this life. The fact that he gave his life as Rock (1 Co. 10:4).

a disciple of Jesus proves that he really did see the Saviour (Mt. 1:21).

resurrected Christ.

Shepherd (Mt. 26:31).

Son of God (Mt. 14:33).

False Explanations of the Resurrection: (1) The fraud Son of man (Mt. 8:20).

theory. Some say the story is a hoax, but the Bible Son of David (Mt. 21:9).

refutes this. If the disciples were lying about Jesus’

Son of Abraham (Mt. 1:1).

resurrection, why did they willingly suffer and die for Sower (Mt. 13:3,37).

Christ’s name? (2) The swoon theory. Some say Jesus Stumblingstone (Ro. 9:33).

merely fainted on the cross and then revived in the cool True Vine (Jn. 15:1).

of the tomb. The Bible plainly says, though, that Jesus Truth (Jn. 14:6).

died (1 Co. 15:3). The soldiers who were sent to kill 340

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Jesus testified that Jesus was dead (Jn. 19:31-34). The Prophecies of His Coming: Enoch (Jude 14-15). David idea that a man could survive a Roman crucifixion and (Ps. 96:13). Isaiah (Is. 13:3-5). Joel (Joel 3:15-16).

make his way out of a heavily sealed tomb three days Micah (Mi. 1:3-4). Zephaniah (Zep. 3:8). Haggai (Hag.

later would be more difficult to believe than the 2:1-9). Zechariah (Ze. 2:10, 13; 8:23; 14:5). Malachi resurrection! (3) The hallucination theory. Some say that (Mal. 3:1-2). Christ Himself (Mt. 25:31). The angels Jesus’ disciples only thought they saw Jesus after His (Ac. 1:10-11). The apostles (2 Th. 1:7-10). The book of death, yet the Bible account says the disciples did not Revelation (Re. 19:11-21).

believe at first even when Jesus appeared to them (Lk.

The Time of His Coming: (1) No man knows the hour 24:25). Further, Jesus was seen by more than 500

nor the day (Mt. 24:36). (2) We are to be ready at all people at one time after His resurrection; 500 people do times (Mt. 24:42).

not have the same hallucination! (4) The ghost theory.

The Purpose of His Coming: (1) To complete the Some say Jesus’ disciples only saw Jesus’ spirit, but the salvation of the saints (He. 9:28). (2) To be glorified in Bible says that Jesus proved that He had a body after His saints (2 Th. 1:10). (3) To bring to light the hidden His resurrection (Lk. 24:39-43).

things of darkness (1 Co. 4:5). (4) To judge mankind (2

His Resurrection Body: (1) It had flesh and bones (Lk.

Ti. 4:1). (5) To reign over the earth (Re. 11:15). (6) To 24:39). (2) It was a glorious body (Ph. 3:21). (3) It was destroy death (1 Co. 15:25-26).

an immortal body (Ro. 6:9). (4) It was a spiritual body The Manner of His Coming: (1) In the clouds (Mt.

(1 Co. 15:44). Jesus’ resurrection body is not subject to 24:30). (2) In great glory (Mt. 16:27; 25:31; 24:30).

the weaknesses and limitations of an earthly body.

(3) In flaming fire (2 Th. 1:8). (4) Bodily (Ac. 1:9-11; The Power of Jesus’ Resurrection: (1) He rose by the Re. 1:7). (5) With the angels (Mt. 16:27). (6) With His power of the Father (Ac. 2:24-25; 3:15; 5:30). (2) He saints (1 Th. 3:13). (7) Suddenly and unexpectedly rose by His own power (Jn. 2:19; 10:18). (2) He rose by (Mk. 13:35-36).

the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Pe. 3:18).

The Events Connected with His Coming: (1) He will The Results of Jesus’ Resurrection: (1) It proves the raise the dead saints (1 Th. 4:15-17). (2) He will punish existence of God. Jesus rose from the dead because God unbelievers and rebels (2 Th. 1:7-9). (3) He will bind resurrected Him. (2) It proves the deity of Christ (Ro.

Satan (Re. 20:1-3). (4) He will establish His 1:4). (3) It means that God accepted Christ’s sacrifice government on earth (Mt. 25:31). (5) He will judge the and that salvation has been purchased (Ro. 4:25). (4) It nations (Mt. 25:32-41). (6) He will rule the world (Ze.

guarantees that all men will be resurrected (1 Co.

14:9).

15:20-24). The saved will be resurrected to eternal What His Coming Means in the Believer’s Life: (1) It glory; the lost, to eternal shame (Da. 12:2; Jn. 5:28-29; comforts us in our earthly trials (1 Th. 4:13-18). (2) It Re. 20). (5) It confirms everything Christ taught. He causes us to live obedient lives (1 Jn. 3:1-3; 1 Th.

promised that He would rise from the dead the third 5:4-7). (3) It causes us to separate from evil (Tit.

day (Jn. 2:18-21), and He did rise from the dead; 2:13-14). (4) It causes us to avoid false teachers (1 Jn.

therefore, we can be certain that every other teaching of 2:24-28).

Christ is true. (6) Resurrection power is available to the Christian in his daily life (Ro. 6-8; Ph. 3:10; Ep.

Preparing for His Coming: (1) By expecting Him (He.

1:19-23). (7) Christ’s resurrection is the believer’s 9:28). (2) By abiding in His Word (Jn. 5:39; 1 Jn.

promise of eternal victory over sin and death (1 Co.

2:27-28). (3) By continuing in prayer (Da. 9:2-3). (4) 15:47-58) (adapted from 100 Bible Lessons).-

By living a holy life (1 Jn. 3:1-3). (5) By preaching the gospel (Mk. 13:10). (6) By exercising our spiritual gifts

- What Is Christ Doing Today?

and ministries (Mk. 13:34). [See Prophecy, Rapture, After the Lord Jesus rose from the dead, He ascended Second Coming.]

back to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father

- Old Testament Pictures of Christ (Mk. 16:19; Ac. 1:9-11). After an unspecified period of time, He will return to the earth in power and glory to The O.T. not only contains many direct prophecies of establish His kingdom. What is Christ doing in this Christ, it also contains many types of Christ (Jn. 1:45; present time? (1) He is interceding for believers (Ro.

Lk. 24:27,44).

8:34; He. 7:25; 1 Jn. 2:1-2). (2) He is overseeing the Adam (Ge. 2; Ro. 5:19; 1 Co. 15:47). Adam, as head work of world evangelism (Mk. 16:19-20). (3) He is of the old creation, pictures Christ, the Head of the new preparing a place for His people (Jn. 14:1-3). (4) He is creation. [See Adam for the typological study.]

enjoying the Father (Pr. 8:30; Jn. 1:1; 17:24). (5) He is Seed of the Woman (Ge. 3:15; He. 2:9-14). God awaiting His second coming (He. 10:12-13- ).

promised that a man would come who would be injured

- Christ’s Second Coming

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wound because He rose from the dead. Through Christ’s program of world evangelism. Tithing honors God as the death, Satan’s destruction is guaranteed (He. 2:14). The Giver and Possessor of all (Pr. 3:9-10). (5) Melchizedek fact that Jesus would be the seed of a woman instead of foreviews Christ in HIS WORK: He ministered to God’s a man foretold His virgin birth. [See Abel, Atonement, people (Ge. 14:18; Mt. 20:28). He blessed God’s people Blood, Cain.]

(Ge. 14:19; Lk. 24:51). He glorified God (Ge. 14:20; Jn.

Abel’s Offering (Ge. 4; Jn. 1:29; He. 12:24). (1) 17:4). (6) Melchizedek foreviews Christ in HIS

Abel’s offering was an innocent substitute (compare Is.

PROVISION. Melchizedek provided bread and wine for 53). (2) Abel’s offering was one of blood and death Abraham (Ge. 14:18). This foreviews Christ’s provision (compare He. 12:24; Ro. 5:9-10). (3) Abel’s offering of His body and blood for the needs of His people (Mt.

was made by faith (He. 11:4; Ep. 2:8-9). (4) Abel’s 26:26-28). (7) Melchizedek foreviews Christ in HIS

offering was not of works (Ep. 2:8-9). (5) Abel’s offering MYSTERY. There is a mysterious aspect to Melchizedek, exposed the error of false religion (He. 11:4). [See Abel, because the Bible says he had no beginning of days nor Atonement, Blood, Cain.]

end of life (He. 7:3). This reminds us that Jesus Christ is Noah’s Ark (Ge. 6-8). Christ is the only true Ark of the eternal Son of God, whose “whose goings forth have safety whereby man can escape the eternal wrath of been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).[See God. As a picture of Christ and Salvation following are Melchizedek.]

some of the lessons: (1) The Ark was planned by God, Isaac (Ge. 21-24). (1) He was a promised son (Ge.

not man (2 Ti. 1:9). (2) There was only ONE Ark, as 21:1). (2) His birth was miraculous (Ge. 21:5; Ro.

there is only ONE Saviour (Ac. 4:12; 1 Ti. 2:5). (3) 4:19). (3) He pleased his father. (4) He was offered by There was only ONE door (compare Jn. 14:6). (4) It the father (Ge. 22). (5) He received a bride from a far was built by Noah, whose name means “rest” (compare country (Ge. 24).

Mt. 11:28-30; He. 4:9-11). (5) It was built by one man Joseph (Ge. 37-50). Joseph pictures Christ in His (compare He. 1:3). (6) It was sufficient and complete troubles, His rejection, and His exaltation. (1) The (compare He. 9:12). (7) It was offered to all men (2 Pe.

beloved son (Ge. 37:2-3; Mt. 3:17). (2) The good 2:5; 1 Ti. 2:4). (8) It was needed by all men (Ro. 3:23; shepherd (Ge. 37:2; Jn. 10:11). (3) The sent servant 6:23). (9) It saved both man and creation (compare Ro.

(Ge. 37:13; 1 Jn. 4:14). (4) The one who was despised 8:18-25). (10) It required faith (He. 11:7). (11) God and rejected (Is. 53:3; Jn. 1:11). (5) The brother who patiently waited (1 Pe. 3:20; 2 Pe. 3:9). (12) The offer was sold (Ge. 37:28; Mt. 26:15). (6) The lonely sufferer of safety was temporary and had to be heeded while (Ge. 39:20; Is. 42:8). (7) The honored statesman (Ge.

there was opportunity (Ge. 7:11-13; 2 Co. 6:2; 2 Th.

41:40; Jn. 3:35). (8) The world’s saviour (Ge. 41:55; 1

2:10-14). (13) The ark was secured by God (Ge. 7:16; Jn. 4:14).

Jn. 10:27-29; 1 Jn. 5:11-13). [See Ark, Flood, Noah.]

The Passover Lamb (Ex. 12; Jn. 1:29; 1 Pe. 1:18-20).

Melchizedek (Ge. 14:17-20; He. 5:6-10; 7:1-28). Six (1) The lamb had to be selected. (2) The lamb was set times in the Bible God says Jesus Christ is of the order apart (Mt. 3:17). (3) The lamb was slain (Ro. 5:10). (4) of Melchizedek (Ps. 110:4; He. 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:17, 21).

The blood of the lamb was sprinkled (Ro. 3:25; Ep. 1:7; (1) Melchizedek foreviews Christ in His NAMES. He was Co. 1:14; He. 9:12; 1 Pe. 1:18-19). (5) The lamb was king of righteousness and king of peace. In the Lord eaten. This pictures the fellowship the believer has with Jesus Christ righteousness and peace have met. He Christ (Jn. 6:51). (6) Some of the people shared the makes peace between God and man because He paid lamb; depicting Christians fellowshipping with one man’s sin debt (Ro. 5:1). There can be no real peace another and sharing Christ with others. [See Lamb, without righteousness (Is. 48:22; 57:21). (2) Offerings, Passover.]

Melchizedek foreviews Christ in HIS CITY. Melchizedek Manna (Ex. 16:4-31). Manna pictures Christ as the reigned in Salem (Ge. 14:18). This later became Bread of Life (Jn. 6:31-35, 48-51). (1) The manna was a Jerusalem, and will be Christ’s reigning city (Ps. 76:2; gift of God; it was free (Is. 55:1; Ep. 2:8-9). (2) The Ze. 8:3-8). (3) Melchizedek foreviews Christ in HIS

manna was sufficient (Jn. 6:35). (3) The manna was OFFICES: Melchizedek was king (Ge. 14:18), priest (Ge.

tasty (Ex. 16:31; Nu. 11:8; Ps. 34:8). (4) The manna 14:18), and prophet (Ge. 14:19). The Lord Jesus Christ had to be gathered every day (Ex. 16:35). [See Manna.]

also is Prophet (De. 18:15; Ac. 3:22), Priest (He. 7-10), Smitten Rock (Ex. 17:5-6; 1 Co. 10:4). The smitten and King (1 Ti. 6:14-15). (4) Melchizedek foreviewed rock pictures Jesus smitten on the cross for man’s sin.

Christ in His AUTHORITY. This is the first mention of (1) Just as water flowed from the smitten rock to tithing in the Bible, and it was long before God gave the nourish Israel in the wilderness, eternal life and blessing law of Moses. Tithing has always been God’s normal flow from Christ’s cross. (2) The water was God’s free plan for the support of His earthly work. God’s people gift (Ep. 2:8-9). (3) The rock was to be smitten only today are to tithe of their income for God’s great once. This is what got Moses in trouble. The second 342

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time he was supposed to speak to the rock, but he smote place of refuge or he would lose his security (Nu.

it again (Nu. 20:7-12). (4) The rock followed Israel, to 35:26-28), but Christ keeps the believer (Jn. 10:28; 1

continually sustain them (1 Co. 10:4), as Christ Pe. 1:5). [See Cities of Refuge.]

faithfully abides with His people, ministering to them The Brazen Serpent (Nu. 21:6-9; Jn. 3:14; continually (Mt. 28:20; He. 13:5). [See Cross, Crucify, 12:32-34). (1) The brazen serpent had to be lifted up in Rock.]

order to become effective. (2) The offer of healing was Tabernacle (Ex. 25-40; Jn. 1:14; Col. 2:9). In O.T.

to be proclaimed to all (Mk. 16:15). (3) While the times God came down and dwelt among men in a tent.

healing was provided for all, it had to be individually This foreviewed how God would come to earth, become received (1 Ti. 4:10). (4) The healing was immediate, a man, and dwell among men in a human body. The sure, and permanent (He. 10:14). (5) There was no details of the O.T. Tabernacle picture many truths about other effective remedy (Acts 4:12). [See Brass Serpent.]

Christ. The entrance way pictures Jesus as the only Door Joshua. Joshua pictures Christ as the Captain of the to God. The brazen altar pictures Christ’s death on the Lord’s people, leading us into eternal salvation and rest cross. The laver pictures Christ as the one who washes (He. 2:10). (1) He was a wise leader (1 Ti. 1:17). (2) His people (Ep. 5:26). The candlestick pictures Christ as He was vigilant (He. 7:25). (3) He judged sin in the the Light of men. The table of shewbread pictures Christ camp (Josh. 7; Re. 2-3). (4) He was victorious over all as the Bread of Life. The altar of incense pictures Christ enemies (1 Co. 15:25; Re. 19:11-21). (5) He leads God’s as the only channel by which men can pray to God. [See people into rest (He. 4:4-10). [See Joshua.]

Tabernacle.]

Boaz (Ruth). The name Boaz means “in Him is The High Priest (Ex. 28-29; He. 8-9). (1) Jesus ability.” He is a type of Christ in the following ways: (1) offered sacrifice for our sins (He. 10:10-14). (2) Jesus In wealth (Ru. 2:1; 2 Co. 8:9; Ep. 3:8). (2) In grace (Ru.

intercedes for His people (He. 7:25). (3) Jesus 2:4; Jn. 1:14-16). (3) In authority (Ru. 2:5; Mt. 9:38).

understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses (He.

(4) In supply (Ru. 2:14; Jn. 6:51; 7:37). (5) In kinship 4:14-15). [See High Priest.]

(Ru. 2:20; He. 2:14). (6) In redemption (Ru. 4:9-10; Sacrifices and Offerings (Le. 1-9; He. 9-10). These Ga. 3:13). [See Boaz, Ruth.]

picture Jesus Christ as man’s substitute. In the O.T. the David (1 and 2 Sa.) In David we see Jesus offerer was accepted if he brought the right offering. We foreviewed as an exiled king who later returns in victory are accepted by God only if we are in Jesus Christ. He is and power.

our salvation, sanctification, justification, hope, and Solomon (1 Ki. 3-10). Solomon pictures Christ’s glory (1 Co. 1:30; Ep. 1; 1 Ti. 1:1). [See Lamb, future glorious earthly reign. [See Millennium.]

Offerings, Passover, Unleavened Bread.]

Jonah (Jonah 2; Mt. 12:39-41). Jonah’s three days in Day of Atonement (Le. 16). The day of atonement the fish’s belly pictures Christ’s death, burial, and pictures Christ as our Great High Priest, by Himself resurrection. As Jonah was a sign to Nineveh, Jesus’

making atonement for our sins. (1) The High Priest’s resurrection was a sign to the Jews.

linen clothes depicts the holiness of Christ (Le. 16:4; He.

7:26). (2) The High Priest went into the Holy of Holies Did Jesus make alcoholic wine? [See Wine.]

alone (He. 1:3). (3) He did the work of atonement in Did Jesus have long hair? [See Hair.]

the place of the people of Israel, for them (He. 10:20).

Did Jesus die on Friday? [See Friday.]

(4) He made atonement by the sprinkling of blood (He.

[See Branch, Covenant, Genealogy, God, High Priest, 10:19). (5) He did not go in every day but only once a I Am, Immanuel, Intercession, Jehovah-Tsidkenu, Jesse, year, thus depicting the once for all sacrifice of Christ Joshua, Kingdom of God, Majesty, Mediator, Messiah, (He. 7:27; 9:26-28; 10:14). (6) The sevenfold sprinkling Only Begotten, Prophecy, Resurrection, Son of Man, Son depicts the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice (Le. 16:19; of God, Trinity.]

He. 9:12). (7) The release of the scapegoat depicts the JETHER (excellence). 1 Ch. 2:32.

sufficiency of Christ’s atonement for sin (Le. 16:20-22; JETHETH (a stake or post, subjugation). Ge. 36:40.

He. 10:17-19).

JETHLAH (he exalts, high). Jos. 19:42.

Cities of Refuge (Nu. 35). Jesus Christ is the sinner’s refuge from the wrath of God’s law. Comparisons: (1) JETHRO (very excellent). Ex. 3:1. This was a title for God provided a place of refuge (Jn. 6:37). (2) No other Moses’ father in law, Reuel. [See Reuel.]

place is safe (Jn. 14:6). (3) The sinner had to flee to JETUR (a pillar, he that keeps order). Ge. 25:15.

safety (Nu. 35:11,15; He. 6:18). Contrasts: (1) The JEUL (hid of God, God has taken away). 1 Ch. 9:6.

cities of refuge were only for those who were innocent JEUSH (an assembly). Ge. 36:5.

(Nu. 35:15-21), but Christ died for sinners (2 Ti.

JEUZ (counsel). 1 Ch. 8:10.

1:13-15; Ac. 22:4). (2) The sinner had to stay in the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 343

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JEW (praising). (1) A physical descendent of problem of human suffering. [See Canon, Revelation.]

Abraham; a son of the nation Israel by birth (Ac. 2:5; JOBAB (a father’s desire). Ge. 10:29.

22:3; Ro. 1:16; 3:1). (2) A Jew who truly believes in JOCHEBED (glory of God). Ex. 6:20.

God (Ro. 2:29). [See Israel, Pharisee, Zionism.]

JOED (ornament of God). Ne. 11:7.

JEWRY. The land of Judaea (Da. 5:13; Jn. 7:1).

JOEL (the Lord God). 1 Sa. 8:2.

JEZANIAH (the Lord hears). Je. 40:8.

JOELAH (removing the oak, God helps). 1 Ch. 12:7.

JEZEBEL (place of habitation). King Ahab’s wicked wife who brought Baal worship from the Phoenician JOEZER (help of God). 1 Ch. 12:6.

kingdom of Sidon (1 Ki. 16:31-32; 18:4-13; 19:1-2; JOGBEHAH (he shall be exalted). Nu. 32:35.

21:5-25; 2 Ki. 9:7-37). Jezebel also refers to a female JOGLI (he shall be revealed). Nu. 34:22.

teacher who caused trouble in the church of Thyatira JOHA (haste, revived of God). 1 Ch. 8:16.

(Re. 2:20). Jezebel is possibly used figuratively in this JOHANAN (merciful, gift of God). 2 Ki. 25:23.

passage to describe the effort false teachers in Thyatira JOHN - APOSTLE (gift of God). An apostle and the to associate Christians with idols and fornication. This author of the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and was Jezebel’s sin in the O.T. [See Ahab, Idolatry.]

Revelation (Mt. 4:21; 10:2; 17:1; Mk. 1:19, 29; 5:37; JEZER (shape, imagination). Ge. 46:24.

9:2; 10:35, 41; 13:3; Lk. 5:10; 6:14; 8:51; 9:28, 49, 54; JEZIAH (God sprinkles). Ezr. 10:25.

22:8; Ac. 1:13; 3:1-11; 4:13, 19; 8:14; Ga. 2:9; Re. 1:1, JEZIEL (God unites). 1 Ch. 12:3.

4, 9; 21:2; 22:8). Also called “the disciple whom Jesus JEZLIAH (God delivers). 1 Ch. 8:18.

loved” (Jn. 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20-24). [See JEZOAR (he shall shine). 1 Ch. 4:7.

Apostle.]

JEZRAHIAH (God will shine). Ne. 12:42.

JOHN THE BAPTIST (gift of God). The forerunner of Christ who announced His coming to Israel (Lk. 1:5-25, JEZREEL (God sows). Jos. 17:16; Ju. 6:33; 1 Sa.

56-58; 3:1-14; 7:24-28; Mt. 3:13-17; 11:7-14; 14:6-12; 29:1; 2 Ki. 9:10,30-35; 10:1-11.

Mk. 1:9-10; Jn. 1:24-42; Ac. 1:5; 18:25). The book of JIBSAM (fragrant, pleasant). 1 Ch. 7:2.

Malachi foretold that Elijah would come to earth before JIDLAPH (tearful). Ge. 22:22.

the judgments of God would fall (Mal. 3:5). John the JIMNAH, JIMNA (prosperity). Nu. 26:44.

Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah, but the JIPHTAH (he opened). Jos. 15:43.

prophecy of Malachi will still be fulfilled literally before Christ’s return (Lk. 1:13-17; Re. 11:3-6).

JIPHTHAHEL (God will open). Jos. 19:14.

JOIADA (God has known). Ne. 12:10.

JOAB (the Lord our father). King David’s commander-in-chief (2 Sa. 3:20 - 2 Ki. 2:34; 1 Ch. 11:4

JOIAKIM (God makes to stand still). Ne. 12:10.

- 27:34).

JOIARIB (the increasing of God). Ezr. 8:16.

JOAHAZ (God has taken). 2 Ch. 34:8.

JOINED HARD TO. Adjoining; connected to the next JOANNA (the gracious gift of God). Lk. 3:27.

house (Ac. 18:7).

JOASH (bestowed of the Lord). (1) King of Judah (2

JOKDEAM (crookedness). Jos. 15:56.

Ki. 12:19-20; 2 Ch. 24:1-27). (2) King of the northern JOKIM (God makes to stand still). 1 Ch. 4:22.

tribes (2 Ki. 13:9-13).

JOKMEAM (congregation). 1 Ch. 6:68.

JOATHAM (God showed himself wholly). Mt. 1:9.

JOKNEAM (lamentation). Jos. 12:22.

JOB (persecuted). The book of Job is one of the JOKSHAN (fowling, difficult). Ge. 25:2.

oldest books of the Bible, perhaps the oldest. While we JOKTAN (he is diminished, contention). Ge. 10:25.

do not know the exact time of Job’s life, there are some JOKTHEEL (reward of God, veneration). Jos. 15:38.

clear hints given in the text. It was written after the Flood (Job 22:15-16). We also know that it was written JONADAB (God gave freely). Je. 35:6.

before the Mosaic law because Job offered his own JONAH, JONAS, JONA (dove). The prophet who sacrifices instead of going to the tabernacle or the prophesied to Ninevah (2 Ki. 14:25; Jonah 1:1). Jonas is temple (Job 1:5). That Job was an historical man is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Jonah (Mt. 12:39, proven by the fact that he is referred to by the prophet 40, 41; 16:4; Lk. 11:29, 30, 32). Christ used Jonah’s Ezekiel (Eze. 14:14, 20) and by the apostle James (Ja.

experience in the whale’s belly to typify His death, 5:11). Job knew about the Saviour and His coming to burial, and resurrection. Modernists claim that Jonah is earth in the last days (Job 19:25), resurrection (Job a fable, but Jesus Christ said Jonah was a literal man 19:25-27), heaven (Job 16:19), and many other who was swallowed by a literal fish. The Bible says, important truths. The book is a divine treatise on the 344

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“God prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah” (Jon.

pathways for water lead out of the ten gill slits. Unlike 1:17). Those who say this is impossible don’t the throat of any other shark, or for that matter of any understand God’s power.

of the other 25,000 or so species of fish, the top and sides of the whale shark’s throat form a complex, giant Furthermore, the account of Jonah is not impossible

‘colander’ composed of five pairs of gill plates, even from a scientific standpoint. Many reports have essentially grids of cartilage. These are covered with a been recorded of men being swallowed by whales. An dark, spongy material and have openings no larger article by Ambrose John Wilson of Oxford, England, in than a tenth of an inch in diameter. The grids form a the Princeton Theological Review, October 1927, gave wall that would prevent the escape of an anchovy many facts in this regard. The article quotes the through the gill slits, let alone a human.

observations of a whaling-station manager who had

“When the shark closes its mouth, the gill plates come found the skeleton of a sixteen-foot shark in the belly of down behind the tongue and press liquid through the a sperm whale. Many octopus carcasses, larger than spongy material and out the huge gill slits. You might men, have also been found. Wilson explains how it is feel the beating of a huge heart through the floor of possible for a man to live inside the whale: the pharynx as the back of the throat opens and all the concentrated krill, small fish—and you—wash down

“The answer seems to be that he certainly could [live through the esophagus into the immense and elastic in the whale], though in circumstances of very great banquet hall that is the cardiac stomach.

discomfort. There would be air to breathe—of a sort.

This is necessary to enable the fish to float. The heat

“You could not swim back against the intake flow would be oppressive. 104 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit is because every 15 or 20 seconds another load of the opinion of one expert; a provision maintained by plankton sloshes down into the stomach. Luckily you his ‘blanket’ of blubber, ‘often many feet in thickness,’

wouldn’t fit through the posterior exit either. It is so which is needed ‘to enable him to resist the cold of small that only chyme—liquid digested goop—can pass ocean’ and ‘keep himself comfortable in all waters, in through to the much smaller, inelastic pyloric stomach all seas, times and tides’ ... but this temperature, that leads to 73 turns of a narrow, spiral ‘staircase’

though high fever heat to a human being, is not fatal to inside the intestine.

human life. Again, the gastric juice would be extremely

“But you wouldn’t necessarily be trapped in the cardiac unpleasant, but not deadly. It cannot digest living stomach. Sharks have a nonviolent way of getting rid matter; otherwise it would digest the walls of its own of large objects of dubious digestibility they swallow stomach” (Ibid.).

accidentally. In a process known as gastric eversion, a The Princeton Review article gives two accounts of shark can slowly empty its cardiac stomach by turning it inside out and pushing it through the mouth. Once persons who were swallowed by sperm whales and who the unwanted stomach contents are expelled, the came out alive. One was Marshall Jenkins in 1771; the stomach is pulled back into place. So, you could come other, James Bartley, in 1891. In a follow-up article in gliding out on a mucus-covered carpet, slimier but the Review in October 1928, Ambrose Wilson notes that perhaps the wiser for the experience” ( National the reliability of Jenkins’ account has been questioned Geographic Magazine, December 1992, p. 134).

by some, but that the account has not been absolutely We offer the previous information simply to disproven.

demonstrate that even secular scientists admit the The December 1992 issue of National Geographic possibility of a man being swallowed by a whale and contained an article on whale sharks by University of then vomited out. For our part, we know that the Maryland marine biologist Eugenie Clark, who has account of Jonah was a supernatural miracle of God and studied whale sharks extensively. The article confirms not a mere natural phenomenon, and we have nearly every aspect of Jonah’s ordeal in the fish’s belly.

absolutely no problem with believing it. The Lord Jesus Clark writes:

Christ confirmed the account of Jonah (Mt. 12:39-41),

“The whale shark’s unusual digestive anatomy lends and His testimony is far more dependable than that of itself to Jonah stories. It is easy to imagine yourself all the scientists in the world. The Bible says God being inadvertently sucked into a whale shark’s mouth, prepared a fish to swallow Jonah (Jonah 1:17). It was a which is huge and ‘terminal’—located at the front of special fish prepared especially to discipline the the head. (Most sharks have underslung mouths that wayward prophet. Though the fish might have been a open beneath and behind their snouts.) You wouldn’t whale shark or a sperm whale, we do not know that this even notice the more than 3,000 teeth in each of the was the case. A man who questions the miracles jaws, because they are tiny—less than a quarter of an inch long—and are covered with a skin flap, or velum.

described in the Bible must have a very small god. Our The cavernous mouth of even a small adult whale God can do anything. With the wise prophet Jeremiah shark could easily accommodate a pair of Jonahs.

we exclaim: “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the

“You wouldn’t stay long in the mouth but would be heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched swept or sucked along to the pharynx, or throat, where out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 345

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thee” (Jeremiah 32:17). As one man noted, “If the Bible JOSHBEKASHAH (diligent seeking of an habitation).

said Jonah swallowed the whale, we would believe 1 Ch. 25:4.

it!” [See Bible Inspiration, Modernism.]

JOSHUA, JEHOSHUA (salvation, saviour). The man JONAN (dove). Lk. 3:30.

who took over as captain of Israel after the death of JONAS. [See Jonah.]

Moses (Ex. 17:9-14; 24:13; 32:17; 33:11; Nu. 11:28; JONATHAN (God given). King Saul’s eldest son and 13:16; 14:6, 30, 38; 26:65; 27:18-22; 32:12-28; 34:17; close friend of David (1 Sa. 13:2—31:2).

De. 1:38; 3:21, 28; 31:3, 7, 14, 23; 34:9; Jos. 1:1; Ju.

1:1; 2:6, 7-8, 21, 23; 1 Ki. 16:34). He is called “Oshea”

JONATHELEM RECHOKIM (dumb dove in distant in Nu. 13:8, 16, “Jehoshua” in 1 Ch. 7:27, and “Jesus” in places). This is the English form of a Hebrew phrase (Ps.

He. 4:8. The name Jesus is a Greek name that means the 56: title).

same as the Hebrew name Joshua. [See Jesus Christ.]

JOPPA (beautiful). 2 Ch. 2:16.

JOSIAH (the Lord gives). 1 Ki. 13:2.

JORAH (autumnal rain, watering). Ezr. 2:18.

JOSIBIAH (God will cause to dwell). 1 Ch. 4:35.

JORAI (God teaches). 1 Ch. 5:13.

JOSIPHIAH (the Lord increases). Ezr. 8:10.

JORAM (the Lord is exalted). 1 Ch. 26:25.

JOT. The smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

JORDAN (descend). The Jordan River is 156 miles Jesus used this word to teach that every part of long and runs nearly the full length of Israel from north Scripture will be fulfilled (Mt. 5:17-18). This expresses to south. The two major headwaters are at the foot of the highest possible view of biblical inspiration and Mt. Hermon: the Dan Spring and the Panias Spring at preservation. [See Inspiration, Preservation.]

Caesarea Philippi. The latter spring is named for the god JOTBAH (goodness, pleasantness). 2 Ki. 21:19.

Pan, whose temple was nearby. From its northern headwater, the Jordan flows through the waters of JOTBATHAH, JOTBATH (His goodness). Nu. 33:33.

Merom (Lake Huldah) and the Sea of Galilee, ending at JOTHAM (the Lord is perfect). A king of Judah (2 Ki.

the Dead Sea. Jordan means “descend,” and it well 15:32-38; 2 Ch. 27; Is. 6:1).

deserves that name. It drops 3,000 feet from its JOURNEY. To travel (Jos. 9:17). The phrase “take beginning at 1,800 feet above sea level to its end at the our journey” means to travel (Ge. 33:12).

Dead Sea 1,289 feet below sea level. Ge. 13:10-11; JOY. Cheerfulness and delight are plainly a part of 32:10; Nu. 13:29; De. 1:1; Jos. 1:2; 2:7, 10; 3:1-17; the Christian life, and one of the words translated “joy”

4:1-23; 5:1; Mt. 3:5-6, 13; Mk. 1:5,9; Lk. 3:3; 4:1; Jn.

in the N.T. ( chara) could be so rendered. It is used to 1:28; 3:26; 10:40.

speak of the joy of the wise men when they saw the star JORIM (God extols). Lk. 3:29.

(Mt. 2:10), the joy of Elisabeth and Zacharias at the JORKOAM (It is enlarged, spreading of the people).

birth of John (Lk. 1:14), the joy of the millennial 1 Ch. 2:44.

kingdom (Mt. 25:21), the joy of the disciples after the JOSABAD. [See Jozabad.]

resurrection of Christ (Mt. 28:8), the joy of those who witnessed the first century miracles (Ac. 8:6-8).

JOSAPHAT (the Lord has judged). A Greek form of Jehoshaphat (Mt. 1:8). [See Jehoshaphat.]

There is great happiness in the Christian life, but it is an error to think that this is solely what the Bible means JOSE (He gives a Saviour). Lk. 3:29.

by joy. 2 Co. 6:10 says, “as sorrowful, yet alway JOSEDECH (the Justice of God). Hag. 1:1.

rejoicing.” 1 Pe. 1:6 says, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, JOSEPH (he increases). (1) The youngest son of though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness Jacob who was sent into slavery by his brothers and through manifold temptations.” Jesus Christ, who was became ruler in Egypt (Ge. 30, 37, 50; Ex. 1; 13:19; Nu.

anointed with the oil of gladness (He. 1:9), was also “a 1:10-32; 13:11; 26:28-37; 27:1; 32:33; 34:23; 36:1-12; man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Is. 53:3).

De. 27:12; 33:13, 16; Ju. 1:22, 23, 35; Ps. 77:15; 78:67; From these Scriptures it is evident that one can be joyful 80:1; 81:5; 105:17; Eze. 37:16, 19; 47:13; 48:32; Am.

even when he is emotionally sorrowful, even when the 5:6, 15; 6:6). [See Jesus Christ for Joseph as type of spirit is heavy, even when one is acquainted with grief.

Christ.] (2) The husband of Mary, Jesus’ mother (Mt.

The essence of Christian joy is steadfast confidence in God 1:16-20; 13:55; Lk. 2).

regardless of one’s circumstance. This is evident in the use JOSES (a Saviour). Mt. 13:55.

of the Greek words. The Greek word translated “joy” in JOSHAH (despairing, forgetting). 1 Ch. 4:34.

Ro. 5:11 ( kauchaomai) is also translated “glory” (Ro.

JOSHAPHAT (God has judged). 1 Ch. 11:43.

5:3) and “boast” (Ro. 2:17, 23; 3:27; 2 Co. 11:16). To boast or glory in Christ and the promises of God is to JOSHAVIAH (God has bestowed). 1 Ch. 11:46.

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circumstance and regardless of whether or not there are search for emotional euphoria in the here and now. [See happy emotions at that particular time.

Believe, Cheer, Cheerful, Comfort, Consolation, There is great happiness in the Christian life, but it is Dancing, Delight, Glad, Happy, Healing, Heaven, Holy, an error to think that this is solely what the Bible means Hope, Laughter, Merry, Mirth, Oil of Gladness, Rejoice.]

by joy and rejoicing. 2 Co. 6:10 says, “as sorrowful, yet JOY, OIL OF. [See Oil of Gladness.]

alway rejoicing.” 1 Pe. 1:6 says, “Wherein ye greatly JOZABAD (the Lord has given). 2 Ch. 31:13.

rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in JOZACHAR (remembered, he has given). 2 Ki.

heaviness through manifold temptations.” Jesus Christ, 12:21.

who was anointed with the oil of gladness (He. 1:9), was also “a man of sorrows and acquainted with JOZADAK (God was just). Ezr. 3:2.

grief” (Is. 53:3). From these Scriptures it is evident that JUBAL (a constant stream, music). Ge. 4:21. [See one can be joyful even when emotionally sorrowful, Cain, Iron.]

even when the spirit is heavy, even when one is JUBILEE. An O.T. Jewish celebration (Le. 25). The acquainted with grief. Christian joy and rejoicing is, word means trumpet and is so named because the above all else, steadfast confidence in God regardless of occasion began with the blowing of trumpets (Le. 25:9).

one’s circumstance. This is evident in the use of the Jubilee was to be held every 50 years. Every seven years Greek words. The Greek word translated “joy” in Ro.

Israel was to observe a sabbath of the land during which 5:11 ( kauchaomai) is also translated “glory” (Ro. 5:3), the land would lie fallow. After seven sabbaths of years,

“rejoice” (Ro. 5:2), and “boast” (Ro. 2:17, 23; 3:27; 2

the Jubilee was to be observed. On the jubilee year Co. 11:16). To boast or glory in Christ and the promises slaves were to be freed, the land was not to be farmed, of God is rejoicing, and one can do this regardless of the and all land was to be returned to the original owners in circumstance and regardless of whether or not there are case of incurred debt. This is a picture of the blessings happy emotions.

that will commence at Christ’s return. The trumpet looks There is a danger in identifying Christian joy solely ahead to the one which shall blow at Christ’s coming with emotional pleasure. Because of the fallen condition (Mt. 24:31; 1 Co. 15:52; Re. 11:15). [See Boaz, Feasts, of this world and our own corrupted nature, it is certain Kinsman Redeemer, Millennium, Trumpet, Type.]

that we will experience a great deal of grief and JUCAL (I shall become superior, mighty). Je. 38:1.

heaviness in the present life. The great apostle Paul said, JUDA, JUDAH (praise, thanksgiving). The fourth son

“... even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting of Jacob (Ge. 29:35). His children became a tribe of for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our Israel. Judah is especially famous because Jesus Christ body” (Ro. 8:22-23). God does not promise to deliver came through this tribe (Ge. 49:8-10; Nu. 24:17; 26:19; the Christian from the pains of a fallen creation. James Ru. 4:12; Ne. 11:24; Mt. 1:2-3; Lk. 3:33; Re. 5:5).

5:13 says, “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is Judah also is a title for the southern portion of Israel any merry? let him sing psalms.” The Word of God after the division of the kingdom, since the tribe of recognizes that there will be different emotional Judah followed the Davidic king (2 Ki. 12:20-23; Is.

experiences among the members of a church at any 1:1).

given time, and it doesn’t demand that all conform to a JUDAISM. The corrupted religion presently followed single euphoric standard. The afflicted one is not told to by unbelieving Jews. It is a corrupt mixture of O.T.

try to be merry; he is told to pray.

teaching and human tradition. There is a move on the In fact, to the worldly Christian who is rejoicing in part of many professing Christians to accept unbelieving sensual merriment, the apostle James says, “Be afflicted, Jews as God’s children, merely because of their Old and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to Testament heritage and their natural standing as mourning, and your joy to heaviness” (Ja. 4:4, 9). This children of Abraham. Many local clergy associations is apt instruction for our present generation of now include unsaved Jewish leaders as fully-accepted Christians.

members. The Roman Catholic Second Vatican Council The fullness and perfection of emotional happiness of the mid-1960s spoke of “the great spiritual heritage belongs to the future when the believer will bask in the common to Christians and Jews” and said, “it is the wish eternal glory of Christ. We must not make it our chief of this sacred Council to foster and recommend a aim in this present world to seek such joy, or we will be mutual knowledge and esteem” between Jews and severely disappointed. Like Jesus, “who for the joy that Christians. Pope John Paul II took the historic step of was set before him endured the cross” (He. 12:2), the speaking in a Jewish synagogue, and he said that the child of God must endure the sufferings of this present mutual respect between Judaism and Catholicism life with his eyes focused on the unspeakable joy which should require that there be no attempt at proselytizing.

is to come. He must refuse to be sidetracked by a vain Judaism is one of the so-called “living faiths” with which Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 347

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the World Council of Churches (WCC) is having blood sacrifices, no Day of Atonement. By rejecting dialogue. The dialogue committee is called the “Sub-Christ Jesus, they have rejected the great High Priest unit on Dialogue with People of Living Faiths.” The very and the great once-for-all atonement which was made fact that the unbelieving Jews are called those of a for sin.

“living faith” shows that the WCC believes these Jews 2. Judaism is a Jesus-hating religion. The Jewish are already saved without the necessity of a personal leaders of Jesus’ day, ignoring the fulfilled prophecies faith in the blood atonement of Jesus Christ. Some thing and His miraculous ministry, rejected Him as Messiah, which is already alive and possessing faith has no need hating Him with bitter, jealous, unquenchable hatred.

of receiving life and faith! Speaking to the World They arranged for his crucifixion and spread lies to hide Council General Assembly in Vancouver, Canada, in His glorious resurrection. These Jewish leaders had a 1983, Jewish Rabbi Marc Tanenbaum said, “Jews and name; they were called Pharisees. Even while Christ was Christians are bound together by the affirmation of the walking among them, speaking the most glorious words value of every human being as a child of God, deserving ever heard by mortal ears and doing the most marvelous nurture and respect.” The WCC represents more than miracles ever witnessed on earth, they expressed their 300 denominations and 500,000 professing Christians.

deep hatred toward Him. They slanderously referred to Many more examples could be given, but this should Him as an illegitimate child. They pointed to His lack of suffice to show the trend. Judaism is increasingly formal education, inferring that He was ignorant. They accepted as a “living faith” by many professing said He was demon possessed and called Him a Christians. Thus, unsaved Jews are said to be God’s blasphemer. They lied against Him; attempted to trick children, and the sad fruit of this principle is opposition Him into doing or saying something wrong. Yet Christ to biblical evangelism.

loved these men, as He loves all men, and He would Three Great Facts about Judaism

have forgiven and saved them had they repented and 1. Judaism is a manmade religion which has rejected turned to Him. Did He not say to them, “And ye will not Jesus as the Messiah. God created the Jewish nation to come to me, that ye might have life” (Jn. 6:40)? He prepare for the coming of Christ. Israel is God’s chosen would; they would not. Lk. 19:41 says He beheld the nation. Through Israel, God gave the Scriptures (Ro.

rebellious city of Jerusalem and wept over it. Yet God 3:1-2) and the Saviour (Ro. 9:4-5). The law was not also is Holy, and the Son of God denounced these hard-given as a way of righteousness, but as a light to point hearted men with great severity because of their to Christ (Ro. 3:19-22; Ga. 3:24). The Jewish leaders apostasy and the fact that they were leading multitudes turned the law of God into a religion of self-to hell (Mt. 23:13, 15, 23-28,33).

righteousness (Ro. 9:31-32), and they rejected the The Pharisees are still alive today. They are leading Messiah (Jn. 1:11; Mt. 26:59, 65-67; 27:20-23; Acs the religion of Judaism! Consider the following facts: 2:36). The Pharisees added their own tradition to the

“... all leading Jewish authorities agree that modern-same authority as the law of God (Mt. 15:1-9). After day Judaism is undiluted Pharisaism. This is clearly set Jesus rose from the dead, the guards ran and told the forth in the most authoritative writings on the subject, Jews what had happened. The Jewish leaders paid the The Pharisees: The Sociological Background of Their Faith.

soldiers a large bribe to tell the lie that Jesus’ disciples The author is the distinguished Jewish scholar and stole his body (Mt. 28:12-15). This was the beginning religious leader, Rabbi Louis Finkelstein, Chancellor and of “Judaism.” God showed His rejection of Judaism by Professor of Theology at the Jewish Theological ripping the temple veil apart from top to bottom when Seminary of America, and president of the American Christ died (Mt. 27:51), thus signifying that the Academy for Jewish Research. In his foreword, in atonement is complete and the way into the presence of tracing the background of ‘the unchanged faith in God is open for all who come by faith in Christ, both Rabbinic Judaism,’ Dr. Finkelstein writes: ‘Pharisaism Jews and Gentiles. When the Roman armies leveled became Talmudism: Talmudism became Medieval Jerusalem in 70 A.D., they destroyed the Jewish temple, Rabbinism, which became Modern Rabbinism, but and ever since, the Jews have not had a temple, nor throughout these changes of name, inevitable have they had their required sacrifices. While great adaptation of custom, and adjustment of Law, THE

numbers of Jews today care nothing for any religion, SPIRIT OF THE ANCIENT PHARISEE SURVIVES

even for Judaism, the orthodox Jews continue to keep a UNALTERED.’... The Universal Jewish Encyclopedia says form of some of the O.T. law, largely obscured under a under ‘Pharisees’: ‘The Jewish religion as it is today covering of manmade tradition. They have a form of traces its descent, without a break, through all the the Passover, for example, and circumcision, and some centuries from the Pharisees. ... The Talmud is the of the other rites; but it is without saving grace; it is largest and most important single piece of (their) without God. They have no high priest, no temple, no literature Pharisaism’” (Joseph P. Kamp, American 348

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Mercury, 1970, winter edition, reprinted in The Rock, 26:14-16), the price of a slave (Ex. 21:32). Christ called Feb. 1987).

Judas “friend” to the very end (Mt. 26:50), and he could Finkelstein says, “[In Judaism] the spirit of the have been saved had he trusted Christ as his Lord and Ancient Pharisee survives unaltered.” How true this Saviour (Jn. 1:12; 3:16). Judas was remorseful (Mt.

statement is! In modern Judaism we find the same bitter 27:3-4), but he was not repentant toward God. He had hatred toward Jesus Christ and His followers as that the sorrow of the world rather than godly sorrow (2 Co.

which dwelt in the bosom of the Pharisees who 2,000

7:10). Christ said Judas’ end would be worse than had years ago stood among the crowds watching Jesus’ trial he never been born (Mt. 26:24). Eternal judgment is not before Pilate, stirring them up to cry, “Crucify him; annihilation. [See Footwashing, Godly Sorrow, Hell, crucify him; let him be crucified!” ... persuading the Repentance.]

multitude that they should ask for Barabbas, and kill JUDE (praise). The names Judah, Judas, and Jude Jesus.

are all from the same Hebrew and Greek words. There One of the statements in the Jewish Talmud teaches are several Judes mentioned in the N.T. (1) One of the that Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, was a whore and brothers of Jesus (Mt. 13:55; Mk. 6:3). (2) The brother an adulteress who bore Jesus by a Roman soldier named of James and the writer of the epistle of Jude (Lk. 6:16; Pandera (Ibid.). Indeed, Judaism is a Christ-hating Ac. 1:13; Jude 1). (3) An apostle other than Iscariot (Jn.

religion.

14:22). (4) A Galilean who stirred up insurrection (Ac.

In this light we see how wrong it is for those who 5:37). (5) A disciple with whom Paul lodged (Ac. 9:11).

profess to love Jesus Christ to fellowship with, have (6) A prophet (Ac. 15:22, 27). [See Apostle.]

joint meetings with, and in other ways join together JUDAEA (praise). The Greek equivalent of Judah. (In with Christ-rejecting Jews. The Christian’s responsibility Ezra 5:8, Judea is Aramaic.) It referred to the tribe of today toward the unbelieving Jew is the same as that of Judah and the region of Judah in southern Israel, and the first-century Christians: Preach to them Christ after the Babylonian Captivity, Judaea referred to the crucified and risen as Lord and Saviour and proclaim nation Israel (Mt. 2:1, 5, 22; 3:1, 5; 4:25; 19:1; 24:16; that God now commands all men everywhere to repent.

Ac. 1:8; 2 Co. 1:16; Ga. 1:22; 1 Th. 2:14). The Persians Read the book of Acts and see how the apostles and and Romans appointed governors over Judah (Hag.

early Christians preached to the unsaved Jews. We find 1:14; Lk. 1:5).

there no idea that Christ-rejecting Judaism is a living JUDGE NOT. The following are some of the key faith!

passages on judging that are widely abused today: 3. Judaism is a temporary religion. The Bible says that Matthew 7:1-5 -- Judge not, that ye be not judged. For there will come a day when the nation Israel will receive with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with Jesus as the Christ when He returns from heaven in what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

power and glory (Ze. 12:9-10; 13:1, 6). Before then And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's there will come a period of the most terrible trouble this eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

world has ever experienced. It is called the “time of Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the Jacob’s trouble” (Je. 30:7), because it will be the time mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own when God will complete the judgment of Israel for her eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine unbelief and will reveal Himself to the remnant and own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the pour out upon them the salvation we read of in mote out of thy brother’s eye.”

Zechariah 12-13. Christ will return; His feet will stand First, if we examine the context of this passage we upon the mount of Olives; and He will establish His see that the Lord Jesus is not condemning all judging; kingdom on earth with its capital in Jerusalem and with He is condemning hypocritical judging (Mt. 7:5). To a converted Israel at its heart.

forbid something in another person that I allow in my JUDAS (praise). The Greek form of the Hebrew word own life is hypocrisy, and it is a great and deep-seated for Judah. (1) A son of Jacob (Mt. 1:2-3). (2) A sin among men. For a parent to tell his children not to revolutionary mentioned in Ac. 5:37. (3) Judas Iscariot, listen to rock music when he listens to Country-Western the disciple who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver music is hypocrisy. To tell my children not to smoke (Jn. 6:66; 12:6; 13:29; Mt. 26:14-25, 47-50; 27:3-10; when I smoke or to attend church when I don’t attend Ac. 1:15-26). This was prophesied by David (Ps. 41:9; church, or to be serious about God’s will when I am not Jn. 13:18; Ac. 1:16). Iscariot refers to Kerioth, his native that serious about His will, or to be kind to others when place. Judas was covetous (Jn. 12:4-6). Judas was a I am not kind to them or to their mother, or to obey me hypocrite (Jn. 13:24-29). The other disciples did not when I don’t obey my husband is hypocrisy. This is the know that he was an impostor. Judas esteemed Christ type of thing that Christ was warning about.

very little. He sold Him for 30 pieces of silver (Mt.

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This is not to say, though, that Christ forbade judging Romans 14:4 -- “Who art thou that judgest another in general. That He is not condemning all judging is man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth.

evident from the context. In the same sermon He Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him warned about false prophets (Mt. 7:15-17).

stand.”

It is impossible to beware of false prophets without This passage is frequently abused by those who have judging doctrine and practice by the God’s Word. How the ecumenical philosophy. It is said that this verse can I know who a false prophet is if I do not measure forbids us to expose sin and error and compromise. The preachers by God’s Word?

verse is also used to support the doctrine that Scripture That Christ is not condemning all judging is also can be divided into fundamental or essential and non-evident by comparing Scripture with Scripture. In other fundamental or secondary doctrine. One pastor wrote to passages we are commanded to judge. The Lord Jesus me and said:

Himself said we are to judge righteous judgment (Jn.

“Romans 14 is probably the most violated passage by 7:24).

those of us who call ourselves ‘fundamentalists’ (note We are to judge sin in the church (1 Co. 5:3, 12).

that I include myself). We have either skipped over that chapter or given it a sinfully surface interpretation

“For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have and danced around its powerful mandates for dealing judged already, as though I were present, concerning him with differences over ‘secondary’ doctrine within the that hath so done this deed, ... For what have I to do to church. By ‘secondary’ I do not mean ‘unimportant.’ I judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them must be 'fully persuaded' about all Scriptural issues, that are within? ”

though I must welcome and neither judge nor look We are to judge matters between the brethren (1 Co.

down on those who differ on some of them.”

6:5). “I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a To this I gave the following reply:

wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to Romans 14 is an important passage, but it has judge between his brethren? ”

nothing to do with the idea that there things in We are to judge preaching (1 Co. 14:29). “Let the Scripture of secondary value in the sense of how we are prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.”

to deal with them. The two examples plainly given by We are to judge those who preach false gospels, false the apostle are eating meats and keeping holy days.

christs, and false spirits (2 Co. 11:1-4). “But I fear, lest These are matters about which the Bible is silent. There by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his are no divine requirements upon the New Testament subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the Christian in these matters.

simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth Thus, Romans 14 is discussing how we are to deal another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye with matters NOT CLEARLY TAUGHT IN SCRIPTURE. In receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or matters in which God has not plainly spoken, I am to another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well give liberty.

bear with him.”

On the other hand, in matters in which God has We are to judge the works of darkness (Ep. 5:11).

plainly spoken, the only liberty is to obey. People use

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of Romans 14:4 to defend many areas of plain darkness, but rather reprove them.”

disobedience, such as worldly music, long hair on men, We are to judge spirits (1 John 4:1). “Beloved, believe immodest dress on women, etc. Since the Bible has not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of spoken plainly about these matters, it is a misuse to God: because many false prophets are gone out into the apply Romans 14:4.

world.”

You are missing the mark by a great distance in your We are even to judge all things (1 Co. 2:15-16). “But understanding of this passage.

he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 -- “But with me it is a very small judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know Christ.”

nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he The spiritual man does not judge things by his own that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing thinking but by the mind of Christ in the Word of God.

before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring He knows that he lives in a fallen world filled with lies to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make and error and spiritual deception and he knows that he manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every has the light of God in the Scripture and he thus judges man have praise of God.”

all things by that.

Paul is not saying that believers should judge nothing at all and should leave all judgment to God. This would 350

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be contrary to many other passages in the same epistle judging with an evil intent. When one judges sin and (i.e., 1 Co. 2:15; 5:3, 12; 6:2-3; 14:29).

error scripturally, it is never with a desire to hurt people.

He is saying, rather, that believers are not to judge The Pharisees judged Jesus in an evil manner (Jn.

ministers by their own human thinking as to what a 7:52). The false teachers at Galatia and Corinth judged minister should be and how he should teach and act, Paul in the same manner, trying to tear him down in the but they are to judge righteous judgment according to eyes of the churches (2 Co. 10:10). This is what James God’s Word. He is talking about being judged by “man’s forbids.

judgment” (1 Co. 4:3). It is not required that a minister Second, James is referring to judging in a way that is suit men and bend to their thinking; it is required that contrary to the law of God (“there is one lawgiver,” Ja.

he be faithful to God, and this is the only proper 4:12). This refers to judging others by human standards standard by which he can be judged.

rather than divine, thus setting oneself up as the Paul, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is also lawgiver. The Pharisees did this when they judged Jesus saying that ultimate and final judgment belongs only to by their traditions (Mt. 15:1-3). On the other hand, the Lord; therefore, we must be humble and cautious in when a believer judges things by God’s Word in a godly our judgments in this present time (1 Co. 4:4-5). Even and compassionate manner, he is not exercising his own though we have the Word of God and we are obliged to judgment; he is exercising God’s judgment. When, for judge everything on the basis of God’s Word, we must example, I say that it is wrong for a woman to be a not think that we are infallible. We have to walk in the pastor or it is a shame for a man to have long hair or light that we have and live our lives and exercise our those who love the world are adulterers, this is not my ministries on that basis, but our knowledge is very judgment or law; it is God’s (1 Ti. 2:12; 1 Co. 11:14; Ja.

imperfect in this present world.

4:4).

We can know if a man’s teaching is false and we can For more on verses misused by the ecumenical know enough, therefore, to mark his error and to avoid movement see Things Hard To Be Understood: A it, but we do not know the secrets of men’s hearts and Handbook of Biblical Difficulties on 1 Sa. 24:4-10; Mt.

we do not know all of the things that will be brought to 7:1-1; 18:15-17; Mk. 9:38-40; John 13:35; 17:21; Acts bear and come into play when God judges men in that 5:38-39; James 4:11-12. This book if available from perfect light of a coming day.

Way of Life Literature.

James 4:11-12 -- “Speak not evil one of another, The following study is by the late Franklin G. Huling: brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth This question, Is it right to judge? is one that puzzles his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: many sincere Christians. A careful and open-minded but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, study of the Bible makes it clear that concerning but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and certain vital matters, it is not only right but a positive to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?”

duty to judge. Many do not know that—

The Scripture Commands to Judge: The Lord Jesus Like Matthew 7:1, Romans 14:4, and 1 Corinthians Christ commanded, “Judge righteous judgment” (Jn.

4:5, James 4:11 is frequently misused by the ecumenical 7:24). He told a man, “Thou hast rightly judged” (Lk.

crowd to support the false doctrine that Christians are 7:43). To others, our Lord asked, “Why even of forbidden to judge doctrine and practice. To make these yourselves judge ye not what is right?” (Lk. 12:57).

verses teach that Christians can never judge, though, The Apostle Paul wrote, “I speak as to wise men; judge throws the Bible into confusion. There is a right ye what I say” (1 Co. 10:15). Again, Paul declared, “He judgment and a wrong judgment. Many verses that is spiritual judgeth all things” (1 Co. 2:15). It is command us to judge righteous judgment (Luke 12:57; our positive duty to judge.

John 7:24; 1 Co. 2:15). We are to judge preaching (1

False Teachers and False Teaching: “Beware of false Co. 14:29), sin in the churches (1 Co. 5:3), issues in the prophets!” (Mt. 7:15) is the warning and command of churches (1 Co. 6:5), sin in our own lives (1 Co. 11:31), our Lord. But how could we “beware” and how could false teachers (Mt. 7:15; Ro. 16:17); spirits (1 John we know they are “false prophets” if we did not judge?

4:1), etc.

And what is the God-given standard by which we are to judge? “To the Law and to the Testimony: if they When, then, is James forbidding? The context speak not according to THIS WORD, it is because there clarifies the matter.

is NO LIGHT in them” (Is. 8:20). “Ye shall know them First, James is referring to speaking evil (Ja. 4:11).

by their fruits,” Christ said (Mt. 7:16). And in judging Proper judging is to speak the truth in love. The truth is the “fruits,” we must judge by God’s Word, not by what not evil and speaking the truth in love is not evil. The appeals to human reasoning. Many things seem good type of judging condemned by James is judging in the to human judgment which are false to the Word of sense of tearing down, tale bearing, and slander. It is God.

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The Apostle Paul admonished believers, “Now I brother’s eye” (Mt. 7:1-5)

beseech you, brethren, MARK THEM which cause Read this again carefully. Notice that it is addressed to divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which a hypocrite—not to those who sincerely want to ye have learned; and AVOID THEM. For they that are discern whether a teacher or teaching is true or false to such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own God’s Word. And instead of being a prohibition against belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the honest judgment, it is a solemn warning against hearts of the simple” (Ro. 16:17-18). This apostolic hypocritical judgment. In fact, the last statement of this command could not be obeyed were it not right to Scripture commands sincere judgment—”Then thou judge. God wants us to know His Word and then test shalt see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy all teachers and teaching by it. Notice also that it is the brother’s eye.”

false teachers who make the “divisions,” and not those If we take a verse or a part of a verse out of its setting, who protest against their false teaching. And these we can make the Word of God appear to teach the very deceivers are not serving Christ, as they profess, “but opposite of what it really does teach. And those who their own belly,” or their own “bread and butter as we do this cannot escape the judgment of God for twisting would put it. We are to “MARK THEM” and “AVOID

His Word (2 Pe. 3:16). Let this be a warning to us THEM.” See also Ro. 12:9; 2 Co. 6:14-18; Ep. 5:11; 1

never again to take a text or Scripture out of its Th. 5:21; 2 Th. 3:6; and 2 Ti. 3:5. It would be context.

impossible to obey these injunctions of God’s Word unless it were right to judge. And remember, nothing is Many who piously quote, “Judge not,” out of its

“good” in God’s sight that is not true to His Word.

connection, in order to defend that which is false to God’s Word, do not see their own inconsistency in thus The Apostle John wrote, “Beloved, believe not every judging those who would obey God’s Word about spirit, but try (test, judge) the spirits whether they are judging that which is untrue to the Bible. It is tragic of God: because many false prophets are gone out into that so much that is anti-Scriptural has found the world” (1 Jn. 4:1). Again he wrote, “For many undeserved shelter behind a misuse of the Scripture deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not just quoted.

that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh... If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, RECEIVE

The reason Christendom is today honeycombed and HIM NOT into your house, neither bid him God speed: paralyzed by Satanic Modernism is because Christians For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his have not obeyed the command of God’s Word to judge evil deeds” (2 Jn. 7, 10-11). This Scripture commands and put away and separate from false teachers and us to judge between those who do and those who do false teaching when they first appeared in their midst.

not bring the true doctrine of Christ.

Physical health is maintained by separation from disease germs. Spiritual health is maintained by Whenever a child of God contributes to a separation from germs of false doctrine. The greatest denominational budget that supports Modernist peril of our day is not too much judging, but too little missionaries or teachers, he is guilty before God, judging of spiritual falsehood. God wants His children according to this Scripture, of bidding them “God to be like the noble Bereans who “searched the speed” in the most effective way possible. And he Scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts thereby becomes a “partaker” with them of their “evil 17:11).

deeds” of spreading soul-damning poison. How terrible, but how true! Arouse yourself, child of God. If Romans 2:1-3 is also addressed to the religious you are guilty, ask God to forgive you and help you hypocrite who condemned himself because he was never again to be guilty of the blood of souls for whom guilty of the same things for which he condemned Christ died. When we are willing to suffer for Christ, others. James 4:11-12 refers to an evil spirit of we can readily see the truth of God’s Word on this backbiting and fault finding, not to judging whether tremendously important matter. “If we suffer, we shall teachers or teachings agree or disagree with God’s also reign with Him” (2 Ti. 2:12).

Word. The Bible never contradicts itself. To understand one portion of Scripture we must view it in the light of Misunderstood and Misused Scripture: One of the best all Scripture. “No prophecy of the Scripture is of any known and most important and misapplied Scriptures private (isolated) interpretation” (2 Pe. 1:20).

is “Judge not” (Mt. 7:1). Let us examine the entire

“Comparing spiritual things (words) with spiritual” (1

passage: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with Co. 2:13).

what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you The Wheat and the Tares: The “Wheat and the Tares”

again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy parable of Mt. 13:24-30, 36-43, is also much brother’s eye, but considereth not the beam that is in misunderstood. First of all, our Lord is talking about thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let the world, not His Church—”the field is the world.” He me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a goes on to say that “the good seed are the children of beam is in thine own eye? THOU HYPOCRITE, first the Kingdom; but the tares are the children of the cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt wicked one” (Mt. 13:38). They are the two groups in thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy the world, children of God— those who have received 352

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Christ (Jn. 1:12), and the children of the devil—those better test ourselves according to 2 Co. 5:17: “If any who reject Christ (Jn. 8:44). When any of the “children man be IN CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are of the wicked one” get into the professed church of passed away; behold, all things are become new.” If Christ, as they have always done, a definite procedure this change has not taken place, our profession is vain.

for God’s children is set forth in His Word. First, it is Elements in Judgment: The New Testament Greek word their duty to tell them that they have “neither part nor that is most often translated “judge” or “judgment” is lot” in Christ (see Acts 8:21-23 and context). If the

“krino.” On the one hand, it means to distinguish, to children of the devil do not leave voluntarily, as is decide, to determine, to conclude, to try, to think and generally the case, God’s children are commanded to to call in question. That is what God wants His

“purge out” these unbelievers (1 Co. 5:7). But God’s children to do as to whether preachers, teachers and people have disobeyed His Word about this, and so their teachings are true or false to His Word. The unbelievers have gotten into control, as is now the case Apostle Paul writes: “And this I pray, that your love in most denominations. Therefore, those who purpose may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in to be true to Christ and His Word are commanded to all judgment; that ye may approve things that are

“come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith excellent” (Ph. 1:9-10). A wrong idea of love and lack the Lord” (2 Co. 6:17), regardless of property or any of knowledge and judgment causes God’s people often other considerations. When we obey God’s Word, we to approve things that are anything but excellent in can trust Him to take care of all the consequences of God’s sight. The epistle to the Hebrews tells us that our obedience. [See Tares.]

mature believers, that is, those who are of “full age,”

Other Matters to Be Judged: Immoral conduct of are those who by reason of use have their senses professed believers in Christ is to be judged. 1

exercised to discern both good and evil” (He. 5:14). On Corinthians chapter 5 tells a sad story and closes with the other hand, the Greek word “krino”—judge or the Apostolic injunction, “Therefore put away from judgment—means to condemn, to sentence, and to among yourselves that wicked person” (2 Co. 5:13).

punish. This is God’s prerogative, for He has said, Disputes between Christians concerning “things that

“Venegeance is Mine, I will repay, saith the Lord” (Ro.

pertain to this life” (1 Co. 6:3) should be judged by a 12:19). Thus Christians are to exercise discernment, tribunal of fellow Christians instead of going before but not vengeance.

unbelievers in the civil courts. The whole sixth chapter Guard against a Wrong Attitude; Christians should of 1 Corinthians makes clear God’s plan for His people watch against the tendency of the flesh to assume a in this regard. And some startling truths are here critical and censorious attitude toward those who do revealed: First, “the saints shall judge the world.”

not share our opinions about other matters than those Second, “we shall judge angels” (1 Co. 6:2-3). Beloved, which have to do with Bible doctrine and moral are we letting God prepare us for this high place? We conduct. Rather than “pick to pieces” our brethren in ought to judge ourselves. “Examine yourselves, Christ, it is our privilege and duty to do everything we whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2

can to encourage their spiritual upbuilding. We ought Co. 13:5). “For if we would judge ourselves, we should to love and pray for one another and consider not be judged. But when we are judged, we are ourselves lest we be tempted.

chastened (child trained) of the Lord, that we should A Final Word: If you are saved, my reader, let us not not be condemned with the world” (1 Co. 11:31-32).

forget that “we must all appear before the judgment What a change and what a blessing it would be if we seat of Christ” (2 Co. 5:10). It will be well with those would judge our own faults as uncharitably as we do who are studying God’s Word, walking in the light of it, the faults of others—and if we would judge the failings living for Christ and the salvation of souls. It will go ill of others as charitably as we do our own! And with those who have accepted Christ but who are Christians could save themselves much chastening of living for the things of this world. If you are a mere the Lord if they would judge and confess and cease professor of Christ, or profess nothing, my friend, may their disobedience to God. And, O, how much I lovingly remind you that “judgment must begin at the dishonour and lack of fruit would our blessed Lord be house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the spared!

end be of them that obey not the Gospel?” (1 Pe. 4:17).

Limitations of Human Judgment: We are not to judge JERUDelay not another moment to ask God for Christ’s scruples. God forbids our judging our brethren sake to forgive your sins. Surrender your heart and will concerning the eating of certain kinds of food, keeping to the loving Saviour who died for you. Make Him the of days, etc. Romans 14; 1 Co. 10:23-33; and Col.

Lord of your life. Happy and blessed will you be, now 2:16-17 cover this subject. We are also not to judge and forever (This study on “Judge Not” is by the late motives. See 1 Co. 4:1-5. Only God can see into the Franklin G. Huling).

heart and know the motives that underlie actions. We JUDGMENT. All men must stand before God to be are also not to judge who is saved. “The Lord knoweth them that are His” (2 Ti. 2:19). We cannot look into judged for their earthly lives. All judgment has been anyone’s heart and say whether or not they have given to Jesus Christ (Jn. 5:22; Ac. 17:30-31). Just as accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal there are different groups of resurrections, there are Saviour, if they profess that they have. But we had also different judgments. Before God, all men are not in Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 353

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the same position and are not grouped together for one Christ is one of the greatest motivators in the Christian general judgment. In a broad sense men are divided into life. It should motivate the Christian to be spiritual (1

the saved and the unsaved (1 Jn. 5:12,19; Jn. 17:6-9).

Co. 3:1-3), to be busy (1 Co. 3:9-10), and to be faithful The Bible also speaks of three groups of men in the (1 Co. 4:2-4). [See Crown, Eternal Security.]

world today: Jews, Gentiles, and the Church (1 Co.

The Judgment of the Nations. This occurs at Christ’s 10:32).

return (Mt. 25:31-46). The King will judge the nations The Judgment of Believers (1 Co. 3:11-15; 2 Co.

to determine which will enter Christ’s kingdom.

5:9-10; Ro. 14:10-12). The purpose of this judgment: (1) The Great White Throne Judgment. This occurs prior It is for Christians, not the unsaved (1 Co. 3:1, 11-12).

to the establishment of the new heaven and new earth (2) It is to examine the believer’s service, not to (Re. 20:11-15). Only the unsaved are resurrected to this determine his salvation (1 Co. 3:8, 10, 13). The believer judgment. The saved will already have been resurrected is judged as a son and an heir (Ga. 4:6, 7). The and will be reigning with Christ (Re. 20:1-5). This foundation for this judgment: The foundation is Jesus judgment is a judgment of works (Re. 20:12-13). Since Christ and the eternal riches of Calvary (1 Co. 3:12).

all men’s works are sinful before God, and since these While the believer can fall on this Foundation, praise wicked dead did not receive Jesus Christ as their God, he cannot fall off! The element of this judgment: Saviour during their earthly lives, they will be judged The fire which shall try the believer’s work is the Word and will suffer eternal punishment for their evil deeds.

of God (Je. 23:29; Jn. 12:48). The nature of this

[See Castaway, Condemnation, Damned, Damnation, judgment: The believer’s judgment is not for Fire - Judgment By, Gospel, Heaven, Hell, Judge Not, punishment, but to manifest the character of his service Sin.]

for reward or loss of reward. It is like the judgment of JUDITH (praise). Ge. 26:34.

an Olympic athlete or a worker on the job or a son in the family business. The materials of this judgment: The JULIA (curled, frizzled). This is the feminine form of

“wood, hay, and stubble” are associated with man and Julius (Ro. 16:15).

that which is of the world, temporal. The “gold, silver, JULIUS (curled, frizzled). Ac. 27:1.

and precious stones” denote that which is of God, that JUNIA (a youth). Ro. 16:7.

which has eternal value. We see that it is not the size of JUNIPER. An evergreen shrub or small tree (1 Ki.

one’s labor, but its value before God that is important.

19:4-5).

Things which are “gold, silver, and precious stones”

JUPITER. [See Idolatry.]

include faithful church membership (1 Ti. 3:15; He.

JUSHAB HESED (lovingkindness is returned). 1 Ch.

10:25; 13:7, 17); being a loving, providing husband 3:20.

(Ep. 5:25; 1 Ti. 5:8); being a submissive, serving wife (Ep. 5:22; Tit. 2:4); being an obedient child (Ep. 6:1); JUST, JUSTICE. Righteous; honest; equitable (Ge.

gospel preaching and world evangelization (Mk. 16:15); 6:9; 18:19).

training children in the way of God (Pr. 22:6); being Lessons about Just and Justice:

filled with the Spirit (Ep. 5:18); seeking God (He. 11:6; God is a God of justice (Job 8:3). Justice is the Pr. 8:34-35); sacrificing for Christ (Mk. 10:29); habitation of His throne (Ps. 89:14). Justice is at the approving excellent things (Ph. 1:10); being pure in heart of God’s holy law (De. 16:20).

spirit and body (2 Co. 7:1). The loss of this judgment: Jesus is called “the Just One” (Ac. 3:14; 7:52; The loss will NOT be salvation (1 Co. 3:15) or one’s 22:14). His kingdom is characterized by justice (Ps. 9:8; riches in Christ (1 Pe. 1:3-4; Ro. 8:18; Col. 3:4). The 72:2; 96:13; Is. 11:4; 16:5).

loss will be crowns; reigning positions (2 Ti. 2:12; Re.

Justice is a synonym for the righteousness ( tsedeq) of 2:25-26; 3:21; 20:4). No one who appears at this God (Ps. 7:17; 17:15). The main Hebrew word for judgment will lose his salvation for poor service; he justice ( tsedeq) is also translated “just” (Le. 19:36), WILL lose rewards and suffer shame (1 Co. 3:15; 1 Jn.

“right” (Ps. 9:4), and “righteousness” (Le. 19:15).

2:28; 2 Jn. 8). Salvation is not achieved through faithful Justice, therefore, means to do right and to be righteous service, but through faith in the blood of Christ (Ro. 3-4; by God’s standards. Just judgment and righteous Ep. 2:8-9). For the Christian, the judgment of God’s judgment are the same (Ps. 119:62).

wrath upon his sin is past. It was poured out upon the Saviour on Calvary (Jn. 3:18, 36). The grace of this Justice is intimately associated with truth (Isa. 59:4).

judgment: It is God’s nature to be gracious (Ps.

Justice is to speak truth and to deal in truth. It is the 103:8-14), and His marvelous, free grace in Jesus Christ opposite of lying, stealing, and inequity.

will be manifest in the believer’s judgment. The Justice is intimately associated with judgment. They motivation of this judgment: The Judgment Seat of are used together in Scripture 41 times (e.g., Ge. 18:19; 354

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2 Sa. 8:15; Ps. 89:14). Like tsedeq, the Hebrew word for JUSTIFICATION. Justification means “to declare justice ( mishpat) is also translated right (Ge. 18:25).

righteous.” Justification is God’s declaration that those The book of Proverbs is the book of practical justice who trust Jesus Christ are righteous before Him. It is a (Pr. 1:3). It teaches right dealing among men.

legal concept, as when a judge gives a verdict. God is All true justice is taught by God’s Spirit, who is the great Judge. It is His law sinners have broken.

depicted in Proverbs 8 as Wisdom incarnate (Pr. 8:15).

Before salvation, God declares that I am a condemned sinner. After I trust in Christ, God declares that I am At the heart of godly justice is the royal law: thou righteous because of what Christ did for me on the shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Ja. 2:8).

cross. Justification is to be brought into a new spiritual The requirement for doing justice is the fear of God position before God. The believer is no longer a part of (2 Sa. 23:3).

the cursed household of Adam, but he has entered the Justice operates in four major realms: Justice operates blessed household of Christ (Ro. 5:1-2).

in the sphere of business (Le. 19:35-36). It is to avoid How is a person justified? (1) Justification is free (Ro.

every type of cheating, stealing, dishonesty, 3:24). We do not become righteous before God through misrepresentation, and ungodly manipulation. It is to good works, religious rituals, morality, or law-keeping.

provide a good quality product for a fair price. It is to Justification is a free gift. (2) Justification is because of give the “baker’s dozen,” meaning to give even more Christ’s redemption (Ro. 3:24). Justification is free than bargained for. It is honesty in advertising. It is because Jesus Christ paid the price with His own blood paying a just wage and otherwise treating one’s and death. (3) Justification is through faith in Christ employees justly (Col. 4:1). Justice operates in the sphere (Ro. 3:25-28; 4:3-6; 5:1). Man’s part in justification is to of government (Job 29:14-17). It enforces law and repent of his sin and to trust Jesus Christ.

order; it protects the godly, the innocent, and the weak Other important truths about justification: (1) from oppressors. Justice operates in the sphere of the Justification is by imputation, not impartation.

judicial system. It is equity and impartiality (Le 19:15; Justification is not God making a sinner righteous, but De. 1:16-17; 16:18-20; 2 Ch. 19:5-7). It treats each God declaring him righteous. It is true that God gives person equally under the law. It doesn’t take bribes (Ex.

the believer a righteous nature, which causes him to 23:8; De. 16:19; 1 Sa. 8:3). It doesn’t accept lies and love and serve God, but this is not justification; this is false witnesses (De. 19:16-21; 1 Ki. 21:9-13). It searches regeneration (2 Co. 5:17). Justification is God imputing out the truth of every matter (De. 17:4; Job 29:16-17).

to the believing sinner the very righteousness of Jesus It administers punishments that are suitable for the Christ (2 Co. 5:21; Ro. 4:4-6). (2) Justification is in crime, not too weak and not too harsh (De. 25:1-3). It Jesus Christ. To have Christ is to have justification (1

doesn’t allow manipulation of the system by the rich Co. 1:30; 2 Co. 5:21). (3) Justification is a present sure and powerful. It doesn’t allow lawyers to corrupt the possession, not a process or a possibility (Ro. 5:9).

clear intent of the law by clever techniques. It doesn’t Justification is not a gradual thing whereby a person allow procedure to replace truth. It doesn’t allow justice grows in righteousness. The believer is as fully justified to be delayed so as to wear down and discourage the the day he is saved as he is after fifty years of spiritual innocent. It doesn’t oppress by requiring the innocent to growth. Believers do grow in obedience, but this is not pay large sums of money to obtain justice. Justice justification; it is sanctification (1 Pe. 2:1-2). (4) operates in the sphere of social welfare (Pr. 31:9). Justice Justification promises eternal safety from wrath (Ro.

is to help the needy. It is the opposite of oppressing the 5:9-11). Since the believer possesses justification poor (Ec. 5:8). It is compassion on the poor (Le. 19:10; through Christ’s blood, he does not have to fear God’s De. 10:17-18; 15:11; Job 29:12-17). It is visiting the wrath. It is God who declares the believer righteous; fatherless and widows in their affliction (Ja. 1:27).

thus the danger of wrath and condemnation are forever No man is just enough by God’s holy standards to be past for those who are justified by Christ’s blood (Ro.

acceptable to Him. All have sinned and come short of 8:32-34).

God’s glory (Ro. 3:23). The only way to be just before Position and Practice. The Bible makes a plain God is to be justified by faith in Jesus Christ, which distinction between the Christian’s position and his means to be declared righteous on the basis of Christ’s practice. This is also called relationship and fellowship.

atonement (Ro. 3:24). Christ is the just One who died The believer’s position in Christ is unchanging, secure, for the unjust (1 Pe. 3:18). Because of justification, the and eternal the moment he is born into God’s family. His believing sinner is called just (Ro. 1:17; He.12:23). [See practice, on the other hand, depends upon his daily Gospel, Grace, Integrity, Justification, Law, fellowship with Christ and is changeable. Justification Righteousness, Sin.]

has to do with the believer’s eternal position before God

“in Christ.”

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The Book of Ephesians. The book of Ephesians lays relationship. But daily fellowship with God in this out this distinction plainly. Chapters one through three present world depends on how the believer lives. It present the believer’s position and relationship; chapters depends on walking in the light and confessing one’s four through six deal with his practice and fellowship.

sins (1 John 1:5-10). Obedience and confession of sin In Ephesians 1-3 the believer is repeatedly said to be “in are essential in order to remain in fellowship with the Christ” (1:1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13; 2:6, 10, 13, 22; Saviour, but our walk does not change our position in 3:6, 12). “In Christ” is the theme of this section of the Christ or our relationship with God as Father. If we sin, epistle. The key word in Ephesians 1-3 is “grace” (1:2, He remains our Father and Christ remains our Advocate 6; 2:5, 7-8; 3:2, 7). In Ephesians 4-6 the subject changes (1 Jn. 2:1). How can this be? It is because Christ paid to the believer’s walk in this world. The key words in the full price demanded by God’s law for sin (1 Jn. 2:2), Ephesians 4-6 are “walk” (4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15), and eternal life is a free gift, undeserved and unmerited.

“conversation” (4:22), “put on” (4:24; 6:11), and John’s Gospel. The Gospel of John also shows this

“obey” (6:1). The pivotal verse is Ep. 4:1, “I therefore, distinction plainly. In John 1-12 the focus is on the the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk unsaved, and the main message is “believe on the Lord worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” Here Jesus Christ” (Jn. 1:7, 12; 3:15-16, 18; 4:39; 5:24; 6:35, we are told the believer is to bring his daily walk into 47; 7:38; 8:24; 9:35; 10:38; 11:26). When the unsaved line with his eternal position. The believer does not live asked about doing the works of God, Christ replied, right in order TO BE saved, but because he HAS BEEN

“This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom saved. There is a world of difference. To serve God he hath sent” (Jn. 6:29). That is the only work God will because you have been saved is the true gospel; to serve accept from the unsaved. In chapter thirteen, though, God in order to gain salvation or to perfect one’s Christ turns His attention to His own little flock and the salvation is a false gospel. Ep. 5:8 says, “For ye were theme changes from faith to obedience. “If a man love sometimes darkness, but NOW are ye light in the Lord: me, he will keep my words” (Jn. 14:23). This change in WALK as children of light.” The believer’s position in the theme of John’s Gospel illustrates the difference Christ is that he is “light in the Lord.” This is God’s gift between relationship and fellowship. Faith is the in Christ. The believer is instructed to live up to that requirement for relationship; obedience is the position in his daily living.

requirement for fellowship. Faith is the way to become a John’s First Epistle. The difference between position child of God; obedience is the way to walk in fellowship and practice is also seen in 1 John. Here the Lord makes with the Father. [See Confidence, Consolation, Eternal a plain distinction between relationship and fellowship.

Security, Footwashing, Freely, Gospel, Grace, Holy, The theme of 1 John is fellowship, not relationship (1

Hope, Integrity, Just, Mercy, Peace, Peculiar, Jn. 1:3). The Epistle is written to those who already Propitiation, Repentance, Reconciliation, Redemption, have a relationship with God as children through faith Righteousness, Salvation, Sanctification, Seventh-day in Christ. Those who believe in Christ are born into His Adventism.]

family as children of God (Ga. 3:26). God imputes the JUSTLE. Jostle; clash with; strike against (Na. 2:4).

righteousness of Christ to the believer’s account. He is JUSTUS (upright, just). Ac. 1:23.

propitiated (satisfied) by what Christ did on the cross in the sinner’s place. This is the believer’s eternal JUTTAH (it is extended, turning away). Jos. 15:55.

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-K-

KABZEEL (God gathers). Jos. 15:21.

KIDRON (black, gloomy). The brook that ran along KADESH (sacred, holy). Ge. 14:7.

the eastern side of Jerusalem and formed the Kidron KADESH BARNEA (holy, desert of wandering). Nu.

Valley, dividing the Temple Mount from the Mount of 34:4.

Olives (2 Sa. 15:23; 1 Ki. 15:13; 2 Ki. 23:6; Je. 31:40).

[See Jehoshaphat, Valley of.]

KADMIEL (God going before with benefits, minister of God). Ezr. 2:40.

KILL. To cause someone to die; to put to death. One of the ten commandments is “thou shalt not kill” (Ex.

KADMONITES (ancient). Ge. 15:19.

20:13). The Hebrew word translated “kill” in Ex. 20:13, KALLAI (God was quick). Ne. 12:20.

ratsach, is translated “murder” 14 times (Nu. 35:16, 17, KANAH (a reed, place of reeds). Jos. 16:8.

18, 19, 21, 30, 31; 1 Ki. 6:32; Job 24:14; Ps. 94:6; Is.

KAREAH (bald, bare). Je. 40:8.

1:21; Je. 7:9; Ho. 6:9) and “slayer” 17 times (Nu. 35:11, KARKAA (pavement, bottom). Jos. 15:3.

25, 26, 27, 28; De. 4:42; 19:3, 4, 6; Jos. 20:3, 5-6; KARKOR (collection, foundation). Ju. 8:10.

21:13, 21, 27, 32, 38).

KARTAH (joining, meeting together). Jos. 21:34.

Bible Truths about Murder and Killing: (1) Murder and slaying are not always the same (Nu. 35:15-25).

KARTAN (large city, double city). Jos. 21:32.

There are at least four occasions in the Bible when KATTATH (very small). Jos. 19:15.

killing is not murder: Accidental death (Nu. 35:20-23).

KEDAR (very black). Ge. 25:13.

Self Defense (Ex. 22:2-3). Military service and law KEDEMAH (the East). Ge. 25:15.

enforcement. It is not murder to kill a person in the line KEDEMOTH (antiquities, Orientals, eastern parts).

of duty in law enforcement and in the military (Ro.

Jos. 13:18.

13:1-4). Capital punishment. The law of Moses called for capital punishment in the case of murder (Le. 24:17; KADESH BARNEA (holy, desert of wandering). Nu.

De. 19:11-13), idolatry (Le. 20:2; De. 17:2-7), 34:4.

witchcraft (Le. 20:27), adultery (Le. 20:10; De. 22:21, KEEP UNDER MY BODY. Keep my body under 22), homosexuality (Le. 20:13), bestiality (Le. 20:15, control (1 Co. 9:27). This refers to restraining sin and 16), rape (De. 22:25-27), incest (Le. 20:17), and keeping oneself pure before God.

blasphemy (Le. 24:11-16, 23). The avenger of death in KEEPER AT HOME. [See Home.]

O.T. times was a relative or friend who put the murderer KEHELATHAH (congregation). Nu. 33:22.

to death (De. 19:11-13 ). God allowed for this, and KEILAH (fortification). Jos. 15:44.

made provision for cities of refuge for those who had KELAIAH (the congregation of the Lord). Ezr. 10:23.

killed someone accidentally. In the New Testament dispensation, God has given civil government the KELITA (a gathering of the people). Ezr. 10:23.

authority to put offenders to death. In Romans 13:4 we KENAN (ample possession, owner). 1 Ch. 1:2.

see that God has given nations the authority to “bear the KENATH (a possession). Nu. 32:42.

sword” against evil. This refers to capital punishment.

KENAZ, KENEZ (hunting). Ge. 36:11.

(2) Murder is an unusually horrible crime: because of its KENEZITE (to hunt). Nu. 32:12.

finality (He. 9:27), because of the value of a soul (Mt.

16:26), and because of what man is (Ge. 1:26; 1 Jn.

KENITES (possession). Ge. 15:19.

4:20). Man is not an animal; he has an eternal soul, and KEREN HAPPUCH (splendor of the carbuncle, horn to end a man’s life seals his eternal destiny (Lk. 16:22, of beauty). Job 42:14.

23; He. 9:27). (3) Murder defiles the land (Nu. 35:33; KERIOTH, KIRIOTH (citizens). Jos. 15:25; Am. 2:2.

Ju. 20:13) and requires capital punishment (Nu.

KEROS (a handle, bent). Ezr. 2:44.

35:30-34; Ge. 9:6; Pr. 28:17; Ro. 13:4). (4) Murder is a KETURAH (perfumed, fragrance). Ge. 25:1.

problem of the heart (Mt. 15:18-20). Christ compared KEZIA (cassia). Job 42:14.

murder with anger (Mt. 5:21-22). The first murder was committed by the first child born into the world (Ge.

KEZIZ (border). Jos. 18:21.

4:8-9). [See Anger, Avenger of Blood, Capital KIBROTH HATTAAVAH (graves of lust). Nu. 11:34.

Punishment, Cities of Refuge, Death, Pacifism, Steal, KIBZAIM (congregation). Jos. 21:22.

Vengeance.]

KINAH (smithy). Jos. 15:22.

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KIND - KINGDOM OF GOD

KIND. (1) Race; genus; class (Ge. 1:11, 12, 21, 24, judges to lead His nation (Ac. 13:20). Later He set up 25; 1 Ch. 28:14; Mt. 13:47; Mk. 9:29). (2) Favorable; kings over Israel. Of these, He set apart David and charitable; disposed to do good to others, and to make promised to give the throne of Israel’s kingdom to them happy by granting their requests, supplying their David’s Seed, Jesus Christ (Ac. 13:21-23; 2 Sa.

wants or assisting them in distress; having tenderness or 7:12-15). Because of Israel’s rebellion, God took their goodness of nature; benevolent (Webster) (2 Ch. 10:7; kingdom away, and Israel was scattered throughout the Lk. 6:35; 1 Co. 13:4; Ep. 4:32). [See Kindness, Love.]

world (Je. 29:16-19). The Bible promises that God will KINDLE. To set on fire; to light (Ex. 22:6; Ps. 78:21; rebuild Israel’s kingdom in the future (Je. 24:4-7; Lk. 22:55; Ac. 28:2). It is mostly used in reference to 30:7-11, 18-24; 31:31-40; 32:37-44; 33:7-17; Ho.

kindling anger: Ge. 30:2; 39:19; Ex. 4:14; Le. 10:6; Nu.

3:4-5; Joel 3; Am. 9:8-15; Ze. 14). The rebuilding of 11:1, 10; De. 6:15; Ps. 2:12; 106:40; Is. 5:25; Je. 15:14; Israel’s kingdom will follow a time of purging of Israel Ho. 8:5. [See Anger.]

and worldwide judgment (Ze. 13:8 - 14:21; Da. 12:1-3).

KINDLY. Kind; charitable; benevolent (Ge. 24:29;

[See Israel, Law.]

34:3; Ru. 1:8; 1 Sa. 20:8; Je. 52:32; Ro. 12:10). The The Spiritual Kingdom of God (Col. 1:12-14). This is Greek word translated “kindly affectioned” in Ro. 12:10

God’s rule over those angels and men who have is philostorgos which is defined by Strong as “cherishing willingly submitted to His authority. It is the kingdom one’s kindred, especially parents or children; fond of composed of all the redeemed (Ep. 2:12-19; He.

natural relatives, i.e. fraternal towards fellow 12:22-24). The moment a person is converted, he Christians.” [See Kind, Kindness, Love.]

becomes a citizen of this spiritual kingdom (Col.

KINDNESS. Good will; benevolence; that temper or 1:12-13; Ph. 3:20-21).

disposition which delights in contributing to the The Future, Earthly Kingdom of Christ (Mt. 25:31; Is.

happiness of others, which is exercised cheerfully in 9:7; Ps. 22:27-28, 47; 102:12-22; Da. 7:14-27). This gratifying their wishes, supplying their wants or kingdom is foretold in the Old and New Testaments and alleviating their distresses; charity (Webster) (Ge.

is the reestablishment of Israel’s fallen kingdom (Ps. 72; 20:13; Jos. 2:12; Jud. 8:35; Ru. 2:20; 1 Sa. 15:6; Pr.

Is. 11; 25-27; 35; 60-66; Je. 30-33; Da. 7; Ho. 2:14-23; 19:22; 31:26; Ac. 28:2; Col. 3:12; 2 Pe. 1:7). The Lord 3:4-5; 14:4-8; Jo. 2:18 - 3:21; Am. 9:11-15; Ob. 15-21; is kind toward men: Ps. 31:21; 117:2; 119:76; Is. 54:8, Mi. 2:12-13; 4:1-13; 5:4-15; 7:7-20; Zep. 3:9-20; Hag.

10; Joel 2:13; Jon. 4:2; 2 Co. 6:2; Ep. 2:7; Tit. 3:4. [See 2:6-9; Ze. 1:16-17; 2:1-13; 3:8-10; 8:1 - 10:12; 12:1 -

Kind, Love.]

14:21; Mal. 3:1-6; 4:1-3). It is the fulfillment of God’s KINDRED. Family or racial relationship (Ge. 12:1; promises to Israel and David (Je. 23:5-8; 33:15-26).

Ru. 3:2; Es. 2:10; Ac. 3:25; 4:6; Re. 1:7).

God promised that Jerusalem and the land of Israel would be the center of an eternal, worldwide kingdom.

KINE. Cattle (Ge. 32:15; 41:2-4; 1 Sa. 6:7).

He promised David that his seed would rule over this KING JAMES BIBLE. [See Bible, Bible Versions, kingdom (2 Sa. 7; Ps. 89:20-29). Jesus Christ is the Canon, Erasmus, Inspiration, Masoretic Text, Seed of David who has inherited these promises (Is.

Preservation, Westcott-Hort.]

9:6-7; Mt. 1:1). After God’s purposes for this present age KINGDOM OF GOD. The kingdom of God is God’s are fulfilled, Jesus Christ will return from heaven and rule in its various aspects over creation. The term is establish His throne on earth and the promises used in four ways:

concerning the nation Israel will be literally fulfilled The Universal Kingdom of God. This is God’s rule over (Mt. 25:31; Ro. 11:25-27). Most of the prophets spoke the entire universe, including rebellious men and angels of this future kingdom, painting detailed portraits of its (Ps. 29:10; 74:12; 92:8; 95:3; 135:5-6; 145:13; Da.

glory (Is. 35).

4:34-35). Though God has allowed His creatures certain Details of This Kingdom: By examining three major freedom to rebel against His authority for a time, He O.T. prophecies regarding this future kingdom we can still sits as King over all. He overrules all movements see its chief characteristics:

and decisions according to His own purposes (Pr.

Zechariah 14. (1) It will follow the Tribulation and 16:9,33; Ep. 1:9-11). The kingdom of God in this sense Christ’s second coming (vv. 1-7). (2) The creation will has no beginning and shall have no end; it is simply be renewed (v. 8). (3) It will be worldwide (v. 9). (4) It God’s sovereign rule over His created universe. [See will be centered in Jerusalem (v. 10, 11, 16). (5) There God.]

will be reinstatement of O.T. feasts (v. 16). (6) The The Old Testament Kingdom of Israel (De. 4:6-8; 7:6; kingdom will be ruled by force (vv. 17-19). (7) The 14:2). This was God’s rule over His chosen people.

kingdom will be righteous (vv. 20, 21). (8) There will be Moses was the first leader (Ac. 7:35-36). Joshua reinstatement of O.T. offerings (v. 21). (9) The temple followed Moses. After Joshua’s death, God appointed will be rebuilt (vv. 20, 21).

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Isaiah 60. (1) The kingdom will be established this period was revealed to be seven years, according to following worldwide darkness (vv. 1, 2). (2) It will be Da. 9:27. (9) Great Tribulation (Da. 12:1; Is. 24-31).

universal (v. 3). (3) Israel will be restored and will be at Often called “the day of the Lord,” this is the period the center of the kingdom (vv. 4-12). (4) The wealth of during which God will purge the rebels from Israel and the world will be brought to Israel (vv. 6-9). (5) The prepare her for the New Covenant (Eze. 20:33-44). He temple will be rebuilt and offerings reinstated (v. 7). (6) will also judge the world for sin, pride, and idolatry (Is.

The nations of the world will serve Israel (vv. 10-12).

24; Joel 2-3). This period of judgment will be of (7) The land of Israel will be beautified (vv. 13-17). (8) unprecedented severity (Da. 12:1) and will be Righteousness shall reign (v. 17). (9) Israel shall dwell worldwide (Is. 24:1-6,19; 13:9-13). (10) Israel will turn in safety (v. 18). (10) The glory of God will lighten to the Lord (Ho. 3:4-5; 5:15; Je. 3:12-19; Ze. 12:9-10).

Israel (vv. 19, 20). (11) The kingdom will be populated (11) The King will come to the Mount of Olives and by the righteous (v. 21).

destroy Israel’s enemies (Ze. 14:1-4). (12) O.T. saints Isaiah 35. (1) The creation will be renewed (vv. 1, 2, will be resurrected (Da. 12:1-3). (13) Israel will be 7). (2) The kingdom will be established following God’s regathered from among the nations and established in judgment of the world (v. 4). (3) There will be her land forever under the glorious reign of the Messiah miraculous healing (vv. 5-6). (4) A highway will be (Ze. 14:8-21; Is. 11:10-12; 60:9; Je. 23:3-8; 30:7-11; created for the redeemed (vv. 8-10). (5) All will dwell in 31:8-11; 32:37-44; 33:6-26). [See Allegorical, safety (v. 9). (6) The kingdom shall be joyful (v. 10). (7) Antichrist, Covenants, Great Tribulation, Millennium, No sorrow shall be there (v. 10).

Prophecy, Star.]

This kingdom shall be the fulfillment of God’s covenant The Kingdom of God in the New Testament. Following promises to Abraham and David: (1) Possession of the is a summary of N.T. usage of the term kingdom of God: land forever (compare Ge. 12:7; 13:14-17; Am. 9:15).

(1) In the N.T. the term “kingdom of God” is normally (2) Seed as the stars for multitude (compare Ge. 15:1-5; used of the future, earthly Davidic kingdom promised in Je. 33:22). (3) Eternal earthly kingdom with God as the O.T. (Mk. 14:25; Lk. 9:27-36; 13:28-30; 14:15-24; Ruler (compare Ge. 17:7-8; Joel 3:17-20; Is. 9:6-7). (4) 21:31; 22:28-30). (2) The kingdom of God and the Ultimate victory over enemies (compare Ge. 22:17; Joel kingdom of heaven are normally used to describe the 3:1-16). (5) Throne of David established forever same kingdom; they are often used interchangeably (compare 2 Sa. 7:14-15; Is. 9:6-7). (6) House and (Mt. 19:23-24). Compare Mt. 4:17 with Mk. 1:14-15; kingdom of David established forever (compare 2 Sa.

Mt. 5:3 with Lk. 6:20; Mt. 8:11 with Lk. 13:28-29; Mt.

7:16; Ze. 12:7-10; Am. 9:11).

13:11 with Mk. 4:11; Mt. 18:3 and 19:14 with Mk.

Events preceding the fulfillment of this kingdom: O.T.

10:14-15; Mt. 19:23 with Mk. 10:23. The two terms prophecy does not foresee the church age. This period possibly emphasize the source of the same kingdom in was then an unrevealed mystery (Ep. 3:1-10). A major two ways: The kingdom that is from God, and the theme of O.T. prophecy was the kingdom of God kingdom that is from heaven. (3) The kingdom of God promised to Israel. This kingdom is yet future to the will not come until after the Great Tribulation and the church age, and O.T. prophecy describes the events second coming of Christ (Mt. 25:31; Lk. 19:11-27; leading up to its establishment. Through the following 21:31). (4) N.T. believers are not yet entered into the outline we can understand what events the O.T. saints kingdom of God (Ac. 14:22; 2 Th. 1:5; 2 Ti. 4:2,18; 2

were expecting for the future, though the exact order of Pe. 1:11). (5) Jesus, in Jn. 3:3-5 and Mt. 18:3, did not these events was not necessarily understood. We pick up teach that the kingdom of God is the spiritual state one our outline following the 70 year captivity: (1) Release enters upon conversion. Rather, He taught exactly the of Jews by Cyrus (Is. 44:28; Je. 29:10). (2) Rebuilding same truth as that taught in the O.T. No one will enter of the walls and city of Jerusalem (Da. 9:25). (3) the kingdom of God who has not first been cleansed and Judgment upon Babylon (Je. 25:12-14). (4) Messiah r e g e n e r a t e d . T h e N e w C o v e n a n t , i n v o l v i n g would come 483 years after the commandment to regeneration, precedes establishment of the Davidic restore and build Jerusalem (Da. 9:25). (5) Messiah cut kingdom. In Jn. 3:3-5, Jesus uses the very same terms as off (Da. 9:26; Is. 53; Ps. 22). (6) Messiah resurrected those used in Eze. 36:24-27 to describe the New (Ps. 16:8-11). Some O.T. saints understood this truth.

Covenant. (6) Mt. 21:42-44 does not say the kingdom of David did (Ac. 2:30-31), and Jesus rebuked the disciples God has been taken from Israel and given to the church for not understanding these things (Lk. 24:25-27). (7) (speaking of the church in a general, institutional Partial regathering of Israel from the nations and sense). Note the following reasons why this restoration to the land, yet still in a condition of interpretation of this passage is impossible: First, Jesus spiritual death (Eze. 37). (8) Day of the little horn (Da.

did not say the kingdom of God would be taken from 7:8-14; 8:9-14, 23-25; 9:27; 11:21-45). The length of Israel, but from the people He was addressing. He was Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 359

KINGDOM OF HEAVEN - KINSMAN REDEEMER

addressing “the chief priests and elders of the In what sense was it within the Pharisees? (1) In the people” (v. 23). Verse 45 makes this quite plain. “And sense that it was already in their midst because Christ when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his the King was present. I believe this is the primary parables, they perceived that he spake of them.” Thus interpretation of this passage. The kingdom of God is this passage teaches the Jewish religious rulers of Jesus’

used repeatedly in this sense in the Gospels, as Christ day lost their position in the kingdom of God because of was presenting Himself as the Messiah of Israel. “The their rejection of Christ. The kingdom of God would be kingdom of God is come nigh unto you” (Lk. 10:9). Note taken from them and given to others. Second, Jesus did the following passages carefully: Lk. 10:9, 11; 11:20; not say the kingdom of God would be given to the 13:28-29; 14:15; 19:11; 21:31; 22:16, 18; 23:51. (2) In church, but to “another nation.” This could refer to the the sense that the kingdom of God has a spiritual aspect church, since she is called a “holy nation” (1 Pe. 2:9), (Col. 1:13). I am convinced that this is a very secondary but it does not have to refer to the church. It could as application of this passage because (a) Christ was easily refer to a future restored Israel. And to interpret addressing the Pharisees, and the kingdom of God was this “other nation” as the church contradicts much clear NOT present spiritually within the Pharisees; (b) the Bible truth. It contradicts the context of the passage. It context points to the future (verses 22-37); (c) the Bible contradicts God’s promises to Israel in the O.T. It focuses on the kingdom of God in its real, earthly sense.

contradicts consistent N.T. revelation concerning the

[See Allegorical, Covenants, Israel, Kingdom of Heaven, kingdom of God. Third, the parable itself teaches that Law, Millennium, Observation, Peace, Prophecy.]

Israel and her promises shall remain intact in a future KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. This is frequently used restoration. In the parable of Mt. 21:33-44, the vineyard synonymously with the kingdom of God. Compare Mt.

is Israel and the husbandmen pictures Israel’s spiritual 3:2 with Mk. 1:14; Mt. 4:17 with Mk. 1:15; Mt. 5:3 with rulers. It is the husbandmen who are destroyed and Lk. 6:20; Mt. 13:11 with Mk. 4:11; Mt. 19:14 with Mk.

replaced, not the vineyard. Fourth, the O.T. reference 10:14; Mt. 19:23 with Mk. 10:23-25. The terms (Ps. 118:22) which Jesus quoted in Mt. 21:42 upholds kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God emphasize two the truth that Israel’s rulers are replaced, not Israel aspects of the same kingdom. Kingdom of God reminds herself. In Ps. 118:22, it is the “builders” who are in us that God is the ruler of the kingdom. Kingdom of view. The builders are the spiritual rulers of Israel who heaven reminds us that the kingdom originates from rejected Christ, God’s Chief Stone. Therefore, again, God’s throne in heaven. The O.T. prophets foretold the Jesus is teaching that the rulers shall lose their place kingdom of God which would be established on earth because of their rebellion. The builders are rejected, not through Israel. Jesus Christ was born of the seed of the building. Fifth, O.T. testimony upholds the truth that David and presented Himself as the Messiah of Israel.

Israel’s rulers are replaced, not Israel herself. It has The phrase “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at already been demonstrated that God’s promises to hand” declared the fact that the promised King was then national Israel cannot be lost through disobedience present (Mt. 4:1-2; 17; 10:7). He was rejected by His because of their unconditional, eternal nature and own people (Jn. 1:11; Mt. 12:24; 27:22-25), but He because God has continued to reaffirm them after promised that He would return after an unspecified disobedience. The covenants promised that Israel would interlude of time and establish His kingdom (Lk.

be chastened for sin, but not permanently cast aside. (6) 19:11-27; Mt. 23:37-39; 25:31; 19:28). The interlude, N.T. testimony promises the nation Israel a future of course, is the present church age. [See Kingdom of restoration. It has been demonstrated in this study that God, Prophecy.]

N.T. usage of the kingdom of God points to the same KING’S DALE. The valley on the east side of future, earthly Davidic kingdom as that foretold in the Jerusalem where the Kidron brook flowed (Ge. 14:17; 2

O.T. One relatively obscure statement in Mt. 21:43

Sa. 18:18). [See Jehoshaphat - Valley of, Kidron.]

cannot overthrow consistent and clear N.T. revelation.

KING’S POOL. The large reservoir on the W. side of The Kingdom of God Cometh Not with Observation Jerusalem. Also called the Upper or Old Pool, now (Luke 17:20-21). This expression in the Gospel of Luke called Birket-el-Mamilla (Young) (Ne. 2:14; Is. 7:3; is addressed to the Pharisees. In interpreting this 22:11).

passage we must first note that there is a sense in which the kingdom of God WILL come with observation, as we KINSFOLK. Kindred; relatives (Job 19:14; Lk. 2:44).

have seen in these studies already (Lk. 19:11-27; 2 Ti.

KINSMAN REDEEMER. In Hebrew law, a near kin 4:1). In fact, Christ refers immediately to this observable who redeems the property of an impoverished relative coming of the kingdom in this very passage (verses (Le. 25:25-28). Boaz became kinsman redeemer for his 22-37). In what sense, then, is Christ saying that the relative, Elimelech (Ru. 4). The kinsman redeemer is a kingdom of God “cometh NOT come with observation”?

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sinful men from bondage to sin, Satan, and death. [See proskuneo, from kuneo, to kiss. Kings and judges of Boaz, Jubilee, Justification.]

the earth are exhorted to kiss the Son when He comes to KIR (town, walled place). Am. 9:7.

reign, lest He be angry, and they perish (Ps.

KIRHARASETH (fortress of earthenware). 2 Ki. 3:25.

2:12)” (Concise).

KIRHARESETH (brick fortress). Is. 16:7.

KITE. A bird of prey of the falcon family (Le. 11:14; De. 14:13).

KIRHARESH (brick fortress). Is. 16:11.

KITHLISH (a whited wall). Jos. 15:40.

KIRHERES (brick fortress). Je. 48:31.

KITRON (very small). Ju. 1:30.

KIRIATHAIM (double city). Je. 48:1.

KITTIM (contusions). Ge. 10:4.

KIRIOTH. [See Kerioth.]

KNIT. (1) Firmly fastened (Jud. 20:11; 1 Sa. 18:1; KIRJATH (a city). Jos. 18:28.

Ps. 85:11). (2) Tied; bound (Ac. 10:11). (3) United; at KIRJATHAIM, KIRIATHAIM (double city). Nu.

one (Col. 2:2,19).

32:37.

KNOP. This was used in architecture and in the KIRJATHARBA (city of Arba, city of four).

golden candlestick in the temple. It resembled round Afterwards called Hebron (Ge. 23:2; 35:27; Jos. 14:15; apples or pomegranates (Ex. 25:33-36; 37:17-22; 1 Ki.

15:13, 54; 20:7; 21:11; Ju. 1:10; Ne. 11:25).

6:18; 7:24).

KIRJATHARIM (city of woods). Ezr. 2:25.

KNOW. (1) Knowledge; understanding (Ge. 3:5, 7, KIRJATHBAAL (city of the rich man). Jos. 15:60.

22). (2) Intimate sexual relations (Ge. 4:1, 17, 25; Mt.

KIRJATHHUZOTH (city of streets). Nu. 22:39.

1:25).

KIRJATHJEARIM (city of woods). The former name KNOWLEDGE, TO TAKE. To take notice; to know was Kirjath-Baal (Jos. 15:60; 18:14). The ark remained (Ru. 2:19).

there for many years (Jos. 9:17; 15:9; 18:15; Ju. 18:12; KOHATHITES (belonging to kohath). Nu. 3:27,30; 1 Sa. 6:21; 7:1-2; 1 Ch. 2:50, 52, 53; 13:5-6; 2 Ch. 1:4; 4:18,34,37; 10:21; 26:57; Jos. 21:4,10; 1 Ch. 6:33, 54; Ne. 7:29; Je. 26:20). Other names for this city are 9:32; 2 Ch. 20:19; 29:12; 34:12.

“Kirjath” (Jo. 18:28), “Kirjath-Arim (Ezr. 2:25), KOLAIAH (the voice of God). Ne. 11:7.

”Baalah" (Jos. 15:9-11), and “Baale of Judah” (2 Sa.

KORAH (baldness). A Levite who led a rebellion 6:2).

against Aaron and Moses (Nu. 16:1-50; 26:9-11; 27:3; KIRJATHSANNAH (city of cleanliness). Jos. 15:49.

Jude 11). Korah was proud and refused to submit KIRJATHSEPHER (city of books). Jos. 15:15.

himself to God-ordained leadership. There are KISH (fowling, hard). 1 Sa. 9:1.

multitudes following the spirit of Korah today who will KISHI (hunting of God). 1 Ch. 6:44.

not put themselves under the authority of God-called KISHION (very hard). Jos. 19:20.

pastors in the churches. Like Korah, these say to the God-called pastor, “You take too much upon you, seeing KISHON, KISON (very crooked). Ju. 5:21; Ps. 83:9.

all the congregation are holy” (Nu. 16:3). These will not KISS. In the Old Testament, the kiss signified acknowledge that God has made some men rulers over reconciliation (Ge. 33:4), honor (Ex. 18:7; 1 Sa. 10:1), His congregations (Ac. 20:28; 1 Th. 4:12, 13; He. 13:7, worship (1 Ki. 19:18; Job 31:27; Psa. 2:12), affection 17). [See Church, Diotrephes, Nicolaitan, Pastor.]

(Ge. 48:10), and intimacy (Song 1:2). A kiss was KORE (crier, reader). 1 Ch. 9:19; 26:1,19.

practiced by the early churches (Ro. 16:16; 1 Co. 16:20; 2 Co. 13:12; 1 Th. 5:26; 1 Pe. 5:14). Jesus was betrayed K O R H I T E S , K O R AT H I T E S , K O R A H I T E S .

with a kiss (Mt. 26:48, 49; Mk. 14:44; Lk. 22:47).

Descendants of Korah, the grandson of Kohath. Eleven

“Permission to kiss the hand of a superior is a mark of Psalms are ascribed to them (Ex. 6:24; Nu. 26:58; 1 Ch.

honor. The heathen kissed their gods (1 Ki. 19:18; Ho.

9:19,31; 12:6; 26:1; 2 Ch. 20:19).

8:2). In the case of distant objects of worship, like the KOZ (the thorn). Ezr. 2:61.

sun and moon, they kissed the hand (Job 31:26,27), KUSHAIAH (bow of the Lord). 1 Ch. 15:17.

hence the most usual word for worship in the N.T. is Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 361

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LAADAH (for ornament). 1 Ch. 4:21.

divide Christians into “clergy” and “laity” is a Roman LAADAN (for delight). 1 Ch. 23:7.

Catholic concept which has been adopted by many LABAN (white, shining). Nephew of Abraham (Ge.

Protestants, and even by some Baptists. Though the 22:20-24; 24:29-31; Ge. 27 - 31; 46:18, 25).

Bible says Christ gives ministry gifts to some men in the churches and sets them apart for leadership (Ep.

LABOR. Exertion of muscular strength, or bodily 4:11-14; Ph. 1:1; 1 Th. 5:12-13; 1 Ti. 3:1-13; Tit.

exertion which occasions weariness; particularly, the 1:5-11; 1 Pe. 5:1-3; He. 13:7, 17), it also says that all exertion of the limbs in occupations by which the people are “priests” (1 Pe. 2:9) and the church subsistence is obtained, in distinction from exertions of leaders are not to lord it over the flock (1 Pe. 5:3; 3 Jn.

strength in play or amusements, which are denominated 9-10). [See Clergy, Diotrephes, Father, Korah, Pastor, exercise, rather than labor. Toilsome work; pains; Reverend, Rabbi, Roman Catholic Church.]

travail; any bodily exertion which is attended with fatigue; intellectual exertion; to prosecute with effort LAKE OF FIRE. The place of punishment God has (Webster). Labor is commanded by God: (1) It was God’s prepared for rebellious angels and unsaved men (Mt.

first command to man after the fall (Ge. 3:19). (2) It is 25:41; Re. 20:10, 15). [See Hell, Judgment.]

commanded in the law of Moses (Ex. 20:9; 23:12; LAMA. From one of the sayings of Jesus on the cross 34:21). (3) It is commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ (2

(Mt. 27:46). [See Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani.]

Th. 3:12). (4) It is commanded by the apostles (Ac.

LAKUM (firmness, fortification). Jos. 19:33.

20:35; Ep. 4:28; 1 Th. 4:11-12; 2 Th. 3:7-13). Labor will LAMB. A young sheep used in sacrifices (Ge. 4:4; be judged by God: (Lk. 19:12-27; 1 Co. 3:8; Ep. 6:7; 1

22:7; Ex. 12:3-6; 29:38-42). The lamb pictures Jesus Pe. 1:17; Re. 12:23). Labor is blessed of God: (Pr. 10:4; Christ willingly submitting Himself to God for the death 12:11, 14, 24, 27; 14:23; 16:26; 28:19; Ec. 5:12). Labor of the cross (Is. 53:6-7; Jn. 1:29; 1 Pe. 1:19; Re. 5:6-9).

is attended with fruit: (1) The laborer can meet his own

[See Abel, Cain, Jesus Christ, Offerings, Passover.]

needs and that of his family (1 Th. 4:12; 1 Ti. 5:4, 16).

LAMECH (overthrower, wild man). Ge. 4:18-24).

(2) The laborer is able to give to others (Ac. 20:35). (3) The laborer can be honest (1 Th. 4:12). (4) The laborer LAMENT. To mourn; to wail (1 Sa. 25:1; 2 Sa. 1:17).

is able to support the work of God (1 Co. 16:2; Ph.

LAMENTABLE. With great mourning; wailing (Da.

4:19; Tit. 3:13, 14; 3 Jn. 5-8). [See also Diligence, 6:20).

Employment, Money, Possessions, Private Ownership of LAMENTATION. Mourning (Ge. 50:10; Je. 6:26; Property, Sluggard, Steal.]

48:38; La. 2:5). In the book of Lamentation, the prophet LACHISH (height). Jos. 10:3-35; 12:11; 15:39; 2 Ki.

Jeremiah mourns the judgment of Israel by the 14:19; 18:14, 17; 19:8; 2 Ch. 11:9; 25:27; 32:9; Ne.

Babylonian armies. Jeremiah’s mourning is a reflection 11:30; Is. 36:2; 37:8; Je. 34:7; Mi. 1:13.

of God’s compassion. In like manner, Jesus wept over LACK. To want; to need; to be destitute of (Ge.

Jerusalem before her destruction at the hands of Rome 18:28; De. 8:9; Ps. 34:10; 1 Th. 4:12).

(Lk. 19:41-44).

LADE. To load; to make heavy (Ge. 42:26; 45:17).

LAMP. (1) A torch or lantern (Ge. 15:17; Ex. 25:37; 27:20; 30:7-8; 35:14; 37:23; 39:37; 40:4, 25; Le. 24:2, LADEN. Loaded down; heavy; weighted (Ge. 45:23; 4; 1 Sa. 3:3; Ju. 7:16; Da. 10:6; Mt. 25:1-8; Re. 4:5; Is. 1:4; 2 Ti. 3:6).

8:10). (2) Lamp is used symbolically for the Word of LADING. A ship’s cargo (Ac. 27:10).

God (Ps. 119:105; Pr. 6:23). (3) Lamp is used LAEL (to God). Nu. 3:24.

symbolically for man’s life (Pr. 13:9; 20:20). [See LAHAD (for an ovation). 1 Ch. 4:2.

Conscience, Light, Tabernacle.]

LAHAIROI (the living God looking on me). (Ge.

LANCE. A spear, an offensive weapon in the form of 24:62; 25:11).

a half pike, used by the ancients and thrown by the LAHMAM (abundance of bread). Jos. 15:40.

hand. It consisted of the shaft or handle, the wings and the dart (Webster) (Je. 50:42). [See Military.]

LAHMI (great in a heap). 1 Ch. 20:5.

LANGUISH. To become weak; to lose strength or LAID IT OUT. Expended; paid (2 Ki. 12:11).

animation; to be, or become dull, feeble, or spiritless; to LAISH (a lion). 1 Sa. 25:44.

pine; to be or to grow heavy; sickly (Ps. 41:3; Is. 16:8; LAITY. “The people, as distinguished from the clergy; 19:8; 24:4, 7; 33:9; Je. 14:2).

the body of the people not in orders” (Webster). To 362

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LANTERN. A burning lamp or torch (Jn. 18:3). [See Fornication, Jesting, Lust, Modesty, Nakedness, Sodomy, Lamp.]

Wanton.]

LAODICEA. The location of one of the seven LASEA (stony). Ac. 27:8.

churches of Asia addressed by Christ in the book of LASHA (for delight). Ge. 10:19.

Revelation (Re. 1:11; 3:14-22). This church was already LASHARON (for a great plain). Jos. 12:18.

apostate (Re. 3:18). The apostasy began in the first century and has increased through the church age (2 Ti.

LAST DAYS. The last days began with the apostles (1

3:5; 4:3-4). Laodicea is located about 40 miles south of Ti. 4:1; 2 Ti. 3:1; He. 1:2; 1 Pe. 1:20; 1 Jn. 2:18). It also and a little east of Philadelphia and 18 miles west of includes the Tribulation (Je. 30:23-24), the regathering Colosse, Laodicea was a large and important city in and conversion of Israel (Jo. 3:5), the return and John’s time. It was situated upon six or seven hills about glorious reign of Christ (Is. 2:2-5; Mi. 4:1-7), the a mile and a half from the small river Lycus. It was resurrection (Jn. 11:25), and the final judgment of the located on the crossroads of the most important unsaved (Jn. 12:48). [See Day of the Lord, Great highway running from Ephesus to the east. The road Tribulation, Prophecy, Millennium, Resurrection, Second entered the city on the west through the Ephesian Gates Coming.]

and left the city on the east by the Syrian Gates. The city LAST END. The end (Nu. 23:10).

was the residence of the Roman governors of Asia under LASTING. Ancient; durable (De. 33:15).

the emperors and had magnificent public buildings, a LATCHET. The thong or strap of a sandal (Is. 5:27; large stadium, and three marble theaters, one of which Mk. 1:7).

was 450 feet in diameter. It was famous for its wealth. It LATTER DAY. Same as the Last Days (Nu. 24:14; De.

was a banking and trading center. It has been called the 4:30; 31:29; Je. 23:20; 30:24; 48:47; 49:39; Eze.

“Wall Street” of Asia Minor. It was so wealthy that when 38:8,16; Da. 2:28; 10:14; Ho. 3:5; 1 Ti. 4:1). [See Last the city was destroyed by an earthquake in 61 A.D. the Days, Prophecy.]

citizens rejected the help of the Roman government and LATTER DAY SAINTS. [See Mormons.]

rebuilt at their own expense. It was a clothing and fashion center. The fine glossy black wool of its sheep LATTER END. The end (Nu. 24:20).

was known far and wide. One thing made from this was LATTICE. Latticework, made by crossing laths or a soft wool tunic called trimita, which was extremely other material across an opening, served a threefold popular (William Ramsay, The Letters to the Seven purpose: privacy; ventilation; decoration (Ju. 5:28; Pr.

Churches). The city was also devoted to sports and 7:6; 2 Ki. 1:2) (Compact).

music. The enclosed stadium 1,000 feet in length served LAUD. To applaud; worship (Ro. 15:11).

for gladiatorial games as well as musical contests. The LAUGHTER. Convulsive merriment; an expression of city was given over to idolatry, worshipping Zeus, mirth peculiar to man, consisting in a peculiar noise and Dionysus, Helios (the sun), Athena, Aphrodite, and configuration of features, with a shaking of the sides others (Yamauchi, New Testament Cities in Western Asia and expulsion of breath (Webster) (Ec. 3:4). There are Minor). There was a renowned school of medicine there, 40 references to laughter in the Bible.—34 in the O.T.

where a popular Phrygian powder for weak and sick and 6 in the N.T. (1) Scornful laughter. This type of eyes was manufactured. The ancient city of Laodicea laughter is connected with unbelief or mocking and was abandoned and eventually covered with dirt.

derision (Ge. 17:17; 18:12-13, 15; 21:6; 2 Ki. 19:21; 2

Archaeological excavations have begun only recently, Ch. 30:10; Ne. 2:19; Job 9:23; 12:4; 22:19; 41:29; but much has been uncovered, including bath houses, 52:6; 80:6; Pr. 29:9; Eze. 23:32; Mt. 9:24; Mk. 5:40; Lk.

the foundations of major buildings, fountains, theaters, 8:53). The witnesses to Christ’s crucifixion laughed him temples, gates, and two of the colonnaded streets. [See to scorn (Ps. 22:7). God will laugh at the unrepentant Apostasy, Prophecy, Roman Catholic Church, Tares, wicked (Ps. 2:4; 37:13; 59:8; Pr. 1:26; Is. 37:22). (2) Timothy.]

Joyful laughter (Job 8:21; Lk. 6:21). This is the laughter LASCIVIOUS. Immorality (Mk. 7:22; 2 Co. 12:21; associated with true happiness and good cheer and Ga. 5:19; Ep. 4:19; 1 Pe. 4:3; Jude 4). It refers to lack of satisfaction. (3) Victorious laughter (Job 5:22; Ps.

moral restraint, shameless conduct. It has been defined 126:2). (4) Worldly laughter (Pr. 14:13; Ec. 2:2; 7:3, 6; as “the stirring up of lustful desires which cannot be 10:19; Lk. 6:25; Ja. 4:9 ). This is laughter connected satisfied within God’s boundaries” (Bunnell). The Greek with sinful behavior. Commenting on Ja. 4:9, Adam word ( aselgeia) is also translated “filthy” (2 Pe. 2:7) and Clarke notes, “It appears most evidently that many of

“wantonness” (Ro. 13:13; 2 Pe. 2:18). In 2 Pe. 2:7 this those to whom James addressed this Epistle had lived word refers to the moral perversion of Sodom. [See very irregular and dissolute lives. He had already Adultery, Concupiscence, Filthy Communication, spoken of their lust and pleasures, and he had called Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 363

LAVER - LAW

them adulterers and adulteresses; and perhaps they 3:24-31; Ga. 3:13-14). It cannot give an inheritance were so in the grossest sense of the words. He speaks (Ro. 4:13-14). It cannot control sin in man (Ro. 7:7-23; here of their laughter and their joy; and all the terms 8:2). It cannot free from sin and death (Ro. 8:2). It taken together show that a dissolute life is cannot free a sinner from condemnation (Ro. 8:1-4). It intended.” [See Carnal, Cheer, Cheerful, Comfort, cannot bring righteousness (Ro. 8:4). It cannot impart Dancing, Delight, Glad, Happy, Jesting, Joy, Merry, the Holy Spirit (Ga. 3:2). It cannot free from the curse Mirth, Music, Oil of Gladness, Rejoice, World.]

(Ga. 3:10, 14). It cannot impart grace (Ga. 5:4). It LAVER. A vessel containing water. In the court of the cannot enable a man to obey (He. 7:18). It cannot make Tabernacle a laver was located between the altar of perfect (He. 7:19).

sacrifice and the tent (Ex. 30:18-21; 38:8; 40:7). The The Law of Moses Was Temporary: (1) It was given to priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering prepare Israel for the coming of Christ (Ga. 3:19-25).

the Tabernacle (Ex. 30:17-22), symbolizing the truth (2) It is abolished with Christ’s coming (2 Co. 3:6-17).

that Christians must be cleansed daily from sin in order (3) It was taken away when Christ died (Col. 2:14-17).

to fellowship with and serve God as priests. See Jn.

What Was the Purpose of the Law of Moses? (1) It was 13:2-10; Ep. 4:1; 5:8; Col. 3:1-12; 1 Pe. 2:10-11; 1 Jn.

given to reveal sin and to show man that he is a guilty 1:7-10. The water symbolizes the Word of God (Ps.

sinner before God (Ro. 3:19-20; 7:12-13; 1 Ti. 1:9-10).

119:9; Jn. 15:3; 17:17; Ac. 20:32; Ep. 5:26). This daily (2) It was given to bring men to Jesus Christ (Ga.

washing is contrasted with the once-for-all washing of 3:24-25).

Ex. 29:4, which pictures the new birth. The laver was How Were People Saved under the Law of Moses? (1) made from the brass looking glasses of the Israelite Men have always been saved by faith in God’s Word women (Ex. 38:8). The laver is thus a beautiful symbol (Hab. 2:4; Ro. 4:1-8; He. 11:7). People in O.T. times did of the Word of God which reveals the Christian’s sin as not understand completely about how Jesus Christ well as cleansing him from it (Ja. 1:22-25; 1 Pe. 2:2; Jn.

would come to earth and die for their sins, but when 17:17). The fact that there was no covering for the laver they believed what God spoke to them, they were saved (Nu. 4) reminds us that cleansing for sin is always by their faith in God’s Word (He. 11). (2) Believers of all available. The fact that no dimensions are given of the ages have been saved on the basis of Christ’s bloody size of the laver reminds us that God has made death, even though they did not fully understand this unlimited provision for our cleansing (1 Jn. 1:9; He.

salvation (Ro. 3:25; 1 Pe. 1:9-12). The O.T. animal 4:16). [See Footwashing, Holy, Justification, sacrifices did not remove sins, but only pointed to Christ Sanctification, Tabernacle.]

(Jn. 1:29; He. 10:1-4).

LAW. When the Bible speaks of the law, it usually What Is the Christian’s Relationship with the Law of refers to the law of Moses which is recorded in Exodus, Moses? The Bible says Christians are dead to the law Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (Jos. 1:7-8; Lk.

(Ro. 7:1-6). What does this mean? (1) The law is not 24:44). It is also called the “law of the Lord” (Is. 5:24).

the Christian’s rule of life. Christ is our new husband, Other Usages of the Word Law: (1) Law of parents (Pr.

and He is the believer’s law (2 Co. 3:18). (2) The law 7:2). (2) Law of civil government (Da. 6:8). (3) Law of cannot condemn the believer (Ro. 7:3), because Christ nature (Ro. 2:14-15). (4) Law of Christ (Jn. 13:34-35; took the believer’s condemnation upon Himself on the 15:12), referring to Christ’s command that His disciples cross. (3) The believer serves Christ through the Spirit, love one another. (5) Law of liberty (Ja. 1:25), referring not through his own power and wisdom (Ro. 7:6).

to the Christian life. Christ bore the believer’s The Difference Between Keeping the Law of Moses and condemnation, so we are free to serve God without fear Living the Christian Life. (1) The motive is different: We of eternal judgment. We are not free to sin, but we are do not live the Christian life in order to gain free from eternal condemnation. (6) The Bible as a righteousness, blessing, and life, but because we already whole is referred to as “the law” (Ps. 1; 19; 119). The possess these things in Christ. We serve Christ out of a Bible is God’s rule of life for mankind. [See Bible, sense of gratitude because of the salvation God has Conscience, Government.]

given to us, not in order to earn salvation or to escape What Does the Law of Moses Require? Ga. 3:10 speaks judgment. We already have perfect righteousness in of a twofold requirement: (1) continual obedience, and Christ (Ro. 3:21-24; 2 Co. 5:21), eternal blessing (Ep.

(2) obedience in all things. Compare De. 11:22; 27:26; 1:3), and life (Ep. 2:1). (2) The power is different: We Ja. 2:10. This is why no man can have righteousness live the Christian life through the power of the through the law; as sinners we cannot fulfill its high indwelling Spirit, not through our own strength and demands.

wisdom (Ro. 8:9-14). (3) The compulsion is different: What the Law of Moses Cannot Do: It cannot justify We live the Christian life because Christ lives in us and (Ac. 13:38-39; Ga. 2:16). It cannot redeem (Ro.

works in us (Col. 1:29). The compulsion is from within.

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The law of God has been written on our hearts and Leaf of a book (Je. 36:23).

compels us to serve God (He. 10:16). (4) The pattern is LEAGUE. Covenant; unity; agreement (Jos. 9:6-16; different: The Christian’s goal is to be conformed to the Ju. 2:2; 1 Sa. 22:8; 2 Sa. 3:12-21; 5:3; 1 Ki. 5:12; image of Christ (2 Co. 3:18; Ro. 8:29; 13:14; Col. 3:10; 15:19; 2 Ch. 16:3; Eze. 30:5; Da. 11:23).

Ep. 4:23-24). The O.T. law was only a shadow of Christ LEAH (weariness, languid). Ge. 29:16.

(He. 8:5; 10:1; Col. 2:17; Ro. 2:20). Now that Christ has come, we have the perfect pattern and substance in LEAN. Thinness of flesh or soul (Ge. 41:3-4; Ps.

Him.

106:15; Is. 10:16; 24:16).

Some Common Errors in Regard to the Law: (1) The LEANNOTH. [See Mahalath.]

error of justification by works or grace plus works. See LEASING. Falsehood; lies (Ps. 4:2; 5:6).

Ro. 11:6; Ga. 2:16-21; Ac. 13:38-39. (2) The error of LEATHERN. Made of leather (Mt. 3:4).

receiving the Spirit by works. See Ga. 3:1-2. (3) The LEAVEN. A substance that causes fermentation; a error of sanctification by works. See Ga. 3:3. (4) The substance used to make bread rise. No leaven could be error of mixing law and grace, faith and works, for used in Tabernacle meal offerings (Le. 2:11) or in the salvation or sanctification. See Ro. 11:6; 3:21-22; 4:4-6; Passover (Ex. 12:15-20). Leaven is used symbolically for 9:30-33; Ga. 2:16. (5) The error of throwing off all sin (1 Co. 5:6-8) and false teaching (Ga. 5:9). It was morality and law; “since we are not under law, we can kept out of the meal offering because it pictures the do anything we please.” See Ro. 6:1-14; 1 Co. 9:21; Ep.

sinless Christ (1 Pe. 2:22). It was kept out of the 4:17-32; Col. 3:1-25. (6) The error of bringing the Passover because it pictures Christ. It also pictures shadows of O.T. law into Christianity (such as sabbath putting sin out of the Christian life after salvation. [See keeping, dietary restrictions, special priesthood, Evil, False Teaching, Sin, Unleavened Bread.]

temples, candles and incense). See Col. 2:14-17.

LEAVEN - PARABLE OF. [For commentary on the God’s Warnings to Those Who Misuse the Law: (1) To Parable of the Leaven in Mt. 13:33 see Tares.] [See also turn away from the gospel of grace alone is to turn Parable.]

away from Christ (Ga. 1:6). (2) To turn away from the LEBANAH, LEBANA (white, the moon). Ezr. 2:45; gospel of grace alone is to be cursed (Ga. 1:8-9). (3) To Ne. 7:48.

turn away from the gospel of grace alone is to turn LEBANON (very white). Lebanon referred to two away from salvation (Ga. 4:9-20; 5:3-6). (4) To turn mountain ranges north of Israel where famous cedar back to the law of Moses is to fail to enter into rest (He.

trees grew (De. 3:25; 1 Ki. 4:33; 5:6). A fertile valley 4). (5) Those who turn back to the law of Moses crucify runs between the ranges. Lebanon was controlled by the Son of God afresh and cannot be brought again to Phoenicia during most of the Old Testament era. The repentance (He. 6:4-8). (6) Those who turn back to the capital cities were Tyre and Sidon.

law of Moses will be judged (He. 10:26-31). (7) God has no pleasure in those who turn back to the law of LEBAOTH (lions). Jos. 15:32.

Moses (He. 10:38-39). [See Eternal Security, Grace, LEBBEUS (praising). Mt. 10:3.

Gospel, Justification, Seventh-day Adventism.]

LEBONAH (whiteness). Ju. 21:19.

LAY AWAY. Lay aside; put off (Eze. 26:16).

LECAH (of walking, journey). 1 Ch. 4:21.

LAY ON. (1) Recline on (2 Sa. 4:5). (2) Press upon; LEEK. An onion-like plant (Nu. 11:5).

control (Ac. 27:20).

LEES. “Wines on the lees” refers to old wine that has LAY SORE UPON. To press hard; to put pressure on been left to sit on the lees, which is the yeast and other (Jud. 14:17).

particles that settle to the bottom during the aging LAY TO. To apply (Is. 28:17).

process (Is. 25:6). The prophet is saying not only that LAZARUS (God is his helper). (1) The brother of the wine will be rich and full, but also that the crops Martha and Mary; Christ raised him from the dead (Jn.

will produce bountifully so that there will be much 11:1 - 12:19). (2) The beggar in Jesus’ story about hell remaining from season to season. The grape crop will (Lk. 16:19-31). We know that this was not a parable produce so much wine that some will remain when the because Christ used the proper names of two people, next crop comes in. Figuratively, it refers to contentment Lazarus and Abraham, and He never did this in or sloth (Je. 48:11; Zep. 1:12). To drink the lees, or parables. [See Hell, Parable.]

dregs, is to suffer extreme punishment (Ps. 75:8).

LEACH. [See Horseleach.]

LEGALISM. A term frequently used to describe Bible-believing Christians who are zealous for pure doctrine LEAD. [For God’s guidance see Guidance.]

LEAF. (1) Leaf of a tree (Da. 4:12, 14, 21; Eze.

17:9). (2) Leaf of a door (1 Ki. 6:34; Eze. 41:24). (3) Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 365

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and who desire to maintain holy standards of living in Mk. 1:40-42; 14:3; Lk. 5:12, 13; 7:22; 17:12). Bible this wicked hour. This “free thinking” attitude was leprosy signifies sin. (1) Sin makes us an outcast from expressed at a “Christian” rock concert called Greenbelt God’s presence. (2) Sin deforms and destroys. (3) Sin is

‘83: “We don’t believe in a fundamentalist approach. We incurable apart from divine intervention. (4) God can don’t set ground rules. Our teaching is non-directive. We cure the sin problem. God’s salvation for sin was want to encourage people to make their own choices.”

typified in Le. 13 by the sacrifices that were offered for Those who have this type of unscriptural mindset label the cleansing of the leper. Through the blood and death the old-fashioned Bible Christian as a “legalist” or a of a substitute, the sinner can be made clean and whole.

“Pharisee.” Note that the Pharisee’s error was not his LESHEM (tranquility). Jos. 19:47.

love for the truth and his zeal for Bible righteousness.

LESSER. Smaller (Ge. 1:16; Is. 7:25).

The Pharisee did not love the truth; he loved tradition (Mt. 15:1-9). If the Pharisee had loved the truth, he LET. (1) To allow (Ex. 3:19; Mt. 7:4). (2) To hinder; would have loved Jesus Christ (Jn. 8:47)! The Pharisee to restrain (Ro. 1:13; 2 Th. 2:7).

did not love Bible righteousness; he loved his own self-LET ALONE. Leave it alone; wait and see (Mk.

righteousness (Lk. 18:9-14). The Pharisee did not have 15:36).

a zeal for God; he had a zeal for his own false religion LETUSHIM (bruises, oppressed). Ge. 25:3.

(Mt. 23:15). To call the fundamental Bible-believing LEUMMIM (many peoples). Ge. 25:3.

Christian who is saved by the grace of Jesus Christ and LEVI (my joining). Jacob’s third son by Leah (Ge.

who loves the precious Word of God a Pharisee is a 29:34; 35:23). Levi was cruel and evil (Ge. 49:5-7; wicked and untrue slander.

34:25-30), but his sons chose to follow God during one Contrast the modernistic thinking with what the of the rebellions in the wilderness (Ex. 32:26-29; Mal.

Bible says about true Bible holiness in Titus 2:11-15—

2:5-6). [See Levites.]

(1) Bible holiness is the outworking of grace. Grace LEVIATHAN. The leviathan is described in great doesn’t mean lawlessness or license to do whatever we detail by God in Job 41, and we believe this sea creature want to do. ( 2) Bible holiness is extreme (v. 14 “all is the fearsome fire-breathing dragon of ancient lore iniquity”). Consider other verses: Titus 2:7, 10 “in all (Job 41; Ps. 74:13-14; 104:26; Is. 27:1). Henry Morris, things shewing thyself a pattern of good works.” 2 Co.

respected scientist and Christian author, head of the 7:1 “let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the Creation Research Institute, made the following flesh and spirit.” Ep. 5:3 “But fornication, and all comment on Job 41: “As the behemoth was the greatest uncleanness ... let it not be once named among you.”

terrestrial animal (Job 40), the leviathan was the Col. 3:8 “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, greatest aquatic animal. Like the behemoth, it seems to malice, blasphemy, filthy communication.” 1 Th. 5:22

be extinct ... Most commentators, once again limiting

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (3) Bible holiness their thinking to existing animals, insist on calling the prepares us for Christ’s return (Tit. 2:13). (4) Bible leviathan a crocodile. Once again, however, the holiness is by God’s power not by man’s (Tit. 2:14). (5) awesome description in Job 41 does not fit at all.

Bible holiness is to be authoritatively preached (Tit. 2:15).

Whatever the leviathan may have been, it was not a

[See False Teaching, Moderation, Modesty, Pharisee, crocodile! Neither was it a whale, as some have Separation, Tares.]

suggested ... And what about the following description?

LEGION. This was the largest unit in the Roman

‘By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like army, consisting of about 6,000 soldiers (Mt. 26:53).

the eyelids of the morning. Out of his mouth go burning LEHABIM (flames). Ge. 10:13.

lamps, and sparks of fire leap out. Out of his nostrils LEHI (cheek-bone). Ju. 15:9.

goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron. His LEMUEL (dedicated to God). This was probably the breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his name given to Solomon by his mother (Pr. 31:4).

mouth’ (Job 41:18-21). This is surely not a crocodile! To the possible objection that not even dinosaurs breathed LENTILES. The seed from the pod of a lentil plant; a fire, we could answer that no one knows what dinosaurs pea-like vegetable (Ge. 25:34; 2 Sa. 17:28; 23:11; Eze.

could do. Dragons of various kinds were capable of 4:9).

breathing out fire—at least according to traditions from LEPROSY. There are many varieties of leprosy. The all parts of the world. ... dinosaur fossils have been variety described in the Bible was characterized by excavated that show a strange protuberance, with white skin and sores (Ex. 4:6; Le. 13; Nu. 12:10; 2 Sa.

internal cavity, on the top of the head. It is conceivable 3:29). It was a dreaded disease, because the leper was that this could have served as a sort of mixing chamber an outcast (Le. 13:44-46; Nu. 5:2; 2 Ch. 26:21-23).

for combustible gases that would ignite when exhaled Christ healed many lepers (Mt. 8:2, 3; 10:8; 11:5; 26:6; into the outside oxygen. In any case, it seems unlikely 366

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that the ubiquitous tales of fire-breathing dragons in These other Levites could do other aspects of the ancient times, coming as they do from all parts of the ministry under the oversight of the high priest and his world, could have come into existence without a strong sons. They took down, transported, and set up the factual basis. Furthermore, the Bible often mentions tabernacle (Nu. 3). In this capacity they doubtless did dragons just as it mentions unicorns—always in such a everything associated with the maintenance of the way as to show that the writers believed they were real tabernacle and the physical labor of filling the laver, animals. ... That it [the leviathan] is not a mythical keeping wood supplied for the brazen altar, etc. Their creature is clearly asserted in the great psalm of God’s work was not limited to physical labor, though. They providence. When the psalmist speaks of ‘that great and judged the people and taught the people (De. 17:9; wide sea’ in which there are ‘things creeping 19:17; 21:5; 29:9; 2 Ch. 17:7-9; 35:3; Mal. 2:7). They innumerable,’ he also notes that ‘there is that leviathan, were the guardians of Scripture (De. 17:18; 31:9). A whom thou hast made to play therein’ (Ps. 104:25-26).

book of the law was kept by the Levites in the holy of The description in Job also notes that ‘he maketh the holies by the ark of the covenant (De. 31:24-26). In deep to boil like a pot’ (Job 41:31). The leviathan was a their capacity in performing the law of leprosy they real animal, presumably the largest and fiercest of all evaluated property (Lev. 27:12, 14; De. 24:8).

the aquatic dinosaurs” (Morris, The Remarkable Record The distinction is made in Scripture between the of Job, pp. 118, 119). The leviathan is also used as a priests the sons of Aaron (Lev. 1:5) and the priests the symbolic reference to Satan (Is. 27:1), that old dragon sons of Levi (De. 21:5). The latter refers to the sons of (Re. 12:9), referring to the devil’s mysterious, Gerson, Kohath, and Merari and perhaps at times to the formidable, and destructive nature. [See Behemoth, sons of Aaron as well.

Dragon, Satan.]

The Levite began his ministry of service in the LEVITES. The Levites were appointed by God to be tabernacle at age 25 (Nu. 8:24). But he didn’t begin the the priestly tribe (Nu. 1:50; 3:5-9). They were dedicated heavy work of transporting the tabernacle until age 30

to the Lord in the place of Israel’s firstborn sons (Nu.

(Nu. 4:3-5). At age 50 he ceased the heavy work but he 8:13-17). As Creator, God owns all men (Eze. 18:4).

continued to serve in other capacities (Nu. 8:25-26).

And He owns the believer in a double sense--both by This was a very wise plan, as all of God’s plans are! We right of Creator and by right of Redeemer (1 Co.

are reminded that church leaders should not be novices 6:19-20).

(1 Ti. 3:6). We are also reminded that when a man gets The Levites are descendants of Jacob’s son Levi (Ge.

older he loses some of his abilities, and it is wise for 29:34). Moses and Aaron were Levites (Ex. 6:18-20).

older men to work with younger men in the ministry, Aaron was appointed the first high priest (Ex. 28:1), both the older and the younger contributing their and this office passed to the eldest son at death (Nu.

relative strengths. Multiple men working together in 20:25-28).

leading churches is what we see in Scripture (e.g., Acts Only the high priest could light the lampstand (Nu.

13:1-2). I have seen many cases in which an elderly 8:2-3), burn incense on the golden altar (Ex. 30:7-8), preacher has harmed a church by keeping full control of and enter the holy of holies on the day of atonement the leadership even after he ceased to have the strength, (Lev. 16). The shewbread was to be maintained by the health, and vision to be effective. “They were to have a sons of Aaron under Aaron’s direction (Lev. 24:5-9).

writ of ease at fifty years old; then they were to return Aaron’s sons made the sacrifices (Lev. 1:11; 2:2; 3:2) from the warfare, as the phrase is (Nu. 8:25), not and blew the silver trumpets (Nu. 10:8). Aaron and his cashiered with disgrace, but preferred rather to the rest sons were teachers of the law (Lev. 10:11; Ezra 7:10).

which their age required, to be loaded with the honours of their office, as hitherto they had been with the The high priest and his sons oversaw the work of the burdens of it. They shall minister with their brethren in other Levites (Nu. 8:1-4).

the tabernacle, to direct the junior Levites, and set them Levi had three sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari in; and they shall keep the charge, as guards upon the (Ex. 6:16). These became the heads of the three avenues of the tabernacle, to see that no stranger divisions of the Levites who were under the oversight of intruded, nor any person in his uncleanness, but they Aaron and his sons (Nu. 4:22-23, 29-30, 34-35). When shall not be put upon any service which may be a Israel traveled in the wilderness, the Gershonites carried fatigue to them” (Matthew Henry).

the tent hangings and curtains (Nu. 4:24-26), the The Levites received the tithes of Israel (Nu. 18:21, Kohathites carried the vessels of the tabernacle such as 24, 26; Ne. 10:37; 12:44). Israel was instructed not to the candlestick and table of shewbread (Nu. 3:29-31; forget the Levites (De. 12:19; 14:27; 26:11).

4:15), and the Merarites carried the boards, bars, pillars, and sockets (Nu. 4:31-32).

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 367

LEVY - LIGN ALOES

The Levites were given 48 cities in Israel (Nu.

LIE. (1) To recline; to be in a horizontal position 35:2-8; Josh. 21). Among these were the six cities of (Nu. 23:24). (2) Positioned; situated (Nu. 10:5). (3) refuge (Nu. 35:6).

Sexual relationships (Ge. 19:32; 39:7; Ex. 22:16; Le.

The Levites Signify Christians in the Following Ways: 15:18; 20:12; Nu. 5:3; De. 22:23; 28:23; 2 Sa. 13:11).

(1) They were accounted dead, as the believer has died (4) To be buried (Ge. 47:30). (5) To rest; to be at peace with Christ and risen to new life to serve God (compare (Ps. 23:2; Hos. 2:18). (6) Deception (Le. 19:11). [See Nu. 3:12-13 with Ro. 6:3-13). (2) Given to the high Beguile, Craft, Cunning, Cunning Craftiness, Deceit, priest as his servants (compare Nu. 3:6 with Ro. 7:4).

Dissemble, Dissimulation, Doubletongued, Entice, False (3) Their particular ministry was appointed by God Teaching, Feign, Flattery, Flattering Titles, Guile, (compare Nu. 3:21-37 with Ro. 12:3-8; 1 Co. 12; 1 Pe.

Honest, Hypocrisy, Pure Conscience, Purloin, Satan, 4:10-11). (4) The leaders were appointed by God Sincere, Sleight, Subtil, Unfeigned, Winketh.]

(compare Nu. 3:24, 30, 35 with Ac. 20:28; Ep. 4:11).

LIE IN AMBUSH, LIE IN WAIT. To wait in hiding to (5) The Levites’ work was to bear the Tabernacle attack an unsuspecting party (Jos. 8:4, 9, 12; 9:32; Pr.

through the wilderness (Nu. 3:25-27), as the Christian’s 12:6).

work is to bear Christ through this present world (Mt.

LIE ON. (1) Located on (Nu. 10:5-6). (2) Lay down 28:19; Ac. 1:8; 2 Co. 5:18-20; 1 Th. 1:8; Ph. 2:16). [See on (2 Sa. 11:13; Lam. 2:21).

High Priest, Offerings, Priest, Roman Catholic Church, LIETH IN YOU, AS MUCH AS. [See As Much As Tabernacle.]

Lieth In You.]

LEVY. A tax (Nu. 31:28; 1 Ki. 5:13-14; 9:21).

LIFE. (1) The natural life of man (Ac. 17:25; 20:10; LEWD, LEWDNESS. Wicked; immoral; ignorant (Ju.

27:22). (2) A person’s earthly existence (1 Co. 15:19).

20:6; Je. 11:15; 13:27; Ez. 16:27, 43; 22:9, 11; 23:21, (3) The new and eternal life God gives the believer (Ac.

29, 35, 44, 48, 49; 24:13; Ac. 18:14). [See Adultery, 11:18; Ro. 5:18; 2 Ti. 1:1, 10). (4) A person’s manner of Concupiscence, Filthy Communication, Fornication, living (Ac. 26:4; 1 Ti. 2:2; 2 Ti. 3:10).

Harlot, Immoral, Inordinate Affection, Lascivious, LIGHT. (1) Vain persons (Ju. 9:4). (2) Illumination Wanton.]

of the heavens (Ge. 1:3; 1 Sa. 14:36). (3) The LIBERAL. (1) Generous; giving; benevolent; Candlestick in the Tabernacle (Ex. 35:14). (4) The openhanded (De. 15:14; Pr. 11:25; 2 Co. 9:13; Ja. 1:5).

Manna is called “light bread” in Nu. 21:5. (5) (2) In modern Christian terminology “liberal” describes Righteousness and absence of sin (1 Jn. 1:5-7; Ep.

the rationalistic view of the Bible which denies or 5:8-13; 1 Th. 5:5; 2 Co. 6:14). (6) Spiritual downplays the miraculous element of Christianity. [See understanding (Ps. 119:105; Da. 5:11, 14; 2 Co. 4:4-6).

Modernism, Money, Tithing.]

(7) Witness of truth and God (Mt. 5:14-15; Jn. 1:9; LIBERALISM. A label for an unbelieving, rationalist 3:19; 8:12; Ac. 13:47; 26:23). The Bible says Jesus approach to Christianity. [See Anglican, Apostasy, Christ lights every man that comes into the world (Jn.

Episcopal, Evolution, Fundamentalism, Lutheran, 9). There are several types of light that God gives to Methodist, Modernism, Presbyterian.]

men. (a) The light of creation (Ro. 1:20; Psa. 19). (b) LIBERTINES. Jews who had been captives at Rome, The light of conscience (Ro. 2:14-16). (c) The light of but being freed had returned to Jerusalem, where they the Gospel (Ro. 1:16-17). [See Bible, Conscience, had a synagogue (Young). They were among those who Convince, Gospel, Illumination, Rebuke, Reproof, persecuted Stephen (Ac. 6:9).

Revelation, Tabernacle.]

LIBNAH (whiteness). Nu. 33:20.

LIGHTEN. (1) Abate; lessen; reduce in weight (1 Sa.

LIBNI (for building up). 1 Ch. 6:29.

6:5; Jon. 1:5). (2) To fill with light; to dissipate darkness (2 Sa. 22:29; Re. 21:23). (3) Provide spiritual LIBYA (the heart of the sea). The Greek name for the understanding; enlighten (Ezr. 9:8; Ps. 13:3; Lk. 2:32).

region west from Egypt along the African coast. The Hebrew name is Phut (Eze. 30:5; 38:5; Ac. 2:10). Libya LIGHTLY. (1) Easily (Ge. 26:10). (2) Of light degree is mentioned in Eze. 38 as one of the allies of the great (Is. 9:1). (3) Small esteem (De. 32:15).

northern military power which will attack Israel in the LIGHTNESS. Fickleness; levity; lack of seriousness last days. [See Gog.]

(Je. 23:32; 2 Co. 1:17).

LICE. Plural of “louse.” A small insect of the genus LIGN ALOES. The passages where aloes are Pediculus. It has six feet, two eyes, with long feelers and mentioned clearly show that it was a highly odoriferous a sting in the mouth. It infests the bodies of men and tree or wood, but it cannot be identified with certainty animals, but different animals are infested with different (Nu. 24:6; Ps. 45:8; Pr. 7:17; Song 4:14) (Concise).

species (Webster) (Ex. 8:16-18; Ps. 105:31).

LICENCE. Permission (Ac. 21:40; 25:16).

368

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LIGURE - LOIS

LIGURE. A gem which was in the breastplate of the mixture of O.T. practice and paganism. [See Anglican, high priest (Ex. 28:19). The identification of the stone Clergy, Priest, Roman Catholic Church.]

seems to be uncertain. [See High Priest.]

LIVELY. Living; active; vigorous (Ex. 1:19; Ps. 38:19; LIKE AS. Like (Mt. 12:13).

Ac. 7:38; 1 Pe. 1:3; 2:5).

LIKE UNTO. Like (Ex. 15:11; Mt. 6:8).

LIVING. (1) Alive (Ge. 1:21). (2) Possession; LIKEN. To compare (Is. 40:18; Mt. 7:26; 13:24).

property (Mk. 12:44; Lk. 8:43; 15:12).

LIKING. Looking (Job 39:4; Da. 1:10).

LIVING BIBLE. [See Dynamic Equivalency.]

LIKING, WORSE. Worse looking (Da. 1:10).

LOADEN. Loaded; laden (Is. 46:1).

LIMBO. A Roman Catholic doctrine. A place or state LOAMMI (not my people). The name God gave where souls of O.T. saints were detained until the Hosea’s son as a sign of His rejection of the northern resurrection of Christ, and a place or state of natural kingdom of Israel (Ho. 1:8-9).

happiness for unbaptized babies ( Catholic Word Book, LOATHE. Abhorrence; disgust; dislike; repulsive (Ex.

Knights of Columbus, p. 27). Although never formally 7:18; Je. 14:19; Eze. 6:9; 16:45; 20:43; 36:31; Ze.

defined, it has been the universal RCC belief for 11:8).

centuries. There has never been an official statement LODEBAR (no pasture). 2 Sa. 9:4.

doing away with this doctrine, but it has been LOCUST. A flying insect which moves in large groups disregarded by most RCs today, the majority of whom and can quickly consume vast quantities of vegetation.

nevertheless insist on immediate baptism for any infant God often used locusts as judgment upon Israel and in danger of death (Jackson). [See Purgatory, Roman other nations (Ex. 10:4-19; De. 28:38; 2 Ch. 6:28; Ps.

Catholic Church.]

78:46; Joel 1:4; 2:25). The Apostle John also used the LIMIT. (1) Restrict; confine (Ps. 78:41). (2) term locust to describe the demonic creatures which will Boundary; border; extent (Eze. 43:12). (3) Appoint; plague men during the Great Tribulation (Re. 9:1-11).

decree; specify (He. 4:7).

LOD (offspring). Ne. 7:37.

LINEAGE. Family (Lk. 2:4). [See Generation.]

LODGE. (1) To pass the night (Ge. 24:23; 2 Sa.

LINTEL. The upper part of the framework of a door 17:16). (2) A hut (Is. 1:8).

(Ex. 12:22-23).

LOFT. An upper room (1 Ki. 17:19; Ac. 20:9).

LIQUOR. (1) Juice; broth (Nu. 6:3). (2) Alcoholic LOFTY. High; pride (Ps. 73:8; 131:1; Pr. 30:13; Is.

beverages. [See Drunkenness, Strong Drink, Wine.]

2:11, 12,17; 5:15; 57:7,15; Je. 48:49). [See Pride.]

LIST. Desire; will (Mt. 17:12; Mk. 9:13; Jn. 3:8; Ja.

LOG. [See Weights and Measures.]

3:4).

L O G O S . T h e G r e e k w o r d r e f e r r i n g t o LITTLE HORN. [See Antichrist, Daniel.]

communication, understanding, and revelation. It is LITURGY. A prescribed form of church service.

translated word and is used as a name for Jesus Christ Normally the word is used to describe the ritualistic (Jn. 1:1,14; 1 Jn. 1:1). He is the supreme revelation of programs of denominations such as the Roman Catholic God (compare He. 1:1-3; Col. 2:3); indeed, He is God.

Church, Orthodox, Anglican, Episcopalian, etc. The

[See Jesus Christ.]

Bible proscribes no set liturgy for the N.T. church apart LOIN. (1) That part of the body between the lower from the simple practices of Baptism and the Lord’s ribs and the hips (2 Ki. 1:8; Mt. 3:4). (2) Used Supper. N.T. church meetings were not highly formal symbolically for the reproductive system (Ge. 35:11; occasions and did not involve elaborate ritual. That God 46:26; Ex. 1:5; 1 Ki. 8:19; He. 7:10). (3) To smite the intends for there to be great liberty in the manner in loins depicted certain death and complete destruction which the church meets is evident in the fact that He (De. 33:11). (4) To have the loins girded about refers to has not given a detailed program in the Scriptures. The being continually busy in the Lord’s service; to refuse to brief glimpses we have into the services of the church allow oneself to relax spiritually and to become careless give only the following information: (1) They sang (Lk. 12:35; Ep. 6:14; 1 Pe. 1:13). To loose the girdle of hymns (Mt. 26:30; Ep. 5:19). (2) They had preaching the loins referred to putting off military garb (Is. 5:27) and teaching (Ac. 11:26; 20:7; 1 Co. 14:29). (3) They or the girdle of servitude (2 Ki. 4:29). [See Diligence, partook of the Lord’s Supper (1 Co. 11:17-34). They Labor, Sluggard.]

prayed (Ac. 4:23-31). They selected deacons (Ac.

6:1-6). They ordained missionaries (Ac. 13:1-3). They LOIS (better, pleasing). The grandmother of Timothy collected offerings (1 Co. 16:1-2). Much of the liturgy of (2 Ti. 1:5). [See Eunice, Timothy.]

ritualistic denominations, with its calendars and garb and religious protocol, is derived from an unholy Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 369

LONG HOME - LORD’S SUPPER

LONG HOME. A reference to eternity (Ec. 12:5). At are not merely individuals. (3) The forward look (1 Co.

death man goes to his “long home”—either heaven or 11:26 “till he come”). The Lord’s Supper causes us to hell. [See Death, Eternity, Grinders, Heaven, Hell.]

look forward to the return of Christ and thus to be LONGSUFFERING. Patience; to bear with; mindful that we need to be ready at all times for that forbearance; long-tempered (1 Co. 13:4; Ga. 5:22; Ep.

great event. (4) The inward look (1 Co. 11:28-31). The 4:1-2). “Longsuffering is that quality of self-restraint in Lord’s Supper causes the believer to look within himself the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate and to judge his spiritual condition before the Lord.

or promptly punish; it is the opposite of anger, and is How Often Is the Lord’s Supper to Be Observed? The associated with mercy, and is used of God (Ro. 2:4; 1 Pe.

Bible does not say how often the churches are to 3:20)” (Vine). [See Love, Patience.]

observe the Lord’s Supper. In Acts 20:7 there is an LOOK. (1) To see with the eyes (Ge. 8:13). (2) To indication that at least one church had the custom of observe; to expect (Job 7:2; Ps. 123:2; Ac. 28:6). (3) taking the Lord’s Supper every Lord’s day. Some groups Take account of (Ge. 39:23). (4) Situated; facing (Jos.

have made this into a law, but the Bible does not say 15:2; 1 Sa. 13:18). (5) To take note of; to care about (2

that every first century church had that practice, and Sa. 16:12; 2 Ch. 24:22). (6) Appearance; expression (Pr.

there is no commandment that describes how often a 6:17; 21:4). (7) Caution; discernment; vigilance (Pr.

church must observe the Supper. The Apostle Paul did 14:15). (8) Consider (Pr. 23:31).

not give any such instruction when he devoted almost a LOOK TO. (1) Pay attention to (Ex. 10:10; 2 Jn. 8).

chapter of the first epistle to the Corinthians to the (2) Appearance (1 Sa. 16:12). (3) Turn attention to; subject of the Supper (1 Co. 11). If the Holy Spirit had think about; trust (Is. 17:7-8). (4) Behold; observe (2

wanted to give a plain commandment about the timing Co. 3:13).

of the Supper, that would have been an ideal occasion.

Paul only said “as often as ye eat this bread, and drink LOOK WELL. Be careful about; take heed to; pay this cup” (1 Co. 11:26). It does not say how often it close attention to; diligently observe (Pr. 14:15; 27:23; should be done. It merely says “as often as” you observe 31:27; Je. 39:12).

the Supper, this is how it is to be done. We believe, LOP. To cut off (Is. 10:33).

therefore, that this is another matter that the Lord has LORD. [See El Shaddai, God, Jehovah, Jesus Christ.]

left to the each church to decide for itself under the LORD OF HOSTS. The Hebrew term is Jehovah guidance of the Holy Spirit. Some churches observe the Sabaoth (1 Sa. 1:3). [See God, Jehovah.]

Supper every week. Some observe it monthly or LORD OF SABAOTH. This is the same as “Lord of quarterly. Some observe it once a year, following the hosts” (Ro. 9:29; Ja. 5:4). Sabaoth is a transliteration of pattern of the Passover meal that Christ observed when the Hebrew word for hosts. [See God, Jehovah.]

He instituted the Supper. These various customs have LORD’S SUPPER. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial advantages and disadvantages. If the Lord’s Supper is meal initiated by the Lord Jesus Christ on the eve of His taken every week, there is the distinct danger of it being passion, symbolizing His death and blood atonement for a meaningless ritual. If it is taken only once a year, it sin (Mt. 26:26-28; Mk. 14:22-24; Lk. 22:19-21; Jn. 13).

has only a very small place in the believers’ lives. In fact, The Apostle Paul plainly tells us that the Lord’s Supper if a child of God is in a church that observes the Lord’s is a memorial (“this do in remembrance of me”—Lk.

Supper only once a year, and for some reason he is 22:19; 1 Co. 11:24, 25) and a picture (“ye do shew”—1

unable to attend that one service, he can go two or Co. 11:26). It is not a sacrifice or a channel of salvation three or more years without ever benefiting from this or grace.

important memorial.

Where Is the Lord’s Supper to Be Practiced? The Lord’s Requirements for Taking the Lord’s Supper. (1) The Supper is to be practiced in the church (1 Co. 11:18, 20, individual must be a born again Christian (1 Co.

22, 33, 34). Those who observe the Lord’s Supper 10:16-17). (2) The individual must be a baptized privately or in various settings apart from the church member of the church (Ac. 2:41-42; 1 Co. 5:11; (conferences, radio, homes) are ignoring the Bible 11:20,33-34). (3) The individual must be in fellowship pattern.

with the Lord (1 Co. 11:27-31). This involves striving to live in obedience to the Bible and carefully confessing The Fourfold Look of the Lord’s Supper (1) The one’s sins (Jn. 8:31-32; 1 Jn. 1:5-10).

backward look (1 Co. 11:24-25). The Lord’s Supper causes the believer to look back to the cross of Christ, Restricted Communion. Some object to placing which is the source of his salvation. (2) The look around restrictions on the Lord’s Supper, saying we have no (1 Co. 11:25, 26 “ye”; see also 1 Co. 10:16-17). When right to restrict the Lord’s table. But the Bible teaches we take the Lord’s Supper we should be reminded that differently. Following are ways in which the Bible gives we are part of a body, a family, of believers and that we clear restrictions in this ordinance: 1. The Lord’s Supper 370

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

LORUHAMAH - LOVE

is restricted as to its purpose (1 Co. 11:20-22). 2. The members re-congregate in a different part of the church Lord’s Supper is restricted as to place — in the church building to observe the Lord’s Supper. This is something (1 Co. 11:18). The Lord’s Supper is a church ordinance.

that is decided on a church by church basis, and is Contrast those who give the Lord’s supper privately in largely a practical matter that is determined through the homes or via a radio broadcast or at a parachurch Bible use of “sanctified common sense.” [See also Baptism, study or at an ecumenical conference. 3. The Lord’s Church, Footwashing, Mass.]

Supper is restricted as to the elements used —

LORUHAMAH (not favored, not pitied). The name unleavened bread and fruit of the vine (1 Co. 11:26; Mt.

God gave to Hosea’s daughter as a sign of His rejection 26:26; Lk. 22:19-20). Contrast those who use coca cola of northern Israel (Ho. 1:6, 8).

and or orange squash. 4. The Lord’s Supper is restricted LOT (a covering). Abraham’s nephew (Ge. 11:31; to baptized church members (Acts 2:41-42). 5. The 12:5). Lot chose to live in wicked Sodom and had to be Lord’s Supper is restricted to church members who are dragged away by angels before Sodom was destroyed not under church discipline (1 Co. 5:11). 6. The Lord’s (Ge. 13:5-13; 19:1-25). Because of his poor testimony Supper is restricted to church members who are orderly and love of the world, Lot lost his family (Ge.

(2 Th. 3:6). 7. The Lord’s Supper is restricted to those 19:14,26,30-38). The N.T. says Lot was a saved man (2

who have examined themselves (1 Co. 11:28). Instead Pe. 2:7-9). [See Sodom.]

of the self-examination being the only requirement, it is in addition to all of the other restrictions LOTAN (a covering). Ge. 36:20.

Close or Closed Communion. For the following reasons LOVE. The Greek N.T. uses two main words for love.

we believe the Bible teaches that each church should (1) The Greek word most frequently translated love partake of the Lord’s Supper with its own members. 1.

is AGAPAO, referring particularly to a giving, sacrificial The Communion is taken as a church body (1 Co.

love, as God’s love for man (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 4:10). It 12:27). The Lord’s Supper is a church function (“when

“indicates a direction of the will and finding one’s joy in ye come together”--1 Co. 11:20,33,34). Each church is a anything” (Zodhiates). This is the kind of love Christians body and takes its own Supper. 2. The Communion is are to have toward God (Mt. 22:37), toward other under the church’s discipline (1 Co 5:9, 13). It is the Christians (Jn. 13:34), and toward all men (Ga. 5:14).

church’s responsibility to exercise discipline over its (2) Another common word for love is PHILEO, members. This is impossible unless serious church referring more to an affection and friendship. It is functions and business are limited to members of that translated “kiss” in Mt. 26:48; Mk. 14:44; and Lk.

body. 3. The church is to be unified (1 Co. 1:10; Ph.

22:47. Phileo is used to describe Jesus’ love for Lazarus 2:2). The unity required by God’s Word is impossible (Jn. 11:3) and John (Jn. 20:2). Phileo is from the same except in a sound New Testament assembly among Greek root as the word translated “friendship” (Jn.

members committed to and yielded to that church’s 15:13-15). Agapao and never phileo is used of love teaching authority. If church business (including the toward our enemies (Mt. 5:44) (Zodhiates). In Jn.

Lords Supper) is not controlled so that only members 21:15-17 the Lord Jesus uses both agapao and phileo participate, it would be impossible for the church to when He inquires about Peter’s love for Him. The first fulfill the command for oneness of mind.

two times, He asks Peter, “lovest [ agapao] thou We believe the church can invite visiting Christian me?” (vv. 15-16), and Peter replies, “I love [ phileo]

workers to share the Lord’s table with them if they are thee.” The third time Christ uses phileo and Peter replies well known by the church family (Acts 20:7-11).

with phileo (v. 17).

As a practical matter, it is wise for a church to Phileo is combined with other words to describe observe the Lord’s Supper in a meeting that is separate various kinds of love: Philadelphia refers to brotherly from the normal services that might include visitors and love (Ro. 12:10; 1 Th. 4:9; He. 13:1; 1 Pe. 1:22; 3:8).

the unsaved. This way the visitors are not embarrassed Philoteknos refers to love of children (Tit. 2:4).

by not being allowed to participate. This can be done in Philandros refers to love of husband (Tit. 2:4).

several ways. Some churches have the Lord’s Supper Philanthropia refers to love of mankind (Tit. 3:4).

during a special service that is conducted exclusively for Philotheos refers to love of God (2 Ti. 3:4). Philagathos that purpose, a service to which visitors are not invited, refers to love of good (Tit. 1:8). Philoxenos refers to love either on a day not ordinarily used for church services of hospitality (Tit. 1:8). Philautos refers to love of self (2

or at a different time on Sunday than the time of the Ti. 3:2). Philedonos refers to love of pleasure (2 Ti. 3:4).

regular services. Some churches have the Lord’s Supper SEVEN BIBLE FACTS ABOUT LOVE: (1) Love is God’s following a regular Sunday service, and they first kindly nature (1 Jn. 4:8,16). (2) Godly love is giving, sacrificial dismiss the visitors before conducting the Supper. Some love (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 4:9; 3:16-17). (3) Love is the churches dismiss the regular service, then the church greatest thing (1 Co. 13:13). (4) Love is an evidence of Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 371

LOVE

being Christ’s disciple (Jn. 13:35). (5) Love is the fruit is not what the Bible says about love. Consider the of the Holy Spirit (Ga. 5:22). (6) Love is the first thing following verses of Holy Scripture:

the Apostle mentioned concerning Christian living (Ep.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, IF A MAN LOVE

4:1-6). (7) True Christian love cannot be separated from ME, HE WILL KEEP MY WORDS: and my Father will truth and holiness and obedience (Ph. 1:9; 1 Jn. 5:3; 2

love him, and we will come unto him, and make our Jn. 1; 3 Jn. 1-4).

abode with him” (John 14:23).

THE ECUMENICAL ERROR ABOUT LOVE: When Bible-

“And this I pray, that your LOVE MAY ABOUND YET

believing Christians take the Word of God and measure MORE AND MORE IN KNOWLEDGE AND IN ALL

leaders, churches, denominations and movements today JUDGMENT; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence by it, ecumenical types invariably charge them with a till the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:9-10).

lack of love. A woman recently wrote to me and said:

“For THIS IS THE LOVE OF GOD, THAT WE KEEP HIS

“You preach separatism. What about unity? You COMMANDMENTS: and his commandments are not preach about heresy. What about love? ... From what I grievous” (1 John 5:3).

have viewed on your website, you hold your views as

“And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, high as the Bible itself. What you call “zeal for the Bible”

that ye both do and will do the things which WE

I call arrogance and pride. If you knew the Bible as well COMMAND YOU. And the Lord direct your hearts into as you claim, then I believe you’d live it. The lost will THE LOVE OF GOD, and into the patient waiting for never be reached through such hatred” (Letter from a Christ. Now WE COMMAND YOU, brethren, in the reader, May 1997).

name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, This lady was upset about our preaching, but instead and not after the tradition which he received of us (2

of explaining our alleged error carefully from the Bible, Th. 3:4-6).

she charges us with a lack of love, and this, in spite of Biblical love is obedience to God and His Word. We her own haughty and incredibly judgmental attitude see in the last passage cited that the love of God is toward me! To this brainwashed generation, the sandwiched between two verses which emphasize negative aspects of biblical Christianity are unloving. To obedience to God’s commandments, including carefully test things by the Bible is unloving. To warn of separation from disobedient brethren! Love is not a false gospels is unloving. To mark and avoid false feeling. It is not blissful romanticism. For a woman to teachers is mean-spirited and unloving. To preach high love her husband means she submits to and serves him and holy standards of Christian living is unloving according to the Bible. For a man to love his wife means legalism. To discipline heretics is unloving.

he treats her in the way the Bible commands. For A few years ago, Evangelist Jack Van Impe rejected children to love their parents means they honor and biblical separatism and went over to the ecumenical obey their parents as the Bible commands. Love is philosophy. He said: “Let’s forget our labels and come obedience to God’s Word.

together in love, and the pope has called for that. I had Love is not an emotion. It is not broadmindedness. It 400 verses on love. Till I die I will proclaim nothing but is not non-judgmentalism. It is not non-critical love for all my brothers and sisters in Christ, my acceptance. Biblical love is careful. It is based on Catholic brothers and sisters, Protestant brothers and knowledge and judgment from God’s Word. It proves all sisters, Christian Reformed, Lutherans, I don’t care what things, and it approves only those things that are the label you are. By this shall all men know that ye are my will of God.

disciples if ye have love one to another.”

Was the Lord Jesus Christ unloving when He called This is the popular view of love, but it is false and Peter a devil (Mt. 16:23) or when he publicly dangerous.

condemned the Pharisees (Matthew 23)? Was the Ecumenists are confused about the definition of love: Apostle Paul unloving when he rebuked Peter publicly Love is crucial. The Bible says that without love “I am for his compromise (Galatians 1)? Was the Apostle Paul become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” The unloving when he named the name of false teachers and Bible tells us that God is love, and those who know God compromisers such as Hymenaeus and Alexander ten will reflect His love. What is love, though? The different times in the Pastoral Epistles? Was the Apostle ecumenical world is confused about the definition of Paul unloving when he forbade women to preach or to love. It must be defined biblically. “Love,” to human usurp authority over men (1 Timothy 2)?

thinking, is a warm feeling or a sensual romantic Biblical love for people does not mean that I ignore thought. “Love,” to this ecumenical generation, is things that they do that are wrong and injurious. This is broadmindedness and non-judgmental acceptance of true both in the physical and spiritual realms. For any one who claims to know the Lord Jesus Christ. This example, to love a murderer, in a biblical sense, does 372

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not mean that we ignore his crime. It means that we put Kindly, Kindness, Longsuffering, Mercy, Patience, Pitiful, him to death for his horrible trespass against the image Tender, Tenderhearted.]

of God (Genesis 9:5-6). Likewise, to love a false teacher LOVER. (1) An intimate friend, not necessarily of the does not mean that I turn a blind eye to his error and opposite sex (1 Ki. 5:1; Ps. 88:11). (2) One who likes strive to have unity with him regardless of his doctrine.

something; to be given to something (Tit. 1:8).

It means that I obey the Bible and mark and avoid him LOW DEGREE, LOW ESTATE. Poor; impoverished; in (Romans 16:17), that I expose his error publicly to reduced circumstances; of low estate in life; common; protect those who might be led astray by his teaching.

plain; simple (Ro. 12:16; Ja. 1:9). [See Humble, Ecumenists are confused about the direction of love: Poverty, Pride.]

Ecumenists are incredibly confused about the definition LOWLINESS. Humbleness; having a humble state of of love, but they are also confused about the direction of mind; to esteem others better than one’s self (Ep. 4:2; love. The first direction of love must be toward God.

Ph. 2:3). “Not to think of one’s self more highly than he Ecumenists talk much about love of man, but they talk ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God very little about the love of God. According to the Lord hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Ro.

Jesus Christ, though, what is the greatest 1 2 : 3 ) . T h e G r e e k w o r d t r a n s l a t e d commandment?

“lowliness” ( tapinophrosunee) is also translated

“Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a

“humility of mind” (Ac. 20:19), “humility” (Col. 2:18, question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is 23; 1 Pe. 5:5), and “humbleness of mind” (Col. 3:12).

the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto

[See Humble, Pride.]

him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This LOWLY. Humble; freedom from pride; meek (Ps.

is the first and great commandment. And the second is 138:6; Pr. 3:34; 11:2; 16:19; Ze. 9:9; Mt. 11:29). The like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as Greek word translated “lowly” in Mt. 11:29” ( tapinos) is thyself” (Matthew 22:35-39).

also translated “low degree” (Lk. 1:52), “low The first and great commandment is not to love one’s estate” (Ro. 12:16), “cast down” (2 Co. 7:6), “base” (2

neighbor. That is the second commandment. The first Co. 10:1), “humble” (Ja. 4:6). [See Humble, Pride.]

and great commandment is to love the Lord God will all LUBIM (inhabitants of a dry and thirsty land). Na.

the heart, soul, and mind.

3:9.

Ecumenists point their fingers at the Bible-believing LUCAS (luminous). The same as Luke, a co-laborer fundamentalist and charge him with a lack of love with Paul and the author of the third Gospel and the toward men because he exercises judgment and book of Acts (Col. 4:14; 2 Ti. 4:11; Phile. 1:24). [See discipline and separation. What, though, about love for Apostle, Luke.]

God? The Ecumenist tells me that I need to love all the LUCIFER (shining one). A prophetic description of denominations regardless of what doctrine they teach. I the fall of Satan (Is. 14:12). [See Satan.]

reply that I need to love God and His Truth first, and LUCIUS (of light). Ac. 13:1; Ro. 16:21.

that means that I will obey the Bible, and that means I will measure, mark, and avoid those who are committed LUCK. [See Hap.]

to error. A genuine love for God requires that I care LUCRE. Gain in earnings; profit; usually in a more about His Word and His will than about men and dishonest or ill sense. In the O.T. it is used for judges their feelings and opinions and programs.

which accepted bribes to pervert justice (1 Sa. 8:3). In The direction of love not only must be toward God but the N.T. the word “filthy” is added to “lucre” to describe it must be toward those who are in danger. The unlawful or unspiritual financial gain. The false teacher ecumenical crowd tells me that I need to love the is motivated by such lucre (Tit. 1:11). Church leaders Modernist and the Romanist, etc., but they are must be men who are not motivated by the financial practically silent on the subject of love for those who are benefits of the ministry (1 Ti. 3:3, 8; Tit. 1:7; 1 Pe. 5:2).

deceived by the Modernists and the Romanists. We are Though it is not wrong for a man to take wages for his charged with being unloving, for example, when we spiritual ministry (Ro. 15:27; 1 Co. 9:6-14; 2 Co. 11:8; expose the fact that John Paul II or Mother Teresa Ga. 6:6; Ph. 4:14-16; 1 Ti. 5:17-18), his motivation teaches a false sacramental gospel. This is nonsense.

must be to serve Jesus Christ, not money. [See Brought The fact is, we love people enough to warn of false on the Way, Covet, Employment, Gold, Greedy, Labour, gospels so they will not be led astray to eternal hell. A Money, Offerings, Possessions, Private Ownership of shepherd who loves wolves more than the sheep is a Property, Steal, Stewardship, Tithe.]

confused and wicked shepherd. [See Bowels, Charity, LUD (offspring). Ge. 10:22.

Compassion, Forbear, Gentle, Gospel, Jesus Christ, Kind, LUDIM (offspring). Ge. 10:13.

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LUHITH (elevated place). Is. 15:5.

(De. 12:15; Ja. 4:5); (2) of sinful desires in general (Ps.

LUKE (luminous). Luke was the author of the gospel 78:18; 81:12; Ro. 13:14; Ga. 5:16; Ep. 2:3; 4:22; 1 Ti.

bearing his name as well as the book of Acts. Compare 6:9; 2 Ti. 2:22; 4:3; Ja. 1:14; 4:1, 3; 1 Pe. 1:14; 2:11; 2

Acts 1:1-2 and Luke 1:1-4. He was one of Paul’s faithful Pe. 1:4; 1 Jn. 2:16-17); and (3) of unlawful sexual co-workers. He is called “my fellowlabourer” (Philemon desires (Ro. 1:24, 27; 1 Co. 10:6; 1 Th. 4:5; 2 Ti. 3:6; 1

24) and “the beloved physician” (Col. 4:14). Though he Pe. 4:2-3; 2 Pe. 2:10, 18; Jude 18). Jesus said that if a was not an eyewitness of the life of Christ, he gathered man looks upon a woman to lust after her, he commits information from those who were (Lk. 1:2) and wrote adultery with her in his heart (Mt. 5:28; Pr. 6:25). [See with “perfect understanding” (Lk. 1:3), meaning by Adultery, Covet, Concupiscence, Fornication, Heart, divine inspiration. He was an eyewitness to many of the Lascivious, Modesty, Nakedness, Sodomy.]

events that he describes in Acts. He first includes LUTHERAN. Lutheranism was founded by Martin himself in the action on the second missionary journey Luther (1483-1546) in Germany. He was educated by at Philippi (Acts 16:10-13, 16). This is where Luke the Brethren of the Common Life who were loosely appears in the Scripture record. It appears that he Roman Catholics but who put less emphasis on the stayed in Philippi while Paul finished his second sacraments and more upon a personal relationship with missionary journey. Luke then joined Paul at Philippi on Christ and godly living. In July 1505, when he was a the third missionary journey and became a part of his student in a law school, Luther was knocked to the permanent traveling entourage. Luke journeyed with ground by a flash of lightening during a fierce storm.

Paul from Philippi to Troas (Acts 20:6), from Asos to Frightened by this event, he determined to enter a Miletus (20:13-15), from Miletus to Caesarea (21:1-8), Catholic monastery and give his life to religious and from Caesarea to Jerusalem (21:17). Luke concerns. At an Augustinian monastery in Erfurt, accompanied Paul from Caesarea to Rome (Acts 27:1-7, Germany, Luther began to study the Bible, and he came 15-20, 26-29, 37; 28:10-16). He was with Paul in Rome to understand that God’s salvation in Jesus Christ is on his first imprisonment (Phile. 24; Col. 4:14). And he offered freely through His grace. Luther joined the was with Paul when he was put to death (2 Ti. 4:11).

faculty of the University of Wittenberg in 1511 and

“He would appear, from Col. 4:10, 11, and his intimate became the head of the theology department a year acquaintance with the Greek language, as well as from later.

his Greek name (Lucas), to have been of Gentile In 1517, he challenged the Catholic Church to extraction; and according to Eusebius and others, he defend the doctrine of indulgences, whereby the pope was a native of Antioch. From the Hebraisms occurring promised to forgive the sins of the living and the dead in his writings, and especially from his accurate upon the payment of money. Pope Leo X desperately knowledge of the Jewish rites, ceremonies, and customs, needed money to finance his luxurious lifestyle and it is highly probable that he was a Jewish proselyte, and extravagant plans, such as the completion of St. Peter’s afterwards converted to Christianity” ( Treasury of cathedral, and he sent representatives throughout parts Scripture Knowledge).

of Europe to push the sale of indulgences to the gullible LUKEWARM. Spiritually neutral; neither hot nor cold populace. The indulgence was thought to be like a letter (Re. 3:16). This was the condition of the church at of credit that the purchaser could use to have his own Laodicea at the end of the apostolic era. It was already sins forgiven or to assist someone in purgatory. The apostate from the truth and in need of the Lord’s

“bigger” the sin, the more expensive the indulgence.

salvation (Re. 3:18). Christ is seen standing outside this One of the pope’s indulgence agents, Dominican church, knocking at the door of the hearts of individuals monk John Tetzel, came to towns near where Luther (Re. 3:20). [See Apostasy, Apostate, Heresy, Prophecy, was living. After being ushered into the city in royal Roman Catholic Church, Tares.]

style, sitting on a chariot and holding a large red cross LUNATICK. The Greek word translated “lunatic” is in his hand and an order of the pope on a velvet cushion seleniazomai, which was a term for the insane, but before him, he gathered the people together and Matthew says they were demon possessed (Mt. 17:15).

shouted out his effective sales pitch: “There is no sin so

[See Devils.]

great that an indulgence cannot remit. But, more than LURK. To hide; to lay in wait (Pr. 1:11, 18; Ps.

this, indulgences avail not only for the living but for the 17:12).

dead. Priest! noble! merchant! wife! youth! maiden! do LUST. Strong desire. The Greek word translated lust you not hear your parents and your other friends who ( epithumetes) is also translated “covet” (Ro. 7:7), are dead, and who cry from the bottom of the abyss?

“concupiscence” (Col. 3:5; 1 Th. 4:5), and “desire” (Lk.

Why, the very instant your money rattles at the bottom 17:22; Ph. 1:23; 1 Th. 2:17; He. 6:11). The term “lust”

of the chest, the soul escapes from purgatory, and flies is used in three ways: (1) of desire in a general sense liberated to heaven.”

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The sale of indulgences brought a fortune into the the pope or to the councils, because it is as clear as day pope’s coffers, but it also wrecked havoc on the morals that they have frequently erred and contradicted each of the people. Deceived into thinking that they could other. Unless therefore I am convinced by the avoid God’s judgment upon sin by the purchase of a testimony of scripture, or by the clearest reasoning, piece of paper, the people descended into the grossest and unless they thus render my conscience bound by the word of God, I cannot and I will not retract, for it is immorality.

unsafe for a Christian to speak against his conscience.

On October 31, 1517, Luther nailed his 95 theses to Here I take my stand; I cannot do otherwise: may God the door of the Castle Church at Wittenberg, protesting be my help! Amen.”

the sale of indulgences. In the spring of the next year, he Upon hearing this, the Emperor issued a judgment defended his position before an assembly of Augustinian against Luther and forbade him to continue speaking or monks in Heidelberg, Germany. The pope wrote to writing. If Luther disobeyed the order, the Emperor Frederick, Elector of Saxony (called Frederick the Wise), vowed to “proceed against him and his adherents, as and asked him to turn Luther over to Cardinal Cajetan, contumacious heretics, by excommunication, by but the brave Frederick refused to do so. Luther then interdict, and by every means calculated to destroy agreed to meet the cardinal at Augsburg, and there he them.”

told him that he was not afraid of the Pope. Upon A plan was made by some Roman Catholics to learning of the failure of the cardinal to force Luther to assassinate Luther on his way back to Saxony, but submit, the Pope was outraged and wrote again to Frederick heard about it and arranged to have Luther Frederick demanding that he surrender Luther. He again kidnapped by his own men, disguised as bandits, and refused. Soon thereafter, Luther and Andrew Carlstadt carried to the Castle of Wartburg for safe keeping. While conducted a public debate with Catholic leader John there, Luther assumed the attire and appearance of a Eccius, commonly known as Dr. Eck. Failing to win over country gentleman and called himself Squire George. It Luther and the budding reformation through reason, was in this castle that Luther finished the first draft of Pope Leo issued a papal bull on June 15, 1520, his German translation of the New Testament during the condemning Luther’s writings to the fire and delivering summer of 1521.

Luther himself over to the devil, unless he recanted within 60 days. Luther answered by burning the bull in In March 1522, Luther returned to Wittenberg and December outside the walls of Wittenberg.

restored peace in the midst of a great disturbance that had been caused by Carlstadt and others who were In the meantime, a deluge of pamphlets defending pushing for a violent overthrow of Romanism. They had the Protestant position were published and distributed entered churches and destroyed images. Luther was throughout Germany, France, Switzerland, England, and opposed to the violence and his opinions held sway in elsewhere, and these accomplished the establishment of the city. He then turned his attention to a revision of his the Reformation churches.

New Testament, and in September 1522, he published At the instigation of the Pope, the new emperor of it. With its lovely and vigorous German and coming, as Germany, Charles V, called upon Luther to appear before it did, in the midst of a general religious agitation, it an assembly of the states of the German monarchy in became a national treasure almost overnight. Within ten 1521. The assembly ( diet) was called the Diet of Worms, years, at least 58 editions of the Luther Bible were so named for its location. Frederick, Luther’s protector, printed and hundreds of thousands of copies were sold.

would only allow Luther to go on two conditions, that The Old Testament appeared in 1530.

he would be given a safe-conduct and that he would be Luther’s chief co-laborer was Philip Melanchthon allowed to return to Saxony no matter what the verdict (1497-1560), a fellow professor at the University. He of the assembly. Before Luther arrived, the pope’s helped Luther organize his state church and wrote a nuncio, Aleander, addressed the assembly with great systematic theology and commentaries on the New eloquence, claiming that Luther’s writings contained Testament. He had a key role in preparing Lutheran enough errors to burn a hundred thousand heretics.

confessions of faith.

Being promised safe conduct by the emperor, Luther appeared before the assembly in April to answer for At the Diet of Speyer in 1529, Emperor Charles V

himself. When asked if the 20 books arranged on a table condemned the Lutheran movement and forbade its before the assembly were his, Luther replied that they spread. Many of the German princes of the various were. When asked if he would retract, he gave this provinces and free cities protested the order, and they famous answer:

were called PROTESTANTS. These princes formed the Schmalkald League in 1530, and since Charles V was

“Since your most serene Majesty and the princes already hard pressed by the actions of the warring require from me a clear, simple, and precise answer, I will give it thus: — I cannot submit my faith either to Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 375

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Muslims on the borders of this territory, he granted Church, and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran religious liberty for several years.

Churches. The ELCA recorded some 5.3 million There was war between the Catholics and the members in roughly 11,000 congregations in 1990, but Lutheran Protestants in Germany between 1546 and it is losing members each year. It lost almost 50,000

1555. The struggle ended with victory by the members in 1988-89. This group is totally given over to Protestants and a proclamation that both Roman modernism and ecumenism. The ELCA is a member of Catholicism and Lutheranism were recognized as legal the National Council of Churches in America and the religions in the Holy Roman Empire. This did not mean World Council of Churches. As of 1993, the ELCA had actual religious liberty, because it was stipulated that 1,358 ordained women clergy.

the people of each region would be required to follow Signifying the growing ecumenical oneness between whatever religion was chosen by the prince of that the apostate denominations, one of the first official acts region. Those who did not accept the official religion of the ELCA’s head Bishop, Herbert Chilstrom, was to were persecuted. Thus, the Lutherans proved to be meet with the Roman Catholic pope, the Anglican almost as intolerant as the Catholics before them.

Archbishop of Canterbury, and heads of the Orthodox Luther rejected the papacy and corrected many of churches. Chilstrom supports the ordination of Rome’s errors but he also retained many of them. Luther homosexuals and publicly announced his agreement retained infant baptism, the priesthood, a form of the with President Clinton’s call for allowing homosexuals Catholic mass, and such pagan rituals as crucifixes and into the U.S. military. In his commentary on Hebrews, candles. He taught sola fide (justification by faith alone), Chilstrom said the Bible’s historical records are sola gratia (salvation by grace alone), and sola scriptura

“exaggerated—stretched beyond what they actually (the Bible alone as the source of belief), but in practice, were.” Most preachers within the ELCA are modernists, he undermined all three of these crucial principles. It is and the ELCA Publishing House has printed countless obvious that he did not follow the Bible alone as his volumes which promote unbelief. For example, in 1988

source of faith and practice, because he adopted an ELCA book by Ragnar Leivestad, entitled Jesus in His Catholic doctrines and practices that are contrary to the Own Perspective, claimed that Jesus never invoked for Bible. The Lutheran church in Germany and elsewhere himself a special position and did not claim messianic was a state church. That means that every citizen was titles. In 1992 the ELCA Division for Church in Society automatically made a church member at birth (though authorized distribution of a report on human sexuality infant baptism) and was required to be a member of which claims that homosexuals were created by God that church by force of law. Thus, the Lutheran “church”

and that sexual relationships outside of marriage are not was composed largely of the unregenerate. It had a always wrong. An ELCA youth program guide entitled form of godliness but denied the power thereof, which is

“Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters,” teaches young a regenerate life through personal repentance and faith people that the Bible does not condemn homosexuality.

in Jesus Christ.

This editor attended the installation service for an Lutheranism became the state religion of most of ELCA bishop in Houston, Texas, Feb. 7, 1988, over Germany, as well as of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, which Chilstrom presided. Instead of preaching on the Prussia, Iceland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

glorious grace of Jesus Christ, he spoke on The Lutherans bitterly persecuted and tormented the environmentalism and pacifism. In addressing the Anabaptists and other non-Lutherans in many places.

mixed multitude composed of Roman Catholic, Tens of thousands of humble Bible believers were put to Orthodox, Episcopalians, and Jewish rabbis, Chilstrom death by these Protestants for the simple reason that said they were made a part of Christ through baptism, they refused to accept their false state church and their and he warned against “buttonholing people and asking unscriptural infant baptism and other errors. (For if they are saved.” He told of how he gladly blessed a documentation of this see “Protestant Persecution of the rosary for a man at a gas station. Nowhere in his Baptists” at the Way of Life web site, http://

message did he speak of the cross, the blood or the www.wayoflife.org.)

atonement of Jesus Christ. Chilstrom’s gospel is not the gospel of the grace of Jesus Christ, but a false gospel of The three largest Lutheran denominations in America church sacraments and universalism. His liberal are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), message was cleverly couched in evangelical, biblical the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS), and the terminology, but the content was a social/humanitarian Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).

gospel which will lead those who follow it to eternal THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

hell. The entire experience was very sad and grievous to was formed in January 1988 by a merger of the my spirit as I observed the pageantry, the solemnity, the Lutheran Church in America, the American Lutheran appearance of piety which had been put on before the 376

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service just as a woman puts on her makeup. What States in 1987. [See Church, Church Discipline.]

seemingly holy and reverent-appearing things man can THE WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD is surround himself with when he creates his own religion!

the product of a 1917 merger between the German Everything went according to a very specific order and Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Wisconsin and synods in proceeded right on schedule. Not a hair was out of Minnesota and Michigan. With a membership of place, nor a voice off key in the two choirs, and the 419,000 in 1,200 congregations, it, too, follows massive pipe organ gave forth just the desired sounds. It traditional Lutheranism and refuses to adopt Modernism was quite a show. The problem is that from beginning to or join the ecumenical councils. The WELS is probably end, from top to bottom, from inside to out, none of it the most conservative of the Lutheran denominations in was scriptural. In doctrine and in practice is was America. The WELS statement on the Bible is a contrary to the Word of God, and therefore marvelous testimony to divine inspiration: unacceptable to God. This is an apt description of the We believe that in a miraculous way that goes entire Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, as well beyond all human investigation God the Holy Ghost as all of the member denominations of the World inspired these men to write His Word. These ‘holy men Council of Churches.

of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost’ (2

THE LUTHERAN CHURCH - MISSOURI SYNOD (LC-Pe. 1:21). What they said, was spoken ‘not in the words MS) was founded in Missouri by German emigrants in which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy 1847. Today it has 2.6 million members in 5,900

Ghost teacheth’ (1 Co. 2:13). Every thought they churches, and is basically conservative in doctrine, being expressed, every word they used, was given them by the what is called “confessional Lutheran.” This signifies a Holy Spirit by inspiration. St. Paul wrote to Timothy: ‘All commitment to the historic Lutheran creeds. In the scripture is given by inspiration of God’ (2 Ti. 3:16). We 1970s the LC-MS went through a great upheaval over therefore believe in the verbal inspiration of the doctrinal issues. A number of leaders within the Scriptures, not a mechanical dictation, but a word-for-denomination were entertaining modernistic views of word inspiration. ... We believe that Scripture is a inspiration. A survey published in 1970 revealed that unified whole, true and without error in everything it only 51% of the LC-MS denominational leaders and says; for our Saviour said ‘The Scripture cannot be professors believed the Bible is the perfect Word of God broken’ (Jn. 10:35). We reject any thought that makes (65% of the “parish” pastors believed in an infallible only part of Scripture God’s Word, that allows for the Bible). The battle focused particularly on professors at possibility of factual error in Scripture, also in so-called the LC-MS Concordia Seminary. In 1974 the liberal-nonreligious matters (for example, historical, minded professors left Concordia and formed Seminex geographical). We reject all views that fail to (Seminary in Exile). Roughly 150 congregations left the acknowledge the Holy Scriptures as God’s revelation denomination as a result of these battles. For the leaders and Word. We likewise reject all views that see in them of the LC-MS to take such a stand for the inspiration of merely a human record of God’s revelation as he the Scriptures was commendable, yet there are still encounters man in history apart from the Scriptures, many leaders and professors within the LC-MS who are and so a record subject to human imperfections” (This sympathetic to modernism. There was not a wholesale We Believe, Northwestern Publishing House, Wisconsin housecleaning, and the denominational colleges Evangelical Lutheran Synod). [See Baptism - Infant, remained sympathetic to the very error espoused by Church, Ecumenism, Lord’s Supper, Roman Catholic those who formed Seminex. Denominations cannot win Church, Separation, World Council of Churches.]

the battle against error; only churches can, because only LUZ (an almond-tree). Ge. 28:19.

churches have the divine authority to discipline the saints and to deal with error. It is the church that is the LYCAONIA (breast of sheep). Ac. 14:6.

pillar and ground of the truth (1 Ti. 3:15). Though not a LYCIA (inflammation, great heat). Ac. 27:5.

member of the National or World Council of Churches, LYDDA (an ornament). Ac. 9:32.

there is a growing sympathy toward modernism and LYDIA (birth, offspring). The first Christian convert ecumenism within the LCMS. Luther, in referring to the in Philippi (Ac. 16:14-40).

head of the Catholic Church, said, “The pope is the real LYSANIAS (dissolving, sadness, grief-dispelling). Lk.

antiChrist who has raised himself over and set himself 3:1.

against Christ.” Yet the president of the LC-MS, Ralph LYSIAS (dissolving, liberating). Ac. 23:26.

Bohlmann, has met with the pope on at least two occasions. Bohlmann met privately with the pope in the LYSTRA (flock of sheep). Ac. 14:6.

Vatican in 1984, and he was among the denominational leaders that greeted the pope on his visit to the United Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 377

-M-

MAACHAH, MAACAH (friction, oppression). Ge.

MADMEN (place of manure). A town of Moab (Je.

22:24; 2 Sa. 3:3

48:2).

MAADAI (the ornament of God). Ezr. 10:34.

MADMENAH (place of manure). Is. 10:31.

MAADIAH (the ornament of God). Ne. 12:5.

MADON (place of judgment). Jos. 11:1.

MAAI (the fountain of the Lord). Ne. 12:36.

MAGBISH (assembly, fortress). Ezr. 2:30.

MAALEH ACRABBIM (going up, scorpions). Jos.

MAGDALA (tower, castle). Mt. 15:39. A town on the 15:3.

western shore of the Sea of Galilee north of Tiberias.

MAARATH (level place, waste). Jos. 15:59.

MAGDALENE. Mary Magdalene; one of the Marys of MAASEIAH (the work of the Lord). Je. 21:1.

the Bible. Her name means “an inhabitant of Magdala,”

MAASIAI (the work of the Lord). 1 Ch. 9:12.

referring to the town of Magdala on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus cast seven devils out of her, MAATH (breaking, removing). Lk. 3:26.

and she became an ardent disciple (Lk. 8:2). Mary MAAZ (oppression). 1 Ch. 2:27.

Magdalene was the first person to see the Lord Jesus MAAZIAH (the consolation of God). 1 Ch. 24:18.

Christ after His resurrection (Mk. 16:1-9; Mt. 28:1; Lk.

MACCABEES. The Jewish family which led revolt 24:10; Jn. 19:25; 20:1, 18).

against Antiochus Epiphanes, king of Syria, and won MAGDIEL (excellent, praise). Ge. 36:43.

freedom for the Jews. Antiochus had captured the MAGICIAN. [See Witchcraft.]

temple in Jerusalem and had desecrated it by sacrificing MAGISTRATE. A judge; ruler (Ju. 18:7; Ezr. 7:25; Lk.

a pig. The revolt began in 168 B.C. The temple was 12:58). [See Government.]

recaptured and sacrifices were resumed in 165 B.C. The history of this experience in Jewish history is told in two MAGNIFICAL. Greatness (Ac. 19:27).

of the apocryphal books, 1 and 2 Maccabees. [See MAGNIFICAT (to exalt; to extol) A name for Mary’s Antichrist, Apocrypha.]

song of praise in Lk. 1:46-55.

MACEDONIA. A Roman province (Ac. 16:9).

MAGNIFICENCE. Greatness (Ac. 19:27). [See Macedonia was made a Roman province in 142 BC, and Majesty.]

Philippi, its chief city, was made a Roman colony in 42

MAGNIFY. Exalt; uplift; promote; to make great BC after the famous battle involving the armies of (Jos. 3:7; Ps. 34:3; Da. 11:36; Lk. 1:46).

Antony and Octavian aligned against the armies of MAGOG. [See Gog.]

Brutus and Cassius. It was Roman legions against MAGOR MISSABIB (fear everywhere). Je. 20:3.

Roman legions. Brutus and Cassius had murdered Julius Caesar and tried to take over the empire, but Octavian MAGPIASH (congregation of the congregation). Ne.

won the battle and 15 years later became the Emperor 10:20.

Augustus. It was during his reign that Jesus was born.

MAHALAH (disease). 1 Ch. 7:18.

MACHBANAI (chain of God). 1 Ch. 12:13.

MAHALALEEL (praising God). Ge. 5:12.

MACHBENAH (chain). 1 Ch. 2:49.

MAHALATH. (1) The daughter of Ishmael; the wife MACHI (consuming of strength, pining). Nu. 13:15.

of Rehoboam (sickness) (Ge. 28:9; 2 Ch. 11:18). (2) Mentioned in the title to Ps. 53 and 88. Strong says, MACHIR (sold). Ge. 50:23.

“probably the title to a popular song.” [See MACHNADEBAI (what is like the liberality of God?).

Music.]

Ex. 10:40.

MAHALI (infirmity, instability). Ex. 6:19.

MACHPELAH (a doubling, a fold, winding).

MAHANAIM (two camps or hosts). Ge. 32:2.

Abraham’s burial cave (Ge. 23:9).

MAHANEHDAN (camp of judgment). Ju. 18:12.

MAD. (1) Insane or demon possessed (1 Sa. 21:13; 2

Ki. 9:11; Pr. 26:18; Jn. 10:20; Ac. 12:15; 26:25; 1 Co.

MAHARAI (the haste of God). 2 Sa. 23:28.

14:23). (2) Angry (Ps. 102:8; Ac. 26:11). (3) Foolish MAHATH (taking or wiping away). 2 Ch. 29:12.

(Ec. 2:2). [See Anger, Fool, Devils.]

MAHAVITE (the place of the congregation). 1 Ch.

MADAI (God extends). Ge. 10:2.

11:46.

MADIAN (Great extension). Ac. 7:29.

MAHAZIOTH (visions). 1 Ch. 25:4.

MADMANNAH (place of manure). Jos. 15:31.

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MAHER-SHALAL-HASH-BAZ (hastens to the prey).

MALCHIAH, MALCHIJAH (the Lord is king). Ge.

The name God gave to Isaiah’s son as a sign of the 46:17; Je. 38:1.

future destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel by MALCHIEL (God is king). Ge. 46:17.

Assyria (Is. 8:3-4).

MALCHIJAH (the Lord reigns). 1 Ch. 9:12.

MAHLAH (disease). Nu. 26:33.

MALCHIRAM (most exalted king). 1 Ch. 3:18.

MAHLI (infirmity, sickness). Nu. 3:20.

MALCHISHUA (the help of the king). 1 Ch. 8:33.

MAHLON (heavy disease). Ru. 1:2.

MALCHUS (a king, counselor). Jn. 18:10.

MAHOL (infirmity). 1 Ki. 4:31.

MALEFACTOR. An evil doer; a criminal (Lk. 23:32, MAID, MAIDEN. (1) A female servant (Ge. 16:2; 39; Jn. 18:30).

29:29; 30:3, 7; Ex. 2:5; 21:20; Ru. 2:8; 2 Ki. 5:2; Ezr.

MALICE, MALICIOUS, MALIGNITY. Harboring ill 2:65; Job 19:15; Ps. 123:2). (2) A virgin (De. 22:14, 17; will or enmity without provocation; extreme hatred; Jud. 19:24; Es. 2:4, 7-8; Ps. 78:63). (3) A young disposition to injure (Webster) Wickedness or vice in the unmarried woman generally (2 Ch. 36:17; Je. 2:32).

wider sense, not merely malevolence, which is the more MAID CHILD. A female child (Le. 12:5).

usual acceptation of the word (The Bible Word-Book).

MAIL. A coat of armor (1 Sa. 17:5). [See Breastplate, (Ro. 1:29; 1 Co. 5:8; 14:20; Ep. 4:31; Col. 3:8; Tit. 3:3; Military.]

1 Pe. 2:1, 16; 3 Jn. 10). [See Anger, Controversy.]

MAIMED. Crippled; disabled in limbs; injured; lame MALLOTHI (I have spoken). 1 Ch. 25:4.

(Le. 22:22; Mt. 15:30-31; Mk. 9:43; Lk. 14:13, 21).

MALLUCH (possession). Ne. 10:4.

MAJESTY. Greatness of appearance; dignity; MALLOWS. Some common herb which the poor grandeur; dignity of aspect of manner; the quality or would eat to satisfy their hunger (Job 30:4) (Concise).

state of a person or thing which inspires awe or MAMMON. Money and possessions (Mt. 6:24; Lk.

reverence in the beholder (Webster). Majesty is most 16:11, 13). [See Money, Tithe.]

often used of the Lord (Job 37:22; 40:10; Ps. 29:4; 93:1; 96:6; 104:1; 145:5, 12; Is. 2:10; 24:14; 26:10; Mi.

MAMRE (lifting up). The ancient name of Hebron 5:4; He. 1:3; 8:1; 2 Pe. 1:16; Jude 25), though it is also (Ge. 14:13).

used of earthly kings (1 Ch. 29:25; Es. 1:4; Da. 4:30; MAN. [See Adam, Death, Evolution, Heart, Image of 5:18). The fact that the term “majesty” is applied to God, Justification, Resurrection, Salvation, Sin, Soul, Jesus Christ testifies to His deity (2 Pe. 1:16). The Spirit.]

Hebrew word most commonly translated “majesty” in MAN CHILD. Male child (Ge. 17:10; Le. 12:2).

the O.T. ( hadar) is also translated “beauty” (Ps. 110:3), MAN OF WAR. A warrior (Ex. 15:3; Jos. 17:1; Is.

“comeliness” (Eze. 16:14), “excellency” (Is. 35:2), 3:2; Lk. 23:11). [See Military.]

“glorious” (Ps. 29:2), “glory” (De. 33:17; Ps. 90:16; Da.

MAN SLAYER. Murderer (Nu. 35:6,12; 1 Ti. 1:9).

11:20), “goodly” (Le. 23:40), and “honour” (1 Ch.

[See Kill.]

16:27; Ps. 149:9). The Greek word translated MAN STEALER. [See Men Stealer.]

“ m a j e s t y ” ( m e g a l e i o t e s ) i s a l s o t r a n s l a t e d

“magnificence” (Ac. 19:27) and “mighty power” (Lk.

MANAEN (a comforter, leader). Ac. 13:1).

9:43) [See Glory, Kingdom of God, Millennium.]

MANAHATH (a gift, rest). Ge. 36:23.

MAKAZ (distant place). 1 Ki. 4:9.

MANASSEH (forgetting). The oldest son of Joseph MAKE FOR. To be for the advantage of (Eze. 17:17; (Ge. 41:51). His children form the tribe of Manasseh Ro. 14:19).

(Ge. 48:5, 19; Nu. 1:10-35; 26:28-34; 32:33-41; 34:14, 23; De. 3:13-14; 29:8; 33:17; 34:2; Jos. 1:12; 4:12; MAKE MENTION. To mention; tell; proclaim (Ge.

12:6; 13:7-29; 14:4; 16:4, 9; 17:1-9; 21:5-27; 22:1-15, 40:14; Je. 4:16).

21-31; Ju. 1:27; Eze. 48:4-5). [See Israel.]

MAKE MERRY. To be merry; to be festive (Je. 30:19; MANASSES (forgetfulness). Mt. 1:10.

Lk. 15:29).

MANDRAKES. A beautiful, odoriferous plant MAKHELOTH (place where the people assemble).

supposed to act as a love potion (Ge. 30:14-16; Song Nu. 33:25.

7:13). The fruit is small and yellowish in color MAKKEDAH (place of cattle-breeders). Jos. 10:10.

(Analytical).

MAKTESH (heap of the dead). Zep. 1:11.

MANEH. [See Money.]

MALACHI (a messenger of the Lord). The prophet MANGER. A feed box for cattle (Lk. 2:7-16; 13:15), who wrote the last book of the O.T. (Mal. 1:1).

also called a crib (Pr. 14:4; Is. 1:3). The mangers in MALCHAM (exalted king). 1 Ch. 8:9.

Israel were typically made of stone rather than wood, so Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 379

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baby Jesus was probably laid in a stone manger. Some MANTLE. A sleeveless outer garment (Ju. 4:18; 1 Sa.

of the mangers that were used in Solomon’s stables can 15:27; 28:14; 2 Ki. 2:8-14; Ezr. 9:3; Job 1:20; 2:12).

still be seen at Megiddo. They hold an ephah measure of MAOCH (oppression). 1 Sa. 27:2.

grain (about six gallons), which explains how much MAON (place of abode). Jos. 15:55.

grain of barley Ruth gleaned in Boaz’ field in one day (Ruth 2:17).

MAR. Ruin; corrupt; break; cut (Le. 19:27; Ru. 4:6; 1

Sa. 6:5; 2 Ki. 3:19; Je. 13:9; Na. 2:2).

MANIFOLD. Many; multiplied. The Bible speaks of the manifold mercies of God (Ne. 9:19, 27); manifold MARA (bitter). The name Naomi gave to herself to works of God (Ps. 104:24); manifold wisdom of God describe her trials (Ru. 1:20).

(Ep. 3:10); manifold transgressions of men (Am. 5:12); MARAH (bitterness). Ex. 15:23.

manifold temptations (1 Pe. 1:6); manifold graces (1 Pe.

MARALAH (place of confusion, trembling). Jos.

4:10); and manifold rewards (Lk. 18:30).

19:11.

MANNA. The food God gave Israel in the wilderness MARANATHA. An expression meaning “the Lord (Ex. 16:13-36). Manna means “what is it,” and refers to comes!” It refers to the return of Jesus Christ from the Israelites’ questions upon first seeing it (Ex. 16:15).

heaven (1 Co. 16:22). “Anathema Maranatha” means In appearance it was “like coriander seed, white” (Ex.

“cursed at the Lord’s return,” and speaks of the eternal 16:31). Coriander seeds are tiny, roughly 1/8 inch. It destruction of those who reject Jesus Christ. [See Jesus tasted like honey (Ex. 16:31) and fresh oil (Nu. 11:8). It Christ, Judgment, Prophecy, Second Coming.]

was called “angels food” (Ps. 78:25). The manna was MARCUS (to pine away, shining). The writer of the rained from heaven every day during Israel’s wilderness Gospel of Mark (1 Pe. 5:13). [See Mark.]

wandering and ceased when they began to eat the corn MARESHAH (chief place). Jos. 15:54.

of the promised land (Ex. 16:35; Jos. 5:12). The manna MARINER. A seaman (Eze. 27:8-9, 27, 29; Jon. 1:5).

symbolizes Jesus Christ coming from heaven to become the Bread of life (Ex. 16:15; Jn. 6:31-58; Re. 2:17). [See MARK. John Mark was the son of Mary, a Christian Bdellium.]

Jewess in whose home the early Christians seem to have been sheltered (Ac. 12:12). Marcus was his Latin MANNER. (1) Custom; fashion; way; habitual surname; his Jewish name was John, meaning the grace practice (Ge. 18:11; 19:31; Jn. 19:40). (2) Sort; kind; of God. Peter may have been the means of his type (Ge. 25:23; Lk. 11:42; Re. 18:12). (3) After a conversion, for he calls him his son (1 Pe. 5:13). He was fashion; in one sense; in some sort (1 Sa. 21:5).

the nephew or cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10). Paul and MANNER, IN A. In some sort; after a fashion; in one Barnabas, after visiting Jerusalem to deliver the relief sense (1 Sa. 21:5).

offerings from Antioch, brought John Mark with them to MANNER, ON THIS. In this way (Ge. 32:19).

Antioch (Ac. 12:25). He accompanied Paul and MANNER, TAKEN WITH THE. The expression “taken Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but he left with the manner” referred in old times to a thief taken them early in these travels at Perga (Ac. 13:13).

with the stolen items in his possession. In Nu. 5:13 the Apparently because of this, there was a sharp phrase “neither she be taken with the manner” refers to disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over Mark’s the immorality of an adulteress not being found out, going with them on the second journey. The result was either by illegitimate pregnancy or otherwise.

that Silas accompanied Paul, and John Mark MANOAH (rest). Ju. 13:2.

accompanied Barnabas (Ac. 15:36-40). Later Paul was MANSION. An abode (Jn. 14:2). This word refers to reconciled with John Mark. Paul commended him to the a permanent dwelling. The root Greek word is church at Colosse (Col. 4:10). Paul requested his translated “abide” (Mt. 10:11), “continue” (Jn. 15:9), services in Rome (2 Ti. 4:11), and he was with Paul in

“dwell” (Jn. 1:39), “endure” (Jn. 6:27), and Rome when the epistle to Philemon was written (Phile.

“remain” (Mt. 11:23). It is used to describe the eternal 24). John Mark is traditionally considered to be the nature of the Word of God (1 Pe. 1:25) and the eternal writer of the Gospel of Mark (Analytical, Concise, inheritance of the child of God (He. 10:34). Many Smith). [See Apostle.] [For a discussion of the modern commentators try to deny that these heavenly authenticity of Mark 16:9-20 see Resurrection.]

abodes are actual dwellings, but the King James MARRED. Corrupted; ruined; injured; broken (Is.

translators selected the word “mansion” carefully. This 52:14; Je. 13:7; Mk. 2:22).

was the word commonly used for the splendid castles of MARRIAGE. “The act of uniting a man and woman the titled. In using “mansion,” the KJV translators for life; wedlock; the legal union of a man and woman followed the 1526 Tyndale New Testament.

for life. Marriage is a contract both civil and religious, MAN SLAYER. [See Kill.]

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affection and fidelity, till death shall separate them.

also the sinner’s wife because of the sexual relationship.

Marriage was instituted by God himself for the purpose In 1 Co. 7:2, fornication is contrasted with marriage; it of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, is not equated with marriage. Christ’s dealings with the for promoting domestic felicity, and for securing the woman at the well in John chapter four also teaches maintenance and education of children” (Webster).

that fornication is not marriage. The woman was living Malachi explains that marriage is more than the with a man, but the Lord Jesus Christ plainly stated that sexual union; it is a covenant before God and man (Mal.

he was not her husband (Jn. 4:18).

2:14), and it is this covenant that God blesses by Fornication is a union but it is not marriage. As noted making the two one (Mal. 2:15).

earlier, Malachi explains that marriage is more than the Marriage was the first institution ordained by God sexual union; it is a covenant before God and man (Mal.

after the creation of man (Ge. 2:18-25), and it is the 2:14), and it is this covenant that God blesses by bedrock of the human society. Anything which corrupts making the two one (Mal. 2:15). [See Adultery, Child marriage and the home is a direct threat to society as a Training, Eunuch, Fornication, Home.]

whole. This is one reason why sexual immorality and MARS’ HILL. Ac. 17:16-34. [See Areopagus.]

homosexuality are great crimes which were punishable MARSENA (worthy). Es. 1:14.

by death under the Mosaic law (Le. 20).

MART. Merchant (Is. 23:3).

From Genesis we see that marriage is the uniting of MARTHA (mistress, lady). The sister of Mary and one man and one woman before God for the purpose of Lazarus (Lk. 10:38-41; Jn. 11:1-39; 12:2).

creating a new family unit (Ge. 2:22-24). The marriage union is holy and the sexual relationship within this MARTYR. One who submits to death rather than union is holy (He. 13:4). One of the proper and God-renounce his faith; one who is killed for a religious or ordained purposes of marriage is the satisfaction of the political cause. “The Greek word is martus, and is very sexual drive (1 Co. 7:2-5).

frequently translated ‘witness’; a martyr is one who meets with death because of the witness he bears. Christ Is Fornication Marriage? Some have taught that the Himself was the faithful and true witness (Re. 1:5; sexual union between men and women equates 3:14), and He said to His persecutors, ‘Ye seek to kill marriage, but this is not the case. The married man and me, because my word hath no place in you ... ye seek to woman become one spiritually and physically by an act kill me, a man that hath told you the truth’ (Jn.

of God, not by a mere act of sexual intimacy (Mt.

8:37,40). Thus the Lord Jesus was the true Martyr, 19:5-6). The oneness between Adam and Eve was though His death comprehended much more than dying created when God brought them together as man and as a martyr, namely, atonement” (Concise). The first wife even before they knew each other intimately (Ge.

martyr for the truth in the Bible was Abel (Ge. 4). Many 2:22-23).

other O.T. saints died for their faith in God (1 Ki. 18:4; Immoral sexual relations do produce a unity between Mt. 23:29-31,34-37; He. 11:32-39). The first Christian the partners (1 Co. 6:15-18), but the Bible nowhere says martyr was Stephen (Ac. 7). See also Ac. 8:3; 9:1; this equates marriage. When a married man and woman 12:1-2; 1 Pe. 4:12; Re. 2:13; 11:7-8; 17:6. [See commit adultery or when a single man and woman Prophecy, Roman Catholic Church.]

commit fornication, they are joined together in their sin, MARY (bitterness, sorrow). There are many Marys in but they are not thereby married. If this were the case, the Bible. The following are some of the most well the fornicators would not need to be married; they known:

would already be married to their partners through the sexual relationship. Yet this is not the case. According to Mary, Mother of Jesus (Mt. 1:18-25; 2:13-23; 12:46; the Mosaic law, if a man enticed an unmarried girl and Mk. 3:21; Lk. 1:26-56; 2:1-52; 8:19-21; Jn. 2:1-5; had relations with her, he was obligated to marry her 19:25; Ac. 1:14). Bible facts about Mary: (1) She is unless her father refused to allow that (Ex. 22:16-17).

never called the ‘mother of God.’ While Mary was the The law did not say the two were already married mother of Jesus as a man; the eternal Son of God had because of their sexual union. The fact that the girl’s no beginning (Mi. 5:2; Jn. 1:1). Mary cannot therefore father could refuse to allow his daughter to be the man’s be called the mother of God, and is never so called by wife is proof that they were not already wed.

Bible writers. (2) Mary had other children after she bore Jesus; she was not a perpetual virgin (Mt. 13:55-56).

The New Testament teaches the same thing. In 1 Co.

(3) Mary was not sinless (Lk. 1:47; Ro. 3:23). (4) The 5:1, for example, we see the case of the church member Bible does not say Mary ascended to heaven; this is who committed the sin of fornication with his father’s purely a manmade doctrine. (5) The Apostles and wife. The Bible says the woman was the wife of the prophets did not exalt Mary. There is not one mention of sinner’s father, but it does not say that the woman was Mary in the N.T. epistles from Romans to Revelation.

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MARVEL - MASORETIC TEXT

Yes, Mary was blessed above other women to have had Masoretes had to do was to guard both consonants and the privilege of bringing the Saviour into the world, but vowels. They may very well be correct in this.] I say this allows no foundation for calling Mary the Mother of

‘consonantal text’ because, as one school of thinking God, Queen of Heaven, Mediatrix, etc. (6) The only understands it, originally the Hebrew was written only mention of Queen of Heaven in the Bible refers, not to in consonants; there were no vowels.

Mary, but to a heathen idol (Je. 44:18-19). [See also The Masoretes flourished from about 500 to 1000 A.D.

Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic Church.]

They were supposed to have standardized the Hebrew O.T. in about 600-700 A.D. by putting in the vowel Mary Magdalene. Jesus cast seven devils out of her pointings to aid in the pronunciation of the (Mk. 16:9; Lk. 8:2). She was first to see Jesus after the consonantal text. Their text is called the Masoretic Text resurrection (Mt. 28:1-8; Mk. 16:9). [See Magdalene.]

or M.T. if you want to abbreviate it.

Mary of Bethany. She was sister of Martha and What about the Hebrew text used by the KJV

Lazarus and loved Jesus exceedingly (Jn. 11:1-45; Lk.

translators? Here is some background on it. The Daniel 10:42). Mary was one of the only disciples who truly Bomberg edition, 1516-17, was called the First understood that Jesus would die (Jn. 12:1-8), and she Rabbinic Bible. Then in 1524-25, Bomberg published a anointed his feet with costly ointment.

second edition edited by Abraham Ben Chayyim (or Ben Hayyim) iben Adonijah. This is called the Ben Mary, Mother of James and Joses (Mt. 27:56; 28:1; Chayyim edition of the Hebrew text. Daniel Bomberg’s Mk. 15:40; Lk. 24:10).

edition, on which the KJV is based, was the Ben MARVEL. To be astonished; to be amazed; to wonder Chayyim Masoretic Text. This was called the Second (Ec. 5:8; Mk. 5:20; Jn. 3:7; Ac. 3:12; 2 Co. 11:14; Ga.

Great Rabbinic Bible. This became the standard 1:6).

Masoretic text for the next 400 years.

MASCHIL (intelligently, with understanding). The The Ben Chayyim Masoretic Text was used even in the first two editions of Biblia Hebraica by Rudolf Kittel.

title of 13 Psalms (Ps. 32; 42; 44; 45; 52; 53; 54; 55; The dates on those first two editions were 1906 and 74; 78; 88; 89; 142). [See Music.]

1912. He used the same Hebrew text as the KJV

MASH (extraction, taken away). Ge. 10:23.

translators.

MASHAL (petition). 1 Ch. 6:74.

The edition we used when I was a student of Dr.

MASON. Stone worker (2 Sa. 5:11; 2 Ki. 12:12; Ezr.

Merrill F. Unger at Dallas Theological Seminary 3:7).

(1948-53), was the 1937 edition of the Biblia Hebraica by Kittel. In 1937 Kittel changed his Hebrew edition MASORETIC TEXT. A name for the Hebrew text and followed what they called the Ben Asher Masoretic handed down from the Jews and underlying the King Text instead of the Ben Chayyim. They followed, in James Bible and other faithful non-Catholic versions.

that text, the Leningrad manuscript. The date on it was The following is from Dr. D.A. Waite’s Defending the King 1008 A.D. This was not the traditional Masoretic Text James Bible: A Fourfold Superiority. Dr. Donald Waite, that was used for 400 years and was the basis of the Director of the Bible for Today ministries and President King James Bible. They changed it and used this of the Dean Burgon Society, is a Baptist scholar who has Leningrad manuscript. So even the main text used by written in the defense of the Received Text. He has the NKJV, NASV, and NIV in the Hebrew is different from that used for the King James Bible. The footnotes earned a B.A. in classical Greek and Latin; a Th.M. with in Kittel’s Biblia Hebraica suggest from 20,000 to high honors in New Testament Greek Literature and 30,000 changes throughout the whole Old Testament.

Exegesis; an M.A. and Ph.D. in Speech; a Th.D. with The reason that most of the Hebrew departments, in honors in Bible Exposition; and he holds both New colleges, universities, and seminaries who teach Jersey and Pennsylvania teacher certificates in Greek Hebrew, use the Ben Asher Hebrew Text instead of the and Language Arts. He taught Greek, Hebrew, Bible, Ben Chayyim Text is the same reason they use the Speech, and English for more than 35 years in nine critical Greek text in the N.T. They believe the “oldest”

schools. He has produced more than 700 studies on the texts, either in Hebrew or in Greek, must always be the Bible and other subjects.

best. Not necessarily. These so-called “old” texts of the The word ‘Masoretic’ comes from masor, a Hebrew N.T., such as ‘B’ (Vatican) and ‘Aleph’ (Sinai) and their word meaning ‘traditional.’ It means to hand down some 43 allies, were corrupted, I believe, by heretics from person to person. The Masoretes handed down within the first 100 years after the original N.T. books this text from generation to generation, guarded it and were written. Therefore, even though these might be kept it well. There were families of Hebrew scholars in the oldest, they were doctored by heretics and Babylon, in Palestine, and in Tiberius. According to therefore are not the “best.” Other texts, even though most students of these matters, these Masoretes they might be later, if they follow the words of the safeguarded the consonantal text. [According to some original must therefore be the ones to use. Those texts fundamentalist writers, the vowels were present in the which agree with the original documents are those Hebrew language right from the start. All the which the KJV has followed.

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MASREKAH - MAW

Then there was a revision of Kittel’s Biblia Hebraica. It Orthodox, Grace, Fable, Justification, Liturgy, Lord’s was called the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, the Supper, Priest, Roman Catholic Church.]

Stuttgart edition of 1967-77, based also on the same MASSA (a speech, burden). Ge. 25:14.

Ben Asher text. That is based on the Leningrad Codex which is the same one the revised Kittel Bible of 1937

MASSAH (a trail). Ex. 17:7.

used.

MAST. The support for sails and riggings on a ship

[In addition to changes based on using the wrong (Pr. 23:34; Is. 33:23; Eze. 27:5).

Hebrew base, the modern versions] also make MASTERBUILDER. An architect, chief engineer, head corrections based upon the following spurious criteria: builder (1 Co. 3:10). The Greek word “architekton” is (1) The Septuagint; (2) conjecture; (3) the Syriac the basis for the English “architect.” “All the workmen version; (4) some Hebrew manuscripts; (5) the Latin Vulgate; (6) the Dead Sea scrolls; (7) Greek O.T.

( tektones, carpenters) work under the direction of the translations such as the Aquila, Symmachus, and architect (Plato, Statesman, 259)” (RWP). Paul is Theodotion; (8) the Samaritan Pentateuch; (9) referring to the beginning of the church at Corinth as quotations from Jerome; (10) Josephus; (11) an recorded in Acts 18:1-18. He laid the foundation of the ancient Hebrew scribal tradition; the Targums; (12) churches and others were to build on the foundation the Juxta Hebraica of Jerome for the Psalms; (13) a according to the Scriptures.

different set of Hebrew vowels and consonants which MASTERY. To rule; to overcome (Da. 6:24).

create different divisions in the text.

MATE. Friend (Is. 34:15).

My conclusion is even if there are seeming contradictions in the traditional Hebrew text, I feel it is MATHUSALA (great extension). Lk. 3:37.

imperative to stand by this Text and let the Lord figure MATRED (trouble). Ge. 36:39.

out what may seem to be contradictions to us. Keep MATRI (rain). 1 Sa. 10:21.

what God has given and preserved through the ages.

The King James translators came along and saw what MATRIMONY. Marriage. [See Divorce, Home.]

the Hebrew Masoretic text said and simply translated it MATRIX. The womb (Ex. 13:12, 15; 34:19; Nu. 3:12; right over into the English. They didn’t quibble with it; 18:15).

they didn’t try to harmonize it. ... Never be ashamed of MATTAN (gift). Lk. 3:24.

the traditional Masoretic Hebrew text that underlies the King James Bible! It was accumulated by the Jews MATTANAH (gift). Nu. 21:18.

in fulfillment of Ro. 3:1-2. We agree with Dean John MATTANIAH (gift). 2 Ki. 24:17.

William Burgon who wrote of “the incredible folly of MATTATHA (gift). Lk. 3:31.

tinkering with the Hebrew text” (from a letter April 8, 1885, appearing in the Guardian, as quoted in John MATTATHAH (gift). Ezr. 10:33.

William Burgon, Late Dean of Chichester—A Biography, MATTATHIAS (gift of the Lord). Lk. 3:26.

1892, by Edward Mayrick Goulburn).

MATTENAI (gift of God). Ne. 12:19.

Not only was the Scripture accumulated by the Jews, MATTER. (1) Business; affair; event; thing (Ge. 24:9; but it was authorized by Jesus. Jesus Christ authorized Ex. 18:16). (2) Quantity of fuel (Ja. 3:5). (3) the traditional Masoretic Hebrew O.T. text (Mt. 4:4; Consequence (2 Co. 9:5).

5:17-18; Lk. 24:27,44). The Lord Jesus Christ never refuted any text, any word, or any letter in the Hebrew MATTHAN (present). Mt. 1:15.

O.T. He didn’t say, ‘Now Moses was misquoted here, it MATTHAT (gift). Lk. 3:24.

should have been this...’ He offered no textual criticism MATTHEW (gift of the Lord). One of the twelve whatever. Had there been any changes, I’m sure He Apostles and the writer of the first Gospel; also called would have corrected it, but He didn’t. It stands written! His stamp of approval is on the Masoretic Levi, the son of Alpheus (Mt. 9:9; 10:3; Mk. 2:14; 3:18; Hebrew text.

Lk. 5:27-32; 6:15; Ac. 1:13). Matthew was a converted After much study, thinking, and praying about this tax collector. [See Apostle, Publican.]

subject, I have personally arrived at a strong conviction MATTHIAS (gift of God). A disciple selected by lot to that I will not budge from the traditional Masoretic replace Judas (Ac. 1:23-26).

Hebrew text on which our King James Bible is based.

MATTITHIAH (gift of God). Ezr. 10:43.

That is it. I’m not going to move (D.A. Waite, Defending the King James Bible, pp. 20-36).

MATTOCK. A grubbing hoe; a farming tool (1 Sa.

13:20-21; 2 Ch. 34:6).

[See Bible, Bible Versions, Erasmus, Inspiration, Preservation.]

MAUL. A heavy wooden hammer; an ax used for war or for splitting wood (Pr. 25:18). [See Military.]

MASREKAH (place of superior vines). Ge. 36:36.

MAW. One of the stomachs of a ruminating animal MASS. The Roman Catholic Church’s corruption of (De. 18:3).

the Lord’s Supper. [See Atonement, Clergy, Cup, Eastern Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 383

MAZZAROTH - MEEK

MAZZAROTH (the twelve signs of the zodiac). Job MEDIATOR. Intercessor; middle man; one that 38:32.

interposes between parties at variance for the purpose ME THINKETH. It seems to me (2 Sa. 18:27).

of reconciling them. The Lord Jesus Christ is the sole MEAH (a hundred). Ne. 3:1.

Mediator between God and men by the atonement He made on the cross (1 Ti. 2:5; He. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24).

MEAL OFFERING. The meal offering (Le. 2) pictures

“Christ constantly presents the merits of his death as a Christ as the perfect man being tested by suffering. The reason why we should be saved. He does in heaven fine flour (v. 1) signifies Christ’s pure, sinless life. The whatever is necessary to obtain for us grace and oil poured upon it (Le. 2:1) signifies the Holy Spirit strength; secures the aid which we need against our anointing Christ (Mt. 3:16; Is. 11:1-3). The frankincense foes; and is the pledge or security for us that the law signifies Christ’s devotion to God the Father. The oil shall be honoured, and the justice and truth of God mingled with the offering (Le. 2:4) signifies Christ born maintained, though we are saved. It is reasonable to of the Spirit and possessing the Spirit without measure.

presume that this is somehow by the presentation of the The absence of leaven (Le. 2:11) depicts the sinlessness merits of his great sacrifice, and that is the ground on of Christ. The baking of the offering pictures Christ’s which all this grace is obtained. As that is infinite, we sufferings. [See Frankincense, Jesus Christ, Offerings.]

need not fear that it will ever be exhausted” (Barnes).

MEAN. (1) Obscure; unimportant (Pr. 22:29; Ac.

[See High Priest, Intercession, Jesus Christ.]

21:39). (2) To think; to devise (Ge. 50:20; Is. 10:7; Mt.

MEDITATION. Concentration; thinking (Ps. 19:14; 9:13). [See Humble, Poverty.]

104:34; 119:97, 99). [See Bible, Heart, Mind.]

MEARAH (a cave). Jos. 13:4).

MEDITERRANEAN SEA. The sea which forms the MEASURE. (1) Size; stature; dimensions (Ex. 26:2; western border of Israel. Also called “the Sea” (Nu.

Nu. 35:5). (2) A common household measure (2 Ki.

13:29), “the great sea” (Jos. 1:4), “the uttermost 7:1). “According to the rabbins, it was equal to one-third sea” (De. 11:24), and “the sea of the Philistines” (Ex.

ephah” (Unger). [See Weights and Measures.] (3) To 23:31).

mete out; apportion (Is. 65:7). (4) Allotment; portion MEDO-PERSIAN. [See Medes, Persia.]

(Mt. 23:32). (5) “Beyond measure” and “out of measure” means beyond normal bounds, exceedingly MEEK. Mild of temper; gentle; not easily provoked; (Mk. 6:51; 7:37; 10:26; 2 Co. 1:8; Ga. 1:13). (6) “Above humble; gentle of spirit; not proud (Nu. 12:3; Ps. 22:26; measure” means excessively (2 Co. 11:23; 12:7).

25:9; 37:11; 147:6; 149:4; Is. 61:1; Zep. 2:3; Mt. 5:5).

“Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in MEASUREMENT. [See Weights and Measures.]

which we accept His dealings with us as good and MEAT. In the Bible “meat” does not refer strictly to therefore without disputing or resisting. In the O.T., the flesh, but is used generically for food in general (Ge.

meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their 1:29, 30; 9:3; 40:17; Le. 22:11, 13; 25:6; De. 20:20; Pr.

own strength to defend them against injustice. Thus, 23:3; Eze. 16:19; Ac. 16:34). In the N.T. the term meekness toward evil people means knowing God is

“meat” more often refers to flesh and is contrasted with permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them vegetables and breads (Ro. 14:15-20; 1 Co. 8:8-13; 1 Ti.

to purify His people, and that He will deliver them in 4:3; Col. 2:16). [See Beast, Vegetarian.]

His time (Is. 41:17; Lk. 18:1-8). Meek is the opposite to MEAT OFFERING. [See Meal offering, Offerings.]

self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in MEBUNNAI (built by God). 2 Sa. 23:27.

God’s goodness and control over the situation. The MECHERATHITE (inhabitant of Mecherah). 1 Ch.

meek person is not occupied with self. This is a work of 11:36.

the Holy Spirit, not of the human will (Ga.

MEDAD (love, affection). Nu. 11:26.

5:23)” (Vine). Meekness is a characteristic of the Lord Jesus Christ (Mt. 11:29; 21:5; 2 Co. 10:1). It is the fruit MEDAN (great enlargement, strife). Ge. 25:2.

of the Spirit (Ga. 5:23). It is associated with gentleness MEDDLE. To be involved with; to mix up with (De.

(2 Co. 10:1; Tit. 3:2), lowliness (Ep. 4:2), mercy and 2:5, 19; 2 Ki. 14:10; Pr. 20:19; 24:21).

kindness (Col. 3:12), humbleness of mind (Col. 3:12), MEDEBA (water of peace). Nu. 21:30.

longsuffering (Col. 3:12), a quiet spirit (1 Pe. 3:4). The MEDES, MEDIA. An ancient nation that God used to rebellious and unsaved are to be dealt with in meekness judge Israel (2 Ki. 17:6; 18:11; Es. 1:19; Is. 13:17; Da.

(2 Ti. 2:25; 1 Pe. 3:15). The Word of God is to be 5:28). In about 550 BC the Medes were conquered by received with meekness (Jam. 1:21). True wisdom is Cyrus the Great, king of Persians, creating the Medo-accompanied by meekness (Jam. 3:13). Meekness is Persian Empire. The Medes and Persians conquered being weak to defend one’s own opinions, but strong to Babylon (Is. 13:17; Je. 51:11, 28; Da. 5:28) (Revell).

defend God and His Word. Meekness is to be weak to

[See Babylon, Persia.]

promote self, but strong to promote God and His Word.

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Meekness is to be weak toward doing one’s own will, tithe of their income for God’s great program of world but strong toward doing the will of God. Meekness is to evangelism. Tithing honors God as the Giver and be weak for personal views, but strong for God’s truth.

Possessor of all (Pr. 3:9-10). His Work. He ministered to

[See Gentle, Humble, Pride.]

God’s people (Ge. 14:18; Mt. 20:28). He blessed God’s MEET. (1) Fit; suitable; proper; qualified; people (Ge. 14:19; Lk. 24:51). He glorified God (Ge.

convenient; adapted, as to a use or purpose” (Webster) 14:20; Jn. 17:4). His Mystery. There is a mysterious (Ge. 2:18; Pr. 11:24; Mt. 3:8; 15:26; Ac. 26:20; 2 Pe.

aspect to Melchizedek, because the Bible says he had no 1:13). (2) To meet together; to meet someone or beginning of days nor end of life (He. 7:3). This reminds something (Ge. 14:17; Ex. 25:22; Jos. 11:5; 1 Ch.

us that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. Roman 12:17; Mt. 25:1). [See Help Meet.]

Catholic priests are ordained after the order of MEETEST. Fittest (2 Ki. 10:3).

Melchizedek, but this is blasphemy because no man other than Jesus Christ can rightfully be a priest after MEGIDDO, MEGIDDON (place of the great crowd).

this the order. Six times in the Bible God says Jesus Jos. 12:21. [See Armageddon.]

Christ is of the order of Melchizedek (Ps. 110:4; He. 5:6, MEHETABEEL (God benefits). Ne. 6:10.

10; 6:20; 7:17, 21). [See High Priest, Jesus Christ, MEHETABEL (God shows kindness). Ge. 36:39.

Priest, Roman Catholic Church.]

MEHIDA (a chain). Ezr. 2:52.

MELCHISHUA, MALCHISHUA (my king is Saviour).

MEHIR (a choice). 1 Ch. 4:11.

1 Sa. 14:49.

MEHOLATHITE (weakness). 1 Sa. 18:19.

MELEA (full). Lk. 3:31.

MEHUJAEL (grief of God). Ge. 4:18.

MELICU (large possession). Ne. 12:14.

MEHUMAN (habitually faithful). Es. 1:10.

MELITA (a refuge). Ac. 28:1.

MEHUNIM, MEUNIM (abodes). Ezr. 2:50.

MELZAR (the glory has gone). A steward in the MEHUNIMS (abodes). 2 Ch. 26:7.

Babylonian court who had the charge of Daniel and his MEJARKON (water of the great greenness). Jos.

friends (Da. 1:11).

19:46.

MEMORIAL. Memory; commemoration; recollection MEKONAH (sure seat). Ne. 11:28.

(Ex. 3:15; 17:16; Nu. 5:15; Es. 9:28; Ps. 9:6; Mt. 26:13; Ac. 10:4). [See Lord’s Supper.]

MELATIAH (deliverance of God). Ne. 3:7.

MEMPHIS (a place). Ho. 9:6.

MELCHI (the Lord is king). Lk. 3:24.

MEMUCAN (abounding in honor). Es. 1:14.

M E L C H I S E D E C , M E L C H I Z E D E K ( k i n g o f righteousness). Melchizedek (Ge. 14:17-20) foreviews MENAHEM (comforter). 2 Ki. 15:14.

Jesus Christ (Ps. 110:4; He. 5:6-10; 7:1-28). His City .

MEN PLEASERS. Working merely to please one’s Melchizedek reigned in Salem (Ge. 14:18). This later earthly masters instead of working first to please God became Jerusalem, and will be Christ’s reigning city (Ps.

(Ep. 6:6; Col. 3:22). [See Employment, Labor, 76:2; Ze. 8:3-8). His Name. Melchizedek means “king Sluggard.]

of righteousness.” He was also king of Salem, which MEN STEALER. Kidnapers; slave traders (1 Ti. 1:10).

means peace (He. 7:2). In the Lord Jesus Christ MENAN (great trouble). Lk. 3:31.

righteousness and peace have met. He makes peace MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. The words between God and man because He paid man’s sin debt which were written on the wall before God judged (Ro. 5:1). There can be no real peace without Babylon (Da. 5:25-28). The interpretation given in the righteousness (Is. 48:22; 57:21). His Provision.

text is MENE: God hath numbered thy kingdom, and Melchizedek provided bread and wine for Abraham (Ge.

finished it. TEKEL: Thou art weighed in the balances, 14:18). This foreviews Christ’s provision of His body and art found wanting. PERES: Thy kingdom is divided, and blood for the needs of His people (Mt. 26:26-28).

and given to the Medes and Persians. [See Daniel.]

His Office. Melchizedek was king (Ge. 14:18), priest MENNONITE. Anabaptists which trace their roots (Ge. 14:18), and prophet (Ge. 14:19). The Lord Jesus through the 16th century Reformation in Europe. The Christ also is Prophet (De. 18:15; Ac. 3:22), Priest (He.

first Mennonite congregation of historical record was 7-10), and King (1 Ti. 6:14-15). His Authority.

organized at Zurich, Switzerland, in 1525; it consisted Melchizedek received tithes of Abraham (Ge. 14:20; He.

of Swiss Brethren who disagreed with Ulrich Zwingli in 7:4-9). This is the first mention of tithing in the Bible, his readiness to consent to a union of church and state.

and it was long before God gave the law of Moses.

They also denied the scriptural validity of infant baptism Tithing has always been God’s normal plan for the and hence were labeled Anabaptists, or Rebaptizers.

support of His earthly work. God’s people today are to Anabaptist congregations were organized in Holland by Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 385

MEONENIM - MERCY SEAT

Obbe Philips as early as 1534. Philips baptized Menno (7) He rejoiced at the return of his lord (2 Sa. 19:30) Simons (1496-1561) in 1536, and Simons, a converted (Thompson).

Roman Catholic priest, organized so many Anabaptist MERAB (multiplying). 1 Sa. 14:49.

congregations that his name became identified with the MERAIAH (He is exalted). Ne. 12:12.

movement. Because they rejected infant baptism and statism, the Mennonites were persecuted by the MERAIOTH (elevations). Ne. 12:15.

Protestant Reformers as well as by the Roman Catholic MERARI (my bitterness). Ge. 46:11.

Church. Many crossed over to England at the invitation MERATHAIM (double rebellion). This expression in of Henry VIII, but they met bitter persecution there as Jeremiah 50:21 is a symbolic name for Babylon. She they had in Germany, Holland, and Switzerland. In 1683

was doubly rebellious, in that she fought against the the first Mennonite families settled in America, and Lord (Je. 50:24) and she was proud against the Lord Mennonite immigrants quickly spread across (Je. 50:29).

Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, as well as MERCHANDISE. Trade; business; buying and selling into Canada. The 18 articles of the Mennonite faith, (Pr. 3:14; 31:18; Is. 45:14; Re. 18:11, 12).

signed in Dordrecht, Holland, in 1632, includes the MERCHANT. (1) Businessman; trader (Ge. 23:16; Pr.

belief in the fall of man, the deity of Christ, the 31:24). (2) Commerce (Is. 23:11).

necessity of repentance and regeneration for salvation, MERCHANT MAN. A merchant; businessman; trader baptism as a public testimony of faith, heaven, and hell.

(Ge. 37:28; Mt. 13:45).

Many Mennonites today practice baptism by pouring; they refuse to take oaths; oppose secret societies; take MERCURIUS (an orator). A Greek god (Ac. 14:12).

the Lord’s supper two times a year; and practice feet-

[See Idolatry.]

washing in conjunction with the Lord’s Supper MERCY. There are many aspects to Bible mercy: (Handbook.) There are many groups of Mennonites tender pity; kindness; forgiveness; compassion. God’s today, among which exist a wide variety of belief and mercy. Ex. 20:6; 34:6, 7; Nu. 14:18, 19; De. 4:31; 5:10; practice.

7:9, 12; 2 Sa. 24:14; 1 Ki. 3:6; 8:23; 2 Ch. 30:9; Ezr.

The Amish movement within the ranks of the 3:11; Ne. 9:17, 19, 27, 28, 31; Ps. 23:6; 25:10; 32:10; Mennonites takes its name from Jacob Amman, a Swiss 36:5; 51:1; 57:10; 59:10; 69:16; 79:8; 86:13, 15; 89:2; Mennonite bishop of the late 17th century. Many Amish, 100:5; 103:4, 8, 11, 17; 106:1, 45; 107:1; 108:4; 116:5; distinguished by their severely plain clothing, are found 118:1-4; 119:64, 77, 156; 130:7; 136:1-26; 138:8; in the Conservative Amish Mennonite Church and Old 145:8, 9; Is. 54:7; 63:7; Je. 33:11; 42:12; La. 3:22, 32; Order Amish Mennonite Church. they are still the Da. 9:4, 9, 18; Joel 2:13; Jon. 4:2; Ho. 2:19; Lk. 1:50, literalists of the movement, clinging tenaciously to the 58, 72, 78; 6:36; Ac. 13:34; 2 Co. 1:3; Ep. 2:4; Tit. 3:5;

‘Pennsylvania Dutch’ language and 17th-century culture He. 4:12; 8:12; Ja. 5:11; 1 Pe. 1:3. God’s mercy is the of their Swiss-German forebears. They oppose cause of His salvation (Tit. 3:5; 1 Pe. 1:3). Mercy is automobiles, telephones, and higher education, and are through the atonement of Jesus Christ (Tit. 3:5-7).

recognized as extremely efficient farmers (Handbook).

Mercy is constantly available to the believer (He. 4:15,

[See Brethren.]

16). Mercy motivates us to serve God (Ro. 12:1-2).

Grace, mercy, and peace. “In the order of the MEONENIM (a juggler, enchanter). 2 Ki. 15:14.

manifestation of God’s purposes of salvation grace must MEONOTHAI (dwelling of God). 1 Ch. 4:14.

go before mercy ... only the forgiven may be blessed. ...

MEPHAATH (distinguished place, height). Jos.

From this it follows that in each of the apostolic 13:18.

salutations where these words occur, grace precedes MEPHIBOSHETH (exterminating the shameful idol, mercy, 1 Ti. 1:2; 2 Ti. 1:2; Tit. 1:4; 2 Jn. 3)” (Hogg and destroyer of shame). Crippled son of Jonathan who was Vine, Notes on Galatians). The Christian is to be blessed by King David (2 Sa. 4:4; 9:6-13; 16:1-4; merciful. Mt. 5:7; Ph. 2:1; Col. 3:12; Ja. 2:13. [See 19:24-30; 21:7). Mephibosheth is a lovely type of the Atonement, Blood, Forgive, Gospel, Grace, Jesus Christ, redeemed sinner: (1) He belonged to a royal line, but Justification, Love, Mercy Seat, Purge, Tender, was crippled by a fall (2 Sa. 4:4). (2) While living in Tenderhearted.]

exile from the king, he was remembered because of a MERCY SEAT. The lid which covered the ark in the covenant (2 Sa. 9:3-4; 1 Sa. 20:14-15). (3) He was Tabernacle (Ex. 25:17, 21). It was made of wood called into the king’s presence and exalted because of covered with gold, depicting the humanity and deity of another (2 Sa. 9:5, 7). (4) He was given a glorious Jesus Christ, our Mercy Seat. As the mercy seat perfectly inheritance (2 Sa. 9:9). (5) During the king’s absence he covered the ark containing the table of the law (Ex.

lived a life of self-denial (2 Sa. 19:24). (6) He was 25:10, 17, 21), so Jesus Christ perfectly covers the law subject to persecution and slander (2 Sa. 16:3; 19:27).

of God in the sinner’s stead. The mercy seat was 386

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sprinkled with blood once a year (Le. 16:14-15), MESHECH, MESECH (extraction). Ge. 10:2.

signifying the atonement for sin which was made by the MESHELEMIAH (the retribution of the Lord). 1 Ch.

shed blood of Jesus Christ (He. 9-10). The Greek word 9:21.

translated “mercy seat” in He. 9:5 ( hilasterion) is MESHEZABEEL (delivered by God). Ne. 3:4.

translated “propitiation” in Ro. 3:25. Both mean a covering. The propitiation of Christ perfectly covers and MESHILLEMITH (retribution). 1 Ch. 9:12.

satisfies the holy demands of God. [See Ark, Atonement, MESHILEMOTH (retributions). 2 Ch. 28:12.

Blood, Atonement - Day of, Gospel, Justification, MESHOBAB (rewarded). 1 Ch. 4:34.

Propitiation.]

MESHULLAM (rewarded, friend). 1 Ch. 9:12.

MERED (rebellion). 1 Ch. 4:17.

MESHULLEMETH (rewarded, friend). 2 Ki. 21:19.

MEREMOTH (elevations). Ezr. 8:33.

MESOBAITE (congregation of the Lord). 1 Ch.

MERES (worn out). Es. 1:14.

11:47.

MERIBAH (contention). Ex. 17:7.

MESOPOTAMIA (land between rivers). Mesopotamia MERIBBAAL (He who strives with Baal). 1 Ch. 9:40.

is the Greek name for the land located between the MERODACH. [See Idolatry.]

Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It is called Shinar in Genesis 10:10 and was still called Shinar in Daniel’s day 1,600

MERODACH BALADAN (Merodoch the mighty lord, years after the Tower of Babel (Da. 1:2.) It is here that Baal worshiper). Is. 39:1.

the ancient city states originated under the leadership of MEROM. The “waters of Merom” was where Joshua’s Nimrod and Asshur as recorded in Genesis 10-12.

battle against the northern alliance occurred (Jos.

Archaeology has unearthed many of these cities, 11:1-7). Merom is a large body of water (now called including Babylon, Erech (Uruk), Nineveh, Calah, and Lake Hula). Part of it has been made into a beautiful Ur, the original home of Abraham (Ge. 24:7-10). The national park by the modern state of Israel. It is well Garden of Eden was located in the same general area called “the waters of Merom” in Scripture because it is (Ge. 2:10-14). Mesopotamia was the location of the not an open lake as we typically think of a lake, but it Babylon and Medo-Persian empires.

consists both of open bodies of water and large marshy MESS. Portion (Ge. 43:34).

areas. The Jordan River, which originates at the foot of Mt. Hermon, flows through Merom on its way to the Sea MESSIAH (anointed one). Messiah is the promised of Galilee.

Saviour and King of Old Testament prophecy.

“Messiah” ( Mashiach) is the Hebrew word for “Anointed MEROZ (place of refuge). Ju. 5:23.

One”; “Christ” is the Greek equivalent. Messiah refers to MERRY. The Bible uses the term “merry” in two Jesus as anointed by the Spirit of God, the One chosen different ways. (1) Ungodly merriment (Ge. 43:34; 1

by God to be Lord and Saviour (Ps. 2:2; Is. 11:1-5; Sa. 25:36; 1 Ki. 4:20; Ec. 10:19). (2) Merriment of life 42:1-7; 61:1-3; Dan. 9:26; Mt. 16:16; Jn. 4:25-26). In in general (Pr. 15:13, 15). The Bible says a merry heart the Old Testament, three offices received an anointing

“doeth good like a medicine” (Pr. 22:17). God made (symbolic of the calling and gifts of the Holy Spirit)--

man’s sense of humor, and the Bible certainly does not prophet (1 Ki. 19:16), priest (Ex. 30:30), and king (1

forbid laughter in general. What the Bible does forbid is Sa. 10:1; 16:13; 1 Ki. 1:39). Jesus fulfills all three of worldly merriment—merriment connected with these offices. [See Branch, Covenant, Jesus Christ, Son drunkenness and immorality and ungodliness. This is of God, Son of Man.]

the meaning of “jesting” in Ep. 5:4. The context is MESSIAS. The Greek word for Messiah. [See Jesus plainly speaking of immoral things. When the Bible Christ, Messiah.]

speaks of being sober, it does not mean to be constantly dour, never smiling. The word “joy” is mentioned in the METAPHOR. “A figure of speech in which one object Bible 164 times. The word “happy” is mentioned 26

is likened to another by speaking of it as if it were that times. [See Cheer, Cheerful, Dancing, Delight, Glad, other, as ‘He was a lion in battle.’ Metaphor is Happy, Jesting, Joy, Laughter, Mirth, Music, Oil of distinguished from simile by not using any word of Gladness, Rejoice.]

comparison, such as ‘like’ or ‘as’” (Funk & Wagnalls).

Metaphor is sometimes used in Christian writings for MESHA (a refuge). Ge. 10:30.

figures of speech in general. The Bible contains many MESHACH. Daniel’s friend who was thrown into a metaphors. [See Poetry.]

fiery furnace (Da. 1:3-7; 3:8-30). His Hebrew name, METE. To measure; to weigh (Ex. 16:18; Ps. 60:6; Is.

Mishael (meaning request, entreaty), was changed to 40:12).

the Babylonian name Meshach which probably refers to the Egyptian sun god.

METEYARD. A measuring rod (Le. 19:35).

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METHEG AMMAH (the bridle of bondage). 2 Sa.

in its growth in the American frontier as America 8:1.

expanded westward across the continent. The camp METHODIST. The Methodist denomination arose out meeting, involving extended gatherings for exuberant of the Church of England in the 18th century. It preaching and singing, also played a prominent role in originated with the evangelistic/revival ministry of the Methodism in the 1800s.

two brothers, John (1703-91) and Charles (1707-88) Methodist Doctrine. Wesley’s Articles of Religion were Wesley. The Wesleys were members of what was drawn from the Anglican Thirty-Nine Articles.

derisively labeled “the Oxford Methodists,” a group of Traditional Methodist theology holds to the biblical Oxford University students who were methodical in doctrines of Inspiration, God, the Trinity, Jesus Christ, their habits of prayer and Bible reading and who sought the Holy Spirit, Resurrection, Heaven, and hell. Wesley to live simple, holy lives. The Wesleys were also zealous was Arminian and edited a magazine called the in evangelism and preached to the prisoners and the Arminian Magazine. He rejected Calvinism, particularly poor and underprivileged of British society. John Wesley the points dealing with unconditional election, was converted in 1738 while attending a Moravian irresistible grace, and limited atonement. Wesley did not meeting and hearing Luther’s exposition on justification believe the human will was the cause of salvation, but by faith from the book of Romans. Of that night, Wesley he did believe a Christian could lose his salvation records: “I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did through turning from Christ. He also held that a believer trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an could reach a state of sinless perfection called “entire assurance was given me that He had taken away my sanctification” through the purifying power of the Holy sins, even mine.” He and his brother, with fellow Oxford Spirit. (Contrast 1 Jn. 1:8-10.) Methodist baptism is graduate George Whitefield, became central to a great administered to both infants and adults, usually by spiritual revival that subsequently occurred in England sprinkling. Some aspects of Anglicanism were carried and America.

over into the Methodist denomination, such as the use The Church of England barred the Wesleys from their of prayer books, a rigid, formal liturgy, and infant churches, so they preached in homes, in barns, in the baptism.

streets and the fields. John Wesley was the preacher; Methodist Church Polity. Methodists follow an Charles was a hymn writer (though he also preached). It episcopal form of church government. With a few is said that John rode 250,000 miles on horseback and exceptions, congregations are not independent and preached over 42,000 sermons in his lifetime. He autonomous, but are controlled by bishops that oversee preached an average of 500 times yearly. Converts conferences of churches. Two key words used in the among the ordinary people multiplied and were United Methodist Church are “connectional” and organized into Methodist “societies.”

“appointive,” meaning all UMC congregations are Though the Wesleys intended at first to keep their connected in a network of conciliar and legal movement within the Anglican Church, that became relationships and the bishop has final appointive impossible as time passed and the numbers of converts authority. The annual conference is composed of all the increased, together with the Church of England’s churches in a particular region, and the bishop of the animosity. In 1739, John Wesley drew up a set of conference ordains the pastors of the local churches and general rules, called the Articles of Religion, which are supervises many aspects of local church life and still used by many Methodists. Methodism spread doctrine. There is also a general conference composed rapidly to America, where the first Methodist society of representatives of all churches that meets every four was organized in 1766. In 1784, the Methodist churches years. One Methodist pastor described the polity of his in America were set up as the Methodist Episcopal denomination this way: “Local churches do not have Church.

final control over their pulpits. United Methodist The Wesleys were prolific writers. John wrote over bishops have the right to send any pastor to any church.

50 books, and Charles wrote over 7,000 hymns.

While the wishes of the local church are often duly considered, this is not always so. Local churches have no Significant social change followed in the wake of protection against pastors who, regardless of their Methodist preaching, including the establishment of theology, are approved and supported by the hierarchy.”

hospitals and orphanages. Methodists were among those The denominational system even owns the property of at the forefront of such social reforms as the humane the local church under modern liberal Methodist treatment of prisoners, the abolition of slavery, and the practice.

establishment of workers rights.

Methodism and the Charismatic Movement. That Circuit riding preachers were an integral part of Methodism provided the soil for the pentecostal/

Methodism from its inception, and this played a key role charismatic movements is admitted by many, including 388

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Pentecostal historian Vinson Synan (“The Great THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH OF NORTH

Methodist Awakening,” Charisma, May 1987). The AMERICA (membership 80,000) and the Southern Methodist doctrine of “entire sanctification” produced Methodist Church (membership 7,500) were also longings which could not be satisfied scripturally, as opposed to the liberalism of the larger Methodist God does not promise sinless perfection, and this false Church. These latter two groups hold to the old-time doctrine became a spring board to the pentecostal Methodist doctrinal platform, but are basically new-doctrines of “second blessing” and “baptism of the Holy evangelical in mood and practice today.

Spirit” subsequent to salvation. Methodist camp The largest U.S. Methodist group, the UNITED

meetings became occasions for all sorts of fanatical METHODIST CHURCH ( UMC), was formed in 1968 from phenomena, such as “the jerks,” “slaying in the Spirit,”

a merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical

“the holy dance,” and “the holy laugh.” Outsiders called United Brethren Church. The combined membership of these the “Methodist fits.” It is easy to see that the devil the two bodies was 11 million in 1965, but by 1983 had was having a heyday in leading people away from sound dropped to roughly 9 million members. Like most liberal Bible experience into extremism and error. Out of this denominations, the UMC has been declining in confused spiritual and doctrinal climate the Pentecostal membership each year. The UMC lost almost 2,000,000

movement of the late 19th century arose. The modern members in the 1970s and ‘80s. The United Methodist interdenominational charismatic movement started in Church is extremely modernistic and ecumenical.

the Methodist denomination in the 1950s. After The UMC and Ecumenism. The United Methodist Methodist Pastor Tommy Tyson experienced the Church is a member of the radical National and World pentecostal second blessing and spoke in “tongues,” he Council of Churches; in fact, the UMC is the largest traveled widely as a conference evangelist and spread financial supporter of the WCC. Roman Catholic Bishop the charismatic message. Well-known pentecostal faith James Malone, speaking before the UMC conference in healer Oral Roberts joined the United Methodist Church Atlanta in 1972, said that the United Methodists and the in 1968. Today there is a powerful charismatic RCC are on the same spiritual wave length. He movement within the UMC. United Methodist announced an ecumenical dialogue between the RCC

charismatic leader Ross Whetstone conducts a healing and the Methodists. Reporting on the success of RCC-service once a week at the denomination’s Nashville UMC dialogue, Methodist Bishop William Cannon told headquarters, and he estimates that 1.7 million United the pope in 1982 that “doctrinally and spiritually, our Methodists—about 18 percent—are involved in the two churches have much more in common than there charismatic movement ( Christian News, May 19, 1986, are issues that separate us” and “there is a peculiar p. 10). In 1980, the charismatic United Methodist affinity between Methodists and Roman Catholics.” At Renewal Services Fellowship was given formal offices at its 1980 Quadrennial General Conference, the UMC set the UMC national headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.

up a Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Pentecostalism has always fed on apostate Concerns to promote ecumenical activity. At his election denominations.

to the presidency of the National Council of Churches in Today there are many different Methodist groups 1981, Methodist Bishop James Armstrong said, “I want with varying beliefs and practices—23 groups in to be such a bridge, helping to create an atmosphere of America alone. Some of the smaller groups have trust and mutual respect in which women and men can maintained a conservative doctrinal position and still come together, races can come together, divergent adhere to old-line Methodism. The Evangelical points of view can come together. ... we will continue to Methodist Church was organized in 1946 in reaction to seize initiatives, pursuing dialogue with Roman the modernism of The Methodist Church. The Catholics, Southern Baptists, the National Association of Evangelical Methodists stand upon Wesley’s 25 Articles Evangelicals, and others who name the name of Christ of Religion and seek to maintain a fundamentalist as well as humanizing groups and forces that do not position against the onslaught of liberalism, neo-share our Christian confession.” Efforts to absorb evangelicalism, psychology, and other destructive Methodists with other liberal denominations in the influences of these hours. They also exercise a greater States have been in progress though the Consultation on degree of local church autonomy than the United Church Union (COCU) since 1961. This attempted Methodists, with each church owning and controlling its union of Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Methodists, own property and calling its own pastors. They do not United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, and others have bishops, but have district superintendents and a has been making steady progress through the years.

general conference which meets every four years. The United Methodist pastors participate in ecumenical Evangelical Methodist Church has a membership of clergy associations, joining hands at the local level with roughly 10,000.

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non-Christians. An example is the Piedmont Interfaith 1982 revealed that 34% of Methodists believe Council which includes United Methodist churches in its community service is more important than proclaiming membership. Its 1990 “Ecumenical Celebration of the Gospel. In The Battle for the Bible, respected Thanksgiving” featured such “faith communities” as “the evangelical leader Harold Lindsell stated, “It is not Franciscans, the Sikhs, the Japanese Community, Bahai, unfair to allege that among denominations like the Russian Jewish Emigres, Islam, Buddhist, the Native Episcopal, United Methodist, United Presbyterian, Americas and the Jewish and Christian faith traditions.”

United Church of Christ, the Lutheran Church in Another example is the Salem, Massachusetts, clergy America, and the Presbyterian Church U.S. there is not a association, which, in September 1993, welcomed a single theological seminary that takes a stand in favor of high priest from a witch’s coven into its membership.

biblical infallibility. And there is not a single seminary United Methodist pastor Ken Steigler was happy with where there are not faculty members who disavow one this move, and said the group should become even more or more of the major teachings of the Christian faith.”

ecumenical by inviting Mormons, Buddhists, and Modernism is not new in the UMC. It began to take Muslims to participate. UMC ecumenism and root in the late 1800s, as Methodist pastors were worldliness on the local level was illustrated when the indoctrinated in higher criticism in Germany and Lafayette Park United Methodist Church in St. Louis co-returned to spread this poison. Robert Chiles has sponsored in 1980 a cocktail party and house tour to documented this shift from historic orthodoxy to raise funds for the restoration of a local Catholic shrine.

liberalism in his book Theological Transition in American In these ecumenical adventures, Methodism has Methodists: 1790-1935. A book entitled The Christlike renounced its former position. The Twenty-five Articles God, published in the early 1940s by Methodist Bishop of faith developed by John Wesley in 1784 and affirmed Francis McConnell of the New York area, denied the by Methodists until the second half of the 20th century, deity of Jesus Christ. McConnell said, “Is not this had these comments in regard to Romanism: “The tendency to deify Jesus more heathen than Christian?”

Romish doctrine concerning purgatory, pardon, On the west coast, Methodist Bishop Gerald Kennedy in worshiping and adoration, as well of images, as of Los Angeles was spouting every sort of unbelief and relics, and also invocation of saints, is a fond thing heresy prior to 1950. He denied the Inspiration of vainly invented and grounded upon no warrant of Scripture, the Trinity, the Atonement, the Deity of Scripture, but repugnant to the Word of God. ...

Christ, the Second Coming. Kennedy said, “I believe the Transubstantiation, or the change of the substance of testimony of the New Testament taken as a whole is bread and wine in the Supper of our Lord ... is against the deity of Jesus.”

repugnant to the plain words of Scripture, overthroweth Apostasy among Methodist missionaries is illustrated the nature of the ordinance, and hath given occasion to by E. Stanley Jones, missionary to India. In his book many superstitions. ... the sacrifice of masses in the Christ and the Round Table Jones stated, “If verbal which it is commonly said that the priest doth offer infallibility is insisted upon, then the certainty is very Christ for the quick and the dead, to have remission of precarious” (p. 257). In his Song of Accounts Jones says, pain or guilt, is a blasphemous fable, and dangerous

“We do not believe that the New Testament is the deceit” (Thomas Lewis, President of the General revelation of God—that would be the Word become Conference, Handbook of the Methodist Protestant printer’s ink” (p. 37). In his book Mahatma Gandhi: An Church, 1925).

Interpretation, Jones testified that he went to India to The UMC and Modernism. The prevailing theological convert the heathen, but in the end the heathen climate in the UMC was stated by Bishop James Thomas conquered him and he became an idolizer of Gandhi at the UMC Quadrennial General Conference in 1976: and a promoter of pacifism. In 1943 Jones delineated

“We do not believe ... in rigid doctrinal concepts to hold his concept of a World Church Union. By this plan there us steady in a wavering world.” This is an would be a World Assembly of the Church of Christ and understatement; the fact is that most UMC pastors don’t each nation would have a national expression of this believe the Bible. Polls have shown that at least 30

world body. The World Assembly would be made up of percent of UMC ministers do not believe Jesus Christ is delegates from the national assemblies; and, God, and 82% say they do not believe the Bible is the

“interpreting the mind of Christendom on world perfect Word of God. As early as 1968 a widely affairs, ... would be listened to by the nations.” This publicized scientific survey by Jeffrey Hadden which sounds more like the harlot of Revelation than the was published by the Washington University showed apostolic church of the first century. Jones denounced that about 60% of the Methodist clergy did not believe capitalism and praised Russian communism. In his book in the virgin birth and at least 50% did not believe in The Choice Before Us Jones argued for the establishment the bodily resurrection of Christ. A Gallup survey in of a “new economic order” on earth which would 390

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redistribute wealth along communist lines. Jones Christianity Today, Nov. 9, 1984).

identified this communist world order with the kingdom The UMC and Homosexuality. The UMC formally of God. In Song of Accounts, Jones says, “I had to go states that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian outside my native land to make a discovery of the teaching, and in 1984 voted to prohibit ordination of kingdom of God. I found it ... in Russia” (pp. 148, 149).

self-avowed, practicing homosexuals. In practice these At its 1972 Quadrennial Conference, the UMC formally statements mean very little. As soon as the prohibition approved a policy of doctrinal pluralism founded upon against homosexual ordinations went into effect UMC

the fourfold authority of Scripture, Tradition, bishops ordained sodomites in Colorado and California.

Experience, and Reason. United Methodist “scholars”

The New York UMC Conference passed a resolution participated in the Jesus Seminar which determined that which said, “We deeply regret our denomination’s Jesus did not believe that He was God, was not born of continued oppression of homosexual persons ... We look a virgin, did not perform miracles, did not give forward to the day when the church will accept gay and prophecies of the future, did not die for man’s sins, and lesbian persons into full fellowship.” Retiring UMC

did not rise from the dead. Speaking at a meeting bishop Melvin Wheatley spoke to a body of the connected with the 1972 UMC Quadrennial Conference, Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) in Cecil Williams, pastor of the Glide Memorial Methodist Sacramento, California, in 1985, and said the MCC is Church in San Francisco, Calif., said, “I don’t want to go

“wonderful because you are mixing the gay and to no heaven ... I don’t believe in that stuff William’s Christian experience.” The MCC is a homosexual church replaced the choir with a rock band, and its denomination. Wheatly said in 1983, “I clearly do not

“celebrations” have included dancing and even nudity. A believe that homosexuality is a sin. ... Homosexuality, Jewish rabbi is on William’s staff. After attending a quite like heterosexuality, is neither a virtue nor an service at Glide Memorial, a newspaper editor wrote, accomplishment. It is a mysterious gift of God’s grace ...

“The service, in my opinion, was an insult to every His or her homosexuality is a gift--neither a virtue nor a Christian attending and was the most disgusting display sin.” Many United Methodist churches have performed of vulgarity and sensuousness I have ever seen wedding ceremonies for homosexuals, and a number of anywhere.” In spite of William’s apostasy and homosexuals have been ordained to the ministry in the immorality, his bishop has continued to support him.

UMC. James Conn, pastor of a UMC congregation in One UMC pastor with wide experience who wrote on Ocean Park, Calif., said, “The gospel as I understand it is the conditions within his denomination said, “The about the quality of the relationship, whether it is a pluralism of theology in United Methodism is homosexual or heterosexual one.” Ignacio Castuera of bewildering. In my last year of denominational Hollywood First Methodist Church said the church is seminary, one classmate wanted a Methodist pastorate under a moral obligation to bless gay requests for so he could help people get rid of the superstitious marriage ceremonies. When Melvin Talbert was notion that there was a Higher Power who restricts their ordained head bishop for Northern California and freedom to be authentically human. Yet in the same Nevada in 1988, he stated: “I do not believe we know class were other seminarians who were eager to preach enough about homosexuality to make hard and fast Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Under pluralism, United rules. I would have hoped we could be more open and Methodist clergy can hold almost any view—unless (and compassionate to people of different sexual orientations.

here’s the rub) it is too strongly and explicitly orthodox-I come with no prejudgments.” Also in 1988 the evangelical. One student pastor in Ohio heard a California Methodist Conference sponsored an professor at a United Methodist seminary deny the

“enrichment weekend” for homosexual couples.

necessity of the Resurrection. The student, in his parish (Homosexuality is not the only moral perversion newsletter, then stated that, without the authenticity of condoned in UMC circles, by the way. The UMC

the Resurrection, there could be no Christianity. A very communications agency in 1988 issued a statement on much dissatisfied superintendent called him to warn

“erotica” which approved of sexually explicit that if he expected to be ordained into a pluralistic pornography as long as it was not violent or coercive!) church, he could not be so rigid and dogmatic over In 1992 the UMC Commission on Christian Unity and specific doctrines, including the Resurrection. Yet few Interreligious Concerns declared itself open to the full such restrictions seem to apply in the [modernistic]

participation of all people, including gays and lesbians, direction. ... A pastor who supports the UMC system can and the top judicial body of the UMC ruled that the be anything from quietly conservative to universalist, agency was within its rights to make such a declaration.

agnostic, or even father Left. ... For many reasons, the In May 2000, the United Methodist Quadrennial United Methodist climate is alien and inhospitable to Assembly voted to retain its ban on “holy union’

forthright evangelical faith” (Pastor Charles Keysor, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 391

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services and homosexual clergy, but in practice there are blessing on their breakup. Joseph Quillian, dean of the many such things within the denomination. Only four school where Elliott teaches, called the divorce service a months early, in January 2000, 14 United Methodist sound concept. The dean said, “There’s no reason leaders joined more than 800 other liberal “clergy” in something shouldn’t be done ceremonially for signing “a declaration on morality” that calls upon all committed Christians who divorce.” Writing in the faiths to bless homosexual couples and allow Christian Century magazine for Oct. 31, 1984, homosexual ministers. Signers included United Methodist minister David Jaeger claimed that a pastor Methodist Bishop Roy Sano of Pasadena, California, and who has had sexual relationships with other women professors from United Methodist seminaries in Dallas; besides his wife may still be considered faithful to his Denver; Washington D.C.; Claremont, California; and wife, and claimed that adultery should not disqualify a Evanston, Illinois.

man from the ministry. The UMC meeting held to The UMC and Paganism. The new UMC worship book celebrate Methodism’s 200th anniversary featured

“showed respect for the spirituality” of America’s pagan country-western entertainer Willie Nelson, who glorifies Indians by including American Indian ceremonies with adultery and drunkenness in his music. Nelson said, “I optional smoking of the peace pipe! A song in the new think all music is religious. We’re all given our talents by UMC hymnal is entitled “Lord of the Dance.” “They some supreme being—God, Buddah, whatever. They buried my body and they thought I’d gone, but I am the categorize it and call it country, gospel, rock and roll, dance and I still go on. They cut me down and I leapt up but it all comes from the same place.” The UMC Board high, I am the life that’ll never, never die; I’ll live in you of Discipleship, prior to 1980, owned many explicit sex if you’ll live in me; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.”

films which it used in conjunction with its “human The UMC and Pacifism. At its 1984 national governing sexuality forums.” The movies showed all sorts of moral board meeting, UMC bishops called on America to reprobation, including male and female homosexuality.

disarm itself. “Unless we can abolish war, the chances The UMC and Feminism. The feminist movement are there will not be any world left for us to reform ...

exercises a powerful influence within the UMC. Women Christian conscience demands total disarmament by have been ordained to the ministry in what is now the disbanding armies, navies and air forces over the face of UMC since 1956. As of 1992 they had 4,743 ordained the earth.” In 1986 the UMC bishops issued a pastoral women ministers, far more than any other U.S.

letter titled “In Defense of Creation and a Just Peace”

denomination. The UMC ordained its first female which opposed maintaining a nuclear deterrence and bishop, divorcee Leotine Kelly, in July 1980. In 1983 a called the possession of nuclear arms idolatry.

UMC congregation in Florida sponsored the first father-The UMC and Abortion. At its 1972 General daughter clergy team. The new UMC worship book Conference the UMC called for the legalization of contains a number of references to God as both Mother abortion. The UMC was a founding member of the and Father. One statement in the worship book is “Jesus, Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights, which sought good Lord, are you not also Mother?” In 1984, the UMC

“to encourage and coordinate support for safeguarding approved a report which called on all its churches to the legal option of abortion.” In one year the Methodist refer to God and Jesus Christ only in sexually inclusive Board of Church and Society contributed more than language—in other words, not to address God as “He”

$400,000 to the abortion rights coalition. The UMC

or as “Father.” In 1986 the UMC Rocky Mountain came out in support of the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Conference issued a ruling that REQUIRED all Court decision which legalized abortion in the United candidates for ordination to use “inclusive language” in States.

referring to God. Candidates would have to use inclusive words such as Creator or Redeemer, and The UMC, Divorce, and Immorality. Though the UMC

phrases such as Divine Light instead of Father, King or is officially opposed to immorality, in practice there is Lord. Candidates could refer to God as Mother and rampant moral sin. This denomination has fallen light Father or he/she. The following year the Rocky years away from the holiness position of its forefathers.

Mountain UMC Conference softened this resolution We have seen the UMC position on homosexuality and somewhat in that they no longer REQUIRED inclusive abortion. Divorce is rampant in the UMC. A language, but they still urged such upon their people.

comprehensive survey conducted by the denomination The new resolution said, “All candidates are encouraged in 1986 revealed that divorce among the clergy is more to use inclusive language both in reference to the deity than three times higher than among the non-ordained and to persons.” The unscriptural feminist attitude of members. As of 1984, all three of the new Methodist many of the UMC “clergy” is illustrated in comments bishops for the western part of the U.S. were divorced.

made by “Pastor” Kim Smith, speaking before a women’s United Methodist professor and minister Robert Elliott conference in 1985. She said Paul held “what we would has developed a divorce service for couples seeking a 392

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consider sexist views of women.” She claimed that Paul Congregationals, and Evangelical United Brethren in was a man of his time and that he never meant his 1968 to form the United Church of Canada. All of these statements about women to become the basis for the bodies are radically modernistic and ecumenical. Similar teaching of the entire church. Smith estimated that by ecumenical accords have happened in other lands. [See the year 2000 half of the ordained clergy in California Adultery, Baptism, Charismatic, Church, Divorce, would be women.

Ecumenism, Gospel, Modernism, Modesty, Nakedness, United Methodists participated in the production of New Evangelicalism, Pacifism, Roman Catholic Church, the National Council of Churches inclusive lectionary, Sanctification, Separation, Sodomy, Tares, World which removed masculine references to God; addressed Council of Churches.]

God as “Father and Mother”; deleted passages which METHUSAEL (infirmity). Ge. 4:18.

instruct the wife to submit to the husband; changed METHUSELAH (sending forth of death). Enoch’s many words, such as “son” to “child,” “king” to “ruler,”

son; Noah’s grandfather. He lived longer than any other

“kingdom” to “realm”; and added the names of wives to person recorded in the Bible (Ge. 5:21-27). He died the the O.T. genealogies. NCC lectionary committee member year of the Flood. Compare Ge. 5:21-29 and Ge. 7:6.

Sharon Ringe of the Methodist Theological School in From Methuselah to the birth of Noah was 369 years Delaware, Ohio, said, “Much hurt is caused by (Ge. 5:25-28). Noah was 600 years old when the flood oppressive speech.” In 1984 the UMC Women’s Division came (Ge. 7:6). That totals the exact number of years issued an alternative to the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Mother/

that Methuselah lived—969. Thus he died the year the Father, who is everywhere, Holy be your names. May flood came, either just before the Flood or by the Flood.

your new age come, May your will be done. In this and We don’t know if Methuselah believed the testimony of in every time and place. Meet our needs each day and his father, Enoch, who walked with God and was taken Forgive our failure to love, As we forgive this same to heaven without dying (Ge. 5:22-24), or the preaching failure in others. Save us in hard times, and Lead us into of his grandson, Noah. [See Enoch, Flood, Old Age.]

your ways of love. For yours is the wholeness and the MEUNIM (habitations). Ne. 7:52.

power, And the loving forever. Amen.” This was released in Women and Worship by Harper & Row Publishers.

MEZAHAB (water of gold). Ge. 36:39).

Evangelical Resurgence? Though some claim to see an MIAMIN (the right hand). Ne. 12:5.

evangelical resurgence within the UMC in recent years, MIBHAR (most select). 1 Ch. 11:38.

they are deceiving themselves. In concluding his MIBSAM (delight). Ge. 25:13.

remarks on an eyewitness report of the 1980 UMC

MIBZAR (defended). Ge. 36:42.

Quadrennial General Conference, Editor M.H. Reynolds MICAH (who is as Jehovah?). (1) An apostate priest remarks, “In dozens of other actions taken, it was made (Ju. 17-18). (2) One of the prophets and the writer of clear that liberals are in control of the Methodist ship!

the book of Micah (Je. 26:18; Mi. 1:1).

Conservatives who remain on board are desperately MICAIAH (poor, who is like God). This O.T. prophet trying to bail water out of a sinking ship—a ship which appears only one time in Scripture, but what a man of is moving into the storm of ecumenical and political God he was! He ministered in the apostate northern revolution” (M.H. Reynolds, Jr., “The United Methodist kingdom of Israel during the reign of Ahab (1 Ki.

Church: Pluralism in Full Bloom,” Foundation, May-June 22:7-28). Judah’s godly king Jehoshaphat foolishly 1980).

joined forces with wicked Ahab to fight against the king METHODISTS OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.

of Syria. When Jehoshaphat wanted to inquire about While there are small Methodist groups throughout the how the battle would go, Ahab’s 400 false prophets all world that have not followed the liberal path, such as chimed in with their positive-only, feel-good message the Free Methodists in Canada and the Evangelical and said that everything would come out fine. “Go up; Methodists in Mexico and Boliva, the major Methodist for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king” (v.

denominations have departed from the evangelical faith 6). The problem with this fine-sounding message was of their forefathers. Many of the Methodist that it was a bald-faced lie! God was not going to bless denominations outside the U.S.A. are being absorbed this adventure. The truth was that it was Ahab’s day to into larger ecumenical bodies. The Methodists in India die (vv. 34-35), and God was very displeased with united with Presbyterians, Anglicans and others to form Jehoshaphat for joining forces with this evil man. When the Church of South India in 1947 and the Church of Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem, God sent the North India in 1970. The Methodists in Australia united prophet Hanani to meet him with the message, with the Presbyterians and Congregationalists in 1977

“Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that to form the Uniting Church of Australia. Most hate the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from before Methodists in Canada merged with the Presbyterians, the Lord” (2 Ch. 19:2). To return to the point in time Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 393

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before the battle, though, we note that Jehoshaphat MILALAI (promise of the Lord). Ne. 12:36.

apparently was a little concerned about the reliability of MILCAH (a queen). Ge. 11:29.

Ahab’s smiling prophets, and he asked, “Is there not MILCH. Milk giving (Ge. 32:15; 1 Sa. 6:7, 10).

here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him?” (v. 7). This is when Ahab admitted, MILCOM. [See Idolatry.]

“There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by MILETUS, MILETUM (refuge). Miletus was a seaport whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for town about 35 miles south of Ephesus by sea but only he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil” (v.

about 20 miles by land. The Greek historian Strabo 8). Faithful Micaiah refused to tell men what they (died AD 24) said Miletus had four harbors. The city wanted to hear; he refused to tickle their ears with a was the birthplace of the famous philosophers self-esteem-building message; he refused to be positive Anaximander and Anaximines. Miletus had a large when the Word of God was negative. His testimony was, Roman theater, the ruins of which can be seen today. It

“As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that also had a famous temple of Apollo whose oracle was will I speak” (v. 14). The wicked hated him, but God consulted by many. Today Miletus is about 10 miles loved him! The faithful prophet warned that Israel from the coast due to the silting effect of the river. Paul would that day be “scattered upon the hills, as sheep stopped here to meet the elders from Ephesus (Ac.

that have not a shepherd” (v. 17). He prophesied that 20:15; 2 Ti. 4:20).

Ahab would die and Israel would be confounded before MILITARY. [See Armour, Armoury, Army, Arrow, her enemies. For his faithfulness to God, the prophet Battering Ram, Battle Axe, Bow, Bowman, Breastplate, was cast into prison and fed “with bread of affliction” (v.

Buckler, Cast a Bank Against, Centurion, Chariot, Coat 27). He was punished for his stand for the Truth, but of Mail, Dagger, Dart, Engine, Footmen, Forces, the story is not over. Today old faithful Micaiah is Garrison, Girdle, Greaves, Habergeon, Handstave, enjoying the eternal glories of heaven, while Ahab and Harnessed, Helmet, Horse, Javelin, Lance, Maul, Quiver, his false prophets have gone the way of all Christ-Shield, Sling, Sword, Target, Troop, Trumpet.]

rejectors. [See False Prophet, False Teacher, Separation, MILLENNIUM. Millennium means 1,000, and refers Timothy, Unity.]

to the 1,000 years mentioned in Re. 20:2-7. This is the MICHA (diminishing, humble). 2 Sa. 9:12.

glorious earthly kingdom Jesus Christ will establish MICHAEL (who is like God?). Michael the archangel upon His return, the kingdom foretold by O.T. prophets.

is connected with Israel throughout Scripture (Da.

Christ’s kingdom will not end at the conclusion of the 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9; Re. 12:7). [See Angel, 1,000 years, but will continue forever (Is. 9:7). The Archangel, Gabriel.]

Millennial reign is only one phase to Christ’s eternal MICHAIAH (who is like to God?). 2 Ki. 22:12.

rule. See Ps. 72; Is. 11:25-27; Is. 35; Is. 60-66; Je.

30-33; Da. 7; Ho. 2:14-23; 3:4-5; 14:4-8; Jo. 2:18—

MICHAL (prevailing). 1 Sa. 14:49.

3:21; Am. 9:11-15; Ob. 15-21; Mi. 2:12-13; 4:1-13; MICHMAS (place of hiding). Ezr. 2:27.

5:4-15; 7:7-20; Zep. 3:9-20; Hag. 2:6-9; Ze. 1:16-17; MICHMASH (He who strikes). 2 Sa. 13:2.

2:1-13; 3:8-10; 8:1—10:12; 12:1—14:21; Mal. 3:1-6; MICHMETHAH (place of hiding). Jos. 16:6.

4:1-3. [See Allegorical, Covenant, Daniel, Day of the MICHRI (grief). 1 Ch. 9:8.

Lord, Fishing, Kingdom of God, Last Days, Peace, Prophecy, Tares, Times of Restitution.]

MICHTAM (engraving). Ps. 16: Title.

MILLO (fortification). 2 Sa. 5:9.

MIDDIN (extensions, measures). Jos. 15:61.

MILLSTONE. Stones used to grind grain into flour MIDDLEMOST. Nearest the middle (Eze. 42:5-6).

(Mt. 18:6; 24:41; Lk. 17:2; Re. 18:21-22). They were MIDIAN (great extension). Ge. 25:2.

very heavy, and Jesus warned that if someone causes a MIDIANITES (native of Midian). Ge. 37:28,36; Nu.

child to be offended at the truth it “were better for him 10:29; 25:17; 31:2-7; Ju. 6:2-33; 7:1-25; 8:1; Ps. 83:9.

that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that MIGDALEL (tower of God). Jos. 19:38.

he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Mt. 18:6).

MIGDALGAD (tower of Gad). Jos. 15:37.

Capernaum, where Jesus gave this warning, was a MIGDOL (a tower). Ex. 14:2.

center of millstone production. These were personal millstones used in the homes. Two feet tall, they were MIGHTIES. Mighty or valiant men (1 Ch. 11:12,24).

cut from volcanic rock. The sound of the millstones was MIGRON (place of great fear). 1 Sa. 14:2.

one of the common sounds heard in Jewish towns and MIJAMIN (the right hand). 1 Ch. 24:9.

villages (Je. 25:10). The Jewish millstone had two parts.

MIKLOTH (scorn, rods). 1 Ch. 27:4.

The bottom was conical and stood upright. The other MIKNEIAH (possession of the Lord). 1 Ch. 15:18.

piece fit over it. This is called the nether or upper 394

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millstone (De. 24:6). Grain was poured into the top, Heart, Soul, Spirit.]

and the upper millstone was turned with wooden MINISH. To diminish (Ex. 5:19).

handles, crushing the grain into flour. A hole in the MINISTER. (1) Servant; helper (Ex. 24:13; Jos. 1:1; upper millstone allowed the flour to flow out.

Mk. 10:43; Ac. 13:5). (2) To serve; to assist (Ex. 28:1; MINCING. Walking in such a way as to draw Mk. 10:45). (3) To give; to supply; to furnish (2 Co.

attention to one’s self and to entice men (Is. 3:16). In 9:10; Ep. 4:29). (4) Stir up; produce (1 Ti. 1:4). [See this passage the Lord condemned the women of Israel Deacon, Servant.]

for their proud, immoral ways. [See Modesty.]

MINNI (provision). Je. 51:27.

MIND. (1) The mind is used as a synonym for the MINNITH (small, allotment). Ju. 11:33.

heart (De. 28:65; 1 Sa. 2:35; 1 Ch. 28:9; Da. 5:20; Phil.

4:7; He. 8:10). The heart/mind is the source of the MINSTREL. One who plays a stringed instrument (2

thoughts and imaginations (Gen. 6:5; De. 15:9; 1 Ch.

Ki. 3:15; Mt. 9:23). [See Music.]

29:18; Pr. 23:7). (2) The mind refers to the thoughts, MIPHKAD (appointed place). Ne. 3:31. [See Gate.]

understanding, and intentions (Mk. 14:72; Acts 28:6; MIRACLE. No one who sincerely believes in the Rom. 8:6; 15:6). The two words most commonly inspiration of Scripture can doubt that miracles were translated “mind” in the N.T. are nous (Lk. 24:45) wrought by the power of God both in O.T. and N.T.

(denotes the seat of reflective consciousness, comprising times. To believe in the God of Genesis 1:1 is to believe the faculties of perception and understanding, and those in a God who can do anything.

of feeling, judging and determining) and dianoia (Mt.

Old Testament Words Translated Miracles: “The words 22:37) (a thinking through, or over, a meditation, translated ‘miracle’ in the O.T. are (1) oth, ‘a sign,’ as it reflecting, signifies the faculty of knowing, is often translated, and in some places ‘token’ (Nu.

understanding, or moral reflection) (Vine). The mind 14:22; De. 11:3). (2) mopheth, ‘a wonder,’ as it is mostly can be grieved (Ge. 23:8), can desire (De. 18:6), can translated; it is something out of the ordinary course of sorrow (De. 28:65), can be willing (1 Ch. 28:9), can be events (Ex. 7:9; De. 29:3). (3) pala, ‘wonderful, uttered (Pr. 29:11), can be hardened in pride (Da.

marvelous’ (Ju. 6:13).

5:20), and can be changed (Hab. 1:11). The Bible speaks Principal O.T. Miracles: “Aaron’s rod becomes a of “despiteful minds” (Eze. 36:5), “right mind” (Mk.

serpent (Ex. 7:10-12), water made blood (Ex. 7:20-25), 5:15), “evil affected mind” (Ac. 14:2), “reprobate frogs (Ex. 8:5-14), lice (Ex. 8:16-18), flies (Ex.

mind” (Ro. 1:28), “carnal mind” (Ro. 8:7), “spiritually 8:20-24), murrain (Ex. 9:3-6), boils and blains (Ex.

minded” (Ro. 8:6), “vain mind” (Ep. 4:17), “fleshly 9:8-11), thunder and hail (Ex. 9:22-26), locusts (Ex.

mind” (Col. 2:18), “corrupt mind” (1 Ti. 6:5), “high 10:12-19), darkness (Ex. 10:21-23), death of the minded” (2 Ti. 3:4), “defiled mind” (Tit. 1:15), “sober firstborn (Ex. 12:29-20), parting of the Red Sea (Ex.

mind” (Tit. 2:6), “pure minds” (2 Pe. 3:1), “mind that 14:21-31), curing the waters of Marah (Ex. 15:23-25), has wisdom” (Re. 17:9).

manna (Ex. 16:14-35), water from the rock at Rephidim Bible Lessons about the Mind: The first duty of man is (Ex. 17:5-7), death of Nadab and Abihu (Le. 10:1-2), to love God with all the mind (Mt. 22:37; Mk. 12:30; death of Korah and his followers (Nu. 16:31-40), Lk. 10:27). The devil blinds the minds of those who do Aaron’s rod (Nu. 17:8), water from the rock at Meribah not believe (2 Co. 3:14; 4:4). The mind that is stayed on (Nu. 20:7-11), brazen serpent (Nu. 21:8-9), Balaam’s God will be kept in perfect peace (Is. 26:3). God’s ass speaking (Nu. 22:21-35), parting of Jordan (Jos.

people should have a mind to work (Ne. 4:6). We 3:14-17), Jericho’s walls fall (Jos. 6:6-26), sun and should not serve God after our own mind (Nu. 16:28).

moon stay (Jos. 10:12-14), withering and cure of The life is transformed by the renewing of the mind (Ro.

Jeroboam’s hand (1 Ki. 13:4-6), widow’s oil and meal 12:2; Ep. 4:23). The mind should be fully persuaded as do not fail (1 Ki. 17:14-16), raising the widow’s son (1

to whether what we do is right or wrong (Ro. 14:5).

Ki. 17:17-24), burning of the soldiers (2 Ki. 1:10-12), Churches should be joined together in one mind (Ro.

dividing of Jordan by Elijah (2 Ki. 2:7-8), Elijah carried 12:16; 15:6; 1 Co. 1:10; 2 Co. 13:11; Ph. 1:27; 2:2; to heaven (2 Ki. 2:11), dividing of Jordan by Elisha (2

3:16; 4:2; 1 Pe. 3:8). We have the mind of Christ in the Ki. 2:14), cure of the water of Jericho (2 Ki. 2:19-22), Scriptures (2 Co. 2:16). We must be careful that the supply of water to the army (2 Ki. 3:16-20), increase of mind is not corrupted from the simplicity that is in the widow’s oil (2 Ki. 4:2-7), raising the Shunammite’s Christ (Ph. 4:7). We must guard against becoming son (2 Ki. 4:32-37), healing of the deadly pottage (2 Ki.

weary and fainting in our minds because of trials (He.

4:38-41), feeding the 100 with 20 loaves (2 Ki.

12:3). The law of God is written in the heart of the 4:42-44), cure of Naaman’s leprosy (2 Ki. 5:10-14), believer (He. 8:10; 10:16). One of the marks of the false swimming of the axe-head (2 Ki. 6:5-7), resurrection of teacher is that he minds earthly things (Ph. 3:19). [See Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 395

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the dead man on touching Elisha’s bones (2 Ki. 13:21), 9:18-26; Mk. 5:22-43; Lk. 8:41-56), woman’s issue of return of the shadow on the dial (2 Ki. 20:9-11), blood healed (Mt. 9:20-22; Mk. 5:25-34; Lk. 8:43-48), deliverance of the three Hebrew children (Da. 3:19-27), man’s withered hand cured (Mt. 12:10-13; Mk. 3:1-5; Daniel from the lions (Da. 6:16-23), Jonah saved from Lk. 6:6-11), demon cast out of boy (Mt. 17:14-18; Mk.

the great fish (Jon. 2:1-10)” ( Concise Bible Dictionary).

9:14-27; Lk. 9:37-42), blind men cured (Mt. 20:30-34; New Testament Words Translated Miracles: In the N.T.

Mk. 10:46-52; Lk. 18:35-43), Jesus walks on the sea three Greek words are used in reference to miracles. (1) (Mt. 14:24-33; Mk. 6:47-51; Jn. 6:16-21), 5,000 fed SEMEION is translated “sign” (Mt. 12:38-39; 16:1-4; (Mt. 14:15-21; Mk. 6:35-44; Lk. 9:12-17; Jn. 6:5-14).

24:3, 24, 30; 26:48; Mk. 16:20; Jn. 20:30; Ac. 2:19, 22, The Purpose of Christ’s Miracles: Christ’s miracles were 43; 4:30; 5:12; 7:36; 8:13; 14:3; Ro. 4:11; 15:19; 1 Co.

to demonstrate that He was the Messiah. It is taught in 1:22; 14:22; 2 Co. 12:12; 2 Th. 2:9; He. 2:4; Re. 15:1), some circles that Jesus performed miracles as an

“miracle” (Lk. 23:8; Jn. 2:11, 23; 3:2; 4:54; 6:2, 14, 26; example for Christians to follow. Jesus’ healing ministry, 7:31; 9:16; 10:41; 11:47; 12:18, 37; Ac. 4:16, 22; 6:8; for example, is held forth as an example of what healers 8:6; 15:12; Re. 13:14; 16:14; 19:20), “token” (2 Th.

today are doing. This idea ignores the fact that Jesus 3:17), and “wonder” (Re. 12:1, 3; 13:3). (2) TERAS is healed as a sign that He was the Messiah, the promised translated “wonder” (Mt. 24:24; Jn. 4:48; Ac. 2:19, 22, Saviour, the Son of God. Jesus’ healing ministry was not 43;4, 9

an example for us to follow, but was part of His unique 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 7:36; 14:3; 14:12; Ro. 15:19; 2 Co.

credentials as the Christ. This is plainly what the Bible 12:12; 2 Th. 2:9; He. 2:4). (3) DUNAMIS is translated teaches. Consider the following Scriptures: Jn. 5:36;

“power” (Mt. 6:13; 22:29; 24:29-30; 26:64; Lk. 1:17, 10:25, 37-38; 14:11; 15:24; 20:30-31.

35; 4:14, 36; 5:17; 9:1; 10:19; 24:49; Ac. 1:8; 4:7, 33; The Purpose of the Apostles’ Miracles: The healing 6:8; 8:10; 10:38; Ro. 1:4, 16, 20; 9:17; 15:13; 1 Co.

ministry of the apostles was unique and was for the 1:18, 24; 2:4; 4:20; 5:4; 6:14; 15:43; 2 Co. 12:9; 13:4; purpose of authenticating their work (2 Co. 12:12; Mk.

Ep. 1:19; 3:7, 20; Ph. 3:10; 1 Th. 1:5; 2 Th. 2:9; 2 Ti.

3:14-15; Ac. 2:43; 4:33; 5:12, 15; 19:12). Note that the 1:8; He. 1:3; 6:5; 7:16; 1 Pe. 1:5; 2 Pe. 1:3, 16; Re.

miracles of the Apostles were special and were for the 4:11; 5:12; 7:12; 11:17; 13:2; 15:8; 17:13; 19:1), purpose of marking them as the Apostles of Christ. They

“miracles” (Mk. 9:39; Ac. 2:22; 8:13; 19:11; 1 Co.

had miracle-working power to authenticate their unique 12:10, 28, 29; Ga. 3:5; He. 2:4), and “mighty ministries. That is what Scripture says. All Christians works” (Mt. 11:20, 21, 23; 13:54, 58; 14:2; Mk. 6:2, 5, could not do the sign miracles of the Apostles. The only 14; Lk. 10:13; 19:37; 2 Co. 12:12).

exceptions were a few men upon whom the Apostles Principal N.T. Miracles: Blind men given sight (Mt.

had laid hands. There was no general miracle-working 9:27-31), dumb spirit cast out (Mt. 9:32, 33), tribute experience among the first churches. If there had been, money in mouth of the fish (Mt. 17:24-27), deaf and Paul could not have pointed to his miracle-working dumb man healed (Mk. 7:31-37), blind man healed ability as a special sign. His merely would have been (Mk. 8:22-26), draught of fishes (Lk. 5:1-11), widow’s another miracle-working Christian ministry if all could son raised (Lk. 7:11-17), woman loosed from infirmity have performed such things. But all could not. If all (Lk. 13:11-17), dropsy healed (Lk. 14:1-6), ten lepers could have performed miracles as a matter of course, cleansed (Lk. 17:11-19), Malchus’ ear healed (Lk.

the Christians would not have called for Peter to come 22:50,51), water made wine (Jn. 2:1-11), nobleman’s and raise Dorcas from the dead (Ac. 9:36-42). Peter’s son healed (Jn. 4:46-54), impotent man healed (Jn.

miracle that day was the “sign of an apostle.”

5:1-9), man born blind healed (Jn. 9:1-7), Lazarus False Miracles in the Last Days: The signs and raised from the dead (Jn. 11:38-44), draught of 153

wonders spoken of for the last hours are deceiving signs fishes (Jn. 21:1-14), woman’s daughter healed (Mt.

(Mt. 24:24; 2 Th. 2:7-9; Re. 13:13-14). In light of these 15:21:28; Mk. 7:24-30), 4,000 fed (Mt. 15:32-38; Mk.

warnings it is crucial that the Christian be wary of any 8:1-9), fig tree withered (Mt. 21:18-22; 11:12-24), signs or wonders movement in these last hours. The centurion’s servant cured (Mt. 8:5-13; Lk. 7:1-10), blind signs and wonders movement prophesied in Scripture and dumb demoniac cured (Mt. 12:22; Lk. 11:14), for the hours prior to Christ’s return is one of demonic demoniac in the synagogue cured (Mk. 1:23-28; Lk.

deception. [See Charismatic, Healing, Jesus Christ, Sign, 4:33-37), Peter’s wife’s mother cured (Mt. 8:14-15; Tares.]

1:30-31; 4:38-39), leper cured (Mt. 8:2-4; Mk. 1:40-45; MIRE, MIRY. Clay; mud; filth (2 Sa. 22:43; Job 8:11; Lk. 5:12-15), paralytic cured (Mt. 9:2-7; Mk. 2:3-12; Lk.

30:19; Je. 38:22; 2 Pe. 2:22).

5:18-26), tempest stilled (Mt. 8:23-27; Mk. 4:36-41; Lk.

MIRIAM (bitterness, rebellion, exalted). Sister of 8:22-25), demoniacs cured at Gadara (Mt. 8:28-34; Mk.

Moses and Aaron (Ex. 15:20-21; Nu. 12:1-15; 20:1; 5:1-20; Lk. 8:26-39), Jairus’ daughter raised (Mt.

26:59; De. 24:9; Mi. 6:4). Miriam is possibly the sister 396

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who watched as Pharaoh’s daughter took baby Moses MIZAR (a small place). Ps. 42:6.

out of the river (Ex. 2:1-10).

MIZPAH, MIZPEH (watchtower, lofty place). Ge.

MIRMA (speech of guile). 1 Ch. 8:10.

31:49.

MIRTH. Gladness; joy; gaiety; pleasure (Ge. 31:27; MIZPAR (number). Ezr. 2:2.

Ne. 8:12; Ps. 137:3). Mirth is frequently associated with MIZRAIM (double pressure, tribulations, black). A worldly and sinful gaiety (Pr. 14:13; Ec. 2:1-1-22; 7:4; name for Egypt, so named because this is where 8:15; Is. 24:8, 11; Je. 7:34; 16:9; 25:10; Ho. 2:11) The Mizraim, son of Ham, Noah’s grandson, settled (Ge.

Hebrew word simchah, translated “mirth” 8 times, is 10:6).

also translated “joy” (1 Sa. 18:6; 1 Ki. 1:40; 1 Ch. 29:9), MIZZAH (trembling). Ge. 36:13.

“gladness” (Nu. 10:10; 2 Sa. 6:12), “rejoice” (Ju. 16:23; 2 Ch. 20:27). [See Cheer, Cheerful, Comfort, Dancing, MNASON (about to call to remembrance). Ac. 21:16.

Delight, Glad, Happy, Hope, Jesting, Joy, Laughter, MOAB (progeny of a father). The descendants of Merry, Music, Rejoice, Worldly.]

Lot’s grandson (Ge. 19:30-38; Nu. 21:13). The Moabites MISCARRY. To fail; to perish; to be lost (Ho. 9:14).

were enemies of Israel (Nu. 22-24; Ju. 11:17-18; 2 Sa.

8:2, 12; 1 Ch. 18:2, 11; Is. 15-16; Je. 9:26; Eze.

MISERABLY. Grievously; sorely; severely (Mt.

25:8-11; Am. 2:1; Zep. 2:8-11). God’s grace is seen in 21:41).

His selection of Ruth the Moabitess to be an ancestor of MISGAB (a high place). Je. 48:1.

Jesus (Ru. 1:4; 4:13-22; Mt. 1:6; Lk. 3:32).

MISHAEL (who is God?). Ex. 6:22.

MOADIAH (ornament of God). Ne. 12:17.

MISHAM (hearing, inspection). 1 Ch. 8:12.

MOCK. The root meaning of this word means to MISHEAL, MISHAL. See Meshach.

imitate, and it refers to scorn; ridicule; derision; MISHMA (hearing, report). Ge. 25:14.

contempt (Ge. 39:14; Job 21:3; Pr. 1:26; Je. 38:19; Mt.

MISHMANNAH (fat land). 1 Ch. 12:10.

20:19).

MISHRAITES (spread abroad, extension). 1 Ch.

MODERATION. This word is used only one time in 2:53.

the N.T. “Let your moderation be known unto all men.

The Lord is at hand” (Ph. 4:5). A popular interpretation MISPERETH (of numbers). Ne. 7:7.

of this is that the Christian is free to do what he pleases MISREPHOTHMAIM (burning of waters, warm as long as he is moderate in it. The Christian can drink water). Jos. 11:8.

in moderation, etc. This is an impossible interpretation.

MISSIONS. The work of the church in and to the The same Greek word, eipikees, is translated “patient” (1

world. It is related especially to world evangelism, as Ti. 3:3) and “gentle” (Tit. 3:2; Ja. 3:17; 1 Pe. 2:18). The this is the definite emphasis of the N.T. Until the early Christian is to maintain a patient, moderate lifestyle in 1900s, missions referred almost exclusively to the the midst of this wicked world. His life is to reflect proclamation of the gospel and to church planting. A qualities which are 180 degrees contrary to the world modern trend has been to broaden and change the around him. The context is the coming of the Lord. It is concept of Christian missions. Now the term often is His coming which motivates us to reject the dictates of used to describe every form of social/political activity, the flesh and the siren call of the world in order to even that which has nothing to do with gospel work.

maintain a healthy Christian demeanor. The verses This usage of missions is unbiblical in that Christ’s Great before and after this one exhort the Christian to rejoice Commission did not include such activities. The Apostles in the Lord, to be careful for nothing, and to think only gave themselves wholly to evangelism and church on things that are true and virtuous. It would be planting. [See Brought on the Way, Evangelist, Lucre, impossible to meditate strictly upon virtue while Gospel, Great Commission.]

drinking or engaging in other worldly activities, even in MITE. [See Money.]

moderation! This passage enjoins a moderation of spirit, MITHCAH (sweetness, pleasantness). Nu. 33:28.

not a moderation of action. [See Legalism, Separation, MITHNITE (hope, gift). 1 Ch. 11:43.

World.]

MITHREDATH (beholding, breaking the law). Ezr.

MODERNISM. A label for an unbelieving, rationalist 1:8.

approach to Christianity. Theological modernism, which had its origin in Europe, particularly in Germany, in the MITER. A turban made of linen and worn on the 19th century and was the rationalistic thinking of that head of the high priest. On it was the golden plate with time applied to Christianity. It was the dawn of the the words “Holiness to the Lord” (Ex. 28:4,36-39; Le.

“scientific era”; many believed that mankind was on the 16:4; Eze. 21:26). [See High Priest.]

verge of discovering the secrets of the universe and MITYLENE (the last, purity). Ac. 20:14.

solving earth’s problems. AntiChristian thinkers such as Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 397

MODERNISM

Darwin, Hegel, and Marx led the movement to dethrone and tradition.”

God and replace Him with Man. Unregenerate Professor H.E.G. Paulus (1761-1851) of Heidelberg,

“Christian” professors in many European universities Germany, devised naturalistic explanations for Christ’s and seminaries, having already rejected the Word of miracles during the first half of the nineteenth century.

God, gladly accepted the humanistic thinking of the day He claimed, for example, that Jesus did not walk on the and set out to apply evolutionary philosophy to the water but was actually walking on the shore and in the Bible and Christianity.

mist and fog it only appeared that he was walking on the The result was tragic: The Bible was brought down to water. Paulus claimed that Jesus did not die on the the level of a mere human book, inspired only in the cross, but only swooned, and in the coolness of the sense that Shakespeare’s writings were “inspired.” Jesus tomb revived, and after an earthquake moved the stone Christ was brought down to the level of a mere man; he walked out and appeared to the disciples. (He did good, perhaps, a great teacher, perhaps, but a mere man not explain how that a nearly dead man could convince nonetheless

the disciples that he was the resurrected Messiah.) Modernism spread like ivy, which first sleeps, then Frederick Schleiermacher (1768-1834) of Halle, creeps, then leaps. This is precisely what occurred with Germany, exalted experience and feeling over Bible theological modernism. It began in a very insignificant doctrine. He used traditional Christian language but way in the 18th century; it crept forward and expanded gave it a new definition. He emphasized the necessity of its influence in the 19th; and then it leaped from knowing Christ through faith, but his “faith” did not denomination to denomination and spread throughout mean believing the Bible as the infallible Word of God the world in the 20th. It was introduced to American but referred merely to man’s own intuition or denominations by men who studied in prestigious, consciousness. Schleiermacher did not consider though apostate, European universities and by European historical biblical truth to be necessary to faith. By professors and pastors who visited American schools divorcing faith from the objectivity of an infallible Bible, and denominational churches.

Schleiermacher made it possible for one to be an atheist Nominal Christianity had paved the way for this and a Christian at the same time. Thus he could say, apostasy.

“With my intellect I am a philosopher, and with my In Germany, the Lutheran state church was spiritually feelings quite a devout man; ay, more than that, a powerless. The nation’s citizens were members of the Christian” (quoted by Daniel Edward, “Schleiermacher church by the rite of infant baptism, but they were not Interpreted by Himself and the Men of His School,”

born again and the new birth was seldom preached.

British and Foreign Evangelical Review, vol. 25, 1876, p.

609). Schleiermacher barred doctrinal preaching from A similar situation existed in England, though to a the pulpit (Iain Murray, Evangelicalism Divided, 2000, p.

lesser degree. The Church of England, which dominated 11). “Schleiermacher is correctly viewed as the chief religious life, largely represented a nominal Christianity, source of the massive change which has occurred in the but unlike in Germany, there was a stronger evangelical historic Protestant denominations during the last two movement within the state church of England. There hundred years. ... In his separation of the intellectual was also a stronger independent church movement content of Christianity (the objective biblical revelation) apart from the state apparatus, as represented by from Christian ‘feeling’, Schleiermacher seemed to Baptists, Methodists, Brethren, and others. Spiritual provide a means whereby the essence of Christianity revivals had produced good fruit in England in the late could remain unaffected, no matter how much of the 18th and early 19th century

Bible was rejected. Hostile criticism of Scripture need Theological modernism arose in a day when heretical not therefore be seen as a threat to the ‘faith’ ...

philosophies and doctrines were on the increase.

Christianity, it was concluded, could be successful It was the age of “enlightenment” in which rationalism irrespective of whether Scripture were preserved as the was positively encouraged by Frederick II, the Word of God, and this thought was the more appealing

“philosopher king,” who reigned over Prussia 46 years as the theological scholarship of the nineteenth century (1740-1786). The “age of enlightenment” should be became increasingly destructive” (Iain Murray, called the “age of unbelief.” Frederick was “a thorough Evangelicalism Divided). Schleiermacher paved the way rationalist and patron of ‘free thought.’ The sight of a for the New Evangelical view that men can be genuine cross, it was said, was enough to make him Christians and “love the Lord,” even though they reject blaspheme” (Iain Murray, Evangelicalism Divided, p. 5).

biblical doctrine. For this reason, Billy Graham can have The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary of 1934 correctly sweet fellowship with modernistic unbelievers and defined “Enlightenment” as “shallow and pretentious Roman Catholic bishops and popes.

intellectualism, unreasonable contempt for authority 398

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F.C. Baur (1792-1860), founder of the Tuebingen flood of Noah’s day, God’s destruction of Sodom by fire School of New Testament criticism (Tuebingen, from heaven, Lot’s wife turning to a pillar of salt, the Germany), claimed that the Gospel of John was not judgments upon Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, the written by the apostle and, in fact, was not written until account of Job’s suffering, and Jonah’s experience in the 170 A.D., and that only four of Paul’s Epistles were whale’s belly.

actually written by him. He argued that the New The translators of the Revised Standard Version of Testament was merely the natural record of the early 1951 were modernists and their writings illustrate this churches. Baur’s school was very influential in the attack. They represented most of the mainline spread of modernism.

Protestant denominations in America at the midpoint of David F. Strauss (1808-1874), a pupil of F.C. Baur, the 20th century. Following are just a few examples of

“dismissed all the supernatural and messianic elements their modernistic thinking:

in the Gospels as myth.” In his book The Life of Jesus Clarence T. Craig: “Revelation has sometimes been (1835-36) he boldly denied the divinity of Jesus Christ.

understood to consist in a holy book. ... Even on Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) popularized Christian soil it has sometimes been held that the books existentialism in contrast to biblical absolutes.

of the Bible were practically dictated to the writers Everything is relative. Though little known in his through the Holy Spirit. ... I DO NOT THINK THAT THIS

lifetime beyond the borders of Denmark, his writings IS THE DISTINCTIVELY CHRISTIAN POSITION. ... The later became influential through translations. For true Christian position is the Bible CONTAINS the record instance, Robert Runcie, who was Archbishop of of revelation” (Craig, The Beginning of Christianity, Canterbury from 1980 to 1990, said he was indebted to 1943, pp. 17, 18).

Kierkegaard’s idea “that religion had nothing to do with Millar Burrows: “We cannot take the Bible as a whole the rational part of your mind.” Runcie said this showed and in every part as stating with divine authority what him “a way in which I could hold together a we must believe and do” (Burrows, Outline of Biblical f u n d a m e n t a l s k e p t i c i s m w i t h r e l i g i o u s Theology).

devotion” (Humphrey Carpenter, Robert Runcie: The Russell Bowie: “According to the ENTHUSIASTIC

Reluctant Archbishop, 1977, p. 88).

TRADITIONS which had come down through the The Graf-Wellhausen theory was named for Julius FOLKLORE of the people of Israel, Methuselah lived 969

Wellhausen (1844-1918) and Karl Heinrich Graf years” (Walter Russell Bowie, Great Men of the Bible, (1815-1869). (Wellhausen published the Prolegomena to New York: Harper & Brothers, 1937, p. 1).

the History of Ancient Israel in 1878.) According to this Julius Bewer: “The dates and figures found in the first theory, the Old Testament is not divine revelation but five books of the Bible turn out to be altogether merely the record of the evolution of Israel’s religion.

unreliable” (Bewer, The Literature of the Old Testament, Wellhausen held “that Hebrew religion had undergone a 1940).

development from the primitive stories of nomadic times to the elaborate, institutionalized ritualism of the Fleming James: “The narrative of calling down fire period of the centuries before the birth of Christ” ( The from heaven upon the soldiers sent to arrest him is History of Christianity, Lion Publishing, 1977, p. 554).

PLAINLY LEGENDARY. . . . What REALLY happened at Wellhausen denied the historicity of Abraham, Noah, the Red Sea WE CAN NO LONGER KNOW” (James, The and other Bible characters in the history of Israel. He Beginnings of Our Religion).

claimed that Israel did not know about Jehovah God Edgar Goodspeed: “The oldest of these elements [that until Moses taught them this at Mt. Sinai. He claimed formed Genesis] was a Judean account of the nation’s that the laws and the priestly system were not given by story from the beginning of the world to the conquest of Moses but were developed after Israel was in Canaan Canaan by the tribes. ... BABYLONIAN MYTHS AND

and, in some cases, after the Babylonian exile; that most LEGENDS AND CANAANITE POPULAR TALES HE

of the Pentateuch was written during the days of Israel’s FREELY APPROPRIATED to his great purpose of kings as a “pious fraud.” This theory has, in its ever-enforcing morality and the worship of one God.

changing forms, wielded vast influence in theological Sometimes crude old SUPERSTITIOUS IDEAS still cling education in most denominations.

to some of these. The writer of this ancient record was a At the heart of theological modernism is AN ATTACK

prophet ... He wrote his book about 850 B.C. in the UPON THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE. A central tenant Southern Kingdom of Judah. ... And IN THE CAPTIVITY

is the critical approach, which questions the traditional IN BABYLONIA THESE BOOKS [THE FIRST SIX BOOKS

authorship and historicity of the Pentateuch and other OF THE BIBLE] WERE COMBINED INTO A GREAT

parts of Scripture. The result is to question or openly COMPOSITE WORK of history and law ... So at last, not deny Old Testament miracles such as the worldwide long after 400 B.C., arose the Hexateuch” (Goodspeed, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 399

MODERNISM

The Story of the Old Testament, Chicago: University of passages are red!

Chicago Press, 1934, pp. 107-110).

The Seminar concluded that Christ spoke only 18

Learoy Sperry: “Plainly no divine fiat compounded percent of the sayings attributed to Him in the Bible.

man out of the dust of the earth and the universal spirit According to this group of modernistic scholars, Christ on a Friday in the year 4004 B.C. It is harder than once did not speak most of the beatitudes in the Sermon on it was to see God walking in that garden in the cool of the Mount; He did not say anything about turning the the evening” (Sperry, Signs of These Times, New York: other cheek; He did not speak the parable of the sower, Doubleday, 1929, p. 110).

the parable of the ten virgins, the parable of the ten A more recent illustration of theological modernism pieces of money, or the parable of the talents; He did comes from the pen of John Shelby Spong, a bishop in not say, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell the Episcopal Church in America. Consider an excerpt shall not prevail against it”; He did not pray in the from this man’s writings:

garden of Gethsemane; He did not say, “Take eat, this is

“Am I suggesting that these stories of the virgin birth my body,” and the other sayings associated with the are not literally true? The answer is a simple and direct Lord’s Supper; He did not say, “Father, forgive them; for

'Yes.' Of course these narratives are not literally true.

they know not what they do,” or, “My God, my God, Stars do not wander, angels do not sing, virgins do not why hast thou forsaken me,” when He was on the cross.

give birth, magi do not travel to a distant land to The Jesus Seminar determined that Christ did not walk present gifts to a baby, and shepherds do not go in on the water, did not feed the thousands with only a few search of a newborn savior. ...

loaves and fishes, did not prophesy of His death or

“To talk of a Father God who has a divine-human son resurrection or second coming, did not conduct the Last by a virgin woman is a mythology that our generation Supper as it is recorded in Scripture, did not appear would never have created, and obviously, could not before the Jewish high priest or before Pilate, did not use. To speak of a Father God so enraged by human rise again bodily on the third day, and did not ascend to evil that he requires propitiation for our sins that we cannot pay and thus demands the death of the divine-heaven.

human son as a guilt offering is a ludicrous idea to our According to the Jesus Seminar, “THE STORY OF

century. The sacrificial concept that focuses on the THE HISTORICAL JESUS ENDED WITH HIS DEATH ON

saving blood of Jesus that somehow washes me clean, THE CROSS AND THE DECAY OF HIS BODY” (Religious so popular in Evangelical and Fundamentalist circles, is News Service, March 6, 1995).

by and large repugnant to us today” (John Spong, According to these modernistic scholars, Jesus Christ Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism: A Bishop Rethinks the Meaning of Scripture, Harper & Row, 1991, was a mere man who was filled with delusions and was pp. 215, 234).

caught up in some sort of political intrigue. At the Another recent example of theological modernism is Redlands, California, meeting in 1986, Jesus Seminar The Jesus Seminar. This misnamed organization, scholar Ron Cameron stated:

composed of some 75 “experts in religion and New

“THE DEATH OF JESUS WAS LIKE A CAR WRECK; IT’S

Testament studies,” began meeting in March 1985 (it AN ACCIDENT OF HISTORY. ... I’m not sure why the Romans killed Jesus, but the gospel stories are not was first announced in 1978) with the misguided historical in the modern sense of the word. I don’t objective of discovering which words of the Gospels are think Jesus had the notoriety that the gospels say he authentic.

had. His sayings don’t anywhere give evidence that he The Jesus Seminar met from time to time to analyze was trying to found a church or a reform the New Testament. After a passage was discussed by movement” ( Christian News, April 7, 1986).

the participating “scholars,” they voted by means of Jesus Seminar leader Marcus Borg made the following colored pegs to indicate the degree of authenticity they statement to the religious press in 1992: felt should be ascribed to it. Red signified a strong

“I would argue that the truth of Easter does not degree of certainty in favor of authenticity; pink depend on whether there was an empty tomb, or signified probably; gray signified maybe; black signified whether anything happened to the body of Jesus. ... I not authentic. The colors therefore indicate degrees of DO NOT SEE THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION AS

doubt in God’s Word.

EXCLUSIVELY TRUE, OR THE BIBLE AS THE UNIQUE

AND INFALLIBLE REVELATION OF GOD. ... It makes In 1993 the Jesus Seminar published The Five no historical sense to say, ‘Jesus was killed for the sins Gospels: The Search for the Authentic Words of Jesus. This of the world.’ ... I am one of those Christians who does included a new translation called “The Scholar’s not believe in the virgin birth, nor in the star of Translation.” The color coding was incorporated into the Bethlehem, nor in the journeys of the wisemen, nor in text to describe the degree to which the various portions of the Gospels are considered authentic. Very few of the 400

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MODESTY

the shepherds coming to the manger, as facts of are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

history” ( Bible Review, December 1992).

For a refutation of modernistic theories of biblical Modernism flies under many flags and assumes many inspiration see the Advanced Bible Studies Series Course guises. Not all modernists are as bold and plainspoken on Bible Doctrine. [See also Anglican, Episcopal, as the translators of the RSV or John Spong or Marcus Fundamentalism, Inspiration, Jesus Christ, Lutheran, Borg, BUT ALL DENY THE INFALLIBLE INSPIRATION

Methodist, New Evangelicalism, Presbyterian.]

OF HOLY SCRIPTURE.

MODESTY. A godly character that results in proper It is important to remember that the Holy Spirit attire (1 Ti. 2:9). The Greek word translated prophesied of this. The Lord’s apostles warned that

“modest” (“kosmios”) is also translated “of good many unregenerate false teachers would creep into the behaviour” (1 Ti. 3:2). It means “decent and orderly”

churches and would deceive many, and in fact, such and describes “an inner self-control -- a spiritual ‘radar’

false teachers were already active during the times of that tells a person what is good and proper” ( The Bible the apostles.

Exposition Commentary). It refers to something that is

“But there were false prophets also among the people, becoming to a woman who professes godliness. The even as there shall be false teachers among you, who Christian woman should not wear anything that would privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying be characterized as NOT of good behavior, as NOT

the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves becoming to a woman professing godliness.

swift destruction. And many shall follow their

“Shamefacedness” is translated from the Greek word pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth

“aidos,” which “has the idea of downcast eyes” and shall be evil spoken of” (2 Pe. 2:1-2).

means “bashfulness, i.e. (towards men), modesty or

“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous (towards God) awe” (Strong). It implies “a shrinking wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse from trespassing the boundaries of propriety” (William things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts H e n d r i c k s o n , N e w Te s t a m e n t C o m m e n t a r y ) .

20:19-30).

Shamefacedness is the opposite of the cheeky, pert,

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter saucy, impertinent, flippant, insubordinate attitude that times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to the world seeks to develop in women today. The seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies shamefaced woman loves God and is committed to in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot obeying His Word and this is reflected on her face. A iron” (1 Ti. 4:1-2).

shamefaced Christian woman will not have the

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, rebellious attitude that says, “Don’t tell me how to deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Ti. 3:13).

dress; I will dress as I please!” She will not be stubborn

“For the time will come when they will not endure and sassy. She will not say, “I don’t care what some old-sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they fashioned men say about how I dress; that is their heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and problem; I’m not going to be a weirdo!” “Sobriety” is they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and translated from the Greek word sophrosune, which is shall be turned unto fables” (2 Ti. 4:3-4).

also is translated “soberness” (Acts 26:25). It means

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last

“soundness of mind, self-control” (Strong), “habitual days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, inner self-government” (Trench), “the well-balanced Where is the promise of his coming? for since the s t a t e o f m i n d a r i s i n g f r o m h a b i t u a l s e l f -

fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (2 Pe. 3:3-4).

restraint” (Ellicott), “moderation of the desires and passions, opposed to all that is frivolous and to all

“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, undue excitement of the passions” (Barnes). Sobriety ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into means not to be drunk, neither with alcoholic lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our beverages, or drugs, or any other thing. Many professing Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4).

Christian teenage girls and young women are drunk

“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard with the fashions and fads and ways of the world. They that antichrist shall come, even now are there many are drunk with television, and Hollywood movies and antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

sensual magazines, and pop music. The Bible and the They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if things of Christ do not excite them, but they are giddy they had been of us, they would no doubt have over what some worldly movie star or pop singer is continued with us: but they went out, that they might wearing and doing, and over the latest vain fashion or be made manifest that they were not all of us” (1 John hair style or cosmetic. Sobriety is the opposite of foolish, 2:18-19).

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MOLADAH - MOLECH

silly, flippant, careless, intoxicated, shallow, worldly, and gazed upon her nakedness. The Bible warns that “the vain. We see from this passage that the Christian strange woman,” the immoral woman, can “catch” a woman’s modesty must come from the inside out. It man with her seductive dress and actions (Pr. 7:10-13).

comes from a sober and shamefaced spirit. It is a matter

“Whether you realize it or not, men look at certain of the heart, which reminds us that it is not enough to portions of the body, and it doesn’t matter whether you set forth dress standards. Every effort must be made to think that is good, bad, or otherwise, they are going to educate the women so that they understand the biblical do it. And if you wear clothing that attracts attention to principles of modesty and know the reason for the that, you are just helping them in their sin. That’s why a church’s standards, and every effort must be made to dress, unless it’s too tight, is better than pants, because reach their hearts, to challenge them to surrender a dress does not draw the attention to that part of the themselves wholly to Christ and to live for His glory.

body that people look at and lust after” (Bruce Lackey,

“Broided hair” refers to braiding the hair. This does not Bible Guidelines for Clothing).

mean that the Christian woman should not take care of The Way of Modesty. The Bible says God “covered”

her hair; it is a warning against spending a great deal of Adam and Eve (Ge. 3:21). This is a good pattern for time adorning herself in the manner of the world, of modesty. The man and woman should be covered making this her focus in life. We agree with the Barnes decently so that the body is not improperly displayed in commentary, which says: “It cannot be supposed that a sexual way. There are three areas which must be the mere braiding of the hair is forbidden, but only that addressed when dressing modestly: First, the nakedness careful attention to the manner of doing it, and to the must be covered. It is obvious that it is immodest to ornaments usually worn in it, which characterized wear clothing which exposes the parts of the body worldly females.” The mention of “gold, or pearls, or which have sexual appeal. This includes short skirts, low costly array” reminds us that it is God’s will that the blouses, shorts, and skimpy swimsuits. Second, the Christian woman refuse to display an extravagant, sexual organs must not be sensually accented. Tight, showy, worldly appearance. The goal of this world’s clinging attire is as immodest as skimpy attire because godless fashion industry is to create a haughty, the outline of the body is emphasized and exposed, and ostentatious, worldly-wise look, as well as a sexual look.

man’s attention is directed to that which is forbidden.

The godly woman will reject such fashion and clothe Third, the attire must not be extravagant. When the herself and her daughters in “modest apparel.” “It is not Apostle deals with modest attire in 1 Ti. 2:9, he to be supposed that all use of gold or pearls, as articles mentions “broided hair, gold, pearls, and costly array.”

of dress, is here forbidden; but the idea is that the Obviously, then, it is God’s will that the Christian Christian female is not to seek these as the adorning woman refuse to show an extravagant, worldly which she desires, or is not to imitate the world in these appearance. The goal of the world’s wicked, proud personal decorations. It may be a difficult question to fashion designers often is to create a haughty, settle how much ornament is allowable, and when the ostentatious, worldly-wise look. The godly woman will true line is passed. ... It is, that the true line is passed reject such fashion and clothe herself and her daughters when more is thought of this external adorning, than of in “modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety.”

the ornament of the heart. Any external decoration Modesty Contrasted with the Strange Woman. The which occupies the mind more than the virtues of the immoral woman of Proverbs 7:10-13 is in contrast with heart, and which engrosses the time and attention more, the modest woman. (1) Different in attire (Pr. 7:10).

we may be certain is wrong” (Barnes).

The immoral woman has “the attire of an harlot”—

The Reason for Modesty. Before the fall, the man and skimpy, tight, suggestive—to draw attention to herself the woman were naked and were not ashamed, but sexually. The modest woman is clothed in such a way so after the fall man’s heart became darkened, and it as NOT to draw undue attention sexually. (2) Different became necessary that men and women be clothed. One in spirit (Pr. 7:10-11). The immoral woman is “subtil of of the first things God did after the Fall was to cover heart ... loud and stubborn.” The modest woman has “a Adam and Eve (Ge. 3:21). Immodesty increases sin meek and quiet spirit” (1 Pe. 3:4). (3) Different in among men (Le. 19:29; Pr. 7:10-13; 23:27-28). Some countenance (Pr. 7:13). The immoral woman has “an women excuse their immodest dress by saying lust is the impudent face.” The modest woman is “shamefaced” (1

man’s problem, but Jesus Christ warned that fornication Ti. 2:9). [See Adultery, Chaste, Discreet, Fornication, begins as lust (Mt. 5:28), and the woman who does not Legalism, Lust, Mincing, Nakedness, Shamefacedness, clothe herself properly is guilty of stirring up unlawful Trim.]

passions in the man. David and Bathsheba both were MOLADAH (place of nativity). Jos. 15:26.

guilty in the transgression. Bathsheba should not have been bathing in a public place; David should not have MOLECH, MOLOCH. [See Idolatry.]

402

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MOLLIFY - MONEY

MOLLIFY. To soften or make tender; to assuage, as be shekels of the sanctuary. A homer of barley (six pain or irritation; an old medical term (Is. 1:6).

bushels) was worth 50 shekels (Le. 27:16). A war MOLTEN. Melted; the old strong form of the past chariot was valued at 600 shekels and a horse at 150

participle of the verb ‘to melt,’ now used only as an shekels (1 Ki. 10:29).

adjective (The Bible Word-Book) (Job 28:2; Mic. 1:4).

The “bekah” was worth half a shekel (Ex. 38:26), MONEY. A portable medium of exchange generally roughly 1/5th of an ounce.

accepted in a society as a measure of value. In early The “gerah” was 1/10th of a bekah (Ex. 30:13; Le.

biblical times, wealth was measured in land, animals, or 27:25; Nu. 3:47; 18:16; Eze. 45:12).

crops (Ge. 12:16). Barter was common. Vassal nations The “dram” ( daric), a Persian gold coin (1 Ch. 29:7; paid tribute in sheep and rams (2 Ki. 3:4), and Ezr. 2:69; 8:27; Ne. 7:70-72), was possibly worth about individuals paid tithes and taxes in grain, oil, or wine one British pound or two U.S. dollars.

(De. 14:22, 23). But as early as Abraham’s time, silver Money in the N.T.:

was the most common medium of exchange (Ge. 23:15, 16). In fact, “silver” frequently means “money” in both

“Penny” and “pence” ( denarion) (Mt. 18:28; 20:2-the O.T. and N.T. Thus, De. 14:24, 25 suggests that if it 13; 22:19; Mk. 6:37; 14:5; Lk. 10:35; 20:24; Jn. 12:5; is too difficult to transport a tenth of one’s crops to the Re. 6:6). The value of the penny was a laborer’s pay for place of worship, the crops may be exchanged for silver.

one day (Mt. 20:2,9). This is the same as the piece of At first, silver and gold were weighed out on scales. The money in Mt. 17:24-27. The modern American penny, different values of money we read about in the Bible—

being one one-hundredth of a dollar and having the talent, shekel, maneh, and gerah—refer to units of insignificant value, gives the wrong idea. The original weight. But even these weight units were not Roman penny, the denarius, was a silver coin equal to standardized in early times. Thus, the shekels Abraham ten brass coins. It was the common wage for a Roman paid for Sarah’s burial field were computed “according soldier. The value of the penny helps us understand the to the weight current among the merchants” (Ge.

meaning of Jesus’ parable of the unmerciful servant (Mt.

23:16). And later, when government attempted to 18:21-35). The king, who represented God, had standardize weights, there were still “heavy” and “light”

forgiven the servant a debt of 10,000 talents, which weight systems. Coins were not invented until about would be equal to 30 million days of labor. This servant, 600 B.C. ... their value was determined by the weight of in turn, refused to forgive the debt of 100 pennys, or the metal they contained (Revell). Our knowledge of roughly 100 days’ wage. Though it was a significant biblical weights and measures is not only incomplete, debt, it was as nothing when compared with the debt but authorities differ as to values and quantities which had been forgiven the unmerciful servant. The (Analytical).

value of the penny also shows the value of the ointment with which Martha anointed Jesus’ feet (Jn. 12:1-5). It Money Values in the O.T.:

was worth 300 pennys, roughly the amount a laborer The “talent” ( kikkar) was 75.558 pounds (Ex. 25:39; would earn in a full year.

37:24; 2 Sa. 12:30; 1 Ki. 9:14, 28; 10:10; 16:24; 2 Ki.

The “talent” (Mt. 18:24; 25:15-28) (talanton) 5:5; 15:19; 18:14; 23:33; Ezr. 8:26; Es. 3:9; Ze. 5:7). It equaled roughly 200 British pounds or 400 U.S. dollars.

was equal to 60 manehs.

The “mite” ( lepton) was the smallest copper coin, The “maneh was 20.148 ounces (Eze. 45:12). It was worth half a farthing (Mk. 12:42; Lk. 12:59; 21:2) It’s equal to 50 shekels. The maneh is translated “pound” in value would be less than a U.S. penny. We see from Mt.

1 Ki. 10:17; Ezr. 2:69; Ne. 7:71, 72.

10:29 that the mite, as one-half a farthing, would be the The “shekel” was 20 gerahs, 1/50th of a maneh, or price of one insignificant sparrow.

about four-tenths of an ounce (Ge. 24:22; Ex. 30:13; The “farthing ( kodrantes) (Mt. 5:26) was worth two Eze. 45:12). It must be noted that there are two shekels mites (Mk. 12:42) and had the value of two sparrows mentioned in the O.T.: one according to ‘the king’s (Mt. 10:29).

weight,’ probably the standard shekel used for all ordinary business (Ex. 38:29; Jos. 7:21; 2 Sa. 14:26; The “pound” (Lk. 19:13-25) was worth about 100

Am. 8:5); and another called the ‘shekel of the times the value of the penny.

sanctuary,’ of which it is said the shekel is 20 gerahs (Ex.

The “piece of silver” ( argurion) (Mt. 26:15; 27:3-9; 30:13; Le. 27:25; Nu. 3:47; 18:16). This seems Ac. 3:6; 19:19; 20:33; 1 Pe. 1:18) was worth about confirmed by the word maneh in the following passages.

three times the value of the penny.

By comparing 1 Ki. 10:17 with 2 Ch. 9:16 it will be seen The “piece of money” ( Istater) (Mt. 17:27) was worth that a maneh equals 100 skekels; whereas in Eze. 45:12

about three times the value of the penny. [Lack of the maneh equals 60 shekels, because the latter would money as a trial see Suffering.] [See Brought on the Way, Covet, Employment, Gold, Labor, Lucre, Offerings, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 403

MONEY CHANGERS - MORMONS

Possessions, Private Ownership of Property, Steal, returned to the angel after he had completed the Stewardship, Tithe, Weights and Measures.]

translation. Smith also claimed that the priesthood of MONEY CHANGERS. Businessmen who served as Aaron was conferred upon him by a heavenly messenger bankers in N.T. times, exchanging currency and he identified as John the Baptist, and that Peter, James, sometimes taking deposits and making loans—with and John bestowed upon him the priesthood of interest, which was contrary to the Mosaic Law. Many Melchizedek! [See Melchizedek.]

money changers did business in the outer court of the The Book of Mormon and two other books by Smith, Temple. The rabbis decreed that Temple taxes and the A Pearl of Great Price and Doctrines and Covenants, are price of sacrificial animals (De. 14:24-25) be paid in the Mormon holy books. While Mormons profess to silver didrachmas or tetradrachmas (shekels of Tyre).

believe and revere the Bible as well, they refuse to Thus, worshipers were forced to change any of the accept its teachings, preferring instead to follow the many coinages current in Palestine into “acceptable contradictory teachings of Smith’s writings and of the money”—at a charge ranging from four to eight percent.

later Mormon prophets and apostles.

Money changers often cheated their customers, and In spite of the fanciful nature of Joseph Smith’s story, certain priestly families shared in the proceeds, a fact the Mormon church grew quickly. Soon they grew into a established by first-century documents as well as by large settlement, and, because of opposition, traveled Jesus’ charge that the money changers were making toward the western United States. In 1844 Joseph Smith God’s house “a den of robbers” (Mt. 21:13).

and his brother Hyrum were killed by an angry mob in MONOTHEISM. The belief that there is only one Carthage, Illinois. The Mormons split into several God.

groups at that time. One group followed Joseph Smith, MONSTER. Same Hebrew word as Dragon (La. 4:3).

Jr., and founded the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ

[See Dragon.]

of Latter Day Saints. This group claims roughly 238,000

MORASTHITE (native of a place named Moresheth).

members today. The largest group remained intact and Je. 26:18.

accepted the leadership of Brigham Young. The Mormons moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, arriving in MORDECAI (taught of God). The hero who helped 1847, enduring great hardships to establish a prospering save the Jews during the times of Queen Esther community in the Salt Lake Valley. They built a huge (Esther).

church edifice called the Mormon Tabernacle. In 1877, MORESHETHGATH (possession of Gath). Mi. 1:14).

when Young died, there were already 140,000

MORIAH (high). The land in which was situated the Mormons. As of 1989 there were 4.5 million members mount on which Abraham was told to offer his son Isaac in 98 countries and 24 territories. The membership (Ge. 22:2). This was the same place upon which the increased by 60 percent in the 1980s (Handbook).

temple was built hundreds of years later (2 Ch. 3:1).

The Mormons are very aggressive in promoting their Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac typified the sacrifice of the beliefs. About one-third of young Mormon men dedicate Lord Jesus Christ by God the Father for the sins of the 18 months to two years for missionary service. In 1989

world. [See Isaac, Jesus Christ, Type.]

there were 35,000 Mormons serving as full-time MORMONS. This false group started in America in missionaries throughout the world (Handbook).

the early 19th century. A man named Joseph Smith Some of the false Mormon beliefs are as follows: (1) founded the group. In 1820 he claimed that God and Salvation is by faith in Christ plus the good works of the Jesus Christ appeared to him and informed him that all Mormon Church. [See Gospel, Grace.] (2) Adam was existing churches and denominations had become God who had come from heaven with one of his apostate and that Smith had been chosen to reestablish heavenly wives, Eve. (3) The Book of Mormon and the true church—hence the name Church of Jesus Christ other writings of Joseph Smith are as true and binding of Latter Day Saints. He claimed that an angel then as the Bible. [See Inspiration.] (4) Men can become described to him the location of a book written on gold gods by obedience to Mormon teachings. (5) Men have plates. The angel, named Moroni, also told, supposedly, eternal preexistence before being born into this world.

of a pair of special glasses which would enable Smith to (6) The Mormon Church is the only true church today.

translate the book. Smith claimed to have found these (7) God did not create the universe from nothing; things and to have translated the writing. Called The matter has always existed. (8) Jesus was helped by Book of Mormon, this supposed translation of the secret Adam and others in creating the world. (9) Adam’s sin plates contains what is purported to be the account an was necessary for other men to be born and for men to ancient civilization in America which descended from have joy. (10) Jesus was born as the result of a physical the Hebrews and to whom Jesus Christ appeared after union between God the Father and Mary; Mormons His resurrection. Smith claimed that the plates were believe God the Father has a body. (11) Jesus was 404

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married while on earth. (12) There are sins which man not to say that Revelation 17 is entirely fulfilled by must atone for himself because Christ’s blood cannot Roman Catholicism. This prophecy will not be cleanse them. (13) No one can have eternal life without completed until the reign of the Antichrist just prior to keeping all the commandments of God. (14) Living the coming of the Lord, and Rome will be joined by a people can be baptized for dead people to help the dead conglomeration of other apostate churches and achieve salvation. (15) The saved will go to three organizations, the end result, no doubt, of the present different heavens, according to their particular merit.

Ecumenical Movement. Even so, every feature of this All of these beliefs are contrary to the Bible. The religious Harlot is found in the Roman Catholic Church: Mormon Church must be avoided in obedience to Ro.

yoked together with secular government, having great 16:17-18; 2 Jn. 9-11 and other passages which wealth, clothed in purple and scarlet, having a golden command separation from error. (For more about cup in her hand, drunk with the blood of the saints. For Mormon history and beliefs see the Way of Life a thousand years and more, separatist Bible-believing Advanced Bible Studies Series course Defense of the Christians have identified Rome with the Harlot of Faith.) [See also Apostasy, Baptism - Immersion, Fable, Revelation 17. At the end of the NINTH CENTURY, False Teaching, Foolish Questions, Gospel, Grace,

“Tergandus, Bishop of Treves, called the pope antichrist, Heaven, Heresy, Heretic, Polygamy, Separation, Tares.]

yea, a wolf, and Rome, babylon” ( Martyrs Mirror, 5th MORNINGSTAR. [See Star.]

English edition, p. 240). In the TENTH CENTURY, Arnulphus, Bishop of Orleans, called the pope antichrist, MORROW. Morning; tomorrow (Le. 22:30; Nu.

in a full council at Rheims (Peter Allix, The Ecclesiastical 16:5; Es. 2:14).

History of the Ancient Churches of Piedmont, 1821, p.

MORTAL, MORTALITY. The natural human 229). In the ELEVENTH CENTURY, Berenger of Tours condition as being subject to death (Job 4:17; 6:12; Ro.

denounced Rome’s dogmas and maintained that the 8:11; 1 Co. 15:53, 54). [See Death, Eternal, Eternal Roman Church was the See of Satan (George Faber, The Security, Immortal, Resurrection.]

History of the Ancient Vallenses and Albigenses, 1838, p.

MORTAL SIN. [See Roman Catholic Church.]

159). THE WALDENSIANS, throughout their long MORTAR. A vessel of wood, stone, or metal in form history, identified the pope as the antichrist. The of an inverted bell, in which substances are pounded or Waldensian treatise titled the Noble Lesson, dated 1100

bruised with a pestle (Webster) (Nu. 11:8; Pr. 27:22).

A.D., stated: “Antichrist, the predicted murderer of the

[See Pestle.]

Saints, hath already appeared in his true character, MORTIFY. Put to death (Ro. 8:13; Col. 3:5).

seated monarchally in the seven-hilled city.” In the MOSERA (chain, binding, discipline). De. 10:6.

TWELFTH CENTURY, in roughly 1120 A.D., A Treatise Concerning Antichrist identified the pope of Rome as MOSEROTH (chains, bonds, corrections). Nu. 33:30.

the antichrist. George Faber identifies this as a MOSAIC COVENANT. [See Covenant, Law, Gospel, production of Peter the Valdo (Faber, pp. 379-384). In Seventh-day Adventism.]

1206, at the conference of Montreal, the ALBIGENSES

MOSES (drawer out). The man God chose to lead made the following confession: “That the Church of Israel out of Egypt and through whom He gave the law Rome was not the spouse of Christ, but the Church of (Exodus-Deuteronomy; Jos. 1:1-17; Ju. 1:20; 1 Sa. 12:6, confusion, drunk with the blood of the martyrs. That the 8; 1 Ki. 2:3; 8:9, 53, 56; 2 Ki. 14:6; 23:25; Ezr. 3:2; polity of the Church of Rome was neither good nor holy, 6:18; 7:6; Ne. 1:7-8; 8:1,14; 9:14; 10:29; 13:1; Ps.

nor established by Jesus Christ” (Peter Allix, The 77:20; 99:6; 103:7; 105:26; 106:16-32; Is. 63:11, 12; Ecclesiastical History of the Ancient Churches of the Je. 15:1; Da. 9:11, 13; Mi. 6:4; Mal. 4:4; Mt. 17:3-4; Albigenses, 1821 edition, first published in 1692, p.

Mk. 12:26; Lk. 16:29, 31; 24:27, 44; Jn. 1:17,45; 178). The BOHEMIANS, a colony of Waldenses in 7:19-23; Ac. 7:20-44; 13:39; 2 Co. 3:7-15; He. 2:3-16; Bohemia, held the following beliefs, according to the Jude 9). [For proof that Moses wrote the first five books Roman Inquisitor. This description was given in the 14th of the Bible, see Inspiration.] [For commentary on century but uses material from the 13TH CENTURY: Moses’ father-in-law see Reuel.] [See also Covenant,

“The first error, saith he, is that the Church of Rome is Law.]

not the Church of Jesus Christ, but an assembly of MOTE. Splinter (Mt. 7:3-5; Lk. 6:41, 42).

wicked men, and the whore that sits upon the beast in MOTHER. [See Home.]

the Revelation. ... They declare the pope to be the head and ringleader of all errors” (Allix, Ancient Churches of MOTHER OF HARLOTS. The apostate religion of the Piedmont, pp. 242-259). The LOLLARDS of the 14TH

last days (Re. 17:5). We believe the Roman Catholic AND 15TH CENTURIES maintained “that the Church of Church is the partial fulfillment of the prophecy in Rome was not the Church of Christ, but of infidel Revelation 17 of a one-world religious Harlot. This is heathens; and they despised all ecclesiastical laws, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 405

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together with all the Bishops and Ministers of the MOTIONS. Passions (Ro. 7:5). The word translated Church” (Allix, Ancient Churches of the Albigenses, p.

“motions” in this verse, patheema, is also translated 230). The Petrobusians judged the pope to be the

“sufferings” (Ro. 8:18), “affections” (Ga. 5:24), and antichrist (Allix, Ancient Churches of the Albigenses, p.

“afflictions” (2 Ti. 3:11).

142).

MOUNT. (1) Mountain (Ge. 14:6; Ex. 19:1). (2) Throughout THE REFORMATION ERA, Rome was Embankment or mound of earth (Je. 6:6; 32:24; Eze.

considered the Mother of Harlots. On September 9, 4:2; 21:22).

1560, Pastor Jean Louis Paschale of Calabria, just before MOUNT SINAI. [See Sinai, Moses, Law.]

he was burned alive in the presence of Pope Pius IV in MOUNTAIN. (1) A hill or mountain (Is. 64:1,3). (2) Rome, turned to the pope and “arraigned him as the Gentile governments (Je. 51:25). (3) The future enemy of Christ, the persecutor of his people, and the Messianic kingdom (Is. 2:2-3; 11:9; 66:20). [See AntiChrist of Scripture, and concluded by summoning Kingdom, Millennium.]

him and all his cardinals to answer for their cruelties and murders before the throne of the Lamb” (J.A. Wylie, MOURN. To be sorrowful; to grieve; to lament (Ge.

History of the Waldenses, c1860, p. 120).

23:2; Mt. 5:4). Things for which we are to mourn: God’s judgment (Je. 4:28; Joel 1:9); oppression (Ps. 55:2; Pr.

All of the Reformation leaders considered the pope 29:2; Is. 38:14); personal sin (Pr. 5:11; Ro. 7:18,24; Ja.

the antichrist. Luther said, “I believe the pope is the 4:8-9); lost souls (Ps. 126:6); sin in the church (1 Co.

masked and incarnate devil because he is the 5:2); others (Job 2:11; 1 Sa. 16:1; Mt. 23:37-39); loss Antichrist” ( Table Talks, Vol. 54, No. 4487, p. 346). The of loved ones (Ge. 23:2; 1 Th. 4:13-18); God’s Articles of Schmalkald call the pope “the vertiable chastening (Ps. 30:5). [See Suffering, Tribulation.]

Antichrist.” Calvin calls the pope “antichrist” (Treatise I: 276). The Second Scotch Confession of Faith (1580) MOVE. (1) To carry, convey or draw from one place calls the pope “that Roman Antichrist.” The Irish Articles to another; to cause to change place or posture in any of Religion (1615), No. 80, call the pope “that man of manner or by any means (Webster) (2 Sa. 7:10; 1 Ki.

sin.” The Savoy Declaration (1658) calls the pope 23:18). (2) Motion; action; life (Ge. 7:21; Le. 11:10).

“antichrist.” Bible translator William Tyndale identified (3) To compel; to motivate; to stir up (De. 32:21; Jud.

the pope as the antichrist in his treatise The Practice of 13:25; Mk. 1:41; 15:11). (4) Shaken; fallen; destroyed; Prelates and in the Preface to the 1534 edition of his cast down (Ps. 55:22; 62:2; 1 Th. 3:3). (5) Carried New Testament. Their successors in the 17TH, 18TH, along; controlled (2 Pe. 1:21).

AND 19TH CENTURIES persisted in this. Many of the MOZA (bubbling waters). 1 Ch. 8:36.

early Protestant Bibles contained dramatic wood MOZAH (bubbling waters). Jos. 18:26.

cuttings portraying the Scarlet Woman of Revelation 17, MUFFLER. A wrapper or covering for the neck and plainly identifying the Roman Catholic Church with this lower part of the face, as the kerchief was for the head apostate religious system. Those accompanying the (Is. 3:19).

Luther New Testament were made by Cranach. In his MULTITUDE. A great number; abundance (Ge.

1893 work titled Union with Rome, Bishop Christopher 16:10).

Wordsworth of the Church of England stated the view MUNITION. Stronghold; fortress (Is. 29:7; 33:16).

which prevailed among Protestants at that time: “... we tremble at the sight, while we read the inscription, MUPPIM (anxieties, coverings). Ge. 46:21.

emblazoned in large letters, ‘Mystery, Babylon the MURDER. [See Kill.]

Great,’ written by the hand of St. John, guided by the MURMUR. To grumble; to complain; to utter Holy Spirit of God, on the forehead of the Church of complaints in a low, half articulated voice; to utter Rome.” These examples could be multiplied almost sullen discontent (Webster) (Ex. 5:22; 15:24; 16:2-12; endlessly. Further, old-line Protestants, Baptists, and 17:3; Nu. 14:2, 27, 29, 36; 16:11, 41; 17:5, 10; De.

other fundamentalist Bible-believing Christians continue 1:27; Jos. 9:18; Ps. 106:25; Lk. 5:30; 15:2; 19:7; Jn.

TODAY to identify Rome with Revelation 17. For 6:41, 43, 61; 7:12, 32; Ac. 6:1; 1 Co. 10:10; Ph. 2:14; example, there are hundreds of thousands of Ja. 5:9; Jude 16). [See Gossip.]

fundamental Baptists scattered throughout the world MURRAIN. An infectious and fatal disease among who so identify Rome. [See Antichrist, Babel, Babylon, cattle (Webster) (Ex. 9:3).

Church, Church History, Great Tribulation, Prophecy, MUSE. To meditate (Ps. 143:5).

Roman Catholic Church, Separation, Tares, Timothy, Unity.] [For a study comparing the Harlot of Revelation MUSIC, MUSICK. “Melody or harmony; any 17 with the Roman Catholic Church see Prophecy.]

succession of sounds so modulated as to please the ear, or any combination of simultaneous sounds in accordance or harmony. Music is vocal or instrumental.

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Vocal music is the melody of a single voice, or the we should be ‘making melody.’ The words translated harmony of two or more voices in concert. Instrumental

‘singing and making melody’ in Ephesians 5:19 come m u s i c i s t h a t p r o d u c e d b y o n e o r m o r e from two Greek words: adontes, meaning ‘singing’ and instruments” (Webster).

psallontes, meaning ‘psalming,’ or ‘putting music to poetry’ (setting poetry to music), which is what the THE ORIGIN OF MUSIC

word melody means. Melody comes from two Greek Satan is mentioned in connection with musical words, meloidia meaning ‘choral song,’ derived from instruments before his fall (Eze. 28:12-14). The mention melos, tune, plus aoidein, ‘to sing.’... This instrumental of “thy tabrets and of thy pipes” in v. 13 is a possible term refers to the music and only by implication to the reference to the fact that Satan, as the “anointed words. Thus, when the King James Version of Scripture cherub” (v. 14), had the ability to produce music for the follows the command to be filled with the Spirit with glory of God prior to his fall.

the musical form melody, it is accurately teaching that this element of music and God’s control in our lives are The angels sang together at the creation (Job 38:7).

closely related.

Cain’s offspring made musical instruments The first The part of music to which your mind responds is the mention of music among men is in Ge. 4:21. Cain’s harmony. Harmony is the intellectual part of music.

great-grandson Jubal “was the father of all such as Extensive training and a disciplined lifelong study are handle the harp and organ.” Thus men have made required to write and understand music with correct music from the earliest days after creation. God put harmony. ... A correct, good-sounding, mood-producing music in the heart of man, but sin has often corrupted harmony can be arranged and effectively written only it.

by a trained musician. The word harmony, ultimately from the Greek word for ‘joint,’ suggests the idea of David made many musical instruments and fitting together. The harmony joins the melody and the established the music program in Israel (1 Ch. 23:5; 2

rhythm together.

Ch. 7:6; 29:26; Am. 6:5).

The part of music to which your body responds is the THE NATURE OF MUSIC

rhythm. The Greek word from which the word rhythm The following is from Music in the Balance by Frank comes is rheo, which means ‘to flow,’ or ‘to pulse.’

Garlock and Kurt Woetzel, Copyright 1992, Majesty Although this word is not used in relation to music in the Bible, its meaning and use do give some insight Music, pp. 55-59:

concerning rhythm in music. For instance, Jesus used Music is considered to have three primary parts: this word in John 7:38 when He said, ‘He that melody, harmony, and rhythm. ... The most prominent believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his part of the music should be the melody. It is the belly shall flow rivers of living water.’ The rhythm is horizontal arrangement of sounds which is recognized the pulse of the music, and the analogy between the first when we sing a song like ‘When I Survey the pulse and rhythm will help any desirous Christian to Wondrous Cross.’ Some of us may have sung what is gain discernment in his choice of music.

sometimes called harmony, such as the alto part. The Too much (or erratic pulse)

Body is sick

alto part is normally sung by the lower female voices, Too much (or erratic rhythm)

Music is sick

but actually the altos, as well as the tenors and basses, No pulse

Body is dead

are each singing a melody that harmonizes with the No rhythm

Music is dead

other three parts.

Pulse under control

Body is well

The harmony is the vertical aspect of the music, or the Rhythm under control

Music is ‘well’

chords of the music. It is the sounds which are heard Rhythm is the physical part of music. The Christian when the individual parts coincide. In what is called with a Scriptural order and balance in his life homophonic music, the voices sound simultaneously emphasizes the spiritual first (Mt. 6:33), the most of the time. By contrast, in polyphonic music in intellectual or emotional second (2 Co. 10:5), and the which the individual voices are more independent, the physical last (Ro. 13:14). Consider also Pr. 3:5-6 and harmony is less pronounced because of the dominance Lk. 12:31.

of the melodic lines and their linear movement. The rhythm makes the music move. If it were not for the Just as the spiritual considerations of life receive rhythm, the music could not progress—it would stand priority by the balanced Christian, so the melody (that still as one continuous, quickly boring, and part of music to which the spirit responds) must uninteresting sound.

dominate the music in the Christian’s life. Similarly, the harmony (that part of music to which the mind and The part of music to which the spirit responds is the emotions respond) needs to have a supportive role in melody. Ephesians 5:18-19 gives us a clear indication music, just as the mind and the emotions play a the part of music which God wants to be preeminent in secondary role in the Christian experience. Last, and the music of a Christian. Verse 18 commands us to be most obvious, the rhythm (that part of music to which

‘filled with the spirit.’ The word ‘filled’ literally means the body responds) must be under strict control in

‘to be controlled.’ The very next verse then states that music, just as the body and its desires need to be Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 407

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disciplined in the Christian’s life. If we genuinely want The Israelite women sang at the return of the armies to do right and understand, then these concepts from battle (1 Sa. 18:6-7).

become extremely sensible and logical. But frequently, David made many musical instruments and as in other areas of the Christian life, our tastes, preferences, and opinions blur our vision and interfere organized music for the worship of God (1 Ch. 23:5; 2

with comprehension. Consider Paul’s words as he Ch. 7:6; 29:26; Am. 6:5)

speaks of the body: ‘For if ye live after the flesh, ye Solomon made musical instruments (1 Ki. 10:12; 2

shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the Ch. 9:11; Ec. 2:8).

deeds of the body, ye shall live (Ro. 8:13). ‘But I keep Israel sang at the coronation of Solomon (1 Ki.

under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that 1:39,40).

by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway’ (1 Co. 9:27).

Israel sang at the coronation of Joash—”...and all the The body must be in proper relationship with the mind people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, and spirit. It is not that rhythm should be abandoned, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as but it needs to be in proper balance with the harmony taught to sing praise” (2 Ch. 23:12-13).

and the melody. ...

Israel sang at the rededication of the temple by If the body and physical things are a priority in one’s Hezekiah—”...and the Levites and the priests praised the life, that person is sensual. If the rhythm is the primary Lord day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the dominating part of any piece of music, then that music Lord” (2 Ch. 29:20-36).

is sensual. ...

Israel sang at the dedication of the rebuilt temple The pulse is there to sustain life. It does not call (Ezr. 3:10-11).

attention to itself in that role. Rhythm should play the same part in music. It is there to keep the music Israel sang at the dedication of the rebuilt wall in moving, not to dominate the sound (The previous Jerusalem (Ne. 12:42-47)

study is from Music in the Balance by Frank Garlock Jesus sang with his disciples (Mk. 14:26; He. 2:12).

and Kurt Woetzel, Copyright 1992, Majesty Music, pp.

Paul and Silas sang praises to God in the jail (Ac.

55-59).

16:25).

MUSIC USED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

The earth will break forth in singing during the Moses and Israel sang in the wilderness (Ex. 15:1-21; Millennium (Is. 14:7).

Nu. 21:17)

There is singing in heaven (Re. 5:8-10; 14:2-3; Deborah and Barak sang at the downfall of Sisera 15:2-3).

(Ju. 5:1-31).

Miscellaneous references to music in the O.T. (Ge.

The Levites were organized to sing and make music 31:27; Ju. 11:34; 2 Sa. 19:35; Job 30:31; Pr. 29:6; Is.

in praise to God. “And David spake to the chief of the 5:12; 12:5; 14:7; 16:10; 23:16; 30:29-32; 44:23; Eze.

Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with 26:13; 33:32; 40:44; 8:10; Hab. 3:19).

instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy” (1

MUSIC USED FOR THE WICKEDNESS OF MAN

Ch. 15:16). See also 1 Ch. 15:16-28; 16:4-42; 23:3-6, Israel made music when they committed idolatry and 27-30; 25:1-8; 2 Ch. 5:12-13; 20:19-28; 23:13; immorality (Ex. 32:4-6, 17-19,25).

29:25-28; 31:2; 35:15, 25; Ezr. 2:64; 3:10-11; Ne.

Nebuchadnezzar required music to be played at his 12:42-47.

idolatrous festival (Da. 3:4-16).

The Psalms contain 150 musical psalms to God The wicked make music to entertain themselves in

—”Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands. Serve their rebellion to God (Job 21:12-14).

the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with The wicked make music in connection with moral singing” (Ps. 100:1). “Praise him with the sound of the debauchery (Is. 5:11-12; 24:8-9; Am. 6:5-6).

trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise The rebellious Babylonian world system loves music him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with (Eze. 26:13; Re. 18:22).

stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITUAL MUSIC

loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals” (Ps. 150:3-5). (See also Ps. 33:1-4; (1) It must be understandable (1 Co. 14:15). (2) It 68:4,25-35; 81:1-3; 87:7; 92:1-3; 95:1-2; 98:1-8; must be under the control of the Holy Spirit (Ep.

104:33; 105:2; 135:1-3; 137:1-6; 144:9; 149:1-6).

5:18,19). (3) It must be “to the Lord” (Ep. 5:19). (4) It must be thankful (Ep. 5:20). (5) It must be in the name Israel sang when God fought against Moab and of Jesus Christ (Ep. 5:20). (6) It must be based on the Ammon (2 Ch. 20:14-23).

Word of Christ (Col. 3:16). (7) It must be sung with David sang to comfort Saul (1 Sa. 16:15, 16, 23).

grace in the heart to the Lord (Col. 3:16).

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churches, and the music leaders should teach and David organized the music worship program for the encourage it. I believe that congregational singing is a temple (1 Ch. 15:16-28; 16:4-6; 23:1-5; 25:1-31), and reflection of a church’s spiritual character. Many of the he did this by divine revelation (2 Ch. 29:25).

Lord’s people do not sing or sing so softly that no one can Though some churches don’t believe in using music hear them, but the song service is not about me and instruments, it is obvious that God loves sacred worship whether or not I feel like singing or whether I like to sing, music. Today the church is the house of God and these and it’s not a time to be entertained. It is about singing to things in the Old Testament are an example for the God and edifying one another, and it should be done with churches (Ro. 15:4).

exuberance.

Notice some lessons from these passages.

(7) They prophesied (1 Ch. 25:1-3). Compare 1

Corinthians 14:24-25 which says that all the saints (1) The instruments were harps, psalteries, cymbals, should prophesy. This doesn’t mean that every member trumpets and cornets (1 Ch. 15:28). These are not the preaches. Paul limited the actual prophesying or preaching type of instruments used to create worldly dance music.

to two or three (1 Co. 14:29). 1 Corinthians 14:3 says Notice that there were no drums. These are instruments prophesying is speaking “unto men to edification, and that provide good accompaniment to the human voice, exhortation, and comfort.” Any of that is prophesying. For because it is the human voice that enunciates the words of all to prophesy means that every believer participates in edification and praise.

and responds to every part of the service from the heart: to (2) The singers and musicians were skillful (“excel,” 1

the singing and playing, to the preaching and teaching, Ch. 15:21; “skilful,” 1 Ch. 15:22; “cunning,” 1 Ch. 25:7).

even to the corporate prayer. I like the practice I have seen One qualification for ministry is ability. When God calls in Korean Baptist churches. During public prayer, as one an individual to a ministry, he gifts and equips him for brother is leading, the brethren say a loud “amen” after that ministry. For example, the elder must be apt to teach every statement. This is prophesying! This is unity in and must be able to exhort and convince false teachers (1

corporate prayer. When visitors see that the members are Ti. 3:2; Titus 1:9). If a man cannot do this work, he is not enthusiastically involved in the services, they understand called to be an elder.

that the brethren really do believe in Christ, and they are (3) They excelled (1 Ch. 15:21). They wanted convicted of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

everything to be as perfect as possible; mediocrity was (8) They sang God’s Words (1 Ch. 25:5). Compare unacceptable.

Colossians 3:16.

(4) They were trained (1 Ch. 25:7). Churches should

- Worship must must be based solidly upon Scripture; it do everything they can to provide training for their singers must not be heretical or frivolous or shallow. The first test and musicians to the glory of the Creator. It is one thing to of Christian music is the test of whether its message is be untrained and ignorant, but it is quite another thing to Scriptural.

be content to remain untrained and to offer unto God

- Worship music should flow from lives that are filled something less than our best. Every church must be a richly with God’s Word, and from lives that understand serious Bible training institute.

the Word and practice its precepts wisely in daily living.

(5) They were well organized; they submitted to God’s This is what creates a spiritual song service. Yet in my order and to the authority figures God had put over them; experience, the average member of Bible-believing churches they were assigned their places (1 Ch. 15:17, 19; 25:2, is ignorant of God’s Word and doesn’t have the wisdom to 6).

apply it to daily living. No wonder our services are so

- The lot was used (1 Ch. 25:8) so that God’s will lukewarm.

would be done in the appointment of the singers and (9) They gave thanksgiving to God (1 Ch. 25:3). This musicians and so that no favoritism would be exercised by is the first and foremost purpose of the Christian life and the leaders. The lot was used to determine God’s mind.

church.

There is no place for jealously and carnality and

- There are two kinds of spiritual songs: those that favoritism in the church’s music ministry. All things should teach and edify the brethren and those that praise the be done by the mind of God and for the glory of God Lord (Col. 3:16). The churches need to make sure that rather than for man. Compare 1 Co. 12:7. We don’t need they sing hymns of worship and not only songs for the to use the lot today, because we have the indwelling Spirit edification of the saints.

and the complete Word of God.

- True worship is not a rock & roll dance party; it is not

- Submission to God-ordained authority is the way of a performance. True worship is glorifying God with the peace in the congregation (1 Thes. 5:12-13).

mind and heart for His attributes and character and (6) They sang and played with enthusiasm and joy (1

Ch. 15:16). God’s people should follow this example in the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 409

MUTH-LABBEN - MUTTER

works. See Psalm 100. True worship is to give thanks to Nehiloth, in the title of Ps. 5, seems to indicate, God (Heb. 13:15).

according to Gesenius, that when this Psalm was sung it All of this looks forward to the Millennial Temple when was to be accompanied by wind instruments.

Christ will be seated on the throne of His glory and the Selah. This term appears frequently in the Psalms.

priests will sing and play to His glory and people will Possibly it signified a pause in the vocal music while an worship Him (Ezek. 40:44). The Psalms are filled with instrumental interlude or finale was rendered.

prophecies of this (e.g., Psalm 33:1-11; 149:1-3; Sheminith, in the titles of Psalms 6 and 12, translated 150:3-6).

‘eighth,’ probably indicates the measure, movement, or MUSICA SYMBOLS USED IN THE O.T.

pitch.

The following study was taken primarily from Naves Shiggaion, in the title of Ps. 7, and its plural, Topical Bible:

Shigionoth, in the title of Hab. 3, are supposed to have Alamoth. Literally virgins. A musical term which been musical terms to guide in rendering the song. At appears in 1 Ch. 15:20 and in the title of Ps. 46. It the close of the chapter the author refers the ode ‘to the seems to indicate the rendering of the song by female chief musician, on my stringed instruments.’ The term voices, possible soprano.

may suggest the movement in interpreting the music set Al-Taschith. It appears in the titles of Ps. 57, 58, 59, to it.

75, and seems to have been used to indicate the kind of Shoshannim and Shushan-Eduth, in the titles of Ps.

ode, or the kind of melody in which the ode should be 45, 60, 69, 80, seem to indicate the manner in which sung.

these Psalms were to be rendered. Kimchi, Tremellius, Higgaion. In Ps. 92:3, according to Gesenius, it and Eichhorn render it ‘hexachorda,’ that is, that in signifies the murmuring tone of a harp, and hence that singing these Psalms instruments of six strings were to the music should be rendered in a plaintive manner. In accompany. “Gesenius refers it to the form of the Ps. 9:16, combined with ‘Selah,’ it may have been instruments as resembling lilies. Furst, as the name of intended to indicate a pause in the vocal music while one of the musical choirs” (Concise). [See Cornet, the instruments rendered an interlude. In Ps. 19:14, Cymbals, Dancing, Harp, Hymn, Laughter, Organ, Pipe, Mendelssohn translates it ‘meditation, thought.’ Hence Psaltery, Rejoice, Sackbut, Timbrel, Trumpet.]

that the music was to be rendered in a mode to promote MUTH-LABBEN (death, on the death of the son). Ps.

devout meditation.

9: Title. [See Music.]

Mahalath, Leannoth. These terms are found in the MUTTER. To utter with imperfect articulations, or titles of Ps. 53 and 88. ... They may indicate the with a low murmuring voice; to grumble; to murmur; to instruments to be played or the melody to be sung.

make obscure utterance (Webster) (Is. 8:19). The Maschil. This musical sign occurs in the titles of Hebrew word ( hagah) is also elsewhere translated Psalms 32, 42, 44, 45, 52, 53, 54, 55, 74, 78, 88, 89,

“mourn” (Is. 16:7; 38:14; 59:11), “roaring” (Is. 31:4), 142. The meaning is obscure, but its signification where

“utter” (Job 27:4), “speak” (Ps. 35:26; 115:7), and it occurs elsewhere than in the titles of Psalms is

“imagine” (Ps. 38:12). The wizards are said to “peep equivalent to the English word ‘instruments,’ or to and mutter,” referring to the various odd utterances they become wise by instruction; hence Ps. 47:7, ‘Sing ye made in their incantations and séances. The familiar praises with understanding.’

spirits were those who professed to be able to communicate with the dead, whereas the wizards were Michtam. A musical term in the titles of Ps. 16, 56, the magicians and soothsayers who sought to prophesy 57, 58-60. Luther interprets as ‘golden,’ that is, precious.

the future and control events in this world through Ewald interprets it as signifying a plaintive manner.

magic. The mutterings of those with familiar spirits is Muth-Labben, in the title of Ps. 9. Authorities, ancient referred to in Is. 29:4. “These conjurors had strange and modern, differ as to the probable signification.

fantastic gestures and tones. They delivered what they Gesenius and De Wette interpret it, ‘with the voice of had to say with a low, hollow, broken sound, scarcely virgins, by boys.’ Others derive the word from a articulate, and sometimes in a puling or mournful tone, different Hebrew root, and interpret it as indicating that like a crane, or a swallow, or a dove. They spoke not the Psalm was a funeral ode.

with that boldness and plainness which the prophets of Neginah and Neginoth appear in the titles of Ps. 4, 54, the Lord spoke with, but as those who desire to amuse 55, 61, 67, and Hab. 3:19. Its use seems to have been to people rather than to instruct them. Dread the use of indicate that the song should be accompanied by spells and charms, and consulting those that by hidden stringed instruments.

arts pretend to tell fortunes, cure diseases, or discover things lost; for this is a heinous crime, and, in effect, 410

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MUZZLE - MYTH

denies the God that is above” (Matthew Henry). “[The Christ’s appearance will be glorified and caught up peeping] is applied to the gentle whispering which the without seeing death. “The O.T. prophets saw the return ancients ascribed to departed spirits; the small, low, of Christ to the earth with His saints in power and glory, shrill voice which they were supposed to use, and but not His coming to the air for the saints.” (3) The which, probably, those attempted to imitate who mystery of the church as the body of christ, composed of claimed the power of raising them to the earth. It was saved Jews and Gentiles of this age (Ro. 16:25; Ep.

believed among all the ancient nations, that departed 3:1-11; 6:19; Co. 4:3). “The O.T. does not mention spirits did not speak out openly and clearly, but with an anything about the founding of the N.T. Church by indistinct, low, gentle, suppressed voice” (Barnes). [See Christ, the component members of N.T. churches (Ep.

Peep, Witchcraft.]

3:3-9), or the special relationship Christ has with His MUZZLE. To bind the mouth; to fasten the mouth to churches (Ep. 5:23-32; Re. 1:12, 13, 20).” (4) The prevent biting or eating (De. 25:4).

mystery of the indwelling Christ (Ga. 2:20; Col. 1:26-27).

MYRA (burnt up, weeping). Ac. 27:5.

(5) The mystery of the incarnate Christ of God manifest in the flesh (Col. 2:2, 9; 1 Co. 2:7; 1 Ti. 3:16). (6) The MYRRH. A fragrant, valuable gum resin which mystery of Israel’s temporary blindness, that Israel would ranked among the chief spices and fragrances (Song be blinded and set apart while God called out a people 4:13-14). It was used as a perfume in romance (Pr.

for His name from among the nations (Ro. 11:25). (7) 7:17; Song 3:6; 5:5, 13). It was used in the holy The mystery of Babylon (Re. 17:5, 7). “The Babylonian anointing oil (Ex. 30:23), in the beautification of queens system is seen throughout the O.T. narrative, but this (Es. 2:12), and in Christ’s burial (Jn. 19:39). Myrrh was final form of a one-world religion as a tool of the one of the gifts offered to the infant Christ by the wise Antichrist (Re. 17:7) is N.T. truth.” (8) The mystery of men (Mt. 2:11). Myrrh is used in the description of iniquity (2 Th. 2:7). This is the revelation of the devil’s Christ’s heavenly glory (Ps. 45:8). Mingled with wine, it program to bring in the antichrist; it is the revelation of was offered to Christ as a stupefying drink (Mk. 15:23).

the increase of apostasy throughout the church age. (9)

[See Crucify, Gall.]

The mystery of God (Re. 10:7). This mystery is in reality MYSIA (abominable, criminal). Ac. 16:7.

the long time span of this present age of man. “The MYSTERY. (1) The term mystery in common usage mystery of God is the long delay of our Lord in taking refers to something secret; something difficult to the kingdom unto Himself and in establishing understand; something mystical and out of the ordinary.

righteousness in the earth. The mystery of God is seen The Bible does use the term this way in certain instances in these thousands of years ... God has allowed Satan to (Ep. 5:32; Re. 17:5). (2) Most references to mystery in wrap his vicious slimy, filthy, cruel tentacles around this the N.T., though, refer to truths which God hid from men earth” (H.L. Willmington, The King Is Coming). (10) The in O.T. times, but which He has revealed in the N.T. It mystery of consummation (Ep. 1:9-10). This may be speaks of N.T. revelation. It particularly refers to church described as the mystery of eternity. (Some of the truth regarding Gentiles and Jews being brought into a previous study is taken from one prepared by Robert new spiritual body through Christ (Mt. 13:11; 1 Co.

Sargent.) [See Antichrist, Apostasy, Church, Ecumenical 2:7-12; Ro. 11:25; 16:25-26; Ep. 3:1-12; 6:19; Col.

Movement, False Teaching, Heresy, Parable, Prophecy, 1:25-27; 2:2; 4:3). The curtain in the temple illustrates Rapture, Revelation, Tares, Timothy, Tongues.]

the meaning. The thick curtain covered the presence of MYSTERY BABYLON. The apostate religion of the God in that day, but now it is torn apart and formerly last days (Re. 17:5). [See Babel, Babylon, Church, hidden things are revealed. In some instances the term Roman Catholic Church, Separation, Timothy, Unity.]

appears to be used in both senses (2 Th. 2:7; 1 Ti. 3:9;

[For a study comparing the Harlot of Revelation 17 with Re. 10:7).

the Roman Catholic Church see Mother of Harlots, SOME OF THE MYSTERIES REVEALED IN THE N.T.

Prophecy.]

(1) The mystery of the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 13:3-50; MYSTERY OF INIQUITY. [See Mystery.]

Mk. 4:1-25; Lk. 8:4-15). This describes “the result of the MYTH. A story without factual basis. A religious presence of the Gospel in the world during the present myth is a story told to teach a moral or spiritual truth, age, that is, the time of seed-sowing which began with but which did not historically occur. Non-Christian our Lord’s personal ministry and will end with ‘the religions contain many myths, such as the wild and harvest.’ The result is the mingled tares and wheat, fanciful tales of the gods in Hinduism. In modern times good fish and bad, in the sphere of Christian profession.

there is a wide movement of thinking which believes the It is Christendom” (Scofield). (2) The mystery of the events recorded in the Bible are at least partially Rapture (1 Co. 15:51, 52; 1 Th. 4:16). The mystery mythical. Some say, for instance, that the accounts of revealed here is that those believers living at the time of the serpent deceiving Eve, the worldwide flood, and Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 411

MYTH

Jonah being swallowed by the great fish are myths.

it is the biggest deception ever fostered upon the human Some say even the virgin birth, miracles, and race, because it claims to be the perfect, infallible Word resurrection of Jesus Christ are myths. This thinking is of God. Those who claim to be Christians but who entirely false. The accounts of the Bible are well-question the authenticity of any aspect of the Bible are attested historical facts. It is clear from the N.T. that deceivers and false teachers, regardless of what they Jesus and the Apostles considered O.T. accounts to be might call themselves. [See Bible, Evolution, Fable, False true historical events. If the Bible is not accurate history, Teaching, Foolish Questions, Inspiration.]

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-N-

NAAM (pleasantness). 1 Ch. 4:15.

NAHARAI, NAHARI (chosen of the Lord). 1 Ch.

NAAMAH (pleasant, agreeable). Ge. 4:22.

11:39.

NAAMAN (pleasantness). Commander of the Syrian NAHASH (a serpent, foretelling). 1 Sa. 11:1.

army. Naaman was healed of leprosy (2 Ki. 5:1-27).

NAHATH (rest). Ge. 36:13.

Naaman’s cleansing is symbolic of healing from sin.

NAHBI (hid by God). Nu. 13:14.

Leprosy is like sin in that it separates (Is. 59:2), maims, NAHOR (white, dry). Ge. 11:22.

and kills (Ro. 6:23). Naaman’s philosophy. 2 Ki. 5:11

says, “I thought...” Like all sinners, Naaman had many NAHSHON (good omen). 1 Ch. 2:10.

wrong ideas about God and salvation. (1) He thought NAHUM (comfort). Na. 1:1.

God would honor his self-esteem (v. 11). (2) He thought NAIN (pleasant). Lk. 7:11.

God would give him a mysterious experience (v. 11). (3) NAIOTH (habitations). 1 Sa. 19:18.

He thought God would accept his own way (v. 12). Man NAKEDNESS. Man was naked before the Fall (Ge.

must come God’s way; there is only one way of 2:25), but after the man and woman sinned their salvation, the narrow way, the way of faith in Jesus conscience was defiled and God made coats and clothed Christ (Mt. 7:13-14; Jn. 14:6; Ac. 4:12; 1 Ti. 2:5).

them (Ge. 3:7, 10, 11, 21). Ever since, God has Naaman’s healing. (1) It was according to God’s Word.

instructed man to clothe himself because of the (2) It called for cleansing. Man needs more than sinfulness of his thoughts (Mt. 5:28; 15:19). Nakedness reformation and self-esteem; the sin problem must be is connected with immorality (Ge. 9:22-23; Ex. 32:5-6, dealt with. (3) It required faith (v. 10). (4) It was 25; Le. 18:6-19; 20:11-21; Hab. 2:15). Nakedness is sufficient; it resulted in perfect cleansing (v. 14). [See shameful (Is. 47:3; Eze. 23:18; Re. 3:18). [See Adultery, Gospel, Leprosy, Type.]

Concupiscence, Fornication, Lascivious, Lust, Modesty.]

NAAMITES. The family descended from Naaman, the NAMES OF GOD. [See God, Holy Spirit, Jesus grandson of Benjamin (Nu. 26:40).

Christ.]

NAARAH (wandering, watching). 1 Ch. 4:5.

NAOMI (pleasant). Ruth’s mother-in-law (Ru. 1-4).

NAAARAI (my young children, youthful). 1 Ch.

She changed her name to Mara, meaning “bitter.” [See 11:37).

Boaz, Ruth.]

NAARAN (wandering). 1 Ch. 7:28.

NAPHISH, NEPHISH (increase). Ge. 25:15.

NAARATH (wandering). Jos. 16:7.

NAPHTALI (my wrestling). Son of Jacob (Ge. 46:24; NAASHON (lucky omen, enchanter). Ex. 6:23.

49:21). Naphtali’s children became the tribe of Israel NAASON (prosperous). Mt. 1:4.

bearing his name (Nu. 1:43; 26:50; Jos. 19:32-39; Ju.

NABAL (foolish, wicked). The wealthy man who 1:33; 4:6,10; 5:18; 6:35; 7:23; 2 Ki. 15:29; Is. 9:1; Eze.

refused to help David and his men (1 Sa. 25:1-42).

48:3-4).

NABOTH. The man killed by Jezebel because her NAPKIN. Handkerchief; clothe (Lk. 19:20; Jn. 11:44; husband desired Naboth’s vineyard (1 Ki. 21).

20:7).

NACHON (violent stroke). 2 Sa. 6:6.

NARCISSUS (daffodil, surprise). Ro. 16:11.

NACHOR (white, snorer). Jos. 24:2.

NATHAN (He has given). A godly prophet who served in David’s kingdom (2 Sa. 7; 12:1-25; 1 Ki.

NADAB (liberally, spontaneous). The son of Aaron 1:8-53; 1 Ch. 17; 29:29; 2 Ch. 9:29; 29:25).

who was killed by God because he ignored God’s instructions about worship (Le. 10:1-7). Nadab is a NATHAN MELECH (the king gave). 2 Ki. 23:11.

warning to all who ignore God’s Word and who try to NATHANAEL (gift of God). Jn. 1:47.

approach God in manmade ways. [See Strange Fire.]

NATIONS. A word normally used to describe all non-NAGGE (brightness). Lk. 3:25.

Jewish people (Mt. 24:14; 25:32; 28:19). [See Gentile, NAHALIEL (valley of the oak). Nu. 21:19.

Heathen, Idolatry, Pagan, Uncircumcision.]

NAHALLAL, NAHALAL, NAHALOL (often led). Jos.

NATURAL. Pertaining to or consonant to nature; 19:15.

according to the stated course of things; discoverable by reason; producing or coming in the ordinary course of NAHAM (consolation). 1 Ch. 4:19.

things; native (Webster) (De. 34:7; Ro. 1:26-31; 11:21; 1 Co. 15:44; 2 Ti. 3:3; Ja. 1:23; 2 Pe. 2:12).

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NATURAL MAN - NEEDS

NATURAL MAN. This expression in 1 Co. 2:14 refers Nazarene, Sanctification.]

to the unsaved man. In his natural, fallen condition man NEAH (wandering). Jos. 19:13.

cannot understand the things of God because he does NEAPOLIS (a new city). Ac. 16:11.

not have the Holy Spirit to give him understanding.

When a man receives Jesus Christ and is born again, he NEARIAH (the Lord cast off). 1 Ch. 3:22.

receives the Spirit of God (Ep. 1:12-13), Who guides NEBAI (budding forth). Ne. 10:19.

into the truth (Jn. 16:13; 1 Jn. 2:27). The Greek word NEBAJOTH, NEGAIOTH (removals). Is. 60:7.

translated ‘sensual’ in Ja. 3:15 and Jude 19 is the same NEBALLAT (concealed habitation). Ne. 11:34.

word translated ‘natural’ in 1 Co. 2:14. [See Carnal, NEBAT (view). 1 Ki. 11:26.

Flesh, Holy Spirit, Old Man, Sin.]

NEBO (high). (1) A Babylonian god (Is. 46:1). [See NATURE. (1) That which is natural to man (Ro.

Idolatry.] (2) A mountain in Moab (Nu. 32:3). Pisgah 1:26; 2:14; 1 Co. 11:14). “The word nature denotes was the top point on the mountain of Nebo (De. 34:1).

evidently that sense of propriety which all men have, NEBUCHADNEZZAR (Nebo, the fire of brightness).

and which is expressed in any prevailing or universal The ruler of Babylon who destroyed Jerusalem and custom. ... if any reason is asked for numerous habits carried the Jews away captive (2 Ki. 24-25; 2 Ch. 36; Je.

that exist in society, no better answer can be given than 27:6, 8,20; 28:3-14; 29:1-3; 34:1). The book of Daniel that nature, as arranged by God, has demanded it. ... it gives us Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony of salvation (Da.

refers to a deep internal sense of what is proper and 1-5). Also spelled “Nebuchadrezzar” (Je. 21:2).

right; a sense which is expressed extensively in all nations, showing what that sense is” (Barnes). (2) Man’s NEBUSHASBAN (the deliverance of Nebo). Je.

natural being: physical, moral, and spiritual (Ep. 2:3; 39:13.

Ga. 2:15; He. 2:16). (3) The being of God (2 Pe. 1:4).

NEBUZARADAN (whom Nebo favors). 2 Ki. 25:8.

[See God, Heart, Jesus Christ, Sin.]

NECHO (injured in the feet). 2 Ch. 35:20.

NAUGHT. Nothing; of little value; worthless (Pr.

NECROMANCER. From a Greek word meaning to 20:14).

divine with the dead; one who tries to communicate NAUGHTY.(1) Evil; wicked (1 Sa. 17:28; Pr. 6:12; with the dead, which is forbidden by God (De.

11:6; 17:4; Ja. 1:21). (2) Worthless (Je. 24:2).

18:10-11). [See Death, Devils, Satan, Witchcraft.]

NAUM (comfort). Lk. 3:25.

NEDABIAH (the Lord gave willingly). 1 Ch. 3:18.

NAY, SAY THEE. To deny; refuse (1 Ki. 2:17,20).

NEEDFUL. Needed; necessary; required (Ezr. 7:20; NAZARENE (A native of Nazareth). A name for Lk. 10:42).

Jesus, from the fact that His childhood home was in NEEDLE. Christ used the expression about the camel Nazareth (Mt. 2:23; 26:71; Mk. 14:67; Ac. 2:22; 3:6; going through the eye of a needle to illustrate the 10:38; 22:8). Some have confused Nazarene for impossibility of a rich man being saved apart from the Nazarite in reference to Jesus, but Christ was not a power of God (Mt. 19:24-26). The covetousness of the Nazarite. [See Hair, Nazarite.]

fallen human heart is so great and the enticements of NAZARETH (separated). Jesus spent His childhood riches so powerful, that it would appear an impossibility in this town (Mt. 2:23; 4:13; 21:11; 26:71; Ac. 2:22; for a rich man to give up his love of wealth and his 3:6; 4:10; 6:14; 10:38; 22:8; 26:9). [See Nazarene.]

pride of life and his confidence in the flesh to repent and trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. The Bible NAZARITE, NAZIRITE (separated). One who made a says, “The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an special vow of dedication to God (Nu. 6:2-21; Ju. 13:5, high wall in his own conceit” (Pr. 18:11). Apart from 7; 16:17; Lk. 1:15). The characteristics of the Nazarite God’s miracle-working power, it would indeed be an vow: (1) It was voluntary. (2) Any true Israelite could impossibility for a rich man to be saved. The new birth make the vow (Nu. 6:2). (3) It was a vow both men and is always a miracle (John 3:7-8). The eye of the needle women could make (Nu. 6:2). (4) It was a vow of total was a proverbial saying that described something so consecration and separation (Nu. 6:2, 5-8). (5) It was a difficult as to appear impossible. The Indians have a vow of reproach. This is symbolized by the fact that the similar saying, “It is like the elephant trying to get man was not to cut his hair (compare Nu. 6:5; 1 Co.

through the spout of a kettle.”

11:14). (6) It involved extreme caution (Nu. 6:9). (7) God was to be above all other relationships (Nu. 6:7).

NEEDS. Of necessity. The phrases “must needs” (Ge.

Though the Nazarite was ordinarily a vow voluntarily 17:13), “will needs” (Ge. 19:9), and “wouldest taken, there were examples of men ordained of God to needs” (Ge. 31:30) all mean basically the same thing: of be Nazarites (Am. 2:11): Samson (Ju. 13:5); Samuel (1

necessity.

Sa. 1:11); John the Baptist (Lk. 1:15). [See Hair, 414

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NEESING - NEW EVANGELICAL

NEESING. From an unused root meaning to sneeze NETTLE. A wild, noxious, thorny weed (Pv. 24:31; Is.

(Strong) (Job 41:18).

34:13; Zep. 2:9).

NEGINAH, NEGINOTH. [See Music.]

NEVER A. Not a (2 Ch. 21:17; Jud. 14:3; Mt. 27:14).

NEHELAMITE (a dreamer). Je. 29:24.

NEVER SO. (1) So very; exceedingly (Ge. 34:12; Job NEHEMIAH (consolation of the Lord). Ne. 1:1.

9:30; Ps. 58:5). (2) Not (Mt. 9:33).

NEHILOTH (perforated). To be sang with the NEW BIRTH. [See Believe, Born Again, Gospel, accompaniment of the flute and similar wind Repentance.]

instruments (Ps. 5: Title). [See Music.]

NEW COVENANT. [See Covenant.]

NEHUM (compassion). Ne. 7:7.

NEW EVANGELICAL, NEW EVANGELICALISM.

NEHUSHTA (brazen fetter, brass). 2 Ki. 24:8.

New Evangelicalism is a movement of theological NEHUSHTAN. [See Brass Serpent, Idolatry.]

compromise that began in the late 1940s and that has spread throughout evangelical Christianity. The NEIEL (the moving of God). Jos. 19:27.

founders of New Evangelicalism grew up in NEIGHING. To whinny, like a horse (Je. 5:8; 8:16).

Fundamentalist homes. They were a new generation.

God compared apostate Israel’s adulterous yearnings to

“And also all that generation were gathered unto their a male horse neighing after the female (Je. 5:8; 13:27).

fathers: and there arose another generation after them, NEITHER YET. Neither; also not (2 Ch. 1:11; Ro.

which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he 4:19).

had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10). In the first half of the NEKEB (a hole, cave). Jos. 19:33.

20th century, Evangelicalism in America was largely NEKODA (distinguished). Ezr. 2:48.

synonymous with Fundamentalism.

NEMUEL (circumcised of God). Nu. 26:12.

Many historians make this connection, including NEPHEG (a bud). 2 Sa. 5:15.

Mark Ellingsen ( The Evangelical Movement) and George Marsden ( Reforming Fundamentalism). Marsden says, NEPHEW. Offspring; descendant. The term

“There was not a practical distinction between

“nephew” in the King James Bible is used differently fundamentalist and evangelical: the words were than it is today. It refers to a grandchild rather than to interchangeable” (p. 48).

the son of a brother or sister (Jud. 12:14; Job 18:19; Is.

14:22; 1 Ti. 5:4).

When the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) was formed in 1942, for example, participants included NEPHISHESIM (torn in pieces, scatter). Ne. 7:52.

such Fundamentalist leaders as Bob Jones, Sr., John R.

NEPHTHALIM (strugglings). Mt. 4:13.

Rice, Charles Woodbridge, Harry Ironside, and David NEPHTOAH (opening). Jos. 15:9.

Otis Fuller.

NEPHUSIM (enlargements). Ezr. 2:50.

By the mid-1950s, though, a clear break between NER (candle, lamp). 1 Ch. 9:36.

separatist Fundamentalists and non-separatist NEREUS (light). Ro. 16:15.

Evangelicals occurred. This was occasioned largely by the ecumenical evangelism of Billy Graham. The NERGAL (2 Ki. 17:30). [See Idolatry.]

stronger men dropped out of the NAE. The terms NERGAL SHAREZER (Nergal, the splendor of evangelicalism and fundamentalism began “to refer to brightness). Je. 39:3.

two different movements” (William Martin, A Prophet NERI (light). Lk. 3:27.

with Honor, p. 224).

NERIAH (the light of the Lord). Je. 32:12.

The sons of Evangelical-Fundamentalist preachers NETHANEEL (God gave). Nu. 1:8.

determined to create a “New Evangelicalism.” They NETHANIAH (given of the Lord). 1 Ch. 25:12.

would not be fighters; they would be diplomats, positive NETHER. lower (Jos. 16:3; 1 Ki. 6:6). The nether in their emphasis rather than militant, infiltrators rather millstone was the largest and heaviest of the two stones than separatists. They would not be restricted by a used to grind grain (De. 24:6). [See Millstone.]

separationist mentality.

NETHERMOST. Lowest (1 Ki. 6:6).

Harold Ockenga claimed to have coined the term

“new evangelical” in 1948. Ockenga was pastor of Park NETHINIMS. A class of persons employed as Street Church in Boston, founder of the National servants or assistants to the Levites; probably the Association of Evangelicals, co-founder and first Gibeonites and others reduced to servitude (Young) (1

president of Fuller Theological Seminary, first president Ch. 9:2; Ezr. 2:43, 58, 70; 7:7, 24; 8:17, 20; Ne. 3:26, of the World Evangelical Fellowship, president of 31; 7:46, 60, 73; 10:28; 11:3, 21). [See Levites.]

Gordon College, on the board of directors for the Billy NETOPHAH (dropping, flowing). Ezr. 2:22.

Graham Evangelistic Association, and chairman of the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 415

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Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and one-time THE OLD EVANGELICALISM

editor of Christianity Today. Following is how Ockenga Before this, the terms “evangelical” and defined New Evangelicalism in 1976 when he wrote the

“fundamentalist” referred to A STRICT “PROTESTANT”

foreword to Harold Lindsell’s The Battle for the Bible: CHRISTIANITY. Generally speaking (and certainly in

“Neo-evangelicalism was born in 1948 in connection contrast to the mushy Evangelicalism of our day), with a convocation address which I gave in the Civic Evangelicals of past generations were militant soldiers Auditorium in Pasadena. While reaffirming the for Christ.

theological view of fundamentalism, this address REPUDIATED ITS ECCLESIOLOGY AND ITS SOCIAL

The term “evangelical” can be traced to the English THEORY. The ringing call for A REPUDIATION OF

revivals of the Wesleys and Whitefield and even to the SEPARATISM AND THE SUMMONS TO SOCIAL

earliest days of the Protestant Reformation. In either INVOLVEMENT received a hearty response from many case, Evangelicalism of old was dogmatic and militant.

evangelicals. The name caught on and spokesmen such It was old-fashioned Protestantism. Luther was as Drs. Harold Lindsell, Carl F.H. Henry, Edward excommunicated by the pope; John Wesley and George Carnell, and Gleason Archer supported this viewpoint.

Whitefield were barred from Anglican churches for their We had no intention of launching a movement, but bold preaching. All of the Protestant denominations found that the emphasis attracted widespread support once identified Rome as the Revelation 17 whore of and exercised great influence. Neo-evangelicalism...

Babylon. Those men, though we Baptists don’t see eye DIFFERENT FROM FUNDAMENTALISM IN ITS

R E P U D I AT I O N O F S E PA R AT I S M A N D I T S

to eye with them on many important points, stood DETERMINATION TO ENGAGE ITSELF IN THE

militantly for what they believed. This is exactly what THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE OF THE DAY. IT HAD A the New Evangelical does not do (except, as we will see, NEW EMPHASIS UPON THE APPLICATION OF THE

on a few issues that are popular within his circles).

GOSPEL TO THE SOCIOLOGICAL, POLITICAL, AND

John Calvin was no New Evangelical when he said: ECONOMIC AREAS OF LIFE. Neo-evangelicals

“Popery is nothing else than a monster formed out of emphasized the restatement of Christian theology in the innumerable deceptions of Satan, and that which accordance with the need of the times, the they call the Church is more confused than Babylon.”

REENGAGEMENT IN THE THEOLOGICAL DEBATE, T H E R E C A P T U R E O F D E N O M I N AT I O N A L

This was typical of the position held by all of the old LEADERSHIP, AND THE REEXAMINATION OF

Protestant leaders.

THEOLOGICAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE ANTIQUITY

Martin Luther was no New Evangelical when in OF MAN, THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE FLOOD, GOD'S

December 1520 he published two tracts in answer to the METHOD OF CREATION, AND OTHERS” (Harold J.

Bull of Leo X, one of which was entitled, “Martin Luther Ockenga, foreword to Harold Lindsell’s book The Battle against the Execreable Bull of AntiChrist.” He charged for the Bible).

the Pope and his cardinals of acting “the undoubted part Regardless of who coined the term “New of the AntiChrist of the Scriptures.”

Evangelical” (Ockenga’s claim has been disputed), it is William Tyndale, the father of our English Bible, was certain that it described the new mood of positivism and no New Evangelical when he identified the pope as the non-militancy that was permeating that generation.

Antichrist in his treatise The Practice of Prelates as well Ockenga and the new generation of Evangelicals, Billy as in the preface to the 1534 edition of his New Graham figuring most prominently, determined to Testament.

abandon a militant Bible stance. Instead, they would pursue dialogue, intellectualism, non-judgmentalism, William Latimer, an Anglican Greek scholar who and appeasement. They refused to leave the modernist-loved the Word of God during the time of Tyndale, was permeated denominations, determining to change no New Evangelical when he said, “Do you not know things from within rather than practice separation. The that the Pope is very Antichrist, whom the Scripture New Evangelical would dialogue with those who teach speaketh of? But beware what you say; for if you shall error rather than proclaim the Word of God boldly and be perceived to be of that opinion, it will cost you your without compromise. The New Evangelical would meet life. I have been an officer of his but I have given it up, the proud humanist and the haughty liberal on their and defy him and all his works” (Christopher Anderson, own turf with human scholarship rather than follow the Annals of the English Bible, I, pp. 35, 36). Latimer was humble path of being counted a fool for Christ’s sake by burned at the stake by Queen Mary.

standing simply upon the Bible. New Evangelical leaders In his 1893 work titled Union with Rome, Christopher also determined to start a “rethinking process” whereby Wordsworth, bishop of Lincoln in the Church of the old paths were to be continually reassessed in light England, stated the view that prevailed among of new goals, methods, and ideology. (The Church evangelical Protestants at that time, and it was not a Growth movement epitomizes this.)

New Evangelical position: “… we tremble at the sight, 416

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while we read the inscription, emblazoned in large thought I saw, that error had become firmly letters, ‘Mystery, Babylon the Great,’ written by the hand established, I did not deliberate, but quitted the body of St. John, guided by the Holy Spirit of God, on the at once. Since then my counsel has been ‘Come out forehead of the Church of Rome” (Wordsworth, Union from among them.’ I have felt that no protest could be with Rome, p. 62).

equal to that of distinct separation from known evil.

That I might not stultify my testimony I HAVE CUT

David Otis Fuller, speaking of evangelicals of bygone MYSELF CLEAR OF THOSE WHO ERR FROM THE

days, said: “Each man possessed the same fierce FAITH, AND EVEN FROM THOSE WHO ASSOCIATE

conviction--that all truth is absolute, never relative. For WITH THEM.”

these men, truth was never a nose of wax to be twisted This position is ridiculed today as “secondary to suit their system of dialectics or deceptive casuistry.

separation,” but it is obedience to God’s Word (2 Th.

Two times two made four. In mathematics, their 3:6) and it is wisdom, because “evil communications supreme authority was the multiplication table; in corrupt good manners” (1 Co. 15:33).

theology, their absolute authority was the Bible” (D.O.

Another example of what old Evangelicalism was is Fuller, Preface, Valiant for the Truth, New York: McGraw-the late evangelist JAMES A. STEWART. He was used Hill Book Company, 1961, pp. ix, x).

mightily in revivals in Eastern Europe between the end It is impossible to be a New Evangelical and hold of World War II and the descent of the Communist Iron

“fierce” convictions!

Curtain, and his sermons were characterized by Baptist pastor CHARLES HADDON SPURGEON

uncompromising declaration of Bible truth. Not only did (1834-1892) is an example of what “evangelical” meant he preach the gospel and the “positive truths” of the in generations past. Spurgeon’s ministry was Word of God, he also reproved error and compromise in characterized by unhesitating exposure of error. He a very bold fashion. In sermons such as “Potpourri stood unhesitatingly against Roman Catholicism.

Evangelism,” Stewart witnessed unhesitatingly against Consider this excerpt from one of Spurgeon’s sermons, ecumenical evangelism, which was beginning to raise its which demonstrates just how much he was NOT a New head in his day. Consider a quotation from that sermon, Evangelical:

first preached in the 1940s (excerpted from James

“It is impossible but that the Church of Rome must Stewart, Evangelism, Asheville, NC: Gospel Projects), spread, WHEN WE WHO ARE THE WATCHDOGS OF

and ask yourself how popular would James Stewart be THE FOLD ARE SILENT, AND OTHERS ARE GENTLY

in Evangelical circles today?

AND SMOOTHLY TURFING THE ROAD, and making it We must be more afraid of flattery from the camp of as soft and smooth as possible, that converts may the enemy than persecution. Read the pages of Church travel down to the nethermost hell of Popery. We want history. Persecution never did the Church of God any John Knox back again. DO NOT TALK TO ME OF MILD

harm, but compromise with the world has always AND GENTLE MEN, OF SOFT MANNERS AND

robbed it of the power of its purity. ...

SQUEAMISH WORDS, we want the fiery Knox, and

‘Potpourri Evangelism’ consists of two features: mixed even though his vehemence should ‘ding our pulpits evangelistic campaigns and mixed Christianity. By into blads,’ it were well if he did but rouse our hearts mixed evangelistic campaigns I mean the alliance of to action” (C.H. Spurgeon, Sermons, Vol. 10, pgs.

Modernistic and Evangelical churches together in an 322-3).

evangelistic effort. ...

It is obvious that Charles Spurgeon was no New When religion gets up a revival, it must have from five Evangelical, but his description of the soft-mannered to twenty churches of heterogeneous creeds and men and silent watchdogs of his day fits today’s New sectarian bodies to go into a great union effort; it must Evangelicalism exactly.

have a mammoth choir with great musical instruments, Spurgeon was not content to preach boldly against and many preachers and multiplied committees, and error; he also separated from it. Though misunderstood each committee headed by some banker, judge, mayor, and misrepresented even by his own brother and some or millionaire’s wife. It signs cards as a substitute for of his former students, Spurgeon did not draw back the broken-hearted cry of scriptural repentance. It must count its converts by the hundreds in a few days’

from separating from the Baptist Union of Britain meeting. It must apologize for natural depravity. ...

because of the false doctrine that was being Human religion’s enterprises have an atmosphere of countenanced:

earthliness about them. It despises the day of small

“Complicity with error will take from the best of men things and scorns little humble people and lonely ways.

the power to enter any successful protest against it. It It is eager to jump to the height of prosperity. Its music is our solemn conviction that where there can be no has no pathos in it, its laughter lacks divine real spiritual communion there should be no pretense cheerfulness, its worship lacks supernatural love, its of fellowship. FELLOWSHIP WITH KNOWN AND VITAL

prayers bring down no huge answers, it works no ERROR IS PARTICIPATION IN SIN. As soon as I saw, or miracles, calls forth no criticism from the world, and Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 417

NEW EVANGELICAL

has no light of eternity in its eyes. It is a poor, sickly College, Westminster, The Evangelical Divinity School, thing, born of the union of the heart of the world with and Moody Bible Institute.

the head of Christian theology--a mongrel, bastard New Evangelicalism has been broadcast through thing with a backslidden church for its mother and the world for its father. Oh, my dear brother and sister, powerful print, radio, and television media. Christianity never forget that this unnatural monster will be Today, for example, was founded in 1956 to voice the destroyed at the coming-again of our Blessed Lord new philosophy. It was distributed freely for the first Jesus Christ (James A. Stewart, PotPourri Evangelism, two years to ministers in the U.S.A., Canada, Great pp. 25-28).

Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, and also sent freely Countless other examples could be given to show to missionaries throughout the world. Large Christian that Evangelicalism of past generations involved publishers such as Eerdmans, Zondervan, InterVarsity contending plainly for the faith and separating from Press, Tyndale House, Moody Press, Thomas Nelson, error. When was the last time you read things like the Baker Book House, and Broadman, have promoted the above, that we have quoted from the pens of old-line New Evangelical philosophy.

Protestants and Evangelicals, in Christianity Today New Evangelicalism has been promoted through magazine or preached by Billy Graham or Charles large conferences, such as the International Congress on Colson or Charles Swindoll or Max Lucado or John World Evangelization (Lausanne, Switzerland, July Maxwell or James Dobson or other popular Evangelicals 1974) and the International Conference on Itinerant today? Sadly, today’s Evangelicalism is almost 100% in Evangelists at Amsterdam in 1983, 1986, and 1999.

the business of upholding “potpourri evangelism” and Because of the tremendous influence of these men

“turfing the road of Roman Catholicism.” Even the most and organizations, New Evangelical thought has swept conservative of Southern Baptist Evangelicals do not the globe. Today it is no exaggeration to say that almost speak out boldly against the Pope after the former without exception those who call themselves Evangelicals fashion or against the ecumenical evangelism practiced are New Evangelicals; the terms have become synonymous.

by their fellow Evangelicals such as Billy and Franklin Old-line Evangelicals, with rare exceptions, have either Graham and Luis Palau.

aligned with the Fundamentalist movement or have THE INFLUENCE OF NEW EVANGELICALISM

adopted New Evangelicalism. For all practical purposes New Evangelicalism was popular, appealing to the the Evangelical movement today is the New Evangelical carnality and lust of the age, and it spread rapidly to movement.

become the prominent doctrine among Evangelicals.

“Part of the current confusion regarding New New Evangelicalism was popularized through Evangelicalism stems from the fact that there is now pleasing personalities. It has been adopted by such well-little difference between evangelicalism and New Evangelicalism. The principles of the original New known Christian leaders as Billy Graham, Bill Bright, Evangelicalism have become so universally accepted by Harold Lindsell, John R.W. Stott, Luis Palau, E.V. Hill, those who refer to themselves as evangelicals that any Leighton Ford, Charles Stanley, Bill Hybels, Warren distinctions which might have been made years ago are Wiersbe, Chuck Colson, Donald McGavran, Jack Van all but lost. It is no doubt true to state that ‘Ockenga’s Impe, Tony Campolo, Arthur Glasser, D. James Kennedy, designation of the new movement as New or Neo-David Hocking, Charles Swindoll, Max Lucado, John Evangelical was abbreviated to Evangelical. ... Thus Maxwell, Tony Evans, and a multitude of other men today we speak of this branch of conservative (and women).

C h r i s t i a n i t y s i m p l y a s t h e E v a n g e l i c a l movement’” (Ernest Pickering, The Tragedy of New Evangelicalism became the working principle of Compromise, p. 96).

large interdenominational and parachurch organizations such as the National Association of Evangelicals, THE CHARACTERISTICS OF NEW EVANGELICALISM

National Religious Broadcasters, Youth for Christ, The following are important characteristics of New Campus Crusade for Christ, Back to the Bible, Evangelicalism that will enable the Bible believer to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, the Evangelical identify it. Not every New Evangelical will hold to every Alliance of Britain, Lausanne Committee for World one of these characteristics, but every New Evangelical Evangelization, World Vision, Operation Mobilization, will hold to most of them, particularly to the the Evangelical Foreign Mission Association, World repudiation of separation, the love for positivism, a Evangelical Fellowship, and the National Sunday School judge-not philosophy, exalting love and unity above Association, to name a few.

doctrine, pragmatism, pride of scholarship, an anti-New Evangelicalism has spread through educational fundamentalism attitude, and a mood of softness and institutions such as Fuller Theological Seminary, neutrality.

Wheaton College, Gordon-Conwell, BIOLA, Regent 1. New evangelicalism is characterized by a repudiation of separation.

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“The ringing call for A REPUDIATION OF

step forward there will be no attempt to convert them SEPARATISM . . . received a hearty response from many and their names will be given to the Catholic church evangelicals. ... Neo-evangelicalism [is] different from nearest their homes” ( Vancouver Sun, October 5, 1984).

f u n d a m e n t a l i s m i n i t s R E P U D I AT I O N O F

Graham has affiliated with and endorsed hundreds of SEPARATISM” (Harold J. Ockenga).

rank modernists and Roman Catholic leaders. At the The very first mark of New Evangelicalism is its 1957 New York crusade, Graham spent ten minutes repudiation of separation. The New Evangelical does eulogizing Dr. Jesse Baird, a well-known liberal and not like separation and refuses to allow it to play a apostate, calling him a great servant of Christ. At the significant role in his life and ministry. This was what 1957 San Francisco Crusade, Graham honored Harold Ockenga emphasized two times in his Fuller Episcopal Bishop James Pike, who blatantly denied the Seminary speech in 1948.

deity, virgin birth, miracles, and bodily resurrection of Evangelicals do not separate from denominations Jesus Christ. Methodist Bishop Gerald Kennedy was that are infiltrated with modernism, such as the United chairman of the 1963 Los Angeles Crusade, and Graham Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church USA, the called him “one of the ten greatest Christian preachers American Baptist Convention, the Southern Baptist in America,” even though he denied practically every Convention, and the Anglican Church. The Billy Graham doctrine of the Christian faith. The first Sunday of that religion column gave the following advice to a Roman Crusade, Graham took several minutes to eulogize the Catholic couple who were disillusioned with their modernist E. Stanley Jones, calling him “my good friend church and were thinking about leaving: “Don’t pull out and trusted advisor.” Graham’s 1997 autobiography is of the church. Stay in it ... help your church” ( Sun filled with references to his friendship with apostates.

Telegram, Jan. 6, 1973).

The practice of ecumenical evangelism has spread Evangelicals practice ecumenical evangelism, which throughout Evangelicalism. Bill Bright, head of Campus is a blatant rejection of separation. Billy Graham has Crusade, Luis Palau, and other prominent Evangelicals worked hand-in-hand with Roman Catholics and have walked in Graham’s footsteps in ecumenical theological modernists since the 1950s, and yet he is evangelism. While reporting on Amsterdam ‘86, Dennis praised and exalted by the evangelical world.

Costella asked Luis Palau if he would cooperate with Graham’s 1957 New York City Crusade was Roman Catholics. Palau replied that he certainly would sponsored by the liberal Protestant Council and featured and admitted that it was being done. He went on to prominent theological modernists. At a preparatory mention specific plans for more extensive Catholic banquet held the previous fall (September 17, 1956) at involvement in his future crusades ( Foundation, Jul.-

the Hotel Commodore in New York, Graham stated that Aug. 1986). The 1987 Palau crusade in New Zealand he wanted Jews, Catholics, and Protestants to attend his was reportedly “the first time the Catholic Church has meetings and then go back to their own churches. This ever backed a major evangelical Christian mission” in statement was confirmed in the September 18 edition of that area. Catholic Bishop Dennis Browne of Auckland the New York Evening Journal. The New York Crusade accepted an invitation to join the mission’s advisory w a s t h e c a t a l y s t f o r G r a h a m ’ s b r e a k w i t h board ( Challenge Weekly, April 18, 1986, reprinted in Fundamentalists such as Bob Jones, Sr. and John R. Rice Australian Beacon, May 1986).

of the Sword of the Lord.

Even the most conservative of Evangelical Southern The Graham organization and the cooperating Baptists support Graham’s ecumenical evangelism. The churches in the 1957 San Francisco Crusade appointed Southern Baptist Theological Seminary proudly hosts Dr. Charles Farrah to follow up the “converts” and to the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and report on the same. His findings were announced Church Growth. Southern Seminary has a course December 16. Of the roughly 1,300 Catholics who came entitled Christian Life and Witness, which trains students forward, PRACTICALLY ALL REMAINED CATHOLIC, in crusade counseling techniques. On May 3, 2001, the CONTINUED TO PRAY TO MARY, GO TO MASS, AND

Baptist Press ran an article entitled “Hundreds of CONFESS TO A PRIEST ( Oakland Tribune, Wed., Dec.

Southern Students Prepare for Graham Crusade.” R.

17, 1958).

Albert Mohler, Jr., President of Southern Seminary and a prominent conservative SBC voice, served as Chairman Graham has continued this practice throughout his of Graham’s crusade. He told the Baptist Press, “Nothing career and has turned tens of thousands of “converts”

else has brought together the kind of ethnic and racial over to the Roman Catholic Church. David Cline, vice-and denominational inclusivity as is represented in this chairman of the organizing committee of the 1984

crusade; nothing in my experience and nothing in the Graham Crusade in Vancouver, British Columbia, stated recent history of Louisville has brought together such a the policy regarding Catholic inquirers: “If Catholics group of committed Christians for one purpose.” To say Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 419

NEW EVANGELICAL

that all of the participants of Graham’s inclusive Bonhoeffer’s dangerous theology in The Great Debate evangelism crusades are “committed Christians” is to Today.

refuse to apply critical doctrinal standards.

What the Bible Says:

At the same time, not all of the Graham crusades First, separation is not an optional part of Christianity; include Roman Catholics. If the ecumenical climate in a it is a commandment (Ro. 16:17-18; 2 Co. 6:14-17; 1 Ti.

certain city is not conducive for that broad of an 6:5; 2 Ti. 2:16-18; 3:5; Titus 3:10; 2 John 7-11; Re.

ecumenical umbrella, the Graham team will acquiesce.

18:4).

(See our book Billy Graham and Rome for extensive Separation is not mean or unloving; it is obedience to documentation of Graham’s practice.)

God.

Evangelicals speak at ecumenical meetings and thus

“mark them . . . avoid them” (Ro. 16:17) affiliate closely with heretics. For example, in 1997, Don Argue, the head of the National Association of

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with” (2 Co.

Evangelicals, spoke before the general assembly of the 6:14)

National Council of Churches. The extremely

“Have no fellowship with” (2 Co. 6:14) modernistic National Council has sponsored such things

“Come out from among” (2 Co. 6:17)

as the Re-imagining conference in Minneapolis in

“withdraw thyself” (1 Ti. 6:5)

November 1993 during which hundreds of women from

“shun” (2 Ti. 2:16)

various mainline denominations applauded lesbianism

“purge oneself from” (2 Ti. 2:21)

and worshipped the goddess Sophia. Thousands of examples of this could be given from our own files.

“from such turn away” (2 Ti. 3:5)

Evangelicals quote heretics with no warning to their

“reject” (Titus 3:10)

readers.

“Receive them not into your house neither bid them Consider, for example, well-known Evangelical writer Godspeed” (2 Jn. 10)

and conference speaker Warren Wiersbe. His practice of Second, we are to separate even from brethren who are quoting rank modernists without any warning was walking in disobedience. “Now we command you, described by Jerry Huffman, editor of the Calvary brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye Contender: “In a panel discussion at the April 1987

withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh Tennessee Temple Bible conference, Wiersbe expressed disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of gladness that Malcolm Muggeridge -- a liberal Roman us” (2 Th. 3:6).

Catholic -- ‘backed up’ one of Wiersbe’s views. In a Dec.

In this context Paul referred to those who refused to 1977 Moody Monthly article, Wiersbe endorsed writings work, but does it not apply to those who are disobedient by liberal authors Thielicke, Buttrick, and Kennedy.

and disorderly in other ways?

More recently he praised books by other liberals such as Third, separation is a wall of protection against Barclay, Trueblood, and Sockman” ( Calvary Contender, spiritual danger. Failure to separate from error leaves July 15, 1987).

one open to the influence of error. “Be not deceived: evil Consider also Rick Warren of Purpose Driven Church communications corrupt good manners” (1 Co. 15:33).

fame. In keeping with his “judge not” philosophy, The reason the gardener separates the vegetables from Warren uncritically quotes from a wide variety of the weeds and bugs and the reason a shepherd theological heretics, especially Roman Catholics such as separates the sheep from wolves is to protect them.

Mother Teresa, Brother Lawrence (Carmelite monk), Likewise, a faithful and godly preacher will seek to John Main (Benedictine monk), Madame Guyon, John separate his flock from spiritual dangers that are even of the Cross, and Henri Nouwen. Warren does not warn more destructive than bugs and wolves.

his readers that these are dangerous false teachers who 2. New evangelicalism is characterized by replacing held to a false gospel and worshipped a false christ.

separation with dialogue.

Mother Teresa and Nouwen believed that men can be Since the last half of the 20th century, theological saved apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ.

dialogue has become a prominent aspect of Christianity.

Another example of this is Chuck Swindoll, who A report issued in 1983 by the Center for Unity in Rome devoted an entire edition of his Insights for Living listed 119 official ongoing dialogues between publication (April 1988) to uncritical promotion of the representatives of Anglican, Baptist, Disciples, German neo-orthodox Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Swindoll Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Eastern Orthodox, calls Bonhoeffer “a saint bound for heaven.” But this Old Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, Pentecostal, Reformed,

“saint” promoted the “de-mythologizing” and Roman Catholic, United, and World Council of questioning of Scripture. Cornelius Van Til documented Churches.

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Dialogue has also become a major aspect of Cry, October 1992).

evangelicalism. The late Harold Ockenga said that the In 1994 Moody Press published Roman Catholicism: New Evangelicalism differs “from fundamentalism in its Evangelical Protestants Analyze What Divides and Unites repudiation of separatism and its determination to Us. Thirteen Evangelicals contributed. Michael Horton engage itself in the theological dialogue of the concluded his chapter, “What Still Keeps Us Apart?” with day” (Ockenga, foreword to Harold Lindsell’s The Battle these words: “I do not suggest that we should give up for the Bible).

trying to seek visible unity, nor that we refuse to There is dialogue between EVANGELICALS AND

dialogue with Roman Catholic laypeople and ROMAN CATHOLICS.

theologians, many of whom may be our brothers and On the side of the Roman Catholic Church, the sisters” (p. 264). He does not explain how someone Second Vatican Council, in its “Decree on Ecumenism,”

committed to Rome’s false sacramental gospel could be called for “dialogue with our brethren” and said that a born again child of God.

“dialogues and consultations ... are strongly In 1997 InterVarsity Press published Reclaiming the recommended.”

Great Tradition: Evangelicals, Catholics and Orthodox in Evangelicals have responded to this call. Following Dialogue. It was edited by James Cutsinger and are a few examples:

contained articles by Harold O.J. Brown, Peter Kreeft, From 1977 to 1984 Evangelical-Roman Catholic Richard Neuhaus, J.I. Packer, and others. The book is a Dialogue In Mission was conducted in Britain. John R.W.

collection of material from an ecumenical dialogue held Stott was at the forefront, and one of Stott’s co-workers, at Rose Hill College, May 16-20, 1995. The objective of Michael Harper (formerly assistant curate at All Souls the dialogue was to answer the question: “How can Church where Stott is pastor), wrote the 1977 book, Protestants, Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Three Sisters, which contends that the “Three Sisters” --

Christians talk to each other so as together to speak Evangeline (the Evangelicals), Charisma (the with Christ’s mind to the modern world?” (p. 8).

Charismatics), and Roma (the Roman Catholic Church) There is also dialogue between EVANGELICALS AND

-- are part of one family and should be reconciled.

MODERNISTS.

In 1986 Kenneth Kantzer called for dialogue with In about 1976 Pentecostal David du Plessis became Roman Catholics.

chairman of dialogues with the World Council of

“How does all this affect the Evangelical? First, we Churches’ Secretariat for the Promotion of Christian should continue to dialogue. To refuse to dialogue Unity. Du Plessis was long at the forefront of promoting would be to say two things no Evangelical wants to ecumenical dialogue between Pentecostals, Roman say: (1) We are not interested in our Lord’s desire to Catholics, and liberal and evangelical Protestants. Fuller have a united church, and (2) We Evangelicals have Theological Seminary made du Plessis its “resident nothing to learn from anyone” (Kantzer, “Church on consultant on ecumenical affairs.”

the Move,” Christianity Today, Nov. 7, 1986).

In 1983, after attending the Sixth General Assembly This statement is predicated upon an unscriptural of the World Council of Churches in Vancouver, some view of “the church” and Christian unity and the strange prominent Evangelicals signed an open letter notion that Bible believers should “learn” from heretics.

encouraging dialogue with the exceedingly liberal WCC.

In 1992 Chuck Colson, in his book The Body, called The signers included Richard Lovelace of Gordon-for closer relationship with and dialogue between Conwell Theological Seminary and Arthur Glasser of evangelicals and Catholics. Colson said, “...the body of Fuller Seminary. The letter rebuked those who practice Christ, in all its diversity, is created with Baptist feet, separation and said:

charismatic hands, and Catholic ears--all with their eyes

“Is there not the possibility that evangelicals have not on Jesus” ( World, Nov. 14, 1992). [Colson was either only much to contribute but something to receive ignorant of the fact that there are false christs, false through ecumenical involvement? Do evangelicals not gospels, and false spirits, or he ignored the fact.] The also have the obligation along with other Christians to Body was endorsed by many well-known Evangelicals, seek to overcome the scandal of the disunity and including Carl Henry, J.I. Packer, Pat Robertson, Bill disobedience of the churches that the world might Hybels, and Jerry Falwell.

believe (John 17:21)? Should evangelicals not seek to receive all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord, even In 1992 Catholic priest Thomas Welbers announced though they may seriously disagree on theological in the Los Angeles diocese paper that a four-year issues apart from the core of the Gospel?”

dialogue between InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and A three-day dialogue was held October 22-24, 1986, the Catholic Campus Ministry had resulted in an at Fuller Theological Seminary, involving Pentecostals, agreement to seek “mutual understanding” and to

“refrain from competition in seeking members” ( Battle Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 421

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Roman Catholics, Orthodox, and liberal Protestants. The We evangelicals have sinned against you. ... We have Ecumenical Press Service said, “Although some came demonized you.”

with predetermined agenda, many came to listen and Evangelical dialogue is witnessed in the way the learn” (Ecumenical Press Service, November 1-15, publishers and magazines print all sides of theological 1986).

debates while remaining “neutral.” InterVarsity Press, In 1988 InterVarsity Press published Evangelical for example, has printed books defending the infallible Essentials: A Liberal-Evangelical Dialogue. The inspiration of Scripture and books attacking it.

Evangelical was John R.W. Stott and the liberal was Christianity Today has printed articles opposing David Edwards, who rejects the fall of man and the ecumenical relations with Rome and supporting it, atonement and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Stott articles warning of Karl Barth’s heresy and promoting said heretics such as this “do not forfeit the right to be Karl Barth, etc.

called Christians” (Iain Murray, Evangelical Essentials, p.

What the Bible Says:

228). To the contrary, to deny the fall of man and the First, the Bible does not instruct believers to dialogue atonement of Christ is to deny the very gospel itself, and with false teachers and apostates, but rather to separate there is no salvation apart from the biblical gospel.

from them. See Ro. 16:17-18; 2 Ti. 2:16-18; 3:5; Titus There is even dialogue between EVANGELICALS AND

3:10-11.

MORMONS.

Second, it is not dialogue that we see in the New Evangelicals have been dialoguing with Mormons Testament, but preaching. “I charge thee therefore before since InterVarsity Press published “How Wide the God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the Divide: A Mormon and an Evangelical in Conversation”

quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; in 1997. This is a dialogue between Craig Blomberg of Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; Denver Seminary and Stephen Robinson of Brigham reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and Young University.

doctrine” (2 Ti. 4:1-2). The Bible does not instruct In November 1998, Assemblies of God pastor Dean believers to dialogue with false teachers but to preach Jackson presented Mormon leaders in Provo, Utah, with the truth to them and to rebuke their errors.

“a formal declaration of repentance for prejudice against Third, theological dialogue is built upon an members of the Church of Latter Day Saints.” The unscriptural doctrine of Christian unity. [See Ecumenism, document was signed by more than 160 members of Separation.]

Jackson’s Canyon Assembly of God Church in Provo, Fourth, theological dialogue results in “toning down and roughly 100 Mormon visitors were on hand to the rhetoric,” in softening the plain charges of heresy and receive the official apology (Charisma News Service, apostasy and unbelief, in quieting down the warnings March 1, 2000, citing Deseret News of Salt Lake City).

about judgment. It is impossible to dialogue without The declaration of repentance was also endorsed by the doing this, but this is contrary to the Scriptures.

regional presbytery of the Assemblies of God.

Greg Johnson of Standing Together Ministries in Standing Together Ministries was formed in 2001 in Utah said that we must “cease throwing our theological Utah “to build greater dialogue between Evangelical rocks and start loving as Christ commanded us.” This is Christians and Latter-day Saints.” Founder Greg his definition of dialogue. Thus, speaking the truth Johnson has traveled extensively conducting public about heresy is likened to “throwing rocks,” which is dialogues with Mormon professor Robert Millet of potentially very hurtful, even deadly. Actually, preaching Brigham Young University.

plainly against false christs and false gospels is a very An “EVENING OF FRIENDSHIP” was held in the Salt loving, compassionate thing. If a man is on his way to Lake City Tabernacle on November 14, 2004, featuring hell but is self-deceived into thinking that he is on his Evangelicals who are calling for dialogue with way to heaven, it is an act of the greatest Christian Mormons. Ravi Zacharias was the main speaker. He was charity to tell him plainly that he is deceived.

joined by Richard Mouw (president of Fuller Seminary),

“Toning down the rhetoric” and softening the plain Craig Hazen (a professor at Biola University), Greg charges of heresy and apostasy is precisely what the Johnson (director of Standing Together Ministries), Bible does not do and what the apostles and prophets Joseph Tkach, Jr., (head of the World Wide Church of did not do and what Bible preachers today are not God), and Michael Card (Contemporary Christian allowed to do.

musician). Roughly 7,000 attended the meeting, filling the Tabernacle to capacity. Fuller Seminary President Paul called false teachers “dogs” and “evil Richard Mouw apologized to the Mormons, making the workers” (Ph. 3:2). Of those who pervert the gospel he following amazing statements: “Let me state it clearly.

said, “Let them be accursed” (Ga. 1:8, 9). He called them “evil men and seducers” (2 Ti. 3:13), “men of 422

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corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith” (2 Ti.

John 10-11). It is not possible to maintain a good 3:8), “false apostles, deceitful workers” (2 Co. 11:13).

dialogue when you do such things.

He named the names of false teachers and called their In this, the apostles were only following their Lord, teaching “vain babblings” (2 Ti. 2:16, 17). He warned who was not big on soft-spoken, “let me listen carefully about “philosophy and vain deceit” (Col. 2:8). He spoke and make sure I understand you,” give-and-take of their “cunning craftiness.” When Elymas tried to turn dialogue; but He was a great preacher. He scalded the men away from the gospel, Paul wasted no time with Pharisees because they perverted the way of truth and dialogue but said, “O full of all subtilty and all mischief, corrupted the gospel of grace, calling them hypocrites, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, blind guides, fools and blind, serpents, generation of wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the vipers. And that was just one sermon! Even when he Lord?” (Acts 13:10). He warned about false teachers visited in the homes of the Pharisees He didn’t try to be who would come into the churches, calling them socially acceptable or avoid offending their self-esteem.

“grievous wolves” (Acts 20:29) and their teaching He wasn’t concerned about being invited to speak at the

“perverse things” (Acts 20:30). Those who denied the next big Pharisee convention. He spoke the truth in love bodily resurrection are called “fools” (1 Co. 15:35-36).

at all times and therefore offended them coming and He warned about false christs, false spirits, false gospels going! They were so angry that they plotted His murder.

(2 Co. 11:1-4). He labeled false teaching “doctrines of Fifth, dialogue calls for “mutual respect,” but this is not devils” (1 Ti. 4:1). In the Pastoral Epistles Paul warned what we see in Scripture. Jesus did not show a lot of of false teachers and compromisers by name 10 times, respect toward the Pharisees who were leading people and this is the example that the Spirit of God has left for to hell through their works gospel. Paul did not show a the churches.

lot of respect toward the heretics who were bothering Peter wasn’t much of a dialoguer, either. He was the early churches. How much respect did he show much too plain spoken about heresy. Of the false toward the following two fellows? “And their word will prophets in his day and those he knew would come in eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and the future, he labeled their heresies “damnable” and Philetus” (2 Ti. 2:17). Didn’t Paul understand that such warned of their “swift destruction” (2 Pe. 2:1). That language would hurt these men’s feelings and might would end a good dialogue right there, but he wasn’t even injure their self-esteem? Today, the ecumenical finished. He called their ways “pernicious” and their crowd would say, “Paul, how do you think we are ever words “feigned” and boldly declared that “their going to have a good dialogue if you persist in talking damnation slumbereth not” (2 Pe. 2:3). He warned like that? Don’t you understand the need for Christian them of eternal hell (2 Pe. 2:4-9) and called them unity? Why are you so harsh and judgmental?”

“presumptuous” and “selfwilled” (2 Pe. 2:10). He Sixth, dialogue requires “listening, which at its best likened them to “natural brute beasts, made to be taken includes restating what the other is saying to his complete and destroyed” (2 Pe. 2:12) and exposed their deception satisfaction.” This ignores the fact that heretics lie and (2 Pe. 2:13). Peter is in high gear now. Consider how he try to hide and shade their error. The Bible repeatedly ended his little “dialogue” in 2 Peter 2:14-21. I don’t warns about the subtilty and deceit of false teachers.

suppose that Peter would get invited to too many Jesus referred to them as wolves in sheep’s clothing (Mt.

ministerial association meetings or ecumenical 7:15). Though they are wolves, they hide their dialogues today. He might be invited once, seeing that appearance. Paul warned of “deceitful workers” (2 Co.

he is an apostle and the first pope and all, but I can 11:13), of “false brethren” who work “privily” (Ga. 2:4), assure you that he would not be invited back!

of their “cunning craftiness” (Ep. 4:14), of their habit of But what about John, the Apostle of Love? How was

“speaking lies in hypocrisy” (1 Ti. 4:2), of those who his dialoguing technique? Again, not too effective,

“who creep into houses” (2 Ti. 3:6), of “seducers ...

because he was too often warning about antichrists (1

deceiving and being deceived” (2 Ti. 3:13). Peter John 2:18-19), calling them liars (1 John 2:22) and warned of “feigned words” (2 Pe. 2:2). Jude warned of seducers (1 John 2:26) and deceivers (2 John 7); saying

“certain men crept in unawares” (Jude 4).

that they denied the Son (1 John 2:23) and that they Consider some modern fulfillments of these don’t have God (2 John 9). He put too much of an warnings:

emphasis upon trying the spirits (1 John 4:1-3). He even made all sorts of exclusive claims, such as, “And we The example of Jehovah’s Witnesses know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in Even the name of the organization has changed wickedness” (1 John 5:19). Just who did he think he several times in its attempt to escape its past and hide was! John even forbade the believers to allow the false its identity. Its many false prophecies have been swept teachers into their houses or to bid them God speed (2

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hide the deception, chicanery, and immorality of its Because of the deceptive nature of false teachers, it is leaders.

not wise simply to ask them to state their doctrine and The example of Seventh-day Adventism then accept what they are saying at face value, as It has modified its history, hiding the fact that early dialogue requires. One must analyze what they are Adventists were anti-Trinitarian, hiding Ellen White’s saying carefully and be willing to expose fraud, which nervous disorder, hiding her false prophecies and her makes a fruitful dialogue impossible!

use of the “prophetic gift” to manipulate the everyday Seventh, dialogue results in weakening of biblical lives of her followers, even “prophesying” that Adventist convictions. The Bible warns, “Be not deceived: evil women had to wear a certain type of dress, etc.

communications corrupt good manners” (1 Co. 15:33).

It hides its heresy under a redefinition of theological Close association with sin and error corrupts godly terms. I have an SDA pamphlet entitled “Saved by thinking and living. Just as a good apple cannot raise Grace,” but it actually teaches salvation by grace plus the standard of a barrel of bad apples, a true Christian law.

cannot raise the standard of an apostate or deeply compromised church or association. Contrariwise, it is It has tried to hide its identity when conducting the man or woman of God that will always be evangelistic campaigns. I visited an SDA prophecy corrupted.

conference in Tennessee and the only way one would know that it was sponsored by the SDA was the Look at Billy Graham. When he first began his presence of Ellen White’s literature.

ecumenical ventures, he claimed that he wanted to use ecumenism to get the gospel to more people and that It often downplays its stranger doctrines, such as “the the liberals and Roman Catholics needed the gospel. It spirit of prophecy” (Ellen White’s role as a prophetess) wasn’t long before his thinking had changed entirely and Investigative Judgment. In the 1970s I took some and was saying that the liberals and Roman Catholics correspondence courses offered by the Seventh-day are fine like they are. In a May 30, 1997, interview with Adventists. In a course designed for the general public, David Frost, Graham said: “I feel I belong to all the these things were glossed over; whereas in courses churches. I’M EQUALLY AT HOME IN AN ANGLICAN OR

designed for Adventists, they were highlighted.

BAPTIST OR A BRETHREN ASSEMBLY OR A ROMAN

The example of the Mormons

CATHOLIC CHURCH. ... And the bishops and The Mormons have whitewashed their early history, archbishops and the Pope are our friends” (David Frost, hiding the true character of Joseph Smith, his conviction Billy Graham in Conversation, pp. 68, 143). It is Graham in a court of law for deceiving people with a “peek who has been converted by the dialogue process. He stone” that he claimed could locate hidden treasure, his admitted, “The ecumenical movement has broadened adultery, his violence, his false claim that he could read my viewpoint” (Curtis Mitchell, Billy Graham Saint or ancient languages, etc.

Sinner, p. 272).

The Mormons have gotten rid of inconvenient The same is true for Graham’s co-workers. When an doctrines --such as that which said black people are evangelist said that he did not believe that Catholics are inferior (they were not allowed into the Mormon true Christians, Graham’s co-laborer “Grady” T.W.

priesthood) and polygamy --by means of new Wilson exclaimed that this is “absolutely wrong”; he

“prophecies.”

continued, “...to say they are not Christians--man alive!

The example of the Roman Catholic Church Anybody that receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Rome has rewritten its history so that most Catholics Saviour is converted! They’re born again. I believe the do not know the truth about such things as the brutality Pope is a converted man. I believe a lot of these and extent of the Inquisition, Rome’s persecution of the wonderful Catholics are Christians” (William Martin, A Jews, Rome’s curses against Bible believers, and the Prophet with Honor: The Billy Graham Story, p. 461).

moral vileness and greed surrounding the papacy. It has Obviously, Wilson is not asking any hard questions also downplayed doctrines such as purgatory and about what a person means by believing in Jesus as indulgences and Mariolatry.

“Lord and Saviour.”

Rome adapts itself to any given situation. Today it is This same thing will happen with those who are becoming more “evangelical” and more “charismatic”

dialoguing with Mormons. Do not Mormons also believe for ecumenical purposes.

on Jesus as Lord and Saviour? Of course they do, but Rome redefines terms, speaking of salvation by only if we allow them to define these things by their grace, for example, but meaning salvation through own heretical dictionary

sacraments.

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and say that pagans need to be converted. When the without delving in personalities which embrace the Southern Baptist Convention published a prayer guide error. ... Instead of attack upon error, the Newin 2000 calling upon Baptists to pray for the conversion Evangelicals proclaim the great historic doctrines of of Hindus, ecumenical leaders in India rose up in alarm.

Christianity” (Harold Ockenga).

Ipe Joseph, general secretary of the National Council of The chief danger of New Evangelicalism is not the Churches in India, condemned the prayer guide and error that is preached but the truth that is neglected.

said, “We should find ecumenical space for followers of The New Evangelical narrows down his message, other faiths in salvation. ... Christians should stop focusing only on a portion of the whole counsel of God thinking of Christianity as the religion among religions.”

(Acts 20:27).

The general secretary of the Council of Baptist Churches This means that much that the New Evangelical in NorthEast India, Pastor Gulkhan Pau, also preaches and writes is scriptural and spiritually condemned the Southern Baptist prayer guide. Pau said, beneficial. The New Evangelical will say many good

“You preach your faith, but don’t play down others. ... I things about salvation, Christian living, love for the am not going to condemn the Hindu or the Muslim for Lord, marriage, child training, sanctification, the deity his faith.”

of Christ, even the infallibility of Scripture.

For eleven years the Church of England conducted a For example, when Ravi Zacharias spoke at Robert formal dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church (the Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral in April 2004, his message Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission); was largely a blessing. I read an online version of it, and the result was that the Church of England capitulated to he preached on such things as love for Jesus in the Catholic doctrine, for “at no point was there any give in Christian walk and a godly marriage. The problem was Roman doctrine” (Iain Murray, Evangelicalism Divided, p.

not what he said but what he did not say and the context 219). The dialogue concluded in 1981 and five years in which he said it. He failed to warn about Schuller’s later the Final Report was approved by the General gross self-esteem heresy (i.e., teaching that sin is the Synod of the Church of England.

loss of self-esteem). He failed to note that Schuller uses

“The Vatican delayed its response until 1991 and then, traditional theological terms while redefining them in a instead of thankful consent, it required that the heretical sense. He failed to reprove and rebuke in a Catholic teaching--especially on the Eucharist (the plain manner. He failed to separate from error. (In Mass)--be spelt out specifically. It wanted assurance typical New Evangelical fashion, he also quoted a that there was agreement on ‘the propitiatory nature of modernist, J.K. Chesterton, in an uncritical manner.) the Eucharistic sacrifice’, applicable to the dead as well as the living; and ‘certitude that Christ is present ...

A New Evangelical speaker will preach against sin substantially when “under the species of bread and and error in generalities, but not plainly. He will say wine these earthly realities are changed into the reality that he is opposed to error and compromise, but he will of his Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity”’. This not define this plainly. (The only exceptions are what I confirmation was given from the Anglican side in call “politically correct” or “safe” sins and errors, such as Clarification of Certain Aspects of the Agreed Statements homosexuality and abortion. The New Evangelical will on Eucharist and Ministry (1994). The Anglicans speak plainly against this type of thing because to do so assured the Vatican that the words of the Final is acceptable within Evangelical circles today. Safe sins Statement -- already approved by Synod -- did indeed conform to the sense required by the official Roman and errors are those that a preacher can warn about teaching” (Murray, Evangelicalism Divided, p. 220).

without offending most of his ordinary listeners.) Eighth, dialogue ignores Titus 3:9-11 -- “But avoid When faced with a requirement of coming out plainly foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and against error and naming the names of popular strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and Christian leaders, though, he will refuse to take a stand vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second and will, more likely, attack the one who is trying to admonition reject; knowing that he that is such is force his hand or will lash out against “extreme subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”

fundamentalism” or some such thing.

The command of God is not to dialogue with heretics Billy Graham is the king of positivism and non-but to reject them.

judgmentalism.

3. New Evangelicalism is characterized by a love for His message has been described as “hard at the positivism, by a repudiation of the more negative aspects center but soft at the edges.” He says his job is merely to of biblical Christianity, by a judge-not philosophy, by a preach the gospel, that he is not called to get involved in dislike of doctrinal controversy.

doctrinal controversies.

“The strategy of the New Evangelicalism is the positive In 1966 the United Church Observer, the official paper proclamation of the truth in distinction from all errors of the ultra liberal United Church of Canada (in 1997

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Moderator Bill Phipps said Jesus Christ is not God), A. OUR EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION IS NOT

asked Graham a series of questions. His answers CONCERNED TO PASS JUDGMENT -- FAVORABLE OR

demonstrate his positive-only, non-judgmental style: ADVERSE -- ON ANY PARTICULAR DENOMINATION.

WE DO NOT INTEND TO GET INVOLVED IN THE

Q. Do you believe that we who teach that Christ is the VARIOUS DIVISIONS WITHIN THE CHURCH. We are word of God and that the Bible bears witness to God's simple Gospel preachers, not scholarly theologians --

revelation in him -- but that the Bible is full of parable, though several of our team members have their earned myth, allegory and is often quite unhistoric and inexact doctorates. We feel that our calling is that of specialists

-- are ‘false teachers’?

-- winning people to a personal commitment to Jesus A. Refused to answer.

Christ! We do not intend to allow ourselves to become Q. In your book you speak of ‘false prophets’. You say bogged down in the many religious crosscurrents.

it is the ‘full-time effort of many intellectuals to Q. Do you think a literal belief in the Virgin birth -- not circumvent God’s plan’ and you make a quotation from just as a symbol of the incarnation or of Christ’s Paul Tillich. Do you consider Paul Tillich a false divinity -- as an historic event is necessary for personal prophet?

salvation?

A. I HAVE MADE IT A PRACTICE NOT TO PASS

A. While I most certainly believe that Jesus Christ was JUDGMENT ON OTHER CLERGYMEN. I do not agree born of a virgin, I do not find anywhere in the New with many of Dr. Tillich's interpretations. I heard one Testament that this particular belief is necessary for of the greatest liberal preachers of this century in an personal salvation...

emotional moment say: ‘If Paul Tillich is a Christian Q. Do you reject those theories of evolution that then I am not.’ I would not go that far! However, Dr.

suggest man may have descended (or ascended) from Tillich confused and misled many young clergymen in lower forms of life?

his attempt to make religion relevant. His basic teaching was not in line with the New Testament A. Yes. As modern scientific research increasingly Kerygma. I would have to know a man much more shows, variation and adaptation take place within the thoroughly than I knew Dr. Tillich to call him a ‘false species which are genetically closed communities.

prophet’. There is some evidence that would indicate HOWEVER, I SERIOUSLY DOUBT IF DIFFERENCES AT

that during his last few months of his life he was THIS POINT REALLY MAKE TOO MUCH SENSE. If changing considerably.

man came through a long evolutionary process, he really did not become a ‘man’ until God breathed into Q. Do you think that churches such as The United his nostrils and he became a living soul... The Bible Church of Canada and the great liberal churches of the does not tell us exactly how God created man. There is United States that are active in the ecumenical no use speculating any further...

movement and whose ministers study and respect the work of Paul Tillich and other great modern teachers Q. Do you accept the theories and evidence of the are ‘apostate’?

scientists that man has lived on earth for hundreds of thousands of years?

A. I COULD NOT POSSIBLY PASS THIS TYPE OF

JUDGMENT ON INDIVIDUAL CHURCHES AND

A. Since modern scientists vary in their estimates of CLERGYMEN WITHIN THE UNITED CHURCH OF

the period of man's existence on earth from ten CANADA -- my knowledge of The United Church of thousand to hundreds of thousands of years, which Canada is too inadequate, and my ability to make such

‘evidence’ is to be believed? I seriously doubt if any discernment is too limited. My books and writings are responsible thinker could satisfactorily answer this public knowledge but I love fellowship and work with question. I DON’T SEE THAT THE AGE OF THE EARTH

many Christians who don’t agree with me theologically HAS A GREAT BEARING ON ONE'S FAITH. FOR A in everything. As to my calling everyone ‘apostate’

CHRISTIAN TO AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH A who reads and gets help from Tillich -- this is SCIENTIST DOESN’T MAKE HIM ANY MORE OR LESS

preposterous. There are too many shades of A CHRISTIAN (“Billy Graham Answers 26 Provocative theological opinion in a large denomination to lump Questions,” United Church Observer, July 1, 1966).

them all off as liberal, neo-orthodox, conservative, This is pure New Evangelicalism. The New fundamentalist, or what have you!

Evangelical will preach against error in general terms Q. In Canada some of the most ardent supporters of but rarely will he do it plainly and specifically. When Billy Graham -- Toronto’s Peoples Church and Dr. Paul questioned directly by either side, he tends to fudge and Smith for example -- are consistently hostile and dodge. He is not a prophet but a religious politician.

carping critics of the United Church curriculum being No one is better at this than Billy Graham, which is taught in our homes, nearly 100% of church schools and Bible classes. Does your organization stand with us why he has been called “Mr. Facing Both Ways.” He is for a modern, enlightened, scholarly attempt to explain for creation but he doesn’t think evolution is deadly; he to our people what ‘The Bible says’? Or does it stand is for a young earth and an old earth; he is for the with those who describe us as ‘an apostate church liberal position and for the evangelical position; he is for spreading our unbelief’?

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deny it. He is for everything and therefore against the best way to communicate his faith is “not to preach nothing.

fire and brimstone.”

When Graham held a crusade in wicked Las Vegas, An ad for “Fuel on the Fire” by Morgan Cryar says the the infamous gambling haven, he said: “I did not come song is “a good pop/rock sound for the teenage here to condemn Las Vegas; I came here to preach the audience” because the “songs deal with youth issues and gospel” ( Christianity Today, Feb. 24, 1978). But the situations WITHOUT BEING PREACHY.”

gospel begins with the bad news of God’s condemnation The lyrics to Donna Summer’s music is described as of our sin before it gets to the good news of forgiveness being “UNPREACHILY AS POSSIBLE, the approach most through Jesus Christ.

likely to win the attention of an intelligent non-Christian Graham’s refusal to preach anything beyond the most audience” ( Contemporary Christian Music Magazine, Oct.

basic aspects of the gospel (and even that much is 1984, p. 40).

questionable) is why he is acceptable both to Roman Randy Stonehill says: “I DON’T WANT TO PREACH

Catholics and Modernists. Charles Dullea, Superior of AT PEOPLE. What I want to do is communicate the truth the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, said: “Because in the most compelling, fresh, and challenging way I he is preaching basic Christianity, he does not enter into can” (“Kicking Around with Uncle Rand,” Christian matters which today divide Christians. He does not Music Review, April 1991).

touch on Sacraments or Church in any detail. ... The Michael W. Smith says, “MY SONGS ARE NOT

Catholic will hear no slighting of his Church’s teaching PREACHY -- at all” (Michael McCall, Contemporary authority, nor of Papal or Episcopal Prerogatives, no Christian, June 1986, p. 19). Smith described his non-word against the mass or sacraments or Catholic judgmental philosophy in an interview in the May 1998

practices. GRAHAM HAS NO TIME FOR THAT; he is issue of CCM Magazine.

preaching only Christ and a personal commitment to Him. The Catholic, in my opinion will hear little, if In reviewing Steve Taylor’s music, the Seattle Post-anything, he cannot agree with” (Dullea, “A Catholic Intelligencer noted that “THERE IS LITTLE PREACHING

Looks at Billy Graham,” Homiletic & Pastoral Review, IN HIS SONGS” ( Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Oct. 11, Jan. 1972).

1984). Taylor admits that people like his concerts because there is no preaching: “Our concerts attract The Church Growth and Megachurch philosophy is people because THEY KNOW THEY WON'T BE

another example of New Evangelicalism’s non-PREACHY or insult their intelligence” (Peters Brothers, judgmentalism.

What About Christian Rock, p. 138). Taylor was quoted Consider this description of church growth guru C.

as saying: “I DON’T THINK PEOPLE REALLY LIKE TO BE

Peter Wagner: “Wagner makes negative assessments PREACHED AT. ... I THINK IT’S INSULTING TO

about nobody; he has made a career out of finding what PEOPLE’S INTELLIGENCE TO PREACH AT THEM. No is good and affirming it without asking critical one likes to be told what to believe” ( Seattle Post-questions” ( Christianity Today, Aug. 8, 1986).

Intelligencer, Oct. 11, 1984).

The preaching at Willow Creek, the megachurch P.O.D. (Payable on Death), a hard rock group from pastored by Bill Hybels is described in this way: “There California, also subscribes to the positive-only is no fire and brimstone here. No Bible-thumping. Just philosophy: An interviewer with Pollstar observed: practical, witty messages.”

“While THEY DON’T PREACH or try to ram their Robert Schuller, who influences many through his spirituality down anyone’s throat, they hope that their Church Growth Institutes, epitomizes the New POSITIVE MESSAGE will have an influence on rock Evangelical positive-only philosophy. He says, fans” ( Pollstar, March 20, 2000).

“Essentially, if Christianity is to succeed in the next The Chinese CCM group For You advertises their millennium, it must cease to be a negative religion and music as “SPIRITUAL BUT NOT PREACHY” ( The Straits must become positive” (Schuller, Self-Esteem the New Times, Singapore, May 18, 2001).

Reformation, p. 104).

Jason Wade of Lifehouse says, “I think we have a This New Evangelical judge not philosophy permeates positive message of hope. WE’RE NOT TRYING TO

Contemporary Christian Music.

BLATANTLY PREACH. It all comes down to love” (David Consider these statements against old-fashioned Wild, “The Rock & Roll Gospel according to Lifehouse,”

preaching:

Rolling Stone magazine, June 7, 2001, http://

Steven Curtis Chapman says he tries to communicate www.rollingstone.com/news/newsarticle.asp?

a Biblical world view in a way that WILL NOT BE

nid=13983&cf=13773270).

“ABRASIVELY PREACHY” ( Huntsville Times, Oct. 30, What the Bible Says about the Positive Approach: 1994). He says his quest for relevance has shown that Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 427

NEW EVANGELICAL

First, the prophets of old were not positive-focus New likened them to “natural brute beasts, made to be taken Evangelicals. Consider Enoch’s sermon: “And Enoch also, and destroyed” (2 Pe. 2:12) and exposed their deception the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, (2 Pe. 2:13).

Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, John, “the apostle of love,” was also busy warning to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are about antichrists (1 John 2:18-19), calling them liars (1

ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they John 2:22) and seducers (1 John 2:26) and deceivers (2

have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches John 7); saying that they deny the Son (1 John 2:23) which ungodly sinners have spoken against him” (Jude and that they don’t have God (2 John 9). He put great 14-15). There is nothing New Evangelical about this emphasis upon testing the spirits (1 John 4:1-3). John sermon.

even forbade the believers to allow the false teachers Second, the Lord Jesus Christ was not a positive-focus into their houses or to bid them God speed (2 John New Evangelical. He preached more about hell than 10-11).

heaven (i.e., Mark 9:42-48) and strongly rebuked error Fourth, biblical preaching is not positive-focus New (Mt. 23:13-33). He scalded the Pharisees because they Evangelicalism. There is both “negative” and positive in perverted the way of the truth and corrupted the gospel the Bible, and the preacher’s job is to preach it all (2

of grace, calling them hypocrites, blind guides, fools and Timothy 4:2). We are to preach all things whatsoever blind, serpents, generation of vipers. And that was just Christ has taught (Mt. 28:20). We are to speak the one sermon!

whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). Biblical preaching Third, it is also obvious that the apostles were not always has a strong element of warning and plain positive-focus New Evangelicals. Paul was constantly correction.

involved in doctrinal controversies and was brutally Fifth, biblical Christianity is not positive-focus New plain about the danger of heresy. He called false Evangelicalism. It is not only the preacher’s job to teachers “dogs” and “evil workers” (Ph. 3:2). Of those reprove sin and to warn of error. God commands every who pervert the gospel he said, “Let them be Christian to reprove (Ep. 5:11). He commands every accursed” (Ga. 1:8, 9). He called them “evil men and Christian to contend for the faith (Jude 3). And He seducers” (2 Ti. 3:13), “men of corrupt minds, reprobate commands every Christian to separate from error (Ro.

concerning the faith” (2 Ti. 3:8), “false apostles, 16:17).

deceitful workers” (2 Co. 11:13). He named the names What the Bible Says about Judging

of false teachers and called their teaching “vain babblings” (2 Ti. 2:16, 17). He warned about First, the Bible requires that we judge everything by the

“philosophy and vain deceit” (Col. 2:8). He described divine standard (1 Th. 5:21).

their “cunning craftiness.” When Elymas tried to turn (1) We are to judge righteous judgment (Jn. 7:24).

men away from the faith, Paul wasted no time with (2) We are to judge all things (1 Co. 2:15-16). (3) We dialogue. He said, “O full of all subtilty and all mischief, are to judge sin in the church (1 Co. 5:3, 12). (4) We thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, are to judge matters between the brethren (1 Co. 6:5).

wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the (5) We are to judge preaching (1 Co. 14:29). (6) We are Lord? ” (Acts 13:10). He warned about false teachers to judge those who preach false gospels, false christs, who would come into the churches and called them and false spirits (2 Co. 11:1-4). (7) We are to judge the

“grievous wolves” (Acts 20:29) and their teaching works of darkness (Ep. 5:11). (8) We are to judge false

“perverse things” (Acts 20:30). Those who denied the prophets and false apostles (2 Pe. 2; 1 John 4:1; Jude; bodily resurrection were called “fools” (1 Co. 15:35-36).

Re. 2:2).

He warned about false christs, false spirits, false gospels Second, we are not to judge hypocritically (Mt. 7:1-5).

(2 Co. 11:1-4). He labeled false teaching “doctrines of In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus did not condemn all devils” (1 Ti. 4:1). In the Pastoral Epistles Paul warned judging; He condemned hypocritical judging (“Thou of false teachers and compromisers by name 10 times.

hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; Peter was also plain spoken about heresy. Almost two and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out thirds of his second epistle is dedicated to warning of thy brother's eye,” Mt. 7:5).

about false teachers. He labeled their heresies That Christ does not condemn all judging is evident

“damnable” and warned of their “swift destruction” (2

from the context. In the same sermon He warned about Pe. 2:1). He called their ways “pernicious”; said their false teachers (Mt. 7:15-17) and false brethren (Mt.

words were “feigned”; and boldly declared that “their 7:21-23). It is impossible to beware of false prophets damnation slumbereth not” (2 Pe. 2:3). He warned and false brethren without judging doctrine and practice them of eternal hell (2 Pe. 2:4-9) and called them by God’s Word.

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That Christ is not condemning all judging is also disciple” (quoted from Iain Murray, Evangelicalism evident by comparing Scripture with Scripture. We have Divided, p. 33).

seen that other passages require judging.

In an article calling for ecumenical evangelism, Third, we are not to judge in matters of liberty Pastor Ted Haggard (pastor of New Life Church, (Romans 14). Romans 14 is talking about judging things Colorado Springs, and head of the National Association on which the Bible is silent, such as diet (Ro. 14:2-3) of Evangelicals) likened doctrinal convictions to and holy days (Ro. 14:5-6). There are no laws in the different flavors of ice cream.

New Testament about diet and holy days. In all such

“I love all kinds of ice cream. Sometimes I want vanilla things there is personal liberty and the believer is not to with caramel topping, whipped cream, lots of nuts and judge others.

a cherry. Other times I want Rocky Road, banana or Romans 14 is not saying that some things in the Bible chocolate chip. That’s why I love Baskin-Robbins ice are of “secondary” importance and therefore should not cream stores. … In Colorado Springs, Colorado, where I am a pastor, we enjoy 90 flavors of churches. ... I am be matters of judgment. Paul is not speaking of things saying that we need to appreciate the respected clearly taught in the Bible, but of things not taught in interpretations of Scripture that exist in the many the Bible. If something is taught in the Bible, the Christian denominations. ... Have you erected any believer is obligated to follow it and to judge on that fences between your church and the congregation basis.

down the street? have you judged other Christian Fourth, we are not to judge in an evil way (James groups in your heart, or openly criticized them? I 4:11-12). This is defined in the context. It means to believe the Holy Spirit is calling us to move our fences speak evil (Ja. 4:11). Proper judging, on the other hand, and demonstrate to a watching world that we are united” (Ted Haggard, “We Can Win Our Cities ...

is to speak the truth in love. The truth is not evil and Together,” Charisma, July 1995).

speaking the truth in love is not evil. The type of judging condemned by James is judging in the sense of Jack Van Impe said: “The Holy Spirit declares in tearing down, tale bearing, and slander. It is judging Ephesians 4:3 we are to ‘endeavor to keep the unity of with an evil intent. When one judges sin and error the Spirit in the bond of peace.’ I wasn’t doing that. I scripturally, it is never with a desire to hurt people. The was dividing the Christians. God comes into the heart of Pharisees judged Jesus in this evil manner (Jn. 7:52).

Catholics, and Lutherans, and Baptists, and Pentecostals, The false teachers at Galatia and Corinth judged Paul in and with God in us, we can fellowship with one this manner, trying to tear him down in the eyes of the another” (Van Impe’s television program, July 23, churches (2 Co. 10:10).

1995).

To judge in an evil way is also to judge in a way that Joseph Stowell (president of Moody Bible Institute), is contrary to the law of God (Ja. 4:12). This refers to speaking at the National Association of Evangelicals judging others by human standards rather than divine, conference in March 1996, said: “God never intended thus setting oneself up as the lawgiver. The Pharisees that our differences would divide us. If you belong to did this when they judged Jesus by their traditions (Mt.

Christ you are lifted above the differences, and all else 15:1-3). On the other hand, when a believer judges becomes secondary. Promise Keepers Clergy Conference things by God’s Word in a godly and compassionate in Atlanta showed the unity that is possible. We must manner, he is not exercising his own judgment; he is repent of our attitudes as I did in Atlanta. I went to a judging God’s judgment. When, for example, I say that man who held different doctrines than I held and it is wrong for a woman to be a pastor, this is not my apologized. ... Revival happens when God’s people judgment; it is God’s (1 Ti. 2:12). This is not evil network together.”

judgment.

What the Bible Says about Doctrine New Evangelicalism’s judge-not, focus-on-the-It is impossible to treat doctrine like the Bible positive philosophy has permeated evangelical requires and while also following the ecumenical Christianity today, but it is not Scriptural.

doctrine described in the previous examples.

4. New Evangelicalism is characterized by exalting love We are saved by believing from the heart the right and unity above doctrine.

doctrine of the gospel (Ro. 6:17). This shows why we Billy Graham said, “The one badge of Christian cannot accept someone as a genuine Christian if they discipleship is not orthodoxy, but love” (quoted from are committed to a false gospel, such as Rome’s Iain Murray, Evangelicalism Divided, p. 33).

sacramentalism. We must ask hard questions about the doctrine of salvation to make sure that it is Scriptural, Edward Carnell, second president of Fuller and such a practice is anathema to the ecumenical Theological Seminary, said: “Jesus names love, not philosophy.

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We are to separate from those who teach false doctrine.

Biblical love is associated with rebuking sin and

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause error. The Lord Jesus, who is Love Incarnate, “looked divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye round about on them with anger, being grieved for the have learned; and avoid them” (Ro. 16:17).

hardness of their hearts” (Mk. 3:5). He rebuked the We must be careful of every wind of false doctrine.

Pharisees sharply, even fiercely (Mt. 23). He called Peter

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and a devil (Mt. 16:23) and upbraided the disciples “with fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the their unbelief and hardness of heart” (Mk. 16:14). The sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in apostle Paul called false teachers “dogs” and “evil wait to deceive” (Ep. 4:14).

workers” (Ph. 3:2), “evil men and seducers” (2 Ti.

No false doctrine is to be allowed. “As I besought thee 3:13), “men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, faith” (2 Ti. 3:8). Of those who pervert the gospel he that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other said, “Let them be accursed” (Ga. 1:8, 9). None of this is doctrine” (1 Ti. 1:3).

contrary to Christian love.

The preacher is to take heed to the doctrine. “Take heed Ecumenists are also confused about the direction of unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for love.

in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that The first direction of love must be toward God. “Jesus hear them” (1 Ti. 4:16).

said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all The Bible is given for doctrine (2 Ti. 3:16) and is to be thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

preached with doctrine (2 Ti. 4:2).

This is the first and great commandment” (Mt. 22:37-38).

I must love God enough to take a stand for His Word, to The preacher must be able to use doctrine to edify and love and fear God more than I love and fear man. We protect the church. “Holding fast the faithful word as he agree with Charles Haddon Spurgeon when he said: hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus

“On all hands we hear cries for unity in this, and unity in that; but to our mind the main need of this age is 1:9).

not compromise, but conscientiousness. ‘First pure, We abide in Christ by sound doctrine. “But the then peaceable.’ It is easy to cry ‘a confederacy,’ but anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, that union which is not based upon the truth of God is and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same rather a conspiracy than a communion. Charity by all anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is means; but honesty also. Love, of course, but love to no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in God as well as love to men, and love of truth as well as him” (1 Jn. 2:27).

love of union. It is exceedingly difficult in these times to preserve one’s fidelity before God and one’s WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT CHRISTIAN LOVE

fraternity among men. Should not the former be Though the ecumenist talks much about love, he is preferred to the latter if both cannot be maintained?

confused about both the definition and the direction of We think so” (Spurgeon, “The Down Grade - Second true Christian love.

Article,” The Sword and the Trowel, April 1887, Notes, Ecumenists are confused about the definition of love.

p. 16).

Biblical love is obedience to God and His Word, not The second direction of love must be toward those gushy emotion, not broadmindedness, not toleration of who are in spiritual danger. The Lord Jesus instructed error. “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Peter to “feed my sheep” John 21:16-17. I need to love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, the Lord’s sheep more than I love the wolves.

and we will come unto him, and make our abode with In conclusion of our study on love, we quote from him” (Jn. 14:23). “For this is the love of God, that we the words of James Henley Thornwell, a staunch Old keep his commandments: and his commandments are School Presbyterian preacher who fought against not grievous” (1 John 5:3).

theological modernism in the 19th century. He was the Biblical love is associated with knowledge and sixth president of South Carolina College (today the judgment. “And this I pray, that your love may abound University of South Carolina). He was weary with the yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

“In Betweenites” of his day who said they loved the that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye truth but were soft in their stance and refused to boldly may be sincere and without offence till the day of withstand heresy. Note his powerful words and his Christ” (Ph. 1:9-10). Biblical love is never divorced from understanding of true biblical love:

strict application of God’s Word, from keen spiritual

“To employ soft words and honeyed phrases in judgment based on God’s Word. Biblical love is not non-discussing questions of everlasting importance; to deal with errors that strike at the foundations of all human judgmentalism.

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bless where God disapproves, and to make apologies calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and where He calls us to stand up like men and assert, Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you though it may be the aptest method of securing all.”

popular applause in a sophistical age, is cruelty to man and treachery to heaven. Those who on such subjects This is another key passage on Christian unity, but attach more importance to the rules of courtesy than when we examine it carefully we find that it actually they do to the measures of truth do not defend the condemns ecumenism.

citadel, but betray it into the hands of its enemies.

Ephesians 4:3-6 is a unity of the Spirit (v. 3). It is not LOVE FOR CHRIST, AND FOR THE SOULS FOR

a manmade unity. It is a unity of those who are WHOM HE DIED, WILL BE THE EXACT MEASURE OF

regenerated by and led by the Spirit of God. There is no OUR ZEAL IN EXPOSING THE DANGERS BY WHICH

unity between those who are true born again Christians MEN’S SOULS ARE ENSNARED” (quoted in a sermon and those who are nominal. While attending ecumenical by George Sayles Bishop, author of The Doctrines of Grace and Kindred Themes, 1910).

conferences with press credentials over the years, I have asked many attendees when they were born again, and What the Bible Says about Christian Unity oftentimes they have not been able to give a Scriptural The New Testament does speak of Christian unity but answer.

it is nothing like the doctrine that we find in today’s Ephesians 4:3-6 is a unity of the one faith (v. 5). This evangelical ecumenicism:

refers to the faith once delivered to the apostles and JOHN 17:21 -- The modern ecumenical movement prophets and inscripturated in the New Testament.

has taken John 17:11 as one of its theme verses, Note that “the faith” is not divided into cardinal and claiming that the unity for which Christ prayed is a secondary issues after an ecumenical fashion. In Mt.

unity of professing Christians that disregards or 23:23 the Lord Jesus taught that while not everything in downplays biblical doctrine, but the context of John 17

Scripture is of equal importance, everything has some destroys this myth.

importance. Nothing clearly taught in Scripture is to be In John 17, Jesus is referring to those who are saved despised and set aside for the purpose of unity.

(Jn. 17:3). John 17 is not a unity of regenerate believers In 1 Timothy 6:14, Paul taught Timothy to keep the with those who are nominal or who follow a false apostolic doctrine “without spot” until the return of gospel.

Christ. Spots are small, seemingly insignificant things.

In John 17, Jesus is referring to those who keep His Thus, Paul was teaching Timothy to value everything in Word; it is a unity in truth (Jn. 17:6, 17). It is not a Scripture. The theme of 1 Timothy is practical church unity that ignores doctrinal differences for the sake of truth (1 Ti. 3:15), church government (1 Ti. 3), the an enlarged fellowship. It is not an ecumenical “unity in woman’s role in church work (1 Ti. 2), care for widows diversity.” Nowhere does the New Testament teach that (1 Ti. 5), etc. These are precisely the kinds of things that doctrine is to be sacrificed, or even downplayed, for the are typically ignored in ecumenical ventures, because sake of unity.

they are considered of secondary importance; yet Paul In John 17, Jesus is referring to those who not of the taught Timothy to keep all of these things without spot.

world (Jn. 17:14, 16). By contrast, the ecumenical Ephesians 4:3-6 is a unity that has as its basic unit the movement is not separated from the world. Billy local church. The command in Ephesians 4 is addressed Graham is praised by the world and frequently voted to the church at Ephesus (Ep. 1:1). It was not addressed the most favorite man in America. In 1989, Graham was to some worldwide body of believers. It is possible to even awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

practice biblical unity within the assembly because His star is near those honoring Wayne Newton and John doctrine and righteousness can be legislated and Travolta. The ecumenical movement today is preserved there. Outside of the assembly, there is no characterized by a rock & roll type of Christianity that biblical discipline or authority, and when Christians does not believe in strict separation from the world, and attempt to practice interdenominational and parachurch the world responds with awards and accolades rather unity, there is always compromise. I am not responsible than persecution.

to maintain a unity of spirit with every professing In John 17, Jesus is referring to a unity of the Spirit believer in the world, but with the believers in my not a manmade unity (Jn. 17:1). John 17 is a prayer assembly. The Bible says we are to glorify God “with one directed to God the Father, not a commandment mind and one mouth” (Ro. 15:6). That certainly is not a directed to men.

description of ecumenism! This is only possible in the EPHESIANS 4:3-6 -- “Endeavouring to keep the unity assembly, where believers can be united together in of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and doctrine and spirit and purpose in a way that is one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your impossible apart from the assembly.

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PHILIPPIANS 1:27 -- “Only let your conversation be as than separating from them.

it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and Aiming to influence the nation. This was the goal of see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that Jerry Falwell’s Moral Majority and The Faith and Values ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together Coalition. It is the goal of a new ecumenical political for the faith of the gospel.”

movement in Australia led by the Hills Christian Life This is another key verse on Christian unity, but Centre in Sydney.

consider the following observations from the context: Aiming to build a big church. In 1986 Carl Henry Biblical unity is practiced particularly in the local warned, “Numerical bigness has become an infectious assembly. This instruction was addressed to the church epidemic” ( Confessions of a Theologian, p. 387). This at Philippi. True Christian unity is not a parachurch or explains the amazing popularity of visibly successful interdenominational issue.

pastors such as Bill Hybels and Rick Warren. This type Biblical unity means having one mind, not a “unity in of pragmatism has also characterized a large segment of diversity. ” Compare the following: the fundamental Baptist church movement. In the

“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to 1970s, the goal of building a big church was achieved be likeminded one toward another according to Christ by creating an exciting atmosphere with “special days,”

Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth aggressive promotional campaigns, large bus ministries, glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus stirring but typically shallow motivational preaching, Christ” (Ro. 15:5-6).

and such. This was what I was taught at Tennessee

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Temple in the mid-1970s, and it was what was modeled Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that at Highland Park Baptist Church. The men that were there be no divisions among you; but that ye be exalted were men that had built big churches, men who perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the were “successful” by the standard of big numbers.

same judgment” (1 Co. 1:10).

Things that did not fit into the objective -- such as solid Biblical unity means total commitment to the one faith.

Bible teaching, plain refutation of error that includes The New Testament faith is not many separate doctrines naming the names of influential false teachers, and an but one unified body of truth. There are no “secondary”

emphasis on ecclesiastical separation -- were omitted or doctrines that we can ignore for the sake of Christian downplayed, because it caused controversy and didn’t unity. The choice is between a “limited fellowship or a

“build a church.” It is not a dramatic shift to move from limited message.” If one is faithful to the New Testament this type of pragmatism to that of Rick Warren and Bill faith, it is impossible to have a wide fellowship, and if Hybels in the 1990s. The goal remains the same, which one is committed to a wide fellowship he must limit his is a big church, but the methods have changed. Instead message to something less than the whole counsel of of promotionalism, they use contemporary worship God.

music and the lowering of standards and the watering 5. New Evangelicalism is characterized by a pragmatic down of the preaching to draw the crowd. In neither approach to the ministry.

case is the preeminent goal to obey the Scriptures and

“We want to retrieve Christianity from a mere eddy of be committed to the whole counsel of God at all cost, the main stream into the full current of modern whether the church is big or small.

life” (Harold Ockenga).

What the Bible Says:

Pragmatism is to aim at achieving some stated First, we are commanded to have only one goal, and human objective rather than simply being faithful to that is to obey God’s Word. “Let us hear the conclusion of God’s Word and letting “the chips fall where they may.”

the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his Following are examples of the pragmatic objectives that commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc.

New Evangelicals aim for:

12:13).

Aiming to influence the world for Christ. This is the Second, we are to keep all things that Christ has goal of Graham’s ecumenical crusades. It is the stated commanded. “Teaching them to observe all things aim of Christian rockers and rappers. It is the aim of the whatsoever I have commanded you...” (Mt. 28:20).

megachurch growth principles. A world of compromise Third, we are to respect the whole counsel of God (Acts and disobedience is excused today for evangelism’s 20:27) and to keep God’s Word “without spot,” which sake.

refers to seemingly small and inconsequential things (1

Aiming to influence liberal denominations. This was Ti. 6:13-14).

one of the original goals of New Evangelicalism. Harold Fourth, when King Saul obeyed only part of God’s O c k e n g a s a i d h e w a n t e d t o r e c a p t u r e t h e command, he was severely rebuked (1 Sa. 15:22-23).

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What about 1 Corinthians 9:22? “To the weak became pagans.

I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all 6. New Evangelicalism is characterized by the desire for things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”

intellectual respectability, by pride of scholarship.

The “rock & roll Christian” crowd uses this verse to Billy Graham, speaking at the annual convention of support its philosophy of being a rapper to reach the the National Association of Evangelicals in 1971, said: “I rappers and a beach bum to reach the beach bums.

believe that Christianity Today has played a major role However, when we examine the context and compare i n g i v i n g e v a n g e l i c a l s t h a t I N T E L L E C T UA L

Scripture with Scripture, we find that Paul did not mean RESPECTABILITY and initiative that was so drastically anything like this. Let’s look at the immediate context needed 29 years ago.”

and then the more remote context:

Fuller Theological Seminary was at the forefront of In 1 Co. 9:21 Paul says, “To them that are without

“the bid to capture the theological leadership in law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but America” (letter from Edward Carnell to Harold under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are Ockenga, unpublished, Dec. 30, 1957; cited by Iain without law.” Thus, he explains that he is always under Murray, Evangelicalism Divided, p. 174).

the law to Christ and he is never free to do things that John R.W. Stott said: “For 50 years and more, I have would be contrary to the Scripture. For example, Paul urged that authentic evangelical Christians are not would not adopt long hair in order to reach the fundamentalists. Fundamentalists tend to be ANTI-heathen, because Christ’s law says long hair is a shame INTELLECTUAL...” (Stott, Essentials: A Liberal-

(1 Co. 11:14).

Evangelical Dialogue, 1988, p. 90). The younger And in 1 Co. 9:27 he says, “But I keep under my body, evangelicals in the Church of England, who have been and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when influenced deeply by John Stott, are on a “quest for I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

RESPECTABLE THEOLOGY” (Iain Murray, Evangelicalism Thus, Paul was always strict and he did not allow Divided, p. 175).

anything that would result in spiritual carelessness and In 1994 Wheaton College professor Mark Noll the possibility of becoming spiritually shipwreck. He published The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, warning always kept his body in subjection.

of the “scandal” of “ANTI-INTELLECTUALISM.”

In Galatians 5:13 he says, “For, brethren, ye have been What the Bible Says:

called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Thus, Paul’s First, God warns against intellectual pride. “When liberty was not the liberty to serve the flesh in any pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is sense. One of the first fleshly things that God dealt with wisdom” (Pr. 11:2). “For ye see your calling, brethren, me about after I was saved in the summer of 1973 was how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many rock & roll. In my estimation, it is one of the most mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen powerful fleshly things in society today. Steven Tyler of the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and Aerosmith testified that rock music “is the strongest God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound drug in the world” ( Rock Beat, Spring 1987, p. 23), and the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, LSD guru Timothy Leary added his amen to that, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and admitting, “I’ve been STONED ON THE MUSIC many things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: times.” My own experience with rock & roll before I was That no flesh should glory in his presence” (1 Co.

converted agrees with these testimonies, and I am 1:26-29). Apostasy usually begins among the confident that those who believe rock & roll can be used intellectuals. This is what brought the downfall of properly in the service of a holy God are deceived.

Harvard University in the early 19th century; in their zeal for intellectual respectability, they brought in a Paul also taught that believers are to “abstain from Unitarian renowned for his scholarship to head up the all appearance of evil” (1 Th. 5:22). This is the strictest school. The Bible believer is not anti-intellectual in the form of separation, and Paul would not have done sense of being anti-learning and education; but he anything contrary to this in his own life and ministry.

understands the dangers inherent in human scholarship Paul is definitely not providing a defense for the because of man’s fallen nature; and he is opposed to contemporary Christian rock & roll philosophy and there humanistic scholarship that is divorced from and is no possibility that he would have adopted such a antagonistic to God’s Word.

lifestyle. Jeremiah warned, “Learn not the way of the Second, consider how Jesus was treated by the religious heathen” (Je. 10:2), and Paul would certainly not have intellectuals. “And the Jews marvelled, saying, How tattooed himself and grown his hair long and adopted knoweth this man letters, having never learned” (Jn.

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7:15), and consider His warning: “Woe unto you, when all longer believed in the inerrancy of the Bible, among men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the both the faculty and the board members” (Harold false prophets” (Lk. 6:26).

Lindsell, The Battle for the Bible, p. 106).

Third, consider how the apostles were treated by these David Hubbard, who became president of the same religious intellectuals. “Now when they saw the seminary in 1963, mockingly referred to the doctrine of boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were the inerrancy of Scripture as “the gas-balloon theory of unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they theology; one leak and the whole Bible comes down.”

took knowledge of them, that they had been with Consider the example of New Evangelicals in the United Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

Kingdom. The intellectual approach was adopted by Fourth, consider the requirement for church leaders.

InterVarsity Fellowship (IVF) within the Church of God does not require intellectualism and degrees in England beginning in the late 1950s. By the 1980s, they higher learning (1 Ti. 3; Titus 1). God’s people are, for boasted that there were “fully thirty competent the most part, common; they don’t need intellectualism; theologians who were from the evangelical they need simple and practical Bible truth. The truth has stable” (John Wenham, Autobiography, p. 217). The a basic simplicity that the common man can understand.

problem is that these “competent evangelical

“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O

theologians” were deeply affected by a rationalistic Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid approach to biblical infallibility. The definition of these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed

“evangelical” had changed greatly. Consider three them unto babes” (Mt. 11:25). It is the devil who makes examples:

things complex. “But I fear, lest by any means, as the F.F. Bruce led the way for IVF when he was appointed serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds to the Rylands Chair of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis in should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in the University of Manchester in 1959. Bruce continued Christ” (2 Co. 11:3).

to sign the IVF doctrinal statement, accepting “the Fifth, Paul refused to preach the truth in an Divine inspiration and infallibility of Holy Scripture, as

“intellectual” manner. “And my speech and my preaching originally given, and its supreme authority in all matters was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in of faith and conduct.” But Bruce did not believe this. In demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Co. 2:4).

his autobiography he testified: “Occasionally, when I Sixth, the truth is narrow and unacceptable to the have expounded the meaning of some biblical passage unsaved (“narrow is the way” Mt. 7:14). See also Jn.

in a particular way, I have been asked, ‘But how does 15:19; 1 Jn. 4:5-6; 5:19. It can never be made that square with inspiration?’ But inspiration is not a acceptable in this present world. To gain intellectual concept of which I have a clear understanding before I respectability requires deep spiritual compromise.

come to the study of the text, so that I know in advance what limits are placed on the meaning of the text by the Seventh, the New Evangelical approach to scholarship requirement of inspiration” (Bruce, In Retrospect, p.

has corrupted those who have pursued it. “Be not deceived: 311). Iain Murray observes: “There has to be real doubt evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Co.

over his position on Scripture in view of statements in 15:33). To gain scholarly credentials that will impress his autobiography. He regrets evangelical intolerance of the world requires sitting at the feet of and affiliating the Barthian position. Of his continued assent to the closely with unbelievers and apostates, which is an IVF’s doctrinal basis he writes: ‘I have been signing the exceedingly dangerous thing.

latter basis annually as a Vice-President of the IVF/

Consider the example of New Evangelicals in the United UCCF for a long time now, but no one imposes its terms States. Within ten short years from its inception, New on me as a test of orthodoxy’ ( In Retrospect, pp. 187-8, Evangelicalism was deeply infiltrated with skepticism in 310)” (Murray, Evangelicalism Divided, p. 181).

regard to biblical infallibility. Consider the testimony of James Dunn is another New Evangelical who Harold Lindsell:

attained scholarly notoriety in Britain. But as he sat at

“Forty years ago the term evangelical represented those the feet of skeptics and affiliated closely with them for who were theologically orthodox and who held to the many years that were required to become a biblical inerrancy as one of the distinctives. ... WITHIN

“scholar,” his evangelicalism had become liberalism.

A DECADE OR SO NEOEVANGELICALISM . . . WAS

BEING ASSAULTED FROM WITHIN BY INCREASING

Consider this summary of his speech before the Anglican S K E P T I C I S M W I T H R E G A R D T O B I B L I CA L

Evangelical Assembly in London in 1981. “He argued INFALLIBILITY OR INERRANCY” (Harold Lindsell, The that because some of its [the Bible’s] teaching was once Bible in the Balance, 1979, p. 319) true does not necessarily follow that it is true for all

“In or about 1962 it became apparent that there were time. Further, the Holy Spirit may give a text a meaning already some at Fuller Theological Seminary who no for us now which was not the original meaning ...

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Simply to be found by ‘the letter’ is ‘Pharisaic legalism’, When many Bible believers reacted strongly in and when evangelicals attribute to Scripture the opposition to the March 1994 “Evangelicals and authority which belongs only to God they are guilty of Catholics Together” document (ECT), J.I. Packer, a

‘bibliolatry’” (Murray, Evangelicalism Divided, p. 182).

signer of the document, spewed out his antiThe Tyndale Fellowship in England was founded as fundamentalist rhetoric. “I was surprised at the violence an association of Evangelicals committed to the of initial negative Protestant reaction. ... fear clouds the infallible Scriptures. The group still claims the term mind and generates defensive responses that drive

“evangelical” but it has lost its original meaning and has wisdom out of the window. ... I ought to have expanded to include theological liberalism. “In the early anticipated that some Protestants would say bleak, days of the Tyndale Fellowship, the lines seemed fairly skewed, fearful, and fear-driven things about this clearly drawn between those who might be regarded as document” (“Why I Signed It,” Christianity Today, Dec.

evangelicals and those who might not. ... A survey of the 12, 1994). There was no violence, of course, against contemporary situation shows that matters have for Packer or the other signers of ECT; and Packer had no some time stood otherwise. ... Members of the Tyndale evidence that those who spoke out against ECT were Fellowship will in fact divide over many, perhaps all, of driven by fear. He could not see into their hearts, so it the issues which were once regarded as touchstones of was not possible to make such a judgment. It is more orthodoxy. Evangelical theological colleges, too, likely that they were concerned for the truth and embrace the same diversity” (R.T. France, Evangelical motivated by their love for God and His Word and Anglicans, p. 38).

cause.

The pride of intellect is a very dangerous trap.

Francis Schaeffer spoke of “the unattractiveness of 7. New Evangelicalism is characterized by an attitude

‘cold fundamentalism” ( Letters of Francis Schaeffer, of anti-fundamentalism. In practice, it focuses more on the 1985, p. 72).

alleged problems of fundamentalism than the errors of Monroe Parker gave the following testimony about modernism and Romanism and ecumenism.

Dr. John Walvoord and Dallas Seminary. “Some years While the New Evangelical speaks of the error of ago a friend of mine told me that he had gone up to Dr.

theological Modernists and Romanists in gentle terms, Walvoord, the president of Dallas Seminary, after a he can get truly agitated when the subject turns to meeting where Walvoord had spoken. He asked, ‘Where Fundamentalism. For the Fundamentalist he reserves does Dallas Seminary stand in the warfare between the choice terms such as legalist, Pharisee, obscurantist, Fundamentalists and the New Evangelicals?’ According mean-spirited hatemonger, ignoramus, and extremist.

to my friend, Dr. Walvoord’s reply was, ‘We are definitely in the conservative camp at Dallas, but we are Edward Carnell, the second president of Fuller not Fighting Fundamentalists” (Parker, Through Theological Seminary, wrote in defense of the inerrancy Sunshine and Shadows, 1987, p. 108).

of Scripture and other cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith, but he aimed his biggest guns not at the Consider a few quotes from the letters and e-mails I Modernists who denied these doctrines but at the have received because of my fundamentalist preaching: Fundamentalists who called for separation from them.

“You are like the hypocrites that Jesus said he would He wrote articles for the liberal Christian Century vomit out of his mouth because you take comfort in magazine entitled “Beyond Fundamentalist Theology”

hate instead of love, negativism instead of positive commentary, fascism instead of freedom.”

and “Orthodoxy: Cultic vs. Classical.” It was Fundamentalism rather than Modernism that was

“Fundamentalist are the most vindictive and judgmental and nasty people in the world ... to people labeled cultic.

of my belief! AND YOU KNOW IT!!!”

When Billy Graham looked back on the founding of

“YOU need to repent and change your ways buddy. You Christianity Today, he said, “We were convinced that the should try reading the WORD sometime. It will change magazine would be useless if it had the old, extreme your life. Your website is full of arrogance and fundamentalist stamp on it” (“In the Beginning: Billy ignorance.”

Graham Recounts the Origins of Christianity Today,”

“The ‘fundamentalist’ movement is slowly dying largely Christianity Today, July 17, 1981).

because of asinine ideas such as this. [He is referring to John Stott pulls no punches when he defines a warning about the strong Roman Catholic element at fundamentalism as follows: “...anti-intellectualism; a Regent University.] ... Another reason ‘fundamentalism’

naïve, almost superstitious reverence for the KJV; a is dying is because of anti-intellectualism.”

cultural imprisonment; racial prejudice; extreme right

“How about you stop criticising and pull the log out of wing political concerns” (Stott, Essentials: A Liberal-your own eye before you try and find the speck in someone elses. Division is the devil’s biggest tool and Evangelical Dialogue, 1988, pp. 90-91).

he would be happy you are fueling his mission.”

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“Just because people do not have your narrow minded the hypocrite (Ga. 2:11-14).

legalistic view on Scripture does not mean that people Second, spirituality and carnality is a personal matter, are not Christians. ... I write contemporary praise not a positional one. There are carnal and ungracious music, music that is used in churches in worship of God. It’s not for your approval or anyone else no New Evangelicals and carnal and ungracious matter what denomination or off the wall sect of a Fundamentalists. Of the thousands of New Evangelicals denomination they are.”

who have written to me through the years, most have

“The reason I am writing to you is because I would like treated me with a complete lack of Christian grace.

to caution you (though I doubt you ever listen to Third, it is not wise to judge a movement by the anyone other than yourself) against the type of failures of individuals. We agree with Rolland McCune’s extremism that I constantly see on your web site. I do statement: “It is true that some Fundamentalists have not disagree with most of what you say; however, I said unkind things, but Fundamentalism is not unkind.

believe that you have become so blinded by your self-It is true that some Fundamentalists were intemperate, righteousness that you are being used of the devil for but Fundamentalism is not a free-for-all. Some his own purposes.”

Fundamentalists may have been vindictive, but

“You, sir, are a legalist that the Pharisees would have Fundamentalism is not vengeful” ( Fundamentalism in been mighty proud of.”

the 1980s and 1990s).

After Evangelical leader Stephen Olford delivered a strong sermon on the authority of Scriptures at Fourth, New Evangelicals who treat Fundamentalists so Amsterdam ’86, Dennis Costella of Foundation magazine sharply, do not level the same criticisms at true heretics. In had an opportunity to interview him. Costella asked, a letter to the Sword of the Lord in July 27, 1956,

“You emphasized in your message the dangers of Chester Tulga, who had often born the brunt of the New liberalism and how it could ruin the evangelist and his Evangelical’s barbed tongue, “brilliantly exposed the ministry. What is this conference doing to instruct the evangelicals’ duplicity of ‘condemning fundamentalism evangelist as to how to identify liberalism and the by the disreputable device of caricature’ while handling liberal so that upon his return home he will be able to the liberals ‘very respectfully and objectively--no avoid the same?” Olford replied: “That’s the wrong spirit wisecracks, no sneers, no generalizations that reflect

—avoid the liberal! I love to be with liberals, especially upon the men in any way’” (Bob Whitmore, The Enigma if they are willing to be taught, much more than with of Chester Tulga, 1997).

hard-boiled fundamentalists who have all the Fifth, New Evangelicals constantly judge the motives of answers. ... Evangelicals should seek to build the Fundamentalist. He labels the Fundamentalist mean-bridges” (Costella, “Amsterdam ’86: Using Evangelism to spirited, ungracious, fear-driven, jealous, and unloving, Promote Ecumenism,” Foundation magazine, Jul.-Aug.

yet it is impossible to know the motives of another 1986).

man’s heart. In this, the New Evangelical is more truly This is pure New Evangelicalism. It appears to be

“judgmental” than the Fundamentalist he criticizes.

zealous for the truth and bold against error, but in Sixth, correction and strong preaching against sin and practice, it turns its fiercest guns upon the error always seem to be harsh and unkind to those who Fundamentalists.

refuse to repent. We see this from the beginning to the What the Bible Says:

end of the Bible. One preacher wisely advised, “If Bible preaching rubs your fur the wrong way, turn the cat First, even the very strongest believer is but a sinner around!”

saved by grace (Ro. 7:18). We hold the treasure in earthen vessels (2 Co. 4:7). All men, including those Cain was lovingly warned by God, but he ignored the who are zealous for the faith and for separation, are warning and murdered his brother (Ge. 4:6-7). When weak and have foibles. The believer’s stand for the truth God pronounced judgment, Cain complained bitterly will always be imperfect. Consider Noah, who stood (Ge. 4:13-14).

boldly for righteousness in his generation, but who also Israel constantly complained about her prophets and got drunk and thereby brought shame upon his family.

demanded that they preach “smooth things” (Is. 30:10).

Consider David, who esteemed all of God’s precepts The Jews of Jesus’ day who rejected His preaching concerning all things to be right and hated every false said He was preaching “hard sayings” (Jn. 6:60, 66).

way (Ps. 119:128), which is certainly a Fundamentalist’s If the following words from the Bible were preached testimony, but who also committed adultery and murder today in a New Evangelical setting, the speakers would and proudly numbered Israel. Consider Peter, who stood doubtless be judged as hateful and mean-spirited.

for righteousness in his generation and was zealous for Enoch: “Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands the truth and warned boldly of damnable heresies (2 Pe.

of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to 2), but who also cursed and denied the Lord and played 436

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convince all that are ungodly among them of all their understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and corruption” (2 Pe. 2:12).

of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have John: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in spoken against him” (Jude 14-15).

the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in Samuel: “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid rejected thee from being king” (1 Sa. 15:22-23).

him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is Isaiah: “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11).

a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they 8. New Evangelicalism is characterized by an have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy inconsistency and contradiction.

One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

New Evangelicals say that they love the truth and Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt will make bold statements for the truth at times, but more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole they often undermine this profession by their actions heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head and by their contradictory statements. Consider some there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, examples:

and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither Billy Graham is the king of inconsistency and bound up, neither mollified with ointment” (Isaiah contradiction. This is why he has been called “Mr. Facing 1:4-6).

Both Ways.”

Jeremiah: “Mine heart within me is broken because Graham says that he loves the gospel of the grace of of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken Christ and he preaches the gospel, but he turns his man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, converts over to churches that preach a works gospel.

because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness. For the land is full of adulterers; for because of Graham says that to be a true Christian one must be swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the born again, but he fellowships closely with Modernists wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and and Roman Catholics and others who do not believe in their force is not right. For both prophet and priest are the new birth as Graham preaches it and he accepts profane; yea, in my house have I found their them as genuine brethren in Christ.

wickedness, saith the LORD” (Je. 23:9-11).

Graham says that he loves the old doctrines such as Almighty God: “Son of man, I send thee to the the virgin birth of Christ, but he has often praised men children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath who deny these doctrines.

rebelled against me: they and their fathers have At the preparation for the 1978 Crusade in Toronto, transgressed against me, even unto this very day. For Graham spoke at the Royal York Hotel on March 16, they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send 1978. On one hand, he said we need to call the thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus churches back to “biblical authority,” but in the same saith the Lord GOD. ... Now is the end come upon thee, message he said, “Lutherans, Anglicans and Catholics and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge are members of the body of Christ,” and, “We thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon communicate the Bible by our unity; I believe in thee all thine abominations. And mine eye shall not ecumenicity.” It is blatant inconsistently and a gross spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will contradiction to speak of biblical authority while also recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine accepting heresy and heretics as expressions of genuine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall Christianity.

know that I am the LORD.” (Eze. 1:3-4; 7:3-4).

James Packer is another example of this. Like Jesus: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, Graham, Packer is “Mr. Facing Both Ways.”

hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one He has displayed New Evangelical contradiction in proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold regard to theological Modernism. Packer wrote the more the child of hell than yourselves” (Mt. 23:15).

preface to a reprint of W.H. Griffith Thomas’ The Paul: “O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou Principles of Theology (1977) and praised Thomas for child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt treating liberal and Romanized Anglicans as “benighted”

thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the and for calling them to “true Christianity identity.” Thus, Lord?” (Acts 13:10).

on the one hand Packer praises the old style of Peter: “But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be Evangelicalism that kept itself separate from and taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they refused to accept the Modernism within the Church of England. On the other hand, Packer was at the forefront Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 437

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of redefining the evangelical’s role within Anglicanism, To preach that liberals are dangerous and to turn moving it out of the “ghetto mentality,” and accepting right around and say that we should build bridges to Modernists and Anglo-Catholics as true fellow Christians them and to attack biblical fundamentals who love in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1976, for example, Packer God’s Word is a gross contradiction.

was a signatory to Christian Believing, a publication of What the Bible Says:

the Church of England’s Commission on Christian First, we are taught to judge men by what they do and Doctrine, which said in its introductory statement that not only by what they say. The Lord Jesus warned that competing and conflicting theologies are desirable and many will say “Lord, Lord” and will do many wonderful that to attempt to force all Anglicans to believe the same works but will be false (Mt. 7:21-23). By using this thing would “be disastrous to the health of the church.”

example I am not saying that every New Evangelical In 1981, Packer wrote “A Kind of Noah’s Ark? The who is inconsistent after the fashion of the Anglican Commitment to Comprehensiveness,” in which aforementioned examples is a false Christian. I am he stated that he sees real benefit in “accepting merely saying that we are to be very careful about Anglicanism’s present doctrinal plurality” (p. 217).

accepting men at face value.

Packer has also displayed New Evangelical Second, the Bible warns that two cannot walk together contradiction in regard to Roman Catholicism. On the unless they agree (Amos 3:3). When the New Evangelical one hand, he makes strong statements about says he loves the truth but walks in fellowship with justification by faith alone and other Protestant those who deny it, he is telling us by his actions that he doctrines and has said he could never join the Catholic is in agreement with such men.

Church; but on the other hand, he is at the forefront of the Evangelicals and Catholics Together movement, both 9. New Evangelicalism is characterized by the division in the United States and in Ireland. If he sees no of biblical truth into categories of important and not contradiction in this, many others do.

important.

John Stott is another example of the contradiction New Evangelicals divide doctrine into “cardinal” and a n d i n c o n s i s t e n c y t h a t i s i n t e g r a l t o N e w

“secondary” categories and the “secondary” can be Evangelicalism. Stott, an Anglican leader in England, overlooked for the sake of unity.

told the Amsterdam 2000 conference that “ignorance of In Grace Awaking, Chuck Swindoll says, “My Scripture is ignorance of Christ” and lamented that encouragement for you today is that each one of us

“there is growth without depth” and “superficiality is pursue what unites us with others rather than the few everywhere.” At the same time he said, “We evangelicals things that separate us. ... There was a time in my life tend to be overly dogmatic.” This is the inconsistent and when I had answers to questions no one was asking. I contradictory position exemplified in one sermon. It is had a position that life was so rigid I would fight for impossible to take Bible doctrine seriously without being every jot and tittle. I mean, I couldn’t list enough things dogmatic! Stott knows, of course, that ecumenism that I’d die for. The older I get, the shorter that list gets, requires less doctrinal dogmaticism, and he is at the frankly” ( Grace Awakening, p. 189).

forefront of this compromise. Therefore, out of one side Even Iain Murray, who understands the errors of of his mouth, he speaks about being strong for the New Evangelicalism in general, falls into this trap.

Scriptures, but out of the other side he warns against Condemning Fundamentalism in America he stated, “In dogmatism.

its tendency to add stipulations not foundational to The previously given example of Stephen Olford Christian believing, fundamentalism was prone to make exemplifies this. Olford delivered a strong sermon on the boundaries of Christ’s kingdom too small” (Iain the authority of Scriptures at Amsterdam ’86, but when Murray, Evangelicalism Divided, p. 298).

Dennis Costella of Foundation magazine had an What the Bible Says:

opportunity to interview him the next day and asked First, this is refuted by Christ’s teaching.

him what the conference was doing to instruct It is refuted in Mt. 23:23, where Christ taught that evangelists on how to avoid liberalism, Olford made an while not everything in the Bible is of equal importance amazing about face and said: “That’s the wrong spirit—

everything has some importance and nothing is to be avoid the liberal! I love to be with liberals, especially if despised or neglected. “Woe unto you, scribes and they are willing to be taught, much more than with Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise hard-boiled fundamentalists who have all the and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of answers. ... Evangelicals should seek to build the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to bridges” (Costella, “Amsterdam ’86: Using Evangelism to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”

Promote Ecumenism,” Foundation magazine, Jul.-Aug.

1986).

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It is also refuted in Mt. 28:20, where Christ taught describes his experiences in an interdenominational youth that the churches are to teach the believers to observe ministry in the 1950s. Consider an excerpt from this ALL THINGS whatsoever He has commanded.

message:

Second, this is refuted by Paul’s example and teaching.

This message, like many, is born out of an experience.

He preached the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).

It may be some others are going through similar He taught Timothy to value all doctrine and not to allow experiences. Therefore, let me recount the one which brought this message to light. I was brought up as a ANY false doctrine (1 Ti. 1:3). He further taught Presbyterian. I was saved at a college which was Timothy to keep all doctrine “without spot” (1 Ti.

interdenominational in student body, but was managed 6:13-14). Spots refer to the small things, the seemingly by the Church of the Brethren. From there I went to a insignificant things. The context of Paul’s instruction in seminary which was not a denominational school, and 1 Ti. 6:14 is an epistle that has as its theme church truth from there to another seminary which was United (1 Ti. 3:15). In this epistle, we find instruction about Presbyterian. I entered the Baptist pastorate with no such things as pastoral standards (1 Ti. 3), deacons (1

Baptist training except that which came from reading Ti. 3), the restriction upon the woman’s work in the of the Scriptures.

church (1 Ti. 2); care for widows (1 Ti. 5), and A f e w y e a r s l a t e r I w a s d r a w n i n t o a n discipline (1 Ti. 5). These are the very kinds of things interdenominational youth movement and was given that are typically considered of secondary importance by the leadership of a local Saturday night rally. I New Evangelicals.

cooperated with any who were evangelical, regardless of their associations. I was advised by top leaders in Third, we must understand that not all heresies are of the movement to seek the names of outstanding equal weight as far as destructiveness, but all heresies are modernists for my advisory committee. I didn't do that.

to be opposed. A heresy is a doctrinal error. The word But I did follow advice which led me to send to all describes the selfwill that characterizes such sin. A converts back to the churches of their choice, churches

“heretic” is one who exercises his own will over the I knew to be liberal in some cases. This greatly Word of God and chooses an error over the truth. The troubled my conscience and I prayed and thought error can be as serious as denying the deity of Christ or about it.

as seemingly slight as wearing allowing a woman to Another problem connected with this work was the usurp authority over men.

failure on my part to instruct any converts on the matter of Christian baptism, which in the Scriptures is There are “damnable heresies” (2 Pe. 2:1), which are the first test of obedience. I felt that I should do this heresies that affect eternal salvation. To accept a inasmuch as Peter and Paul did it. But how could it be damnable heresy is to bring upon oneself eternal done when on the committee of the work there were damnation. The damnable heresy described by Peter close friends who did not believe it? By such an was that of denying the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle association I had definitely stripped my message and John also described the doctrine of Christ as a crucial my ministry of important Bible truths which many doctrine (2 John 9). We see in other passages that called ‘nonessentials.’

damnable heresies are particularly related to the person In the follow-up work it was not convenient to speak of of Christ, to the gospel, and to the Holy Spirit and thus eternal security in the presence of Christian workers to the person and nature of God, including such who hated the name of the doctrine. Thus the ministry doctrines as the Trinity (2 Co. 11:4).

was pared down to the gospel, just as if there was nothing in the Great Commission about baptizing There are also less destructive heresies. “For there converts and indoctrinating them. I had found the least must be also heresies among you, that they which are common denominator and I was staying by it. But my approved may be made manifest among you. When ye conscience had no rest.

come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat Then it was that Acts 20:27 came to mean something the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before to me. The great apostle had never allowed himself to other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is be drawn into anything which would limit his message.

drunken” (1 Co. 11:19-21). In this passage Paul was He could say with a clean conscience, ‘I am pure from referring to errors in the church at Corinth, and in the the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare immediate context, he describes errors relating to the unto you all the counsel of God.’ Why cannot many say Lord’s Supper.

that today? In my case, and in many other cases, it was due to a desire to teach a larger audience and to work That not all heresies have the same consequence with a larger group of Christians.

does not mean that some heresies are to be ignored.

Many have been carried away from full obedience by a Every wind of false doctrine is to be refused (Ep. 4:14).

noble-sounding motto which has been applied to David Nettleton refuted the New Evangelical philosophy Christian work. ‘In essentials unity, in nonessentials in “A Limited Message or a Limited Fellowship,” which liberty, and in all things charity.’ Some things are not essential to salvation but they are essential to full Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 439

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obedience, and the Christian has no liberty under God Jesus Christ . . . we urge all evangelicals to stand openly to sort out the Scriptures into essentials and and firmly for racial equality, human freedom and all nonessentials! It is our duty to declare the whole forms of social justice throughout the world.”

counsel of God, and to do it wherever we are.

World Vision’s web site states: “In all World Vision Today we are choosing between two alternatives. A projects, staff are ready to give a reason for their hope LIMITED MESSAGE OR A LIMITED FELLOWSHIP. If we preach all of the Bible truths, there are many places

… whenever appropriate and desired by the community.

where we will never be invited. If we join hands with In many countries where we work, formal public the crowds, there will be limiting of the message of the evangelism is forbidden by government policy and we Bible. Bear this in mind--it is the Baptist who lays aside respect this” (World Vision web site).

the most! It is the fundamental Baptist who makes the Glenda Moore, a nurse who works with the Church concessions! Think this through and you will find it to of Nazarene, described their efforts assisting earthquake be true. We believe in believer's baptism. We believe in victims in India in 2001 as follows: “We know it’s not a separation. We preach eternal security. We believe in Christian area, and we are sensitive NOT to spread the the imminent coming of Christ. We consider it an act of obedience to reprove unbelief in religious circles. The gospel” ( Christianity Today, April 23, 2001).

Sadducee and the Pharisee are to be labeled. But The Moral Majority and the more recent Faith and according to a present philosophy we must lay these Values Coalition, founded by Jerry Falwell, are socio-things aside for the sake of a larger sphere of service.

political endeavors that do not include the preaching of Which is more important, full obedience or a larger the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Falwell and those who have sphere of service? And yet I do not fully believe these joined hands with him accept that it is perfectly are the only two alternatives. It is our first duty to be legitimate to try to bring about social-political change in fully obedient to God in all things, and then to wait America apart from Gospel preaching and church upon Him for the places of service. It may be that we planting, and in association with Romanists and will be limited, and it may be that we will not. Charles Judaizers who preach a different gospel.

Haddon Spurgeon did not travel as widely as some men of his day, but his sermons have traveled as far as What the Bible Says:

the sermons of most men (David Nettleton, “A Limited First, the Lord’s Great Commission mentions nothing Message or a Limited Fellowship,” GARBC).

about social-political action (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15; 10. New Evangelicalism is characterized by exalting Lk. 24:44-48; Jn. 20:21; Acts 1:8). The Great social-political activity to the same level as the great Commission is preaching the Gospel to every individual commission.

in every nation, baptizing those that believe, and

“THE SUMMONS TO SOCIAL INVOLVEMENT received establishing churches to disciple them.

a hearty response from many evangelicals. … IT HAD

Second, we can see how the apostles interpreted Christ’s A NEW EMPHASIS UPON THE APPLICATION OF THE

commission by examining their ministries in Acts and the GOSPEL TO THE SOCIOLOGICAL, POLITICAL, AND

Epistles. There we see that the apostles did not involve ECONOMIC AREAS OF LIFE.” (Harold Ockenga).

themselves in social-political action, but gave New Evangelicals begin by trying to emphasize themselves exclusively to the preaching of the Gospel BOTH gospel work and social-political work.

(Acts 8:4). The book of Acts is a record of gospel

“Both the gospel and its social implications, BOTH

preaching and church planting, and the only social work personal conversion and social action, are involved in that was carried out was that of taking care of needy the mission of the church” (David Hubbard, President, believers during a famine (Acts 11:27-30). The apostles Fuller Seminary, AP, Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, May and early churches did not try to change the moral 15, 1971).

character of the Roman Empire through political activity

“…we affirm that evangelism and socio-political or carry on grand social projects. Instead they dedicated involvement are BOTH part of our Christian duty” (International Congress on World their earthly lives to getting at the heart of man’s Evangelization, Lausanne, Switzerland, July 1974).

problem, and that is his estrangement from God and his Over time this BOTH evangelism AND social work need of regeneration.

position tends to deteriorate until the socio-justice-Third, if the churches turn aside to socio-political political work takes a life of its own and becomes endeavors, the crucial work of the Great Commission is legitimate even without gospel preaching, and neglected. Unsaved men have established grand social eventually it crowds out evangelism.

endeavors such as the International Red Cross, and have Consider a statement on social action adopted in founded grand political schemes such as the democratic 1966 by the Evangelical Foreign Missions Association republican form of government; but only the saved can (an arm of the NAE): “…evangelical social action will preach the gospel of spiritual redemption. For churches include, WHENEVER POSSIBLE, a verbal witness to to turn aside from the crucial work of the Great 440

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Commission to pursue socio-political projects is like a necessary to guard carefully against this “new mood.”

man sent by the governor to deliver a pardon to a As Evangelist John Van Gelderen observed, “If you condemned prisoner, who is stricken with compassion at compare modern fundamentalism to modern new-the man’s physical needs and sets about to make his evangelicalism, there is still a gap. But if you compare prison room more comfortable while forgetting to modern fundamentalism to early new-evangelicalism, deliver the pardon which will deliver the man out of the the similarities are alarming” ( Preach the Word, Jan.-

prison.

Mar. 1998).

Fourth, the reason that the apostles and first churches Wayne Van Gelderen, Sr., who wrote about “A NEW

were so diligent in preaching the gospel and fulfilling the SOFTNESS WITHIN FUNDAMENTALISM,” said: Great Commission was their conviction that the return of

“In the 50s and 60s, the Conservative Baptists were the Jesus Christ was imminent (Mt. 25:1-13, “Watch Fundamentalists--the Separatists among Baptists in the therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour North. They had fought a noble battle, but finally had wherein the Son of man cometh”). This same motivation to come out of the old Northern Baptist Convention in keeps churches today committed to the Great the 60s. Soon after the separation and the formation of Commission instead of turning aside to worldly projects.

the CBA, there began to emerge a strange spirit. Many It is unregenerate false teachers who “mind earthly began to feel that we needed to be more ‘Christian,’

more practical, more communicative, MORE GENTLE

things” (Ph. 3:18-21), because they look at life from a in our stand for God. The terms ‘SOFT CORE’ and ‘hard natural perspective rather than a biblical one.

core’ were used to describe the two camps that 11. New Evangelicalism is characterized by a mood of emerged. The soft policy was to be practical at the softness, a desire for a less strict Christianity, a weariness expense of being righteous. The results sought for were with fighting, a neutrality toward spiritual warfare.

more important than the means. These compromisers New Evangelicalism is a subtle thing. At its heart it is believed that part of the movement was too hard. Over 400 churches left in a division in the 60s. These real a mood, an attitude, a tendency, a direction.

fundamentalist churches blossomed and multiplied in In 1958 William Ashbrook wrote Evangelicalism: The the 70s. Now, in the 90s, some of us see a reenactment New Neutralism, which began with the following of the past. There is a new emphasis on methodology warning:

and P.R. to grow churches. This new methodology is

“One of the youngest members of Christendom’s fold is market-oriented and geared to please the people. NOT

called The New Evangelicalism. It might more properly OFFENDING IS THE CARDINAL VIRTUE. Personal be labeled THE NEW NEUTRALISM. This new separation and holiness are pushed back into the dark

‘Evangelicalism’ boasts too much pride, and has ages. In spite of greatly increased open sin, THE

imbibed too much of the world's culture to share the CONDEMNATION IS SOFTENED. ... In every reproach of fundamentalism. It still has enough faith generation our battles must be refought. The and too much understanding of the Bible to appear in generation that does not follow the old paths will die the togs of modernism. IT SEEKS NEUTRAL GROUND, as did evangelicalism in England” ( Calvary Contender, being neither fish nor fowl, neither right nor left, May 1, 1995).

neither for nor against--it stands between!”

What the Bible Says:

In A History of Fundamentalism in America, Dr.

First, Christianity that is not strict is not biblical. It is George Dollar observes:

strict in doctrine (1 Ti. 1:3) and strict in Christian living

“It has become a favorite pastime of new-evangelical (Ep. 5:11). It contends earnestly for the faith (Jude 3) writers, who know so little of historic fundamentalism, and is unmoving and uncompromising, dogmatic and to call it offensive names, as if to bury it by resolute. Simply open the New Testament to any page opprobrium. The real danger is not strong and begin reading, and it will not be long before this fundamentalism but A SOFT AND EFFEMINATE

will be evident.

CHRISTIANITY--exotic but cowardly. It is sad that these men would not heed the warning of W.B Riley about Second, strictness and zeal for the truth does not mean the menace of ‘MIDDLE-OF-THE-ROADISM’” (Dollar, A unloving and uncompassionate. Jesus was strictness History of Fundamentalism in America, 1973, p. 208).

Personified and was also love and compassion At its inception, particularly, New Evangelicalism can Personified. To the woman caught in adultery He said, be difficult to detect. It does not necessarily start with a

“Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (Jn.

zeal for dialogue or some of the other things we have 8:11). What great mercy and yet what great strictness, looked at. New Evangelicalism starts more with a as well! Paul demonstrated the same combination. He changing mood, a new attitude that dislikes a strict was strict and unbending about doctrine and practice, approach to the things of God.

but he was tender “even as a nurse cherisheth her children” (1 Th. 2:7). [See Fundamentalism, Since it is the tendency of any church or movement Modernism.]

to grow weaker and softer rather than stronger it is Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 441

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NEW HEAVEN. The Bible says there will be a new NINEVE. Same as Nineveh (Lk. 11:32). [See heaven and a new earth following the final judgment of Nineveh.]

the unsaved (Re. 21:1). [See Heaven, Prophecy.]

NINEVEH. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, was NEW JERUSALEM. The eternal city of the redeemed situated on the eastern bank of the river Tigris, opposite (Re. 21-22). [See Heaven.]

the present Mosul, about 280 miles north of Babylon, NEW MAN. (1) The sinless spiritual nature God gives and 400 N.E. of Damascus. It was very ancient, having the Christian (Ep. 4:24; Col. 3:10). (2) The body of been founded by Asshur, an associate of Nimrod, in the Christ, the church (Ep. 2:15).

days of the Tower of Babel (Ge. 10:11). In the latter NEW TESTAMENT. The second of the two major time of Israel’s kingdom, Nineveh was a great city.

sections of the Bible. The N.T. begins with the book of

“Strabo says that it was much larger than Babylon, the Matthew and contains 27 books. It describes the birth of circuit of which he estimates at 385 furlongs; and, Jesus Christ, His life, death, resurrection, and ascension according to Diodorus Siculus, it extended about 20

to heaven. It also contains the teachings Christ has given miles long, 12 broad, and 60 in compass. This agrees His Apostles for the churches, as well as prophecies of with the account given in Jonah of its being “an the end of this age. Testament means covenant or exceeding great city of three days’ journey.” It was agreement. The N.T. tells of God’s covenant of eternal surrounded by large walls 100 feet high, so broad that salvation through Jesus Christ with those who believe three chariots could drive abreast on them, and (He. 9:15; Mt. 26:26-28). [See Bible, Covenant, defended by 1500 towers 200 feet in height (Treasury) Gospel.]

(Ge. 10:11, 12; 2 Ki. 19:36; Is. 37:37; Jon. 1:2; 3:2-7; Nahum; Zep. 2-3; Mt. 12:41).

NEZIAH (victory, strong). Ezr. 2:54.

The following is from Christian Evidences: Fulfilled NEZIB (military station). Jos. 15:43.

Bible Prophecy by Alexander Keith, originally published NEBHAZ (high). 2 Ki. 17:31.

by A. Balfour and Co. Edinburgh, 1831: NIBHAZ (2 Ki. 17:31). [See Idolatry.]

“To a brief record of creation, of the antediluvian NIBSHAN (equal, to change). Jos. 15:62.

world, and of the dispersion and the different NICANOR (conqueror of men, victorious). Ac. 6:5.

settlements of mankind after the deluge, the Scriptures NICODEMUS (conqueror of the people, victorious).

of the Old Testament add a full and particular history of A leading Pharisee who came to Jesus by night (Jn. 3) the Hebrews for the space of fifteen hundred years, and later believed on Christ (Jn. 7:25-44). He helped in from the days of Abraham to the era of the last of the the burial of Jesus (Jn. 19:38-42). Though Nicodemus prophets. While the historical part of Scripture thus was a pious and sincere religious leader, Jesus told him, traces, from its origin, the history of the world, the

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born prophecies give a prospective view which reaches to its again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (Jn. 3:3). [See end. And it is remarkable that profane history, emerging Born Again.]

from fable, becomes clear and authentic about the NICOLAITAN. “Nicolaitan” is derived from nikao, to period when sacred history terminates, and when the conquer; and laos, people. The meaning, rulers of the fulfillment of these prophecies commences, which refer laity, refers to the priestly system that arose in the to other nations besides the Jews.

centuries after the apostles during the formation of the

“Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, was for a long time Roman Catholic Church. Leaders with exalted titles an extensive and populous city. Its walls are said, by (e.g., archbishop, pope) began to exalt themselves over heathen historians, to have been a hundred feet in many churches. [See Diotrephes, Korah, Priest, Roman height, sixty feet to compass, and to have been Catholic Church, Tares.]

defended by fifteen hundred towers, each two hundred NICOLAS (conqueror of the people). Ac. 6:5.

feet high. Although it formed the subject of some of the earliest of the prophecies, and was the very first which NICOPOLIS (city of victory). Tit. 3:12.

met its predicted fate: yet a heathen historian, in NIGER (black). Ac. 13:1.

describing its capture and destruction, repeatedly refers NIGHT SEASON. Night (Ps. 16:7; 22:2).

to an ancient prediction respecting it. Diodorus Siculus NIMRAH (water abounding). Nu. 32:3.

relates, that the king of Assyria, after the complete NIMRIM (a leopard, valiant one). Is. 15:6.

discomfort of his army, confided in an old prophecy, that Nineveh would not be taken unless the river should NIMROD (increase, rebellious, valiant one). Ge.

become the enemy of the city; that, after an ineffectual 10:8. [See Babylon.]

siege of two years, the river, swollen with long NIMSHI (drawn out). 1 Ki. 19:16.

continued and tempestuous torrents, inundated part of the city, and threw down the wall for the space of 442

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twenty furlongs; and that the king; deeming the 3:7), corresponding to parts of March and April. The prediction accomplished, despaired of his safety, and time of the latter rain (Potts). [See Calendar.]

erected an immense funeral pile, on which he heaped NISROCH. [See Idolatry.]

his wealth, and with which himself, his household, and NITRE. Alkali (Pr. 25:20). To put vinegar upon alkali palace were consumed. The book of Nahum was produces a caustic reaction, just as when someone avowedly prophetic of the destruction of Nineveh: and it unwisely sings songs to one who is not yet awake. Alkali is there foretold ‘that the gates of the river shall be is also used in the making of soap (Je. 2:22).

opened, and the palace shall be dissolved.’ ‘Nineveh of old, like a pool of water--with an overflowing flood he NO (habitation). Ancient Thebes, the capital of upper will make and utter end of the place thereof.’ [Nahum Egypt (Je. 46:25; Eze. 30:14-16; Na. 3:8).

2:6; 1:8]

NO NOT. Not even (Ga. 2:5).

“The Historian describes the facts by which the other NO SMALL. Not small; big; large (Ac. 19:23, 24).

predictions of the prophet were as literally fulfilled. He NOADIAH (the Lord manifested himself). Ne. 6:14.

relates that the king of Assyria, elated with his former NOAH, NOE (rest). The man who, with his family, victories, and ignorant of the revolt of the Bactrians, was saved from the great flood (Ge. 6-9; He. 11:7; 1 Pe.

had abandoned himself to scandalous inaction; had 3:20; 2 Pe. 2:5). WHAT MADE NOAH DIFFERENT

appointed a time of festivity, and supplied his soldiers FROM THOSE WHO PERISHED IN THE FLOOD? (1) with abundance of wine; and that the general of the Noah was saved by faith (Ge. 6:8-9). This was the chief enemy, appraised, by deserters, of their negligence and difference; Noah had the same sinful nature, but he drunkenness, attacked the Assyrian army while the responded to God’s grace. The Bible says, “Noah found whole of them were giving way to indulgence, grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Ge. 6:8). (2) Noah lived destroyed great part of them, and drove the rest into the by faith. The Bible says, “By faith, Noah, being warned city. The words of the prophet were hereby verified: of God of things not seen as yet, moved with

‘While they be folden together as thorns, and while they fear...” (He. 11:7). In spite of what his eyes told him (he are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as apparently had never seen rain—Ge. 2:5-6); in spite of stubble full dry.’ [Nahum 1:10; 3] --The prophet the long time he had to wait; in spite of his loneliness promised much spoil to the enemy: ‘Take the spoil of and rejection by men, Noah believed God. (3) Noah was silver, take the spoil of gold; for there is no end of the a preacher (2 Pe. 2:5). His preaching was (a) persistent s t o r e a n d g l o r y o u t o f a l l t h e p l e a s a n t (120 years!), (b) exalted righteousness, (c) was furniture.’ [Nahum 2:9] And the historian affirms that illustrated (by the Ark), (d) was dogmatic and many talents of gold and silver, preserved from the fire, convinced (the exact message God gave him), (e) was were carried to Ecbatana. According to Nahum, the city both an ultimatum and an offer. (4) Noah won his was not only to be destroyed by an overflowing flood, family (Ge. 7:1, 7). (5) Noah was a man of worship and but the fire also was to devour it: [Nahum 3:15] and, as thanksgiving (Ge. 7:20). [See Ark, Canaan, Covenant, Diodorus related, partly by water, partly by fire, it was Flood, Ham, Japheth, Shem.]

destroyed.

NOD (wandering). Ge. 4:16.

“The utter and perpetual destruction and desolation NODAB (wandering of a father). 1 Ch. 5:19.

of Nineveh were foretold: ‘The Lord will make an utter NOGAH (brightness). 1 Ch. 3:7.

end of the place thereof. Affliction shall not rise up the second time. She is empty, void, and waste.--The Lord NOHAH (rest). 1 Ch. 8:2.

will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy NOISOME. Mischief; calamity; evil; hurtful; noxious; Assyria, and will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry injurious (Ps. 91:3; Eze. 14:15, 21; Re. 16:2).

like a wilderness. How is she become a desolation and a NON (increase, perpetuity). A form of Nun (1 Ch.

place for beasts to lie down in.’ [Nahum 1:8-9] In the 7:27).

second century, Lucian, a native of a city on the banks of NONE EFFECT. No effect (Nu. 30:8; Mt. 15:6; Mk.

the Euphrates, testified that Nineveh was utterly 7:13; Ga. 3:17).

perished--that there was no vestige of it remaining--and NONE OTHER. No other (Ge. 28:17; Da. 2:11; Ac.

t h a t n o n e c o u l d t e l l w h e r e o n c e i t w a s 4:12).

situated” ( Christian Evidences: Fulfilled Bible Prophecy by Alexander Keith, originally published by A. Balfour and NOPH (to drop). Is. 19:13.

Co. Edinburgh, 1831). [See Prophecy.]

NOPHAH (which is blown upon by the winds). Nu.

NINTH HOUR. About 3 pm (Mt. 20:5; 27:45, 46).

21:30.

NISAN (flight). The first month of the Hebrew calendar, also called Abib (“green ears of corn”) (Es.

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NOTABLE. Worthy of note or mention; exceptional; Examples of significant Bible numbers. In order to conspicuous; remarkable (Da. 8:5,8; Mt. 17:16; Ac.

maintain a sound approach to Bible numerology, we 2:20; 4:16).

shall list the most common numbers in two categories of NOTHING. (1) Not anything (Ge. 11:6). (2) In no descending certainty:

respect; in no way (1 Ki. 10:21; 1 Ti. 4:4; Ja. 1:6).

ONE—UNITY/UNION (1,898 times). Genesis 1:9 is NOUGHT, SET AT. To consider of no value; to the first mention. See also Ge. 2:24; De. 6:4; Jn. 10:30; despise (Pr. 1:25; Mk. 9:12).

17:21-22; Ac. 4:32; Ep. 4:3-6; 1 Jn. 5:7.

NOURISHER. One who nourishes, nurses, or rears TWO—DIVISION/STRENGTH (808 times).

(Ru. 4:15).

Genesis 1:16 is the first mention (note v. 14).

NOVICE (newly planted). A recent convert; Genesis 1:6—second day of creation

unskilled; immature (1 Ti. 3:6). [See Deacon, Pastor.]

Two sons: Cain/Abel; Ishmael/Isaac; Esau/Jacob Genesis 10:25

NOW A DAYS. These days (1 Sa. 25:10).

Ezekiel 37:21-23

NUDITY. [See Modesty, Nakedness.]

Two classes: Saved/Lost; Sheep/Goats; Righteous/

NUMBERS. (1) The fourth book of the Bible; part of Wicked

the Pentateuch written by Moses. [See Inspiration, Law, Matthew 6:24—two masters

Matthew 18:16—two witnesses

Moses.] (2) The numbers mentioned in the Bible, such Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1—sent out two by two as one and seven. [See Numerology.]

THREE—DIVINE COMPLETENESS (467 times).

NUMEROLOGY. The following study is adapted from Three Persons in the Godhead

Robert Sargent:

Christ—Who IS (present), WAS (past), IS TO COME

Two things may be said about the subject of Biblical (future)

Numerology: first, it is one of the more obscure areas of Christ tempted three times

Bible study; second, it is an extremely fascinating Christ raised three people from the dead exercise for those who pursue it. As with all areas of Christ crucified at the third hour/3 hours of Bible study, Biblical numerology is open to extremes—

darkness

perhaps more so than most. On the one hand there is Christ rose again the third day—Matthew 12:40

the extreme of ignoring any significance of numbers in Isaiah 6:3

the Bible, not understanding that its Author is the FOUR—CREATION/EARTH (305 times).

Creator of a mathematically exact universe. The other Genesis 2:10—first usage

extreme is to assign unwarranted significance to Four directions; four seasons

numbers in a cabalistic fashion, finding hidden Four world empires—Daniel 2:31-43

meanings in the words and the order of words in Four grounds—Matthew 13:3-8

EIGHT—NEW CREATION (80 times).

Scripture.

Eight persons began a new world order—1 Peter All agree that certain numbers do have a symbolic 3:20

significance in Scripture (e.g. Re. 13:18) all will not Males circumcised on eighth day—Genesis 17:12

agree upon the extent to which numbers are significant.

Christ rose on the 1st day of the week (the 8th) The following points should be kept in mind when FIVE—LIFE & DEATH (318 times).

determining the significance of numbers in the Bible: Living things created on the fifth day—Genesis 1:23

(1) Bible Numerology is not an absolute system. A Five offerings in Leviticus

particular number does not necessarily have symbolic Five mice & five emerods, to end a plague—1

significance every time it is used. Therefore, the student Samuel 5 & 6

The fifth rib—2 Samuel 2:23; 3:27; 4:6; 20:10

must be extremely careful not to take numerical Five smooth stones—1 Samuel 17:40

symbolism too far. (2) Symbolic meaning is determined Five loaves—Matthew 14:17

by usage. Any significance attached to a number must Some see the number five as symbolic of grace. This be the fruit of Bible study. It is an error to assign is so if one considers the life-giving death of numbers significance in order to ‘unlock’ the Bible.

Christ for sinners.

Some writers on the subject find significance in every SIX—MAN/ MAN & SATAN (199 times).

number from 1 to 40 and then selected numbers Man created on the sixth day

thereafter. This may be so, but the student must Man to work six days

determine this for himself by careful study. (3) The first 66 souls go down to Egypt

use of a number can be a helpful guide. Often, the first Goliath—six cubits & 1 span tall; 6 pieces of armor mention of a particular number can give insight to its Nebuchadnezzar’s image—60 cubits high, six cubits symbolism—if indeed it has symbolic meaning.

wide

Satanic triad—Revelation 13:18—number of a MAN

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Note that six is one short of seven—Romans 3:23.

THIRTEEN—REBELLION (15 times).

The number 666 occurs 3 times in the Bible—

Nimrod 13th descendant from Ham

Re. 13, 2 Ch. 9:13 (and 1 Ki. 10:14), and Ezr.

Genesis 14:4

2:13.

Genesis 17:25

SEVEN—COMPLETENESS/PERFECTION (735 times).

Esther 3:8-13

Seven days of creation

Kings of Judah: 7 good, 13 wicked

Leviticus 23:15, 16—“Sabbath” means ‘rest,’

Mark 7:21, 22—13 characteristics of the heart completion

FORTY—PROBATION/TESTING (146 times).

Revelation 10:7; 16:17

Moses—Acts 7:23, 30; Exodus 24:18

Leviticus 8:31-36

Israel—Numbers 14:34; Deuteronomy 8:2-5; Psalm Leviticus 16:14

95:10

Seven feasts

Elijah—I Kings 19:8

The Book of The Revelation—seven occurs 54 times Nineveh—Jonah 3:4

Seven musical notes, seven colors, seven days in a The Lord Jesus Christ—Luke 4:1-2

week

Seven sayings from the cross

NUN (continuation). The father of Joshua (Ex.

33:11; Nu. 11:28; 13:8,16; 14:6,30; 26:65; 27:18; NINE—FRUITFULNESS (49 times).

32:12,28; 34:17; De. 1:38; 31:23; 32:44; Jos. 1:1; 2:1, Nine-fold fruit of the Spirit—Galatians 5:22-23

23; 6:6; 14:1; 17:4; 19:49,51; 21:1; 24:29; Ju. 2:8; 1

Nine (temporary) gifts of the Spirit—1 Corinthians 12:8-10

Ki. 16:34; Ne. 8:17).

Leviticus 25:2-4, 20-22

NUN - CATHOLIC. In the Roman Catholic Church, TEN—LAW/RESPONSIBILITY/COMPLETION (242

one who takes a vow of celibacy and dedicates her life times).

wholly to Catholicism. Nuns often live together in places Ten commandments

called convents and wear special robe-like clothing Man’s responsibility—one-tenth

called habits. In order to meet changing social customs Luke 19:13,17—ten servants, ten pounds and continue to attract young women, many Catholic Ten plagues upon Egypt

orders since Vatican II have relaxed archaic rules and Ten kings—Daniel 2; Revelation 17

adopted modern dress and attitudes (Jackson). [See TWELVE—ISRAEL (187 times).

Celibacy, Roman Catholic Church.]

Twelve tribes

NURSING FATHER. A tender, caring father (Nu.

Twelve Judges

11:12; Is. 49:23).

Twelve stars—Revelation 12:1

NURTURE. Training; discipline (Ep. 6:4). The Greek Twelve gates—Revelation 21:12—Israel

word translated “nurture” in Ep. 6:4 is also translated Twelve foundations—Revelation 21:14—Church

“chastening” (He. 12:5, 7, 11), “chastisement” (He.

Twelve fruits—Revelation 22:2—Gentiles Genesis 12—first Hebrew

12:8), and “instruction” (2 Ti. 3:16). [See Chasten, Exodus 12—Israel leaves Egypt

Child Training.]

NYMPHAS (gift of the nymphs). Col. 4:15.

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-O-

OATH. Vow; confirmation (Ge. 24:8; Mt. 14:7; Lk.

OCCULT. Witchcraft; satanism; black magic [See 1:73; He. 6:16, 17).

Devils, Satan, Witchcraft.]

OBADIAH (servant of God). The name of 13

OCCUPATION. [See Employment, Labor, Sluggard, different men in the Bible. The most well-known of Zeal.]

these is the prophet who wrote the book of Obadiah OCCUPY. Lay hold of; employ; trade with (Ex.

(Ob. 1:1).

38:24; Eze. 27:9; Lk. 19:13).

OBAL (very fat). Ge. 10:28.

OCCURRENT. Occurrence; happening (1 Ki. 5:4).

OBED (serving, a servant). Ru. 4:17.

OCRAN (troubling). Nu. 1:13.

OBEDEDOM (serving Edom). 2 Sa. 6:10.

ODED (he propped up, setting up). 2 Ch. 15:1.

OBEISANCE. To bow down; to honor. It is used in ODIOUS. Hateful; deserving hatred; offensive to the the sense of honoring a superior, a king or the head of a senses (1 Ch. 19:6; Pr. 30:23).

family (Ge. 37:7, 9; 43:28; Ex. 18:7; 2 Sa. 1:2; 14:4; OFFENCE. (1) A cause of stumbling (Is. 8:14; Ac.

15:5; 1 Ki. 1:16; 2 Ch. 24:17).

24:16; 1 Co. 10:32; Ph. 1:10). (2) Sin; fault (Ho. 5:15; OBIL (shepherd of camels). 1 Ch. 27:30.

Ro. 4:25; 5:15, 16, 17, 18, 20; 2 Co. 11:7). The Greek OBLATION. An offering (Le. 2:4-5).

word translated offence in Romans chapters four and OBSERVATION. In Luke 17:20-21, the expression five, paraptoma, is also translated “trespasses” (Mt.

“the kingdom of God is within you” was addressed to 6:14; Col. 2:13), “fall” (Ro. 11:11), “fault” (Ga. 6:1) and the Pharisees. In interpreting this passage we must first

“sins” (Ep. 1:7; 2:1, 5).

note that there is a sense in which the kingdom of God OFFERINGS. Leviticus 1-7 describes the O.T.

WILL come with observation (Lk. 19:11-27; 2 Ti. 4:1).

offerings under the Mosaic Law. All of these typify Jesus In fact, Christ refers to this observable coming of the Christ and N.T. truth (Ro. 15:4).

kingdom in this same passage (verses 22-37). In what The Meaning of the Offerings: The burnt offering sense, then, is Christ saying that the kingdom of God depicts Christ’s complete devotion to God and God’s

“cometh NOT with observation”? Also, in what sense acceptance of Him. The burnt offering is burnt wholly was it “within” the Pharisees? (1) In the sense that it on the altar (Le. 1:9). It signifies Christ offering “himself was already in their midst because Christ the King was without spot to God” (He. 9:14). It signifies Christ as present. I believe this is the primary interpretation of God’s (1 Co. 3:23). The meal offering depicts Christ in this passage. The kingdom of God is used repeatedly in His human sinless perfection tested by suffering. It this sense in the Gospels, as Christ was presenting signifies Christ as “in all points tempted like as we are, Himself as the Messiah of Israel. “The kingdom of God is yet without sin” (He. 4:15). The peace offering depicts come nigh unto you” (Lk. 10:9). Note the following Christ reconciling man with God through the offering of passages carefully: Lk. 10:9, 11; 11:20; 13:28-29; Himself. It signifies Christ as “having made peace 14:15; 19:11; 21:31; 22:16, 18; 23:51. (2) In the sense through the blood of his cross” (Co. 1:20). And it that the kingdom of God has a spiritual aspect (Col.

signifies the believer enjoying peace with God through 1:13). I am convinced that this is a very secondary Christ (Ro. 5:1). The sin offering depicts Christ as our application of this passage because (a) Christ was sin-bearer. It signifies Christ as “the lamb of God, which addressing the Pharisees, and the kingdom of God was taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), as the NOT present spiritually within the Pharisees (consider One who bore “the iniquity of us all” (Is. 53:6). The Mt. 23:13-33 and Jn. 8:44); (b) the context points to trespass offering depicts Christ as the one who “is the future (verses 22-37); (c) the book of Matthew faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us focuses on the kingdom of God in its real, earthly sense.

from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9).

[See Kingdom of God, Prophecy.]

Typology of the Animals. The ox depicts Christ as the OBSERVE. (1) Keep; obey ( De. 5:32; 6:3; 8:1; Mt.

strong, faithful servant of God (Ph. 2:5-8). The sheep or 28:20). (2) Watch; consider (De. 24:8; Pr. 23:26; Ec.

lamb depicts Christ’s surrender to suffer on the Cross 11:4; Mk. 6:20). (3) Follow; practice (Jon. 2:8; Ga.

(Is. 53:7; Ac. 8:32-35). The goat depicts Christ taking 4:10).

the sinner’s place in judgment (Mt. 25:33; 2 Co. 5:21; OBSERVER OF TIMES. One who follows astrology, Ga. 3:13; Lk. 23:33; 1 Pe. 2:24). The dove or pigeon which God forbids (De. 18:10-14). [See Astrologer, depicts Christ as the poor man’s Saviour, the One willing Devils, Satan, Prognosticator, Witchcraft.]

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to lay aside His riches and to become poor that He the oil of gladness by God the Father. It is His reward for might make us rich (2 Co. 8:9; Lk. 2:24).

loving righteousness and hating iniquity. “His anointing Typology of the Details. The hand on the animal’s him denotes the power and glory to which he is exalted; head symbolizes identification with the sacrifice and he is invested in all the dignities and authorities of the acceptance of the sacrifice in one’s place; personal faith; Messiah. And his anointing him with the oil of gladness confession of sin; recognition that God has provided a denotes the joy that was set before him (so his way of forgiveness. The killing and shedding of blood exaltation is expressed, He. 12:2) both in the light of his depicts the means of salvation through the bloody death Father’s countenance (Ac. 2:28 and in the success of his of Christ (Ro. 5:9, 10). Note that both blood and death undertaking, which he shall see, and be satisfied (Is.

are required. The fine flour depicts the perfect 53:11)” (Matthew Henry). Is. 61:3 tells us that Christ righteousness of Christ. The anointing with oil will in turn grant the “oil of joy” to His own at the symbolizes the Holy Spirit (2 Co. 1:21; 1 Jn. 2:20, 27).

establishment of His kingdom. [See Cheer, Comfort, The frankincense depicts that which is exclusively set Delight, Glad, Happy, Hope, Joy, Kingdom of God, apart to God (Le. 2:16; 24:7; Ex. 30:34). The leaven Laughter, Merry, Mirth, Rejoice.]

symbolizes evil (1 Co. 5:6-8). The honey symbolizes OIL OLIVE. (Ex. 30:24; De. 8:8; 2 Ki. 18:32). [See natural sweetness and goodness. The salt depicts self-Olive.]

judgment and caution (Mk. 9:49,50; 1 Co. 11:31; Col.

OINTMENT. Perfume; unguent; any soft, unctuous 4:5-6). It also depicts God’s covenant (Le. 2:13; Nu.

substance or compound, used for smearing, particularly 18:19), and the power of God’s truth which stops the the body or a diseased part (Webster) (Ex. 30:5; Ps.

leaven of error and evil. The sprinkling of the blood 133:2; Ec. 10:1; Mt. 26:7; Mk. 14:3; Lk. 7:37; Jn. 11:2).

seven times indicates completeness and perfection, as in OLD AGE. (Ge. 15:15; 47:9; Ex. 20:12; De. 34:7; 2

the seven days of creation and the seven seals of Sa. 19:34-37; 1 Ch. 29:28; Job 5:26; 12:12; Ps.

Revelation. [See Frankincense, Gospel, Grace, High 34:11-13; 148:12; Pr. 3:1, 2, 16; 9:11; 10:27; 16:31; Ec.

Priest, Jesus Christ, Meal Offering, Money, Peace 6:3-6; 12:1-7; Lk. 2:37; Tit. 2:2; Phile. 9). Men lived to Offering, Sin, Sin Offering, Tabernacle, Tithe.]

very old ages before the flood. Adam lived 930 years OFFSCOURING. Filth; refuse; dung; sweepings (La.

(Ge. 5:5). Methuselah had the longest life recorded in 3:45; 1 Co. 4:13).

the Bible, 969 years (Ge. 5:27). After the flood, the OFT. Often (Job 21:17; Mt. 9:14).

lifespan of men began to decrease rapidly. Noah lived OFTEN. Frequent (1 Ti. 5:23).

950 years (Ge. 9:29). Noah’s son Shem lived 600 years OFTTIMES. Frequently; often (Mt. 17:15).

(Ge. 11:10-11). Shem’s son Arphaxad lived 438 years (Ge. 11:12-13). Seven generations later men were living OG (long-necked, giant). Nu. 21:33; 32:33; De. 1:4; roughly 200 years (Ge. 11:21). Abraham lived 175 years 3:1-14; 4:47; 29:7; 31:4; Jos. 2:10; 9:10; 12:4; 13:12, (Ge. 25:7-8). By the end of the record of Genesis, men 30-31; 1 Ki. 4:19; Ne. 9:22; Ps. 135:11; 136:20.

were living to be roughly 100 years (Ge. 50:26). In the OHAD (a part, praising, power). Ge. 46:10.

Psalms God said the normal lifespan would be 70 years OHEL (a tent). 1 Ch. 3:20.

(Ps. 90:10). Men will again live long lives after the OIL. Oil is used in the Bible in several ways: (1) To return of Christ (Is. 65:20). Many men were old when anoint the sick (Mk. 6:13; Ja. 5:14). In this way oil is God used them mightily: Abraham has 100 years old symbolic of God’s healing touch, of the healing power of when he had Isaac (Ge. 21:5). Noah was 600 years old the Holy Spirit. (2) To anoint priests, prophets, and when he began building the ark (Ge. 5:32). Moses was kings (Ex. 30:25, 30; 1 Sa. 15:1; 1 Ki. 19:16). In this 80 years old when God called him to lead the children way the oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit anointing a of Israel out of Egypt (Ac. 7:23,30). Daniel had one of person for God’s service (Ac. 10:38; 2 Co. 1:21; He.

his most severe trials in his old age (Da. 6). Abraham 1:9). (3) Fuel for the lamps in the Tabernacle (Ex.

also had a severe trial in his old age (Ge. 22). God has 27:30). This typifies the revelation of Jesus Christ and made many wonderful promises regarding old age (Ps.

the illumination of the Holy Spirit to grant men 37:25; 71:9-10, 17-18; 92:13-15; Is. 46:4).

understanding in the things of God (Jn. 1:9; 14:16, 17, Ecclesiastes 12:2-7 depicts the approach of old age 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-15). (4) Oil on the offerings (Le.

and the time of death. “The keepers of the house shall 2:1, 2, 4-5, 79), typical of the anointing by the Holy tremble” refers to shakiness. “Strong men shall bow Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ (Mt. 3:16) and of themselves” refers to the bowing of the back. “The believers (Jn. 2:20, 27). [See Bible, Holy Spirit, grinders cease because they are few” refers to the loss of Illumination, Light, Olive, Tabernacle.]

teeth. “Those that look out of the windows be darkened”

OIL OF GLADNESS, OIL OF JOY. In Ps. 45:7 and refers to the dimming of the eyes. “The doors shall be He. 1:9 the Lord Jesus Christ is said to be anointed with shut in the streets” refers to work ceased; business Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 447

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stopped. “The sound of the grinding is low...the God’s salvation. It foretells the coming and work of daughters of musick shall be brought low” refers to Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:45; 5:39; Lk. 24:44, 45; Ep. 3:11; hearing diminished. “He shall rise up at the voice of the He. 10:7). “Testament” means covenant or agreement, bird” refers to the diminished use of sleep in old age.

and the O.T. describes God’s covenant of law through

“They shall be afraid of that which is high” refers to fear Moses (Ex. 24:8). [See Bible, Covenant, Law.]

of height in old age. “Fears shall be in the way” refers to OLYMPAS (heavenly, gift of Jupiter Olympius). Ro.

the increase of fear and uncertainty. “The almond tree 16:15.

shall flourish” refers to the white hair. “The grasshopper OMEGA. The last letter of the Greek alphabet. Jesus shall be a burden” refers to loss of strength. “Desire used the expression “Alpha and Omega” to refer to His shall fail” refers to the loss of youthful desires and deity (Re. 1:8, 11; 21:6; 22:13). [See Alpha, Jesus appetites. [See Almond, Ancients, Elder, Grasshopper, Christ.]

Grinders.]

OMER. [See Weights and Measures.]

OLD GATE. [See Gate.]

OMRI (handful, pupil of the Lord). The father of OLD MAN. The fallen, sinful nature of man (Ep.

king Ahab; he was made king instead of Zimri who had 4:22; Col. 3:9). [See Carnal, Flesh, Natural Man, Sin.]

slain Elah (1 Ki. 16:16-30; 2 Ki. 8:26; Mi. 6:16).

OLDNESS. Old age; the state of being old; OMNIPOTENT. All-powerful; a title of Jesus Christ, antiquated (Ro. 7:6). [See Old Age.]

emphasizing His deity (Re. 19:6). Compare Mt. 28:18.

OLIVE. The olive, which is mentioned over 50 times

[See Jesus Christ.]

in the Bible, was a major part of Israel’s agriculture in OMNISCIENCE. All-knowing; an attribute of God ancient times. It provided food, oil, wood, fuel, (Pr. 15:11; Ps. 147:5; Is. 46:10).

medicine, soap, and other products. It was in the Mount of Olives that Jesus prayed before His arrest (John 8:1).

ON (strength). The name of an Israelite (Nu. 16:1) This mount is still covered with olive trees today.

and the capital of lower Egypt (Ge. 41:45; 46:20). It is Producing olive oil in ancient times was a two-step also called Heliopolis, as well as Bethshemesh (Young).

process. The olives had to be picked at the right time, so ON A DAY. Upon a certain day (2 Ki. 4:8).

that they were neither too green nor too ripe. They were ON A SMOKE. [See Smoke, On A.]

a reddish color rather than green or black. To produce ON SLEEP. [See Sleep, On.]

oil, the olives were first crushed on a press to release ONAN (strong). Ge. 36:23.

the oil from the seeds or pits. The oil is in the seed. The ONE, AT. [See At One.]

crushing stone could be turned by human power or by animal power. This reminds us that Christ was crushed ONE AND OTHER. The one and the other; both (Je.

for our sins. Gethsemane, where He prayed the night of 36:16). This phrase is retained from the Geneva version.

His arrest, means “oil press.” There He sweat great ONESIMUS (useful, profitable). Phile. 1:10.

drops of blood and suffered alone in preparation for the ONESIPHORUS (bringing usefulness). 2 Ti. 1:16.

cross. The crushing of the olives produced a paste or ONLY BEGOTTEN. A description of Jesus Christ as pulp which was placed into a basket that was pressed to the unique, virgin-born Son of God (Jn. 1:14; 1:18; extract the oil and water. The basket could be pressed 3:16; 3:18). Most modern Bible versions, following the down with a lever weighted with stones, or it could be corrupt Westcott-Hort Greek text, omit the word pressed with a screw mechanism. The oil and water

“begotten” from these passages. In so doing they create flowed into the first vat. After sitting some time the oil a serious theological error. Christ is not the only son of rose to the top and could be skimmed off into a second God. Adam is called the son of God (Lk. 3:38); angels vat. The first pressing produced the best quality oil. A are called sons of God (Job 1:6); Christians are sons of subsequent pressing produced a lower quality that was God by adoption and regeneration (Ph. 2:15). Christ is used for lamp oil. The first pressing was also called “first not the only son of God, but He IS the only begotten son cold press” because in the second pressing the paste was of God. The phrase “only begotten son” does not mean mixed with hot water or steam.

Christ had a beginning. Christ had no beginning, but He OLIVET (olives grove). The Mount of Olives in was in the beginning (Is. 9:6; Mi. 5:2; Jn. 1:1-3; 1 Jn.

Jerusalem east of the Temple Mount (Ac. 1:12). [See 1:2). [See First Begotten, Jesus Christ, Virgin.]

Olive.]

ONLY WISE GOD. This title contrasts the true God OLD TESTAMENT. The first of the two major with false gods and those which are called gods in this divisions of the Bible. It is composed of 39 books; the world. The true God alone possesses perfect wisdom; He first is Genesis; the last, Malachi. It contains the account is the fountain of all wisdom; He alone is true wisdom of man’s creation and rebellion and of the history of (1 Ti. 1:17; Jude 1:25). The context of 1 Ti. 1:17 leaves 448

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no question that the verse describes the Lord Jesus Regulations of holy things (2 Ch. 35:13; Eze. 43:11, 18; Christ (see 1 Ti. 1:15-16). Further, the same epistle tells 44:5; 45:14; 46:14). (4) The philosophy and ways of us that Jesus Christ is King of kings (1 Ti. 6:14-15). [See the heathen (Le. 18:3).

God, Jesus Christ.]

Ordinance in the N.T. The term “ordinance” in 1

ONO (safe abode). Ezr. 2:33.

Corinthians 11:2 is the Greek word “paradosis” and it is ONYCHA. An ingredient in the perfume used in the usually translated “tradition” (2 Th. 2:15; 3:6). It refers tabernacle service. It was supposed to be part of the to all of the apostolic tradition given to us in the New shell of a mollusk (Ex. 30:34) (Analytical).

Testament. Even in 1 Corinthians 11, Paul was referring ONYX. A precious stone mentioned many times in to more than the Lord’s Supper, because the first thing the Bible. It was placed in the shoulder pieces of the he discusses in that chapter is hair and how it relates to ephod and in the breastplate worn by the high priest the position of men and women in this world. (1) The (Ge. 2:12; Ex. 25:7; 28:9, 20; 35:9, 27; 39:6, 13; 1 Ch.

laws and ceremonies of the O.T. (Lk. 1:6; Ep. 2:15; Col.

29:2; Job 28:16; Eze. 28:13. A variety of Chalcedony; a 2:14; He. 9:1, 10). (2) Civil laws (Ro. 13:2; 1 Pe. 2:13).

variety of quartz consisting of layers of different colors (3) Laws and regulations dealing with diet and the like usually in even places (Boyd).

(Col. 2:20). (4) Church observances (1 Co. 11:2). In this verse the Apostle is probably referring to all the OPENING. To explain; make plain (Ac. 17:3).

instruction given to the churches in the N.T. Scriptures.

OPHEL (hill, tower). 2 Ch. 27:3.

The term “ordinance” in modern usage, though, is OPHIR (fatness, fruitful region). Ge. 10:29.

primarily a reference to the ceremonial ordinances OPHNI (weariness). Jos. 18:24.

Christ has given to the N.T. church. There are two OPHRAH (a young hind). 1 Ch. 4:14.

church ordinances: Baptism (Mt. 28:18-20) and the OR EVER. Before (Ac. 23:15).

Lord’s Supper (Mt. 26:26-30; 1 Co. 11:20-4). Some ORACLE. Mouth; word; statement; spokesman (Ac.

groups also observe the practice of footwashing (Jn.

7:38; Ro. 3:2; 1 Pe. 4:11).

13). We should also note that the N.T. church did not have “sacraments,” which refers to ordinances that are ORDAIN. Appoint; consecrate; authorize; select; channels of divine grace. The ordinances are symbolic decree (2 Ki. 23:5; 1 Ch. 9:22; 17:9; 2 Ch. 11:15; Is.

and memorial only. [See Anglican, Baptism - Immersion, 30:33; Je. 1:5; Da. 2:24; Ac. 10:42; 13:48; 16:4; 17:31; Baptism - Infant, Baptist, Celibacy, Episcopal, Ro. 13:1; 1 Co. 2:7; 9:14; Ga. 3:19; He. 9:6).

Footwashing, Lord’s Supper, Roman Catholic Church, Ordination in popular usage among the churches refers Sacrament, Vegetarian.]

primarily to the selection and consecration of spiritual leaders, and it is so used in the Scripture (Mk. 3:14; Jn.

OREB (a raven). Ju. 7:25.

15:16; Ac. 1:22; 14:23; 1 Ti. 2:7; Tit. 1:5). Ordination OREN (wild ash, strength). 1 Ch. 2:25.

in the N.T. church was accomplished by the laying on of ORGAN. The Hebrew word translated “organ” is hands (Ac. 6:5-6; 13:1-3; 1 Ti. 4:14).

ugab. “Probably the most ancient wind instrument is the What Is Ordination? (1) Ordination is man’s ugab mentioned first in Ge. 4:21. It is also mentioned in recognition of God’s call (Ac. 13:1-3). (2) Ordination is Job 21:12 and Ps. 150:4. The name comes from the root a setting apart for special service (Ac. 1:1-3). (3) agab which means to breathe or blow; hence the idea of Ordination is a pledge of support and fellowship. When a wind instrument. It could have been a double pipe, or a man is ordained, those taking part are pledging their it might have consisted of several pipes resembling a support (Ac. 15:3). To be “brought on the way” means panpipe. It is considered by some to have been a type of to provide what the preachers need (Tit. 3:13-14). (4) flute, and this is not without possibility” (Paul Ordination is to commit the man to God’s enabling McCommon, Music in the Bible). [See Music.]

grace (Ac. 14:26; 15:40).

ORION (streams of light). A constellation (Job 9:9).

Who Should Be Ordained? (1) Deacons (Ac. 6:1-6).

ORNAN (great wild ash, strong one). 1 Ch. 21:15.

(2) Missionaries/evangelists (Ac. 13:1-4). (3) Pastors ORPAH (young stag). Ru. 1:4.

(Ac. 14:23; Tit. 1:5). [See Anoint, Church, Deacon, ORPHAN. A child without natural parents (La. 5:3).

Pastor.]

OSEE (he saved). Greek spelling for the prophet ORDINANCE. An observance or ceremony; Hosea (Ro. 9:25).

judgments; statutes.

OSHEA (God saves). Joshua’s name was “Oshea” at Ordinance in the O.T. (1) The laws and statutes of the first (Nu. 13:8,16).

God (Ex. 12:24; 15:25; 18:20; Le. 18:30; 22:9; Nu.

OSPRAY. The osprey is a fish-eating raptor classed 18:8; Ps. 99:7; 119:91; Is. 24:5; Mal. 3:7). (2) The laws among the unclean birds (Le. 11:13; De. 14:12). A full of nature (Job 38:33; Je. 31:35-36; 33:25). (3) Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 449

OSSIFRAGE - OZNI grown bird is about 24 inches in length with a six-foot times to overcoming saints (Re. 2:26; see also 2:7, 11, wing span and weighs between two to four pounds.

17; 3:5, 11). What does this mean? (1) We know this With its amazing eyes, it can see a fish swimming cannot be salvation by works, because the New underwater from 130 feet in the air. Like the bald eagle, Testament plainly teaches that salvation is not by works the osprey’s eyes face forward, giving it binocular vision (Jn. 1:12; 5:24; 6:28-29, 36, 40, 47; 3:15-18; Ac. 10:43; and great depth perception. Its sharp eyes correct for 15:11; 16:30-31; Ro. 3:21-28; 4:3-8; 5:1-21; 10:1-4; the refraction caused by the bending of the light in the 11:5; Ep. 2:8-10; Tit. 3:5-8). (2) We know that this water. When it sights a target, it hovers, folds its wings cannot refer to keeping one’s salvation. The verses and dives feet first with its talons ready to grab the prey.

already referenced teach that salvation is eternal and Its outer toes are reversible, allowing it to grasp its prey secure to the believer. (3) To overcome in Revelation 2-3

with two talons in front and two behind or three talons refers to the perseverance of true believers. The in front and one behind, and its feet have backwards-overcomer keeps Christ’s works unto the end (Re. 2:26).

facing scales which act as barbs to help grip the slippery This is a description of a true born again Christian. He fish. The osprey’s nostrils are closable to keep out water does not believe for a few days only. He does not turn during dives, and it has a membrane that covers the eye aside when trouble comes. When others turn away, the and acts as a contact lens when it is under water.

true believer shows his character by keeping his faith OSSIFRAGE. The Hebrew is peres, which signifies (Jn. 6:66-69). The just are those that live by faith and

‘breaking,’ and ossifrage signifies ‘bone breaker.’ This do not draw back unto perdition (He. 10:38-39). Those has led to identifying the bird with the one now known that turn back are those that do not have true saving as the Lammergeier, which is a species of vulture, faith and never did have. There are “things that though it has the appearance of an eagle, its neck being accompany salvation” (He. 6:9), and one of those is that covered with feathers. It attacks a carcass when the the saved continue in the faith. Those that continue in vultures have finished, picks the bones, and then breaks God’s Word thereby prove that they are Christ’s true them to feed upon the marrow. It does this by carrying disciples (Jn. 8:31). Christ’s true sheep, which have them up to a height and letting them fall upon a stone eternal life, hear their Saviour’s voice and follow Him or rock till they break. The shells of tortoises are broken (Jn. 10:27-28). [See Endure, Eternal Security, in the same way by them. It was classed among the Perseverance.]

unclean birds (Le. 11:13; De. 14:12) (Concise).

OVERDRIVE. To drive cattle too hard (Ge. 33:13).

OTHNI (lion of God). 1 Ch. 26:7.

OVERFLOW. To flood; submerge; inundate; OTHNIEL (lion of God). Younger brother of Caleb overwhelm (De. 11:4; Ps. 69:2; Is. 8:8; Da. 11:50).

who was the judge of Israel for 40 years (Jos. 15:17; Ju.

OVERLIVE. Outlive; survive (Jos. 24:31).

1:13; 3:9-11; 1 Ch. 4:13).

OVERPASS. To pass over or by; to neglect (Je. 5:28).

OUCHES. Settings for precious stones (Ex. 28:11; OVERPLUS. Surplus; over and above (Le. 25:27).

39:6).

OVERRUN. To outrun (2 Sa. 18:23).

OUT OF COURSE. Out of order (Ps. 82:5). [See OVERSEE. To look over; survey (1 Ch. 9:29; 2 Ch.

Course.]

2:2).

OUT OF HAND. At once; instantly (Nu. 11:15).

OVERSEER. Another name for a church elder or OUT OF MEASURE. [See Measure.]

pastor (Ac. 20:28; 1 Pe. 5:2). The Greek word episkopos OUTGOING. Utmost limit (Jos. 17:18).

is also translated “bishop” (Ph. 1:1; 1 Ti. 3:1; Tit. 1:6).

OUTLANDISH. Foreign; strange (Ne. 13:26). [See This term emphasizes the authority and responsibility of Gentile, Heathen, Pagan.]

the pastor in the oversight of the church. [See Pastor.]

OUTMOST. Utmost (De. 30:4).

OX. A work animal (1 Co. 9:9). The oxen used in OUTRAGEOUS. An overflowing; excessive; sacrifices typify Jesus Christ as the Servant of God (He.

exceeding all bounds of moderation (Pr. 27:4).

10:7) and of men (Jn. 13:3-5; Mt. 20:28). [See Jesus Christ, Offerings.]

OUTWENT. Circumvented; advanced before; went faster (Mk. 6:33).

OZEM (strengthening). 1 Ch. 2:15.

OVER AGAINST. Opposite to; other side of (Ge.

OZIAS (strength of God). Mt. 1:8.

21:16; Ex. 14:2; 25:27; 26:35).

OZNI (attentive). Nu. 26:16.

OVERCHARGE. To be loaded; burdened (Lk. 21:34; 2 Co. 2:5). [See Anxious.]

OVERCOME. The book of Revelation refers several 450

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PAARAI

PADAN (widelying plain). Ge. 48:7.

(stripped by God). 2 Sa. 23:35.

PADANARAM (plain of Syria). Ge. 25:20.

PACIFISM. “Opposition to all military ideals, PADDLE. Small spade (De. 23:13).

preparedness, war, and so on” (Handbook). Christian PADON (wished-for liberty, deliverance). Ezr. 2:44.

pacifists vary in the application of the principle, but in PAGAN. A term used synonymously with “heathen.”

general they believe Christ’s teaching, such as that in It especially refers to those who worship idols. [See Mt. 5:38-48, forbids believers from becoming involved Gentile, Heathen, Idolatry, Israel, Nations, in any form of violence or warfare, even for the Uncircumcision.]

protection of one’s property and country. This is a misunderstanding of the Bible’s teaching. It is clear that PAGIEL (the asking of God). Nu. 1:13.

God was not pacifistic in the O.T. He is called “a man of PAHTHMOAB (prince of Moab). Ezr. 2:6.

war” (Ex. 15:3), and His wars against the wicked are PAI (great noise). 1 Ch. 1:50.

recorded throughout the Scriptures. In the last days God PAINFULNESS. Pain; difficulty; toil (2 Co. 11:27).

will call for the nations to come to war (Joel 3:9). The PALACE. This term represents several Hebrew words, Bible does not forbid Christians to defend their lives, and may signify castle, fortress, a king’s residence, or loved ones, property, neighbors, and the weak (Ex.

any large building (Concise). Solomon built several 22:2-3; Job 29:12-17; Lk. 22:36). The Bible also does palaces for himself and his wives (2 Ch. 36:19). The not forbid Christians to participate in police and military temple built by Solomon is also called ‘the palace’ (1 Ch.

service. God has ordained civil government and has 29:1, 19). In the N.T., the palace of the high priest, aule, ordained that government “bear the sword” (Ro. 13:3-4; signifies his elaborate private house (Mt. 26:3, 58, 69).

1 Pe. 2:14). This certainly involves violence, and the In Ph. 1:13 the word is praitorion, which refers to a Christian law enforcement officer or Christian soldier is palace or judgment hall.

not necessarily disobeying the Scripture when he has to PALAL (he had judged). Ne. 3:25.

be involved in violence in connection with his official duties.

PALESTINA (removing, migratory). The region of Canaan occupied by the Philistines (Ex. 15:14). The John the Baptist’s warning to the soldiers that they Hebrew word pel-eh-sheth is also translated

“do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely” (Lk.

“Palestine” (Joel 3:4), “Philistia” (Ps. 60:8), and 3:14) forbade violence initiated from personal animosity

“Philistine” (Ps. 83:7). The modern “Palestinians” are and cruelty. For a soldier or law enforcement officer to the latest incarnation of the ancient Philistines who hurt or kill a man in the line of duty is sometimes were the enemies of Israel.

required and is not forbidden by Scripture. For that same soldier or officer to perpetrate cruelty for PALESTINE (migratory). [See Canaan, Israel.]

meanness’ or selfishness’ sake is condemned by PALLU, PHALLU (wonderful, distinguished). Nu.

Scripture. The Christian soldier or law enforcement 26:5.

officer should be characterized by a kind, gentle PALMER WORM. Caterpillar; creeping locust (Jo.

demeanor, but he is also ready and willing to exercise 1:4; 2:25; Am. 4:9).

force when required. We would also say that there are PALSY. A disease which causes paralysis and shaking many difficult decisions in this realm. To what extent of the body (Mt. 4:24; 8:6; 9:2, 6; Ac. 9:33).

should the Christian obey or enforce unrighteous laws?

PALTI (deliverance). Nu. 13:9.

We can give no exact answer to that, for we serve imperfect governments in this present world, and the PALTIEL, PHALTIEL (deliverance of God). Nu. 34:26.

laws we are called upon to obey are far from Bible-PAMPHYLIA (mixed nations). Ac. 13:13.

based. It is clear that a line must be drawn somewhere.

PANNAG (millet). A place where fine grain grew To say that the Christian soldier or lawman is not (Eze. 27:17).

forbidden to use force in the line of duty does not justify PAPAL. Pertaining to the Roman Catholic pope [See the Nazi who operates a gas chamber, or the policeman Pope, Roman Catholic Church.]

who breaks up a church service, etc. Many decisions in PAPHOS (gates). Ac. 13:6.

this realm must be made individually before God. [See PAPS. An old English word for breast (Lk. 11:27; Anger, Capital Punishment, Guidance, Imprecatory, Kill, 23:29; Re. 1:13). [See Breast.]

Methodist.]

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PARABLE. “A parable is a comparison between (1) Often the parables are interpreted in the passage. A material and spiritual truth, designed to teach doctrine number of the parables of our Lord were interpreted by and obedience. It may be given in the form of a Himself (Mt. 13:3-9; 18-23; 13:33-43; Luke 7:41-42, narrative, a proverb, or a reference to an event or 47; 12:16-23; 18:1-8; 9-14; 19:11-27). In these institution” (Bruce Lackey).

instances, there can be no misunderstanding of the

“Parable” means to lay something alongside another.

meaning of the parable.

It means to compare two things. The word parable in (2) Study the context of the parable. A parable is not Greek is also translated “comparison” (Mark 4:30) and given in isolation. The context before or after the

“figure” (He. 9:9). See also Mt. 13:24, 35, etc. “The parable will help determine its main point.

kingdom of heaven is likened unto…”

For example, the context of the parables in Lk.

We also see this in the Old Testament parables. In these, 15:3-32 is found in verses 1-2. The self-righteous the prophets compare many things:

Pharisees criticized Jesus for receiving sinners, and He Numbers 23:18-24, Israel compared to a replied with the parables to teach God’s great love for unicorn and lion.

the same. See Lk. 19:10.

Psalm 49:4, 12, 20, man compared to beasts The context of the parable of the unmerciful servant that perish.

in Mt. 18:23-35 is Peter’s question to the Lord about Ezekiel 17:2, 12, the king of Babylon to an forgiveness (Mt. 18:21-22).

eagle.

The context of the parable of the barren fig tree in Ezekiel 20:45-49. God’s judgment of Israel to a Luke 13:6-9 is Christ’s demand for repentance. See fire.

verses 1-5. In the parable He was teaching that Ezekiel 24:3 ff, Jerusalem to a pot of boiling repentance has evidence in one’s life. Compare Mt.

water.

3:7-8.

Some parables are proverbs. The Greek word The context of the parables in Mt. 25 is the previous

“parabole” is also translated “proverb” in (Luke 4:23).

chapter (Mt. 24:42-46), which deals with the return of Two examples of New Testament proverbs are Luke 6:39

Christ. The interpretation, then, is that God’s people and Mark 3:23-27.

need to be ready and watching for Christ’s return.

The Bible parable has been called “an earthly story (3) Study the parable in all passages. Comparing the with a heavenly meaning.”

Parable of the Sower — Matthew 13:18-23 with Mark WHY DID JESUS TEACH PARABLES? The Lord Jesus 4:14-20 and Luke 8:11-15. To Mt. 13:19, Mark adds taught in parables to hide truth from those who would

“Satan cometh immediately” (Mk. 4:15) and Luke adds not believe Him (Mt. 13:10-17). A parable requires

“lest they should believe and be saved” (Lk. 8:12). To some consideration. Those who don’t care about the Mt. 13:22, Mark adds “and lusts of other things entering truth will not go to the trouble to understand a parable in” (Mk. 4:19) and Luke adds “and pleasures of this and will also stumble at its meaning, because they will life” (Lk. 8:14). To Mt. 13:23, Luke adds “in an honest try to understand through their own thinking rather and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and than seek God’s help. On the other hand, the one who bring forth fruit with patience” (Lk. 8:15).

wants to know the truth will humbly and persistently (4) Study the parable’s cultural background. The seek out the meaning. The Lord’s disciples asked Jesus parable of the Wedding Feast in Mt. 22:1-3 can be better to explain the parables (Mt. 13:36). See Pr. 26:7. As the understood in light of the culture. The Barnes lame person is unable to walk or do many things commentary explains: “Anciently, kings and princes were properly, so the foolish person cannot understand accustomed to make presents of changes of raiment to parables properly.

their friends and favourites, to refuse to receive which THE INTERPRETATION OF PARABLES. The primary was an expression of highest contempt. It was, of law of interpreting parables is this: A parable is given to course, expected that such garments would be worn teach ONE central truth. “The safest way to handle a when they came into the presence of the benefactor.

parable is to search out the leading thought or principle The garments worn on festival occasions were chiefly idea round which as center the subordinate parts must long white robes; and it was the custom of the person group themselves” (Herbert Lockyer). An attempt to who made the feast to prepare such robes to be worn by make extended application of each detail of a parable the guests. This renders the conduct of this man more can produce false interpretations. The details of the inexcusable. He came in his common ordinary dress, as parable are important, but they only contribute to the he was taken from the highway; and though he had not primary meaning of the overall parable.

a garment of his own suitable for the occasion, yet one How to Understand the Main Lesson of a Parable had been provided for him, if he had applied for it. His 452

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not doing it was expressive of the highest disrespect for small beginnings until becomes great. The mustard seed the king. This beautifully represents the conduct of the and the leaven are thought to be the gospel. To the hypocrite in the church. A garment of salvation might be contrary, though, The Bible teaches us that leaven is a his, wrought by the hands of the Saviour, and dyed in picture of sin and false teaching (1 Co. 5:6; Ga. 5:9).

his blood. But the hypocrite chooses the filthy rags of his Christ is actually speaking of the growth of false own righteousness, and thus offers the highest contempt churches that are planted in the world by the devil. He for that provided in the gospel. He is to blame, not for is referring to unnatural growth, as depicted by the being invited; not for coming, if he would come—for he mustard seed that becomes a tree. The fowls are devils is freely invited; but for offering the highest contempt to (Mt. 13:4; Re. 18:2).

the King of Zion, in presenting himself with all his filth THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS. Some claim the story and rags, and in refusing to be saved in the way in Lk. 16:19-31 about the rich man in hell is a parable.

provided in the gospel.”

This is usually claimed by those who deny that hell is a (5) Make certain that the interpretation does not place of eternal torment, or by those who believe in contradict sound doctrine from other parts of Scripture.

Soul Sleep. The Seventh-day Adventists are an example Parables illustrate doctrine; they do not formulate it.

of this. They claim that the fire and other descriptions of Parables must not be made the first source of doctrine.

hell are not real. We know that this was not a parable THE PARABLE OF THE WHEAT AND TARES (Mt.

for the following reasons: (1) Christ used the proper 13:24-30) has been incorrectly interpreted as teaching names of two people, Lazarus and Abraham, and this He that God does not want the Christian to exercise never did with parables. (2) The description of hell in judgment against sin and error. That this is not the this passage corresponds with Christ’s descriptions of meaning Christ intended is obvious by the many hell in other passages (Mk. 9:44, 46, 48). (3) There is commands in the New Testament regarding church no indication that this is a parable. It is not called a discipline and separation from error. The Lord Jesus parable and does not have any of the key expressions Christ was describing the conditions in the world during associated with true parables (such as “like,” “as,” “like His absence in heaven. He plainly said this in verse 38.

unto,” or “likened unto.”

The field is the world, not the churches. The kingdom of PARABLES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. (1) Balaam’s God will assume a mystery form, meaning a form not parables (Nu. 23:7,18; 24:3,15, 20, 21, 23). (2) revealed in O.T. prophecy (Mt. 13:11). Mystery means Jotham’s (Jud 9:7). (2) Nathan’s (2 Sa. 12:1-7). (3) The the revelation of truth hidden in prior ages. It refers to woman of Tekoa’s (2 Sa. 14:5). (4) The unnamed N.T. truth that was hidden from the O.T. prophets. The prophet’s (1 Ki. 20:25-43). (5) Joash’s (2 Ki. 9; 2 Ch.

O.T. describes the coming kingdom of God on earth, but 25:18). (6) Job’s (Job 27:1; 29:1). (7) The Psalmist’s it does not foresee this present interlude between the (Ps. 49:4-20; Ps. 78). (8) The prophets (Is. 5:1; Je. 13:1; first and second comings of Christ, this age during Eze. 17:2; 19:2-3; 24:3; Mi. 2:4; Hab. 2:6).

which Christ is calling out a people for His name among THE PARABLES OF JESUS. The Seed (Mk. 4:26-29).

the nations. In the parables in Matthew 13, the Lord The Household Watching (Mk. 13:34-36). Candle under taught that the conditions in this church age will be that the Bushel (Mt. 5; Mk. 4; Lk. 8). House Built on Rock of increasing apostasy and wickedness. The kingdom of (Mt. 7:24; Lk. 6:48). The New Cloth on old Garment heaven in its mystery form is all of professing (Mt. 9; Mk. 2; Lk. 5). New Wine in Old Bottles (Mt. 9; Christendom, lost and saved, apostate and true. It Mk. 2; Lk. 5). The Sower (Mt. 13:1-23; Mk. 4:1-20; Lk.

includes the Roman Catholic Church, the Protestant 8:4-15). The Tares (Mt. 13:24-30,36-43). The Mustard denominations, the cults, as well as the sound apostolic Seed (Mt. 13:31,32; Mk. 4:30-32; Lk. 13:18-19). The congregations. When Jesus says that the tares must not Leaven (Mt. 13:33; Lk. 13:22-21). The Hidden Treasure be rooted out until the end of the age, He is referring to (Mt. 13:44). The Costly Pearl (Mt. 13:45,46). The the fact that apostasy cannot be destroyed until that Dragnet (Mt. 13:47-50). The Lost Sheep (Mt. 18:12; Lk.

time. The churches are not to put heretics to death or 15:1-7). The Wicked Servant (Mt. 18:21-35). The burn down the apostate cathedrals! God will take care Laborers in the Vineyard (Mt. 20:1-16). The Two Sons of error as far as rooting it out of His kingdom when (Mt. 21:28-32). The Vineyard and Husbandmen (Mt.

Christ returns in power and glory. To interpret the 21:33-46; Mk. 12:1-2; Lk. 20:9-19). The Wedding Feast Parable of the Wheat and the Tares as applying to the (Mt. 22:1-14). The Ten Virgins (Mt. 25:1-13). The N.T. church is a great error and contradicts the rest of Talents (Mt. 25:14-30). The Sheep and Goats (Mt.

the N.T. Scriptures.

25:31-46). The Two Debtors (Lk. 7:36-50). The Good THE PARABLES OF THE MUSTARD SEED AND THE

Samaritan (Lk. 10:25-37). The Friend at Midnight (Lk.

LEAVEN in Mt. 13:31-33 are interpreted by 11:5-8). The Rich Fool (Lk. 12:16-21). The Servants amillennialists as the growth of the true churches from Watching (Lk. 12:35-40). The Steward on Trial (Lk.

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12:42-48). The Barren Fig Tree (Lk. 13:6-9). The

“(1) Repetition, expressed by identical or Wedding Guest (Lk. 14:7-11). The Great Supper (Lk.

synonymous parallelism. The two lines express the same 14:15-24). Counting the Cost (Lk. 14:25-35). The Lost or similar thought in different words. Is. 1:3b is a good Coin (Lk. 15:8-10). The Prodigal Son (Lk. 15:11-32).

example: ‘but Israel doth not know, my people doth not The Unjust Steward (Lk. 16:1-13). The Unprofitable consider.’ You can see that the two lines show the same Servant (Lk. 17:1-10). The Unjust Judge (Lk. 18:1-8).

thought. It is repeated for clarity or emphasis. Ps. 33:2 is The Pharisee and the Publican (Lk. 18:9-14). The similar in form: ‘Praise the Lord with the harp, sing unto Pounds (Lk. 19:11-27). The shepherd (Jn. 10). The vine him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.’

and the branches (Jn. 15). (Some of the previous study Here is the same general idea, but the instrument is was taken from Bruce Lackey’s Ten Ways to Study the different and there is a difference in the act as well.

Bible.) [For commentary on the parables of Matthew 13

“In this parallelism often one line throws light on the see Tares.] [See Allegorical, Covenant, Kingdom of other one. There again is the principle of context. In Is.

God, Mystery, Prophecy, Tares, Type.]

45:7, the first line shows light and darkness as PARACLETE. The Greek word for “advocate.” It is opposites. So peace and evil in the second line are used of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7) and doubtless opposites too. If so, then the evil is not moral of Christ (1 Jn. 2:1). Paraclete speaks of a helper, evil but confusion or chaos, the opposite of peace. So intercessor, comforter. [See Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ.]

the verse does not say that God is the author of sin.

PARADISE. A place of bliss; a region of supreme

“(2) Contrast, expressed by antithetic parallelism.

felicity or delight (Webster). Heaven is called “paradise”

The two lines express contrasting thoughts, or even three times (Lk. 23:43; 2 Co. 12:4; Re. 2:7). This is from those that are contradictory. Proverbs has a great deal of

“paradisos,” the Greek equivalent of the Armenian word this parallelism. Often the second line starts with ‘but,’

“pairidaeza” used by the Assyrians, Babylonians, and indicating the contrast. An example is Pr. 15:1, ‘A soft Persians to describe the splendid botanical gardens and answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up zoos surrounding their palaces. Assurnasirpal II anger.’ See also Pr. 10, where each of the first 17 verses described the paradisos in Calah as follows: “I irrigated is antithetic parallelism. The truth given in such verses the meadows of the Tigris and planted orchards with all is made more emphatic and forceful by the contrasting kinds of fruit trees in its environs. ... The canal cascades thoughts.

from above into the gardens. Fragrance pervades the

“(3) Addition, expressed by synthetic parallelism. In walkways. Streams of water as numerous as the stars of this the second line adds something to the first, a heaven flow in the pleasure garden. Pomegranates complementary thought. Sometimes it gives the reason which are bedecked with clusters like grape vines. ... I, for the first, beginning with the word ‘for.’ See Ps. 9:10.

Assurnasirpal, in the delightful garden pick fruit like a Or it may show purpose, beginning with ‘that’ or ‘so squirrel” (Joan and David Oates, Nimrud: An Assyrian that.’ See Ps. 104:5. Though some students say this is Imperial City Revealed, p. 33). At Cyrus’ gardens in not true parallelism, yet there are related lines and a Pasargadae, water flowed through “a network of some balanced construction, so we may consider it as such.

3,600 feet of stone conduits into handsome square

“(4) Expansion, expressed in climatic parallelism.

basins, hewed from a single block of dressed stone.” The The second line repeats part of the first but adds water running beside the paths “kept the garden moist something fresh, a new step as it were. We can see it in and added a glittering, fluid element” ( Persians: Masters Ps. 34:4, ‘I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and of Empire, Time-Life, 1995, pp. 62, 66). But these delivered me from all my fears.’

ancient pagan “paradisos” were as nothing compared to the paradise of God! [See Heaven.]

“(5) Transformation, expressed by emblematic parallelism. Emblematic mans symbolic or representing.

PARALLELISM. An aspect of O.T. poetical thought.

In it, one line is literal while the other is figurative. And

“The main feature of Hebrew poetry is a rhythm of commonly the two lines are talking of the same thing, thought rather than of sound. It means simply that the so it is also synonymous parallelism. In one form you poetry is written in couplets, two lines that are related will recognize a simile, for example Ps. 42:1, ‘As the hart to each other in some way. Occasionally there are three panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after lines (Is. 41:5) or even four (Ps. 27:1), but usually two.

thee, O God.’ The simile of the thirsty deer adds beauty

‘Wash me throughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me and vividness to the Psalmist’s statement of his desire from my sin’ (Ps. 51:2). The relation of the two lines to for God. Again the form may be that of metaphor, as in each other is not always the same. In fact there are Is. 46:11, ‘calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man different relationships, so we can speak of different that executeth my counsel from a far country.’ In effect kinds of parallelism and different basic ideas. These he says the man of his counsel is a ravenous bird. Our have their proper names that we must learn.

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knowledge of the use of parallelism helps us to PARNACH (very agile and swift). Nu. 34:25.

understand that ravenous bird is not literal.

PAROSH, PHAROSH (flea, insect). Ezr. 2:3.

“There are many varieties of parallelism ... How do PARSHANDATHA (interpreter of the law). Est. 9:7.

we interpret the parallelism? When we know that lines PART. To divide; distribute (Ac. 2:45).

of poetry are related we will not take each one in isolation, but will seek to find the relationship. We also PARTAKER. One who takes part with; participant; know the possible relationships, so if we are doubtful accomplice; one who shares in or consumes (Ps. 50:18; about the meaning we can try different possibilities to 1 Co. 9:10; 10:30; 1 Ti. 5:22; 2 Ti. 1:8; 2:6; 2 Jn. 1:11).

see which one really fits” (T.N. Sterrett, How to PARTED. Separated (Lk. 24:51).

Understand Your Bible). [See Parable, Type.]

PARTHIANS (exiled, horseman). Ac. 2:9.

PARAMOUR. The masculine form of the Hebrew PARTIAL. To judge diversely; biased; inclined to word for concubine (Eze. 23:20; 2 Ki. 11:3).

favor one party or side of a question over another (1 Ti.

PARAN (much digging). Ge. 21:21.

5:21; Ja. 2:4; 3:17).

PARAPHRASE. To explain, interpret or translate with PARTICULAR, IN. Severally (1 Co. 12:27).

latitude (Webster). A loose translation of the Bible. In a PARTICULARLY. In detail; one by one (Ac. 21:19; paraphrase the translator is not concerned to translate He. 9:5).

the exact words, not even the exact meaning, of the PARUAH (flowery, adorned). 1 Ki. 4:17.

original text. Instead, the goal of the paraphrase is to be PARVAIM (fruitful places). 2 Ch. 3:6.

easily understood even by non-Christians. The Living PASACH (he cut off, to divide). 1 Ch. 7:33.

Bible is the best-known modern example of paraphrasing. The Today’s English Version (Good News PASDAMMIM (diminishing of blood). 1 Ch. 11:13.

for Modern Man) and most common-language or PASEAH, PHASEAH (lame). 1 Ch. 4:12.

dynamic equivalency versions could also be called PASHUR (most noble). Je. 20:1.

paraphrases, though they might not claim to be such. A PASS. (1) To surpass; excel; exceed (Ep. 3:19; Ph.

paraphrase can be misleading. Paraphrases are not the 4:7). (2) To pass away (Ps. 148:6). (3) To transgress (Pr.

exact Word of God, and they should be used only like 8:29).

commentaries—if at all. Paraphrases such as The Living PASS THROUGH THE FIRE. [See Molech.]

Bible and the Today’s English Version are so unreliable they should not be used at all. These versions give a PASSAGE. A pass over a mountain; a ford of a river perverted meaning of the original Bible text. Further, (Jud. 12:6; 1 Sa. 13:23; 14:4; Is. 10:29).

they are based upon the corrupt Westcott-Hort text.

PASSENGER. A passer by; wayfarer (Pr. 9:15; Eze.

[See Bible Versions, Dynamic Equivalency.]

39:11, 14-15).

PARBAR (suburb). 1 Ch. 26:18.

PASSETH. (1) To go through; to go by (Ex. 30:13).

PARCEL. Piece; portion (Jos. 24:32; Ru. 4:3).

(2) Cease to exist (1 Co. 7:31; 1 Jn. 2:17). (3) Surpass (Ep. 3:19; Ph. 4:7).

PARDON. Forgive; pass over; cover; pacify (Ex.

23:21; 34:9; Nu. 14:19-20; 2 Ki. 5:18; Ps. 25:11; Is.

PASSION. Suffering (Ac. 1:3). The same Greek word 40:2; 55:7; Je. 5:1, 7; 33:8; 50:20; Mi. 7:18). [See is translated “suffer” (Ac. 9:16; Ph. 1:29) and “vex” (Mt.

Forgive, Grace, Justification, Mercy, Propitiation.]

17:15). [See Suffer.]

PARE. Trim; prepare (De. 21:12).

PASSIONS. Feelings; dispositions (Ac. 14:15; Ja.

5:17).

PARENT. [See Child Training, Home.]

PASSOVER. The occasion of the Israelites’

PARISH. An ecclesiastical district; a circuit or deliverance from Egypt. The Passover lamb was killed; territory committed to the charge of a priest or minister.

its blood was applied to the homes; and it was eaten by The term is used by the Roman Catholic Church and by each family in obedience to God’s instructions. God some Protestant denominations. A group of parishes passed over Israel because of the blood when He went form a larger diocese. [See Church.]

out and destroyed the firstborn of each Egyptian family PARLOUR. Inner chamber; private room (Ju. 3:20; 1

(Ex. 11-12). The Passover was one of the feasts of Israel Sa. 9:22; 1 Ch. 28:11). “The room in a house which the (Le. 23:5-8), and it depicted redemption from God’s family members usually occupy when they have no wrath through faith in Christ’s blood. Egypt symbolizes company, as distinguished from the drawing room the world under God’s judgment for rebellion. Israel intended for the reception of company” (Webster).

symbolizes those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

PARMASHTA (strong in fight). Est. 9:9.

The lamb symbolizes Jesus Christ and His death on the PARMENAS (to abide, permanent, constant). Ac. 6:5.

cross (Jn. 1:29; 1 Co. 5:7).

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Egypt. (1) They were under God’s wrath for rebellion PASTOR. The pastorate is the chief office of and for following false gods. (2) Every family was leadership in the local assembly (Ep. 4:11).

judged (Ex. 12:12, 29, 30). Compare Ro. 3:9-18; 5:12; The Pastor’s Title. The terms pastor, elder, and bishop Ep. 2:1-3). (3) Even the animals were judged, signifying describe the same office in the assembly, referring to that the whole creation is under God’s curse because of three different aspects of the church leader’s work.

sin. Compare Ge. 3:17-18; Ro. 8:19-22. (4) They were Pastor refers to the church leader as the shepherd of the warned of judgment and given opportunity to repent flock, speaking of his work of teaching and nurturing (Ex. 4:22-23), but were unbelieving and careless.

and protecting the assembly (Ep. 4:11). “Pastor” is The Lamb. (Jn. 1:29; 1 Co. 5:7). (1) It was without translated from the Greek word poimen, which 16 times blemish (Ex. 12:5), symbolizing Christ’s perfection (2

in the N.T. is translated “shepherd” (Mt. 9:36; 25:32; Co. 5:21; 1 Pe. 2:22; He. 7:26; 1 Jn. 3:5). (2) It was a 26:31; Mk. 6:34; 14:27; Lk. 2:8, 15, 18, 20; Jn. 10:2, male of the first year (Ex. 12:5), symbolizing Christ’s 11, 12, 14, 16; He. 13:20). In the Greek language of the youthfulness and strength and zeal toward God. (3) It N.T., “feed the flock” (Ac. 20:28; 1 Pe. 5:2) literally could be selected of the sheep (Ex. 12:5), symbolizing means “shepherd the flock”; it is from the same root Christ’s willingness to suffer and die (Is. 53:7; Ac.

word translated “pastor” and “shepherd.” Elder refers to 8:32-35). (4) The passover sacrifice could also be a goat the church leader’s maturity and responsibility and the (Ex. 12:5), symbolizing Christ taking our sin upon fact that he is to be an example to the church. Bishop Himself (the goat represents sinners—Mt. 25:33) (Lk.

refers to the church leader’s authority, to the fact that he 23:33; 2 Co. 5:21; Ga. 3:13; 1 Pe. 2:24). (5) It was is to rule the church. The Greek word translated killed and the blood was shed (Ex. 12:6-7), symbolizing

“bishop” is also translated “oversee” (Ac. 20:28; 1 Pe.

the price that was paid for redemption (Ro. 5:9, 10). (6) 5:2). That these terms refer to the same office in the No bone was broken (Ex. 12:46; Jn. 19:36). (7) It was church is seen in their usage. In Tit. 1:5, 7, the terms observed from the 10th to the 14th day (Ex. 12:6),

“elders” and “bishops” are used interchangeably. In Acts symbolizing Christ’s earthly life and ministry during 20 all three terms are applied to the same office. In Acts which the Jews observed His life and miracles. (8) It 20:17 the church leaders are called “elders.” In Acts was sufficient; nothing else was needed for protection 20:28 the Greek words for bishop (“overseers”) and from God’s wrath (Ex. 12:23). The Passover lamb is pastor (“feed the flock”) are used. 1 Peter 5 also uses never used in the plural; it is always “the lamb,” because these terms to refer to the same office in the church. 1

the one Lamb of God is absolutely sufficient (Jn. 19:30; Pe. 5:1 speaks of the “elders,” and 1 Pe. 5:2 speaks of He. 9:12; 10:12-14). (9) There was one lamb for all these elders as overseers (bishops) and shepherds. The people (Ex. 12:48-49), symbolizing the efficacy of the fact that these terms are used interchangeably is gospel for the whole world (Jn. 3:16).

significant. A pastor is an elder is a bishop. These are The Eating of the Lamb. The eating symbolizes not separate offices.

fellowship with Christ after salvation. (1) The time of the The Pastor’s Calling. The following Bible tests can eating: It was eaten after the sacrifice was made, help a man determine if God is calling him to be a symbolizing the fact that the new birth must precede pastor and also allow the churches to examine men who works (Ep. 2:8-10). (2) The place of the eating: It was might express interest in being pastors.

eaten inside the house, symbolizing the church, the (1) The test of desire (1 Ti. 3:1). This verse could also house of God (1 Ti. 3:15). (3) The purpose of the be translated “if a man reach out to grasp the office of a eating: It was eaten to provide strength (Ph. 4:13), bishop.” It speaks of a strong, compelling desire. Paul enjoyment (Ps. 34:8), satisfaction (Jn. 6:35), and speaks of such compulsion in 1 Co. 9:16 when he says, beauty (2 Co. 3:18). (4) The method of the eating: It was

“...for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I eaten that night (Ex. 12:8), signifying the fact that preach not the gospel!” Those in Israel who did the fellowship and service are connected directly with work of building the Tabernacle were men “whose salvation. It was eaten without any leaven, symbolizing hearts stirred them up, to come unto the work to do God’s desire that His people separate from all evil (Ep.

it” (Ex. 36:2). Likewise, the men who are to lead the 5:1-3,11). It was eaten with bitter herbs, signifying the churches must be men whose hearts have been divinely trials of the Christian life. It was eaten in haste, with the stirred for this great task. This desire must be more than loins girded, shoes on the feet, and staff in hand (Ex.

a mere interest; it must be a passion, a powerful, divine 12:11), symbolizing the duties of the Gospel and the summons to the ministry. It has been said, and rightly fact that the Christian is a pilgrim in this world (1 Th.

so, that if a man can refrain easily from preaching and 1:8-10). [See Feasts, Gospel, Jesus Christ, Lord’s Supper, from church leadership, he should, because God’s call to Offerings, Type.]

such ministry is attended by a powerful, unmistakable summons. We see this in God’s call to the prophets (Je.

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1) and in His call to the Apostles (Ac. 9). A man might men to preach who seem unlikely candidates by man’s say no to God’s call, as Jonah temporarily did, but he natural standards. He will not, however, call a man to will not mistake the call or ignore it lightly! C.H.

be a pastor who cannot do the work of a pastor. For Spurgeon, in addressing his men in the Pastor’s College, instance, a man must be able to teach the Bible and warned, “If any student in this room could be content to protect Christians from error. He must, therefore, be be a newspaper editor, or a grocer, or a farmer, or a able to read and study well enough to do this work. He doctor, or a lawyer or a senator, or a king, in the name must have special doctrinal discernment and a of heaven and earth let him go his way ... If on the other shepherd’s heart for protecting and watching over the hand, you can say that for all the wealth of both the sheep. He must have the courage to confront sin and Indies you could not and dare not espouse any other error. No man without this ability is qualified to be a calling so as to be put aside from preaching the gospel pastor, even if he has a strong desire and a good of Jesus Christ, then, depend upon it, if other things be Christian life and testimony.

equally satisfactory, you have the signs of this (4) The test of recognition (Ac. 13:1-3; 16:1-3). When apostleship.”

God called Paul and Barnabas to a particular missionary (2) The test of life (1 Ti. 3; Tit. 1). Desire is work, their church readily recognized that call. This is important, but in itself it is not enough. The individual’s one of the most important tests. It is true that there will life must also meet N.T. requirements for church be occasions when a church is controlled by unsaved or leadership. Some people who desire to be pastors, carnal men and the church’s judgment will be wrong.

deacons, or missionaries are deceived about God’s call.

There have been instances when God called a man or They feel God is calling them to that work, but it is woman to a certain work, but the church refused to obvious that He is not. God would not give detailed recognize the call or support the ministry. In fact, there standards for elders and deacons, then ignore His own are examples of this in the Bible. Jesus was rejected by standards and call unqualified people. If a woman, for His own people (Jn. 1:11). Paul was rejected by the example, feels God is calling her to be a pastor or Galatians and by some in the Corinthian church (Ga.

deacon, she is wrong. The Bible says plainly this is a 4:15-17; 1 Co. 9:1; 2 Co. 6:11-12; 3:1). John and other man’s work. Likewise if a man has a poor reputation in men of God were rejected by the proud Diotrephes (3

his community, or is given to wine, or has an angry, Jn. 9-10). The normal Bible pattern, though, is for an fighting spirit, or loves money, or does not have faithful individual’s call and burden to be recognized by the children and a good home life, or has more than one church which knows him best. “Considerable weight is wife, etc.—he can be certain that God does not want to be given to the judgment of men and women who him in church leadership work. We would note here that live near to God, and in most instances their verdict will the call to preach is not necessarily the same as the call not be a mistaken one. Yet this appeal is not final nor to a church office. A man can preach in many ways—in infallible, and is only to be estimated in proportion to the highways and byways, in the jails and nursing the intelligence and piety of those consulted. I homes, on the street corners and from house to house, remember well how earnestly I was dissuaded from in the bus ministry, etc.—without being a church leader.

preaching by as godly a Christian matron as ever Men who are not qualified to be a pastor or deacon can breathed; the value of her opinion I endeavoured to still preach the Word of God in many ways if they are estimate with candour and patience—but it was faithful to Jesus Christ.

outweighed by the judgment of persons of wider (3) The test of ability (Tit. 1:9-11; 1 Ti. 3:5; 1 Pe.

experience ... I have noted ... that you, gentlemen, 5:2). When God calls, He equips. He will never call students, as a body, in your judgment of one another, someone to do something without giving that person are seldom if ever wrong. There has hardly ever been an the ability to do it. For example, when the Lord wanted instance, take the whole house through, where the the Tabernacle built in Moses’ day, He prepared men for general opinion of the entire college concerning a the work. “See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son brother has been erroneous. Meeting as you do in class, of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have in prayer-meeting, in conversation, and in various filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in religious engagements, you gauge each other; and a understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of wise man will be slow to set aside the verdict of the workmanship” (Ex. 31:2-3). Here we see the main house” (C.H. Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students).

aspects of God’s call for special service. First, it was an (5) The test of proving (1 Ti. 3:10; 2 Co. 8:22). The individual, personal call. Second, it was to a particular Scriptures show that churches must be careful in work. Third, God’s call was accompanied by the ability ordination. Men should demonstrate their zeal and to perform the work. It is true that God loves to use the faithfulness before ordination, not by the ordination.

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on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins.

have men of unusual spiritual wisdom and power if they Keep yourself pure” (1 Ti. 5:22). In other words, will be protected from the winds of false doctrine that Timothy was warned to be cautious about ordaining are blowing in this world. (6) The pastor’s judgment men to positions of leadership. The context of 1 Ti.

demands high standards (Ja. 3:1). If a man is not 5:17-26 concerns leaders in the church. By laying on of qualified, he must, for his own sake, stay away from the hands, those performing the ordination are testifying office of church leadership. (7) The need for self-publicly that they are convinced God has called the judgment and correction demands high standards (1 Co.

person being ordained. It is a recognition of divine call.

11:31-32). The standards of God can help a man face Those performing the ordination are identifying and correct problems in his life in preparation for themselves with the one being ordained. If the church ordination, as well as after ordination as he continues to makes a mistake because of hastiness and failure to examine himself day by day before God.

prove the person by God’s standards, they become What is not required of the pastor. (1) A formal Bible partaker of the sins of the man wrongly ordained.

education or a college degree (Ac. 4:13). The Apostles The Pastor’s Qualification. “A false step in the were not trained in a formal seminary and did not hold selection of permanent officers of a church can seldom theological degrees, and the Bible says nothing about be retrieved, and must be productive of the most such a requirement. The pastor must be skillful in the melancholy consequences” (R.B.C. Howell). God has not Word of God, but he does not necessarily have to left to human thinking the qualifications for church possess a theological degree. (2) Impressive appearance leaders. He has listed these in 1 Ti. 3 and Tit. 1. This is or demeanor (1 Co. 2:3-4; 2 Co. 10:10). (3) Wealth and to be expected since He has always required high connections (Ac. 3:6). (4) Great speaking gifts (2 Co.

standards for those who lead His people. This was true 10:10; 11:6). (5) Great natural abilities (1 Co. 1:26-29).

for the judges of Israel (Ex. 18:21), the Levites (Le.

(6) Ability to fit every man’s idea of what a church leader 10:8-10), and the kings (De. 17:14-20). The Lord’s should be. The pastor must be blameless according to standards for church leaders are much higher than the standards of the Word of God, not blameless anything which was required of O.T. leaders.

according to man’s standards and thinking.

The reasons for the high standards for church leaders.

God’s standards for pastors. (1) He must be a man (1

(1) The nature of the office demands high standards (1 Ti.

Ti. 2:12; 3:1). (2) He must have a divine call (1 Ti. 3:1).

3:1; 2 Co. 6:3; Lev. 21:4, 7). If elders are not blameless, (3) He must be proven (1 Ti. 3:10). (4) He must be the individuals involved and the entire church will blameless in the areas listed in 1 Ti. 3:2-5 and Tit. 1:6-8

suffer loss of reputation and blessing. (2) The difficulty

— in relationship with his wife (1 Ti. 3:2), in relationship of the work requires it (1 Ti. 3:5; 1 Ti. 4:12-13; Titus with his children (1 Ti. 3:4; Tit. 1:6), in his personal life 1:9-11; 2:7; 1 Pe. 5:3). How can a man be an elder, a (1 Ti. 3:2-3; Tit: 1:8). (5) He must be able to teach (1 Ti.

shepherd, an example to the flock, if his life does not 3:2). (6) He must hold fast to apostolic doctrine (Tit.

meet the standards of God’s Word? “A man’s life is 1:9). (7) He must be able to deal with false teaching (Tit.

always more forcible than his speech; when men take 1:9-11). (8) He must not be a novice (1 Ti. 3:6). (9) He stock of him, they reckon his deeds as pounds and his must have a good reputation in the community (1 Ti.

words as pence” (C.H. Spurgeon). (3) The spiritual 3:7). (10) His wife must be spiritual (1 Ti. 3:11). For battle requires it (1 Ti. 3:6). Satan spares no effort in his details about the last requirement, see the study on attempts to destroy church leaders. If the elder is not deacons and their qualifications. [See Deacon.]

blameless and spiritual he will fall into the reproach and The Responsibility of Churches toward Pastors. (1) snare of the devil. (4) The requirement to be tested Respect and love them (1 Th. 5:12-13). (2) Obey their requires it (1 Ti. 3:10). The church’s need for a test of teaching (Ep. 4:11-12). (3) Follow their examples (He.

calling demands high standards. By the standards of 13:7; 1 Pe. 5:1-3). (4) Submit to their oversight (He.

God’s Word a church is able to recognize the man God 13:17). While it is crucial that the church members has called to the position of pastor. (5) The activity of submit to the God-given authority of the pastor, we false teachers demands high standards (Tit. 1:9-11; 1 Ti.

must also emphasize that the pastor’s authority comes 4:1-6). The Bible warns that false teachers are only from the Bible. If a church leader tries to give controlled by Satan (1 Ti. 4:1-2; 2 Co. 11:13-15), subtle instruction contrary to the Word of God, he must not be and cunning (Ep. 4:14; Ga. 2:4; Ro. 16:17-18), a very obeyed. If he tries to correct someone, but has no real threat to the churches (Ac. 20:27-32; 1 Th. 2:5; 2

biblical basis for his judgment, his warnings have no Co. 11:1-3), an increasing threat as the age draws to a true weight before God. Christian leaders are to lead close (2 Ti. 3-4; 2 Pe. 3; Jude). In the face of this ever-and correct according to the Bible, not according to present danger, the Bible’s standards for pastors appear their own fallible thinking. Each Christian has the reasonable and absolutely necessary. Churches must responsibility to “prove all things” and to “search the 458

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Scriptures daily whether those things are so” (Ac.

believe he had the authority to invite special speakers 17:10-11; 1 Th. 5:21), and not to blindly to follow a without their permission. Not long after that, the pastor man. (5) Pray for them (He. 13:18,19; Ep. 6:18-19; Col.

was dismissed. This is a prime example of rebellion 4:2-3; 2 Th. 3:1-2). (6) Provide for their physical needs against pastoral authority. It is not the congregation or (1 Ti. 5:17-18). “A church that is penurious with a the deacons who are responsible before God to oversee pastor violates the Scripture. Rarely does such a church the teaching; that is the pastor’s responsibility, and it is manifest spiritual power or progress. The principles therefore his prerogative to make the decisions in this r e v e a l e d i n 2 C o . 9 : 6 - 1 0 a r e w o r t h y o f regard. If the teaching or preaching is heretical, that is a consideration” (Paul Jackson, The Doctrine and different matter, of course. In such a case, the Administration of the Church).

congregation should not follow the pastor’s lead. (2) A The Pastor’s Authority. Some general lessons: pastor has the responsibility and authority to protect the Following are some Bible truths about pastoral church from false teaching (Ac. 20:28-31; 1 Co. 14:29; authority: (1) There are certain men in churches called 1 Ti. 4:1-6; Tit. 1:9-13). Pastors have the God-given rulers and overseers (Ac. 20:28; 1 Th. 5:12; Ph. 1:1; 1 Ti.

responsibility and authority to determine what is taught 3:1; Tit. 1:7). Every Christian does not have the same and by whom, as well as to forbid the Christians from authority in the church; pastors are to lead the getting involved with false things, such as Bible studies churches, not vice versa. (2) Church leaders are called by conducted by the wrong kind of teachers, meetings in three different terms, but the terms refer to the same which unbiblical doctrines or practices are promoted, office; thus the hierarchical form of church government etc. This includes oversight of the music ministry of the which places bishops over elders is not biblical. (3) Each church, because music is a form of teaching (Ep. 5:19).

church is to have its own leaders and government (Tit.

(3) A pastor has the responsibility and authority to 1:5; Ac. 14:23). Since this is clearly the N.T. pattern, oversee the entire work of the church (Ac. 20:28; 1 Th.

any outside form of control over the churches is 5:12; 1 Pe. 5:1-2). The pastor’s position of overseeing unbiblical and dangerous. (4) Every pastor is to be God-the church is similar to that of a supervisor or manager.

called, ordained, and qualified (Ac. 14:23; 1 Ti. 3; Tit. 1).

He is not to do all of the work of the ministry—every N.T. churches are not to be led by unordained men or by Christian must be busy in the work of Christ—but the men who cannot do the whole work of a pastor. Every pastor is to supervise all of the work. There is pastor is to be both a teacher and a ruler (Ac. 20:28; 1

widespread rebellion against and resistance to pastoral Ti. 3:2; Tit. 1:9-11; 1 Pe. 5:1-2). (5) Deacons are never authority today. Such is the product of the fallen human referred to in the capacity of ruling or overseeing churches.

nature. The “old man” hates authority; he will not have The deacon is a servant, not a ruler. Church rule by a anyone rule over him. But pastoral authority is God-deacon board is unscriptural and has caused great harm ordained, and the one who resists a God-called pastor in in many assemblies.

his work of leading the church according to the Word of The extent of the pastor’s authority. If responsibility God will answer to Jesus Christ for his stubbornness.

implies a corresponding authority, which it does, we can Hear the Bible: “Obey them that have the rule over you, get a clear idea of the areas and extent of a pastor’s and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as authority by considering his God-given responsibilities they that must give account, that they may do it with in the church. There are three major areas of pastoral joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for responsibility, with corresponding authority: (1) A you” (He. 13:17).

pastor has the responsibility and authority to teach and Spiritual characteristics of the pastor’s authority. The shepherd the church (Ac. 20:28; Ep. 4:11-12; 1 Th.

authority exercised by a pastor, missionary, or other 5:12; 1 Pe. 5:1-4). Pastors, therefore, have the authority church leader is to be distinctly different from that to oversee all aspects of such ministry. They must have exercised by leaders in the secular world. (1) It is a the final decision concerning what is taught and by ministering authority— the authority of a shepherd (Ac.

whom, and must judge all things that are taught to 20:28; 2 Co. 13:10; 1 Pe. 5:2). The authority of a pastor make certain it is correct (1 Co. 14:29). In 1998, I was is for the purpose of building up and protecting God’s invited to preach in all of the services one Sunday in a people and work. (2) It is a submissive, humble church in Missouri. As the day progressed, I noticed that authority— the authority of a steward (1 Co. 3:9; 4:1; only the pastor and his family seemed happy about my 12:7; Tit. 1:7; 1 Pe. 4:10; 5:3-5). The pastor is to rule preaching. The rest of the congregation seemed to be under the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ, not by his disgruntled about something. After the evening service, own mind or will. The church is God’s property; the the men asked the pastor to join them for a meeting in a people are God’s people; the work is God’s work. The separate room in the church, and they informed him pastor is merely a steward or caretaker. Contrast this that they did not like my preaching and they did not with the ministry of proud, willful Diotrephes (3 Jn.

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9-10). (3) It is a loving authority— the authority of a the church is small, it might have only one pastor, while father (1 Th. 2:7-11). The pastor is to have a godly, larger churches obviously need more. When a church loving, tender, sacrificial consideration for the welfare of has more than one pastor, it is normal for one to be the the people. His rule is not to be overbearing and self-senior pastor and to have the final authority in serving.

decisions. That is what we see in the church at Limitations to the pastor’s authority. A pastor only has Jerusalem. When they had a conference to discuss the such authority as delegated to him by God. Christians issue of law and grace in Acts 15, it was James who are never told to submit blindly to a church leader, but summarized the meeting and made the final decision to submit to truly God-called men who are leading (vv. 13-22). [See Church, Deacon, Diotrephes, according to the Word of God. As the Apostle Paul said, Evangelist, Korah, Power, Prophet.]

“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1

PASTORAL EPISTLES. A name used for the N.T.

Co. 11:1). Paul could demand that others follow him books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. They are so named because he was following Christ and was faithfully because they were written to church leaders in reference preaching the message given to him by Christ. Apart to church order and Christian ministry. [See Timothy.]

from that, even Paul had no authority. He warned the PATARA (interpretation). Ac. 21:1.

churches of Galatia that if he were to preach any other PATE. Crown of the head (Ps. 7:16).

gospel, they were to reject him (Ga. 1:8). The Bible warns pastors not to be lords over God’s flock (1 Pe.

PATHROS (he cut). Is. 11:11.

5:2-3). Even Paul said he did not have dominion over PATHRUSIM (inhabitants of Pathros). Ge. 10:14.

the believers’ faith (2 Co. 1:24). Christians should reject PATIENCE. The suffering of afflictions, pain, toil, the ministry of any man who does not possess the calamity, provocation or other evil, with a calm, following qualities: (1) A pastor’s authority is based on unruffled temper; endurance without murmuring or the message he preaches. He. 13:7 instructs Christians to fretfulness; the act or quality of waiting long for justice submit to those who have spoken the Word of God. A or expected good without discontent; perseverance; preacher’s authority is in God’s Word, not in his own constancy in labor or exertion; the quality of bearing words and desires. If a pastor or teacher strays from the offenses and injuries without anger or revenge Bible, his listeners should not follow him; he has strayed (Webster). The Christian is called upon to exercise from his authority (Ac. 17:10, 11; 1 Th. 5:21). (2) A patience (Ro. 12:12; 1 Th. 5:14; 2 Th. 1:4; 1 Ti. 6:11; pastor’s authority is based on the life he lives. He. 13:7

Tit. 2:2; He. 10:36; 12:1; Ja. 5:7-8; 2 Pe. 1:6; Re. 1:9).

says, “Obey them that have the rule over you ...

Patience is the fruit of hope (Ro. 8:25; 1 Th. 1:3).

remembering the end of their conversation.” This speaks Patience comes from the Word of God (Ro. 15:4).

of their manner of life. If a man is a hypocrite, if he does Patience comes through the Lord’s strength (Col. 1:11).

not practice in his daily life the right kind of Christian Patience is produced by tribulation (Ro. 5:3; Ja. 1:3-4).

living, he has no authority to lead others. (3) A pastor’s Patience in well-doing is a key ingredient in fruit authority is based on his call from God (Ac. 20:28). The bearing (Lk. 8:15). Patience is commended by God (2

elders of the church at Ephesus were appointed by the Th. 1:4; Re. 2:2-3). A patient spirit is better than a Holy Spirit. This is a foundational basis for spiritual proud spirit (Ec. 7:8). Patience was exemplified by the authority. Christians are only to submit to men who give Apostles (2 Co. 6:4; 12:12; 2 Ti. 3:10). Patience is plain evidence that they are called of God. (4) A pastor’s required in pastors (1 Ti. 3:3). Patience is required in authority is based on the work he does. 1 Th. 5:12-13

dealing with erring men (2 Ti. 2:24). [See Endure, refers to those who are over us in the Lord and requires Forbear, Gentle, Longsuffering, Love, Overcome.]

that we “esteem them very highly in love for their PATMOS (belonging to turpentine, mortal). Re. 1:9.

work’s sake...” A man’s spiritual ministry must be PATRIARCH. The father and ruler of a family (Ac.

according to the Word of God, or he ceases to have 2:29; 7:8).

authority over others.

PATRIMONY. A right or estate inherited from one’s The Number of Pastors. How many pastors or elders ancestors (De. 18:8).

should a church have? The Bible usually speaks of PATROBAS (life of a father). Ro. 16:14.

elders and pastors in the plural, and the first churches commonly had more than one (Acts 14:23; 15:2; 20:17; PATTERN. Example; copy (1 Ti. 1:16; He. 9:23).

Ph. 1:1; Titus 1:5; James 5:14). At the same time, the PAU (bawling). Ge. 36:39.

Bible does not specify any certain number of pastors.

PAUL (to restrain). Writer of many N.T. books and Like many of the practical things that pertain to church zealous leader in the early church. Paul was ordained by work, the Bible leaves this matter for each congregation the Lord Jesus to be the Apostle to the Gentiles (Ac.

to determine under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If 8-28). Paul wrote Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, 460

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Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2

such impetuous convictions as he entertained” (Young).

Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and (Acts 7:58; 9:1-31; 11:22-30; 13:1—28:31; Ro. 1:1; 1

probably Hebrews.

Co. 1:1; 16:21; 2 Co. 1:1; 10:1; Ga. 1:1; 5:2; Ep. 1:1;

“The Apostle of the Gentiles, whose original name 3:1; Ph. 1:1; Col. 1:1, 23; 4:18; 1 Th. 1:1; 2:18: 2 Th.

was Saul. He was of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of 1:1; 3:17; 1 Ti. 1:1; 2 Ti. 1:1 Tit. 1:1; Phile. 1, 9,19; 1

the Hebrews (Ph. 3:5), born in Tarsus (Ac. 9:11; 22:3), Pe. 3:15).

the chief city of Cilicia, in Asia Minor. He was brought PAULICIANS. An example of the conflict between the up a Pharisee, and educated at Jerusalem, at the feet of Bible and apostate churchianity in the first millennium Gamaliel (Ac. 22:3), a celebrated Rabbi. He was involved the Paulicians. This occurred in the eastern or acquainted with several of the ancient Greek poets, Grecian part of the empire.

whom he occasionally quotes (Ac. 17:28; Tit. 1:12).

In roughly A.D. 660, a young Armenian named Like all Jews, he was brought up to a trade, which, in Constantine Sylvanus received a gift of the Four his case, was that of a tent maker (Ac. 18:1-3). His Gospels and the fourteen Epistles of Paul. Constantine, residence at Jerusalem augmented his natural regard for we are told, prized these new treasures and made Judaism, and led him, while yet a young man, to bear these Scriptures the rule of his faith. It is probable that his testimony against Christianity, by consenting to the the name “Paulicians” was derived from the love martyrdom of Stephen and by watching over the clothes Constantine and his fellow Christians had for the Apostle Paul and for apostolic doctrine. Regardless of of those who stoned him (Ac. 7:58).

the exact origin of their name, it is a fact of history,

“Soon the great landmarks of his life began to acknowledged by their enemies, that the Paulicians appear. Foremost of all was his conversion, A.D. 38, attempted to found their Christianity strictly upon the which became the main root of his after life (Ac. 9).

Bible. Constantines New Testament later included the Then his evangelistic labours at Antioch, A.D. 42 (Ac.

Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles of James and Jude, 11:22-30); his missionary journey in the eastern part of and the Three Epistles of John (George Faber, The Asia Minor, in which he first assumed the character of History of the Ancient Vallenses and Albigenses, 1838, an apostle to the Gentiles (Ac. 13-14); his visit to pp. 50, 51). Orchard tells us that the Paulician churches “were formed as much upon the plan and Jerusalem, A.D. 50, to settle the question of the relation model of the apostolic churches as it was in their of the Gentiles to the law of Moses (Ac. 15); his second power to bring them” ( History of Baptists, p. 132).

missionary journey when he introduced the gospel into Armitage testifies, “As best they could, they were trying Europe, with his visit to Philippi, Athens, and Corinth to get at the Bible, and to follow its light” (p. 239). For (Ac. 15:39—18:22). Then comes his third great this they were hated by those who had thrown off missionary journey which was chiefly marked by a long biblical restraint. Persecutions were soon poured out stay at Ephesus, and interesting in connection with the upon these Bible believers. “The Paulicians were writing of his four leading Epistles (Ac. 19-20). Then sentenced to be capitally punished, and THEIR BOOKS, followed his visit to Jerusalem, A.D. 58, and his WHEREVER FOUND, TO BE COMMITTED TO THE

apprehension there, with his long confinement at FLAMES, and further, that if any person was found to have secreted them, he was to be put to death, and his Caesarea, and his eventual imprisonment at Rome, A.D.

goods confiscated” (Orchard, p. 134). Constantine was 61, whence he wrote most of his other epistles (Ac.

stoned to death in 690 for his love for the Word of 21-28). Of his later history we know nothing.

God. The man who oversaw the stoning of Constantine

“As to his temperament and character, Paul is himself was named Simeon. He was later converted, became the best painter. His humility induced him to abandon the leader of this people in the place of Constantine, the grand title of ‘Saul,’ and assume the humble one of and “finally submitted himself to the flames rather

‘Paul,’ i.e., the ‘little one,’ appropriate, perhaps, from his than abandon the faith which, by a sacrifice of all his bodily size, but adopted, no doubt, from that humility worldly goods and prospects, he had embraced” (Faber, p. 60). Another leader of the Paulicians, Sergius, was which makes him count himself to be ‘less than the least cut into two pieces with an ax. In those days an entire of all saints, and not worthy to be called an apostle.’ His group of Paulicians was burned to death in one speeches and epistles convey to us the truest impression enormous funeral-pile (Faber, p. 47). The persecutions of him. In these we perceive the warmth and ardor of began during the life of Constantine and continued his nature, his affectionate disposition, the tenderness of through the centuries following. They began in the his sense of honor, the courtesy and personal dignity of Grecian empire under the authority of the emperors his bearing, and his perfect frankness. We see also the and empresses, but as the persecuted Paulicians were rare combination of subtlety, tenacity, and versatility scattered to Italy and other parts of Europe, they came existing in his intellect, with a practical wisdom to the attention of the papacy, as well.The persecutions generally associated with a cooler temperament than which were poured out upon the Paulicians beginning in the 7th century caused them to be scattered his, and a forbearance and tolerance seldom united with throughout Europe, everywhere carrying with them the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 461

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New Testament faith. The Lutheran historian Mosheim, days he hurried himself through the five necessary writing in the 17th century, says: “From Italy the orders, to become Patriarch on the sixth day, thrusting Paulicians sent colonies into almost all the other himself into the place of Ignatius, son of Michael I., a provinces of Europe, and gradually formed a man of blameless character, who was deposed because considerable number of religious assemblies, who he refused to put the Empress out of the way of adhered to their doctrine, and who realized every plotting Bardas by forcing her into a nunnery. But Pope opposition and indignity from the popes.” They were Nicholas I., by the advice of a synod held at Rome, later known by many names, including Paterini, deposed Photius as an usurper, A.D. 862. In turn, Cathari, Bulgarians, Patarins, Gazarians, Turlupins, Photius excommunicated the pope, but Gass says that Runcarians, and Albigenses. “Many historians, besides another synod deposed Photius in 867 as a liar, Gibbon, such as Muratori and Mosheim, regard the adulterer, parricide and heretic. He was restored to the Paulicians as the forerunners of the Albigenses, and, in patriarchate on the death of Ignatius, but was fact, as the same people. The term “Albigenses”

degraded and banished by the Emperor Leo in 886 for probably derived from a Council which was held in the political intrigue and embezzlement of the public year 1176 at the town of Lombers near Albi, “for the money. This is the chief witness on whose word the purpose of examining certain reputed heretics” (Faber, Paulicians are condemned. ...

p. 221). One of the latest of these is Professor THE PAULICIANS THEMSELVES CERTAINLY SHOULD

Conybeare, one of the highest authorities on Paulician HAVE KNOWN WHAT THEY WERE, AND BOTH

matters (John Christian, A History of the Baptists in the THESE WITNESSES EXPLICITLY STATE THAT THEY

United States, I, p. 53).

REPELLED THIS CHARGE WITH GREAT SPIRIT. But Though the Paulicians were charged by their what difference did that make with these maligners?

persecutors with following the unscriptural doctrines So long as they could befoul their fame by that odious of Manicheanism, many faithful historians have proven brand, they pinned the charge to them as if it were that this was not the case. Their “heresy” was in true. Gibbon states that the Paulicians disclaimed the cleaving to Scripture alone and in rejecting human theology of Manes, and the authors of the kindred tradition. The Grecian and Roman Catholic authorities heresies, and the thirty generations, or aeons, which made every effort to destroy the witness of these had been created by the fruitful fancy of Valentine. The separated Christians, and to keep the New Testament Paulicians sincerely condemned the memory and the Scriptures from the people. The power of this opinions of the Manichean sect, and complained of the separated Christian movement was in the Scriptures injustice which impressed that invidious name on the and in the sound teaching which was derived from the simple votaries of St. Paul and of Christ. All through, Scriptures, and the apostate “church” attempted to these witnesses judged them by a false standard of destroy the books and manuscripts which provided this their own raising, while the Paulicians are allowed no power. They accomplished their wicked deed so counter evidence nor cross-examination, nothing but effectively that we do not have the actual writings of denial and protest. ... THERE WERE DIFFERENT

the Paulicians. What we know of them, we know CLASSES OF MANICHEANS AS WELL AS PAULICIANS, largely by the mouth of their persecutors.

BUT PHOTIUS AND SICULUS LUMP THEM EN MASSE

Paulician history has come to us mainly through the AND CONVICT THEMSELVES AGAIN AND AGAIN OF

persecutors of the Paulicians, and it scarcely has its MISREPRESENTATION IN MATTERS OF PUBLIC

parallel for calumny in the annals of the centuries.

NOTORIETY. ...

They have always been coupled with the Manicheans, As best they could, [the Paulicians] were trying to get and nothing has been too base to say of them. Bossuet at the Bible and to follow its light (Thomas Armitage, A and Bowers have distinguished themselves in this History of the Baptists, 1890, I, pp. 234-239).

calumny, but Bowers has been effectually answered by Wherever the Word of God was made to speak in the the learned Lardner. ... [Bosseut] confounded the common language of men, it brought its gifts of eternal Paulicians with the Manicheans, principally because he salvation and wisdom and sanctification and joy and implicitly trusted their two enemies, Photius and Siculus, the authors who have sent their names down every blessing of God through Jesus Christ. In a word, from the ninth century on a tide of acrid invective.

the Bible brought light to men. It showed the error of Arnold of Germany, Beausobre and Lardner have manmade tradition and condemned ecclesiastical honored themselves and the subject with sedate apostasy. Those who desired to found their Christianity investigation and judicial candor, and have set right upon the Bible alone, who desired to form churches many of the inconsistencies and contradictions of after an apostolic fashion, came into conflict with those Photius and Siculus.

who were busy creating a manmade form of Christianity Photius possessed great ability, but he was an which conformed to the world. Our knowledge of the interested party in his own evidence, and we may fairly spread of Christianity and of the spiritual conflicts question how far he is entitled to absolute credence. As between truth and error during the centuries Patriarch of Constantinople, no one was more immediately following the deaths of the apostles is interested than he in crushing the Paulicians. ... In five relatively meager. We have seen that portions of the 462

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PAVILION - PEELED

Word of God were translated into major tongues and price of truth. Nowhere in the N.T. Scriptures do we find distributed to some extent.

that God wants Christians to ignore Bible doctrine for PAVILION. A covering; a tent (Ps. 27:5; 1 Ki. 20:12).

the sake of getting along with professing believers. The PEACE. There are two kinds of peace in salvation—

passages which admonish harmony among the saints peace with God and the peace of God.

are largely in the context of the assembly, because in the assembly harmony can be maintained without Peace with God is received through faith in Christ’s compromising and contradicting doctrinal and moral blood. It is a product of justification (Ro. 5:1). The Bible purity because doctrinal purity and righteous living can teaches that all men are selfwilled rebels by nature be demanded. [See Separation, Peace Offering, Unity.]

since the fall of Adam. Men are at war with God because of their refusal to love and serve Him only (Lk. 19:14).

PEACE OFFERING. This Levitical offering symbolizes Jesus Christ came to earth and made peace by His blood the whole work of Christ in relation to the believer’s (Col. 1:20) so men could be brought near to God. This peace. He made peace (Col. 1:20), proclaimed peace is the message of peace now to be preached to every (Ep. 2:17), and is our peace (Ep. 2:14). In Christ, God person and nation in the world (Ac. 10:36; Ro. 10:15; and the sinner meet in peace (2 Co. 5:18-21). God is Ep. 2:17). Men do not make peace with God concerning propitiated, the sinner reconciled, and both alike are their sin. God has made peace through His Son, Jesus satisfied with what Christ has done, but all this was at Christ, and it is up to men to receive, ignore, or reject the cost of blood and death. The details of the offering the peace God is offering. Those who receive Jesus speak of fellowship, symbolizing fellowship with God Christ enjoy peace with God. [See Atonement, through Jesus Christ. Hence the peace offering is set Justification.]

forth as affording food for the priests (Le. 7:31-34).

Observe that it is the breast and shoulders, signifying The Peace of God is that comfort and encouragement the affections and strength, upon which we as priests and tranquility of mind and heart which He gives feed in fellowship with the Father (1 Pe. 2:9). This is obedient saints (Col. 3:15). Jesus gives peace and what makes the peace offering especially a thank comfort to His followers as they faithfully serve Him offering (Le. 7:11-12) (Scofield). [See High Priest, (Jn. 14:27; 16:33). The believer enjoys this peace only Offerings, Peace.]

as he casts his care upon God in prayer (Ph. 4:6-7).

Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Ga. 5:22), and is PEACE, TO HOLD ONE’S. To be silent; to restrain enjoyed by believers who allow the Spirit of God to rule oneself from talking or replying (Ex. 14:14; Nu. 30:4; their lives (Col. 3:15). Peace comes to a person’s heart Mt. 20:31; Lk. 4:35).

when he meditates upon God’s love and protection (Is.

PECULIAR. Exclusive possession (Ex. 19:5; De. 14:2; 26:12).

26:18; Ps. 35:4; Ec. 2:8; Tit. 2:14; 1 Pe. 2:9). When the Peace on Earth will not come until Jesus Christ Bible says the Christian is peculiar, it means he is God’s returns to destroy the rebels and establish His kingdom exclusive possession which He has purchased to Himself on earth (Ps. 37:9-11; 72:1-8; Is. 9:6, 7; 66:12; Eze.

through the blood of His Son. The Greek word 34:23-25; Hag. 2:6, 7). Until then, men on earth will translated “peculiar” in 1 Pe. 2:9, peripoiesis, is also attempt in vain their human schemes for peace (1 Th.

translated “possession” (Ep. 1:14) and “purchased” (Ac.

5:3; Re. 6:4). The Bible says there is no peace for the 20:28). The Hebrew word ( segullah) “signifies ‘to wicked (Is. 48:22; 57:21). As long as the world is in surround on all sides,’ hence ‘to gather together, set rebellion against God and His Christ (Ps. 2), and as long apart, reserve, appropriate.’ Applied to property, it as the governments of the world are ruled by wicked would be the private treasure acquired or possessed by men, there will not be peace on earth. This is not the person himself, as distinguished from what is shared pessimism, but reality.

with others; with kings it would be the private purse as distinct from the public treasury” (Concise) (Ex. 19:5; Peace among Saints is the desire of God inasmuch as De. 14:2; 26:18; Ps. 135:4; Ec. 2:8). This Hebrew word it is possible to maintain without compromise of truth is also translated “special” (De. 7:6), “mine own proper and righteousness. Fleshly strife, divisions, hatred, good” (1 Ch. 29:3) and “my jewels” (Mal. 3:17).

bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy and envy grieve the Spirit of God (Ep. 4:20-32). The believer must seek to PEDAHEL (God redeemed). Nu. 34:28.

maintain peace among the brethren as much as possible PEDAHZUR (the rock has redeemed). Nu. 1:10.

(Ro. 14:9; 2 Co. 13:11; Ep. 4:3; 1 Th. 5:13; Ja. 3:18; 1

PEDAIAH (God redeemed). 1 Ch. 27:20.

Pe. 3:11). God also admonishes Christians to seek to be PEDIGREE. Proof of one’s birth; lineage (Nu. 1:18).

at peace with unbelievers “as much as lieth in you” (Ro.

PEDOBAPTISM. Infant baptism. “Pedo” means infant 12:18-21; 1 Co. 7:15; He. 12:14). We must emphasize or child. [See Baptism - Infant.]

that Christian harmony is not to be purchased at the PEELED. Stripped (Is. 18:2; Eze. 29:18).

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PEEP. Chirp; chatter (Is. 8:19; 10:14). The Hebrew is no more need for additional Pentecosts. Since then, word ( tsaphaph) is elsewhere translated “chatter” (Is.

believers are not taught to seek new Pentecosts, or to 38:14) and “whisper” (Is. 29:4). [See Mutter, seek the Holy Spirit, but to yield to the Spirit who is Witchcraft.]

received when Christ is received (Ro. 8:9-14; 1 Co.

PEKAH (an opening). 2 Ki. 15:25.

12:13; Ep. 1:12-14; 5:18). [See Charismatic, Feasts, PEKAHIAH (the Lord opens). 2 Ki. 15:22.

Firstfruits, Holy Spirit.]

PEKOD (visitation). “A chief province of Assyria, in PENTECOSTAL. A name used to describe various which Nineveh, now overthrown, once lay. But, as in groups that believe in speaking in tongues, being Merathaim (Je. 50:21), the allusion is to the meaning of baptised with the Holy Spirit after salvation, etc. [See Pekod, namely, ‘visitation’; the inhabitants whose time Charismatic Movement.]

of deserved visitation in punishment is come; not, PENUEL (face of God). 1 Ch. 4:4.

however, without reference to the now Babylonian PENURY. Lack; deficiency; poverty (Pr. 14:23; Lk.

province, Pekod. The visitation on Babylon was a 21:4). [See Money, Sluggard, Tithe.]

following up of that on Assyria (Eze. 23:23)” (Jamieson, PEOPLES. Races; tribes (Re. 10:11; 17:15). [See Fausset, Brown).

Gentile.]

PELAIAH (He was wonderful). Ne. 8:7.

PERADVENTURE. If so be; by chance; perhaps (Ex.

PELALIAH (Thinking on God). Ne. 11:12.

32:30; Jos. 9:7; 1 Ki. 18:5; Ro. 5:7). [See Hap.]

PELEG (division). Ge. 10:25.

PERAZIM. “In the valley of Rephaim (2 Sa 5:18, 20; PELET (deliverance). 1 Ch. 12:3.

1Ch 14:11), there Jehovah, by David, broke forth as PELETH (separation). Nu. 16:1.

waters do, and made a breach among the Philistines, David's enemies, as Perazim means, expressing a sudden PELONITE (falling, hidden). 1 Ch. 11:27.

and complete overthrow” (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown).

PENANCE. A practice promoted by the Roman PERDITION. Destruction and judgment (Jn. 17:12; Catholic Church. Penance is the act of confessing sins Ph. 1:28; 2 Th. 2:3; 1 Ti. 6:9; He. 10:39; 2 Pe. 3:7; Re.

and making restitution and paying penalties imposed by 17:8). [See Hell, Judgment, Torment.]

a priest. It is not a biblical practice, but one observed by false Christian groups in their attempt to add to the PERFECTNESS. Completeness; perfection (Col.

finished work of Christ. Some Roman Catholic versions 3:14).

of the Bible wrongly replace the term “repentance” with PERILOUS. Extremely difficult; dangerous (2 Ti.

”do penance.” [See Confession, Gospel, Priest, 3:1), referring to conditions in the last days. Strong Repentance, Roman Catholic Church.]

defines the Greek word ( chalepos) as “perhaps from PENCE. [See Money.]

chalao through the idea of reducing the strength; difficult; i.e. dangerous, or (by implication) furious.”

PENIEL (the face of God). Ge. 32:30.

This Greek word is translated “fierce” in Mt. 8:28. [See PENINNAH (a pearl, jewel). 1 Sa. 1:2.

Last Days, Prophecy.]

PENNY. [See Money.]

PERES. Part of the saying God wrote on the wall PENTATEUCH. The first five books of the O.T. The before He judged Babylon (Da. 5:25-28). [See Mene.]

word literally means five books. These are also called PERESH (dung). 1 Ch. 7:16.

“the books of Moses,” as Moses was the author, and “the PEREZ (a break, divisions). 1 Ch. 27:3.

book of the law,” as they detail the Mosaic law [See Inspiration, Law, Moses.]

PEREZ-UZZAH (breach of Uzzah). The name David gave to the place where Uzzah was killed for touching PENTECOST. The Jewish feast of harvest celebrated the Ark of the Covenant (1 Ch. 13:9-11). [See Uzzah.]

50 days after the Passover (Le. 23:15-21). Pentecost means fifty. It is also called feast of weeks (Ex. 34:22), PERFECT. The common usage of the word “perfect”

feast of harvest (Ex. 23:16), and day of first fruits (Nu.

in the Bible does not necessarily denote sinless or 28:26). This feast was a picture of the coming of the absolute perfection, but completion, fullness, soundness, Holy Spirit 50 days after Christ’s death (Ac. 2:1-4). On wholeness.

that day God reaped the firstfruits of His great The Meaning of Bible Perfection. There are two worldwide harvest (Ro. 8:23; Ja. 1:18). The Lord Jesus Hebrew words commonly translated “perfect.” One is Christ prophesied that the Holy Spirit would come to TAMIYM, meaning “entire; integrity; truth” (Strong).

empower the churches for world evangelization (Ac.

This word is also translated “without blemish” (Ex.

1:8). That is what happened on Pentecost. It was a one-12:5), “complete” (Le. 23:15), “full” (Le. 25:30), time event; it has not been repeated because it does not

“sincerely” (Ju. 9:16), “sincerity” (Jos. 24:14), need to be repeated. The Holy Spirit having come, there

“sound” (Pr. 2:7), “without spot” (Nu. 19:2), 464

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PERGA - PERGAMOS

“undefiled” (Ps. 119:1), “upright” (2 Sa. 22:24), that an actor speaking in a normal voice could be heard

“whole” (Le. 3:9). The other word is SHALEM, meaning on the topmost seat” (J. T. Marlin, The Seven Churches of

“complete; especially friendly” (Strong), and it is also Asia Minor). Its library, consisting of 200,000 volumes, translated “full” (Ge. 15:16), “just” (Pr. 11:1), “made was exceeded in magnificence only by that of ready” (1 Ki. 6:7), “peaceable” (Ge. 34:21), “quiet” (Na.

Alexandria, Egypt, and eventually the emperor Mark 1:12), “whole” (De. 27:6). The chief Greek word Anthony gave it to the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. The translated “perfect” in the N.T. is TELEIOS, meaning making of books on parchment (prepared animal’s

“complete, in various applications of labor, growth, skins) was invented here, the word “parchment” being mental and moral character; completeness” (Strong). It derived from the name of the city. While visiting is also translated “of full age” (He. 5:14), Pergamos I bought a sheet of sheepskin parchment

“consecrated” (He. 7:28), “finish” (Jn. 4:34), made in the region. The Pergamos mosaicists were

“fulfil” (Lk. 2:43).

renowned. “The mosaicists of Pergamum seem to have Some Examples of Bible Perfection. (1) Noah was been among the earliest artists who superimposed one perfect because he walked in obedience to God’s colour on another to create an intermediate shade, such revealed will (Ge. 6:9). (2) The sacrifices were to be as applying a translucent coat of red plaster to white perfect, meaning without blemish (Le. 22:21). (3) Asa’s mosaic cubes to obtain a particular bright red. They heart was perfect because he did not turn aside to idols were also known as the first who reduced the size of the (2 Ch. 15:17). (4) Job was perfect before the Lord (Job mosaic cubes to the size of pin-heads. By using very 1:8), because he feared God and hated evil (Job 1:1).

small mosaic cubes in graded shades of each colour they (5) The law of God is perfect (Ps. 19:7). Here the word achieved gradual transitions of tone and shadow which

“perfect” is used in an absolute sense. (6) The believer gave their works the impression of painting” (Fatih can be perfect in the sense of lacking nothing that he Cimak, Pergamum).

needs to do the will of God (Ja. 1:4). (7) The believer Pergamos was addicted to idolatry and its attending can be perfect in the sense of being thoroughly sensuality. Most of the temples were located on the top furnished unto all good works (2 Ti. 3:17). (8) The of the acropolis overlooking the city. There was a believer is to prove the perfect will of God, meaning he beautiful grove called the Nicephorium in the midst of is to seek to be separated from the world and to renew which were temples dedicated to Zeus (Jupiter or Jove), the mind through God’s Word (Ro. 12:2). [See Dionysus, Athena, Diana, Apollo, Aphrodite, and Venus.

Justification, Sanctification.]

The great altar of Zeus was 40 feet in height and was PERGA (all earth, tower). Ac. 13:13.

renowned as one of the wonders of the world. A large PERGAMOS (elevated, fortified). The location of one frieze carved in marble depicts a mythical battle of the seven churches in Asia Minor that was addressed between Greek gods (e.g., Zeus and Hercules) and by the risen Christ in Revelation 2-3. See Revelation supernatural giants. It was “one of the greatest 2:12-17. Pergamos is located about 90 miles north of achievements in the field of sculpture” (Marlin). Today Smyrna, and though it was some 15 miles from the sea, there are trees growing on the altar’s location.

the nearby river Caicus was navigable by small craft. In Significant parts of it were recovered in the 1870s by John’s day the city had been built around the foot of the German archaeologists and it was reconstructed in the hill while the city’s acropolis (high fortified city) was Berlin Museum. There were three temples in Pergamos located on the summit. On the acropolis were palaces dedicated to Roman emperors. There was also a statue and temples and government buildings. Pergamos was of Augustus in the Athena temple. The ruins of the located at the crossroads of all the major roads of temple of Trajan are some of the most impressive I have western Asia and was the district center of jurisdiction seen. Probably the most celebrated temple was and of commerce. It was a banking city for the wealthy.

dedicated to Asklepios (Asclepios or Aesculapius), a god It was famous for its ointments, pottery, tapestries, and worshipped in the form of a serpent. Asklepios Soter parchment. “The sumptuousness of the Attalic princes means “Asklepios the Saviour,” and this idol was called had raised Pergamos to the rank of the first city in Asia

“the god of Pergamos.” It was located in the plain at the as regards splendor, and Pliny speaks of it as without a foot of the acropolis. The city’s coins depicted a rod rival in the province” (McClintock and Strong).

encircled by a serpent. They also depicted the god Asklepios as a bearded man holding a serpent-entwined It was a magnificent city of impressive, highly staff. In other depictions he was sitting in a chair with ornamented palaces, public buildings, and pagan the serpent underneath and patients approaching him temples, featuring fine marble, Corinthian and Ionic for healing. The serpent-entwined staff symbol was columns, and splendid capitals. On the side of the adopted by the medical school that was associated with acropolis was a large theater with 78 rows of seats and the temple, and it remains the symbol of medical a capacity of 10,000, “whose acoustics were so perfect Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 465

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practice today. The sick flocked here seeking a cure, Marathon. In 486 Xerxes (Ahasuerus) began to reign.

believing that while they slept in the court of the temple In about 479 Esther probably became Xerxes’ queen the serpent god would reveal his healing power by (7th year of his reign, Est. 1:1-3; 2:16). In 480 Xerxes means of dreams. The priests interpreted the dreams was killed in an invasion of Greece, and Artaxerxes and prescribed cures. If the patients were touched by began to reign. In 334 Alexander the Great invaded any of the snakes that were kept in the temple, they Persia and the empire fell to Alexander in 331. [See believed that they had been touched by God. Jesus Esther.]

spoke of Pergamos as the seat of Satan, and some think PERSIS (overturning). Ro. 16:12.

He was referring particularly to the temple of Zeus, and PERUDA (separation). Ezr. 2:55.

this is possible, as Zeus was the chief of the Greek gods.

It is also possible that He was referring to the emperor PERVERSE. Perverted; turned aside; distorted from worship, as this is what got the Christians in trouble the right (De. 32:5; 1 Sa. 20:30; Pr. 4:24; 8:8; 12:8; more often than not. It might be, though, that He was 14:2; 17:20; 19:1; 28:6,18; Mt. 17:17; Lk. 9:41; Ph.

referring to Pergamos’ function as a center for idolatry 2:15). [See Sin.]

in general.

PERVERT. To turn from truth, propriety, or from its The archaeological excavations at Pergamos are proper purpose; to distort from its true use or end; to extensive. Much of the acropolis has been excavated, as corrupt (Webster) (De. 16:19; 24:17; 1 Sa. 8:3; Pr.

well as the Asklepios temple area below the mountain 17:23; 31:5; Mi. 3:9; Ac. 13:10; Ga. 1:7). [See Sin.]

and its adjoining small theater. On the acropolis we find PESTILENCE. Trouble and judgment from God (Ex.

the ruins of the old walls, the library, the palace, the 5:3; Je. 14:12). In the New Testament, the term temple of Athena, the seat of Zeus, the temple of Trajan,

“pestilences” is from the Greek loimos, which refers to a the temple of Dionysius, and the theater. Parts of the plague, a disease (Mt. 24:7; Lk. 21:11).

ancient Roman aqueduct are still standing.

PESTLE. A rounded hand tool of wood or stone to PERIDA (separation, dispersion). Nu. 7:57.

pound or grind substances in a mortar (Pr. 27:22). [See PERIZZITE (dwelling in villages). Ge. 13:7.

Mortar.]

PERJURED. One who has broken an oath (1 Ti.

PETER (a small rock). The surname of Simon, 1:10). [See Deceit.]

brother of Andrew and son of Jona. He was a native of Bethsaida and a fisherman; called to be one of the PERSECUTION. Trouble and punishment because of twelve Apostles of Christ; follows Christ, leaving all (Mt.

one’s Bible beliefs and faith in Christ. The Bible 4:18-20); testifies of Christ’s divinity (Mt. 16:14-17), promises that the Christian will suffer persecution (Mt.

rebukes Christ and is rebuked by Him (Mt. 16:21-23); 13:21; Ac. 8:1; 11:19; 13:50; Ro. 8:35; 2 Co. 12:10; Ga.

witnesses Christ’s transfiguration (Mt. 17:1-8); walks on 5:11; 6:12; 2 Th. 1:4; 2 Ti. 3:11, 12). [See Suffering, the water (Mt. 14:28-31); allows Jesus to wash his feet Trial, Tribulation.]

(Jn. 13:6-9); professes willingness to follow Christ to PERSEVERANCE. Continuing steadfast on a the death (Mt. 26:33-35); defends Christ with a sword particular course of life or belief (Ep. 6:19).

(Mt. 26:51; Lk. 22:51; Jn. 18:10); denies Christ (Mt.

Perseverance is an evidence of salvation (He. 3:14; Col.

26:69-75); sees him after the resurrection (Jn. 21:7-22); 1:21-23). [See Endure, Eternal Security, Overcome.]

addresses the disciples regarding the choice of an PERSIA. The ancient name of Persia was Elam. It was Apostle (Ac. 1:15-26); addresses the Jews on the day of already a kingdom in Abraham’s day when the king of Pentecost (Ac. 2:14-40); cures a lame man at the gate of Elam joined the Mesopotamian military alliance to the temple (Ac. 3:1-11); is imprisoned with John (Ac.

attack southern Canaan (Ge. 14:1-3). In 642 Cyaxares 4:1-23); pronounces judgment on Ananias and Sapphira expelled the Turano and set up the Kaianite dynasty. In (Ac. 5:1-11); performs many cures (Ac. 5:12-16); is 612, the Elamites were part of the alliance led by again imprisoned and released; speaks boldly before the Nabopolassar of Babylon, father of Nebuchadnezzar, magistrates (Ac. 5:17-42); communicates the gifts of the that destroyed Nineveh and conquered the Assyrian Spirit to the Samaritans (Ac. 8:14-17); confounds Simon kingdom. In 559 Cyrus became king of Persia, and in Magus (Ac. 8:18-24); cures Aeneas of palsy (Ac.

550 he annexed Media to found the Medo-Persian 9:33-35); raises Dorcas to life (Ac. 9:36-42); preaches to Empire. In 539, Cyrus conquered Babylon. In 530 Cyrus Cornelius (Ac. 10); defends himself to the church (Ac.

was killed in battle and Cambyses reigned. By 525 the 11:1-18); is imprisoned by Herod and freed by a Persian Empire extended from India to Asia Minor. In messenger of God (Ac. 12); addresses the assembly at 522 Darius I began his reign (Darius Hystaspis or Darius Jerusalem concerning circumcision (Ac. 15:7-11); is the Great). Darius divided the Persian Empire into 20

opposed by Paul for his hypocrisy (Ga. 2:11-14); provinces. In 490 Darius was defeated by the Greeks at commends Paul’s Epistles (2 Pe. 3:15-16); writes two 466

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

PETHAHIAH - PHILISTIM

Epistles to the Jews scattered abroad (1, 2 Peter).

and had a pleasant and healthy climate. The land Tradition asserts that Peter died at Rome a martyr. (This nearby was exceedingly fertile. The city got its name study is based partly on Young’s Concordance.) [See from Attalus Philadelphus, one of its kings, or was also Apostle.]

named after him by his brother Eumenes in the 2nd PETHAHIAH (the Lord opens). Ne. 11:24.

century (Edwin Yamauchi, New Testament Cities, p. 77).

PETHOR (the interpretation of dreams). Nu. 22:5.

It was called “Little Athens” because of the magnificence of the temples and other public buildings which PETHUEL (enlargement of God). Joel 1:1.

adorned it ( International Standard Bible Encyclopedia). It PEULTHAI (work of God). 1 Ch. 26:5.

was famous for its wine (which was celebrated by the PHALEC (division). Lk. 3:35.

Roman poet Virgil), and the city’s coins featured an PHALLU (separated, distinguished). Ge. 46:9.

image of Bacchus (or a female Bacchant), the god of PHALTI (deliverance). 1 Sa. 25:44.

revelry and debauchery. Dionysus was also worshipped PHALTIEL (deliverance of God). 2 Sa. 3:15.

in Philadelphia. The modern city of Philadelphia was built over the ancient city, and very little archaeological PHANUEL (sight of God). Lk. 2:36.

excavation has been done. There is only one small PHARAOH (sun king). Egyptian ruler (Ge. 12:15-20; section that can be seen in the yard of the ruins of St.

41:1-55; 47:1-26; Ex. 1-14). [See Egypt, Idolatry.]

Jean Church, a Greek Orthodox church that was built PHARES (tearing asunder). Mt. 1:3.

about 600 A.D.

PHAREZ, PEREZ (breach). Ge. 46:12.

PHILEMON (an affectionate man, friendly). Phile.

PHARISEE. Jewish religious sect in Jesus’ day (Mt.

1:1.

23:13-29). The proud, hypocritical Pharisees opposed PHILETUS (beloved). 2 Ti. 2:17.

Jesus and were instrumental in His death (Mt. 27:62).

PHILIP (lover of horses). (1) One of the 12 Apostles Jesus Christ did not rebuke the Pharisees for their zeal (Mt. 10:3; Mk. 3:18; Mk. 6:14; Jn. 1:43-48; 6:5-7; in obeying the law (Mt. 23:23). He rebuked them (1) 12:21-22; 14:8, 9; Ac. 1:13). (2) One of the first for replacing the Word of God with human tradition and deacons and an evangelist (Ac. 6:5; 8:5-40; 21:8).

thereby making the Word of God of none effect (Mt.

PHILIPPI (lover of horses, warlike). Ac. 16:12-40; 15:1-9), (2) for rejecting Jesus as the Messiah or Christ 20:6; 1 Th. 2:2; Ph. 1:1. “A city of Macedonia, so called (Mt. 12:22-24), (3) for perverting the Gospel of God’s from Philip king of Macedon, who repaired and grace (Mt. 23:15), (4) for self-righteousness (Lk.

beautified it. It was constituted a Roman ‘colony’ by 18:9-14 ), and (5) for hypocrisy (Mt. 23:23; Mk. 12:15; Augustus, and as such possessed certain peculiar Lk. 12:1). The Pharisees were at the forefront of the call privileges, which made it a ‘chief city of that part of to crucify Jesus, and they persecuted the early Macedonia.’ Here was fought the celebrated battle in Christians. It wrong to call a Christ-loving, Gospel-which Brutus and Cassius were overthrown by Octavius preaching, Bible-obeying Christian a Pharisee. [See and Antony, B.C. 42. Here, too, Paul first preached the Frontlet, Israel, Legalism, Phylactery.]

gospel on the continent of Europe; A.D. 52, having been PHARPAR (very quick). 2 Ki. 5:12.

led hither from Troas by a heavenly vision. The first PHARZITES. The descendants of Pharez, the son of convert was Lydia; and the church which sprang up here Judah (Nu. 26:20).

was characterized by the distinguished traits of this PHASEAH (lame). Ne. 7:51.

generous and true-hearted Christian woman. Having PHEBE (pure, chaste). Ro. 16:1.

cast out a spirit of divination from a young damsel here, Paul and Silas were seized and cruelly scourged and PHENICE (the palm tree). A region of Palestine (Ac.

imprisoned. But their bounds were miraculously loosed, 11:19).

their jailer converted, and they were permitted to pass PHENICIA (the palm tree). Ac. 21:2.

on to Amphipolis. Luke appears to have remained here, PHIBESETH (the cat goddess Basht). Eze. 30:17.

and to have rejoined Paul when he again visited Philippi PHICHOL (mouth of the whole). Ge. 21:22.

on his fifth journey to Jerusalem, A. D. 58, Ac. The site PHILADELPHIA (love of a brother). The location of is now strown with ruins” ( American Tract Society one of the seven churches in Asia Minor that was Dictionary).

addressed by the risen Christ in Revelation 2-3. See PHILIPPIANS. The Epistle to the church at Philippi Revelation 3:7-13. The city was located about 40 miles (Ph. 1:1).

southeast of Sardis and about 150 miles due east of PHILISTIA (removal, migratory). [See Palestina.]

Ephesus and was built on several hills “extremely PHILISTIM (removal, migratory). The Philistines regular in figure and having the appearance of (Ge. 10:14).

truncated pyramids.” It was about 650 feet in altitude Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 467

PHILISTINE - PITCH

PHILISTINE. People who lived in Canaan and were PILATE. The Roman ruler who tried Jesus and Israel’s enemies (Ge. 21:32; 26:1-18; Ex. 13:17; Jos.

delivered Him to be crucified because he feared for his 13:2=3; Ju. 3:3, 31). The Philistines originated from political position (Mt. 27; Mk. 15; Lk. 3:1; 13:1; the cursed family of Ham and Canaan (Ge. 9:22-25; 1

23:1-52; Jn. 18:29 - 19:38; Ac. 3:13; 4:27; 13:28; 1 Ti.

Ch. 1:8-12). “Isaiah gave a prophecy against Philistia 6:13). Pilate’s Philosophy. Pilate held the philosophy that (Isaiah 14:25-31). This prophecy was to comfort the truth is unknowable; he was an agnostic (Jn. 18:37-38).

Jews against the Philistines. God had given Uzziah Contrast Jn. 14:6; 8:31-32. Pilate’s Estimation of Jesus.

victory over the Philistines (2 Ch. 26:6-7); but in the (1) He knew He was faultless (Jn. 18:38; 19:4, 6). (2) reign of Ahaz (2 Ch. 28:18) they regained some of their He knew He was not a normal man (Jn. 19:6-12).

territory. Isaiah predicted their subjection under Pilate’s Wickedness. Though the Bible says Pilate was Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:8). The Philistines were to be

“willing to release Jesus” (Lk. 23:20) and he made destroyed by famine and by war. Jeremiah gave a several attempts to do so, in the end he “delivered Jesus prophecy against the Philistines (Je. 47). God would use to their will” (Lk. 23:25). Pilate had no excuse for this.

the Chaldeans to bring disaster upon the Philistines.

(1) He knew that Jesus was being lied about (Mt.

Nebuchadnezzar, after he had taken Jerusalem, left his 27:18). (2) He had Jesus beaten in spite of the fact that captain, Nebuzaradan, to subdue the rest of the he found no fault in Him (Jn. 19:1). (3) He allowed the adjoining cities and country. The onslaught would be so soldiers to mock and smite Jesus (Jn. 19:2-3). (4) He severe that each person would think only of his own turned Jesus over to His enemies (Jn. 19:12-13). He safety, fathers not even regarding their own children. So was willing to content the people (Mk. 15:15), meaning desperate would be the calamity that men would be he feared man more than God. (5) He ignored the devoid of natural affections. The Chaldeans while acting Scriptures (Jn. 19:19). Pilate lived in Israel and had in their own behalf had their charge from God, and easy access to the Scriptures; he should have known the would not be quiet until they had inflicted vengeance prophecies about the coming of the Messiah (Mt. 2:4-6).

upon the Philistines” ( Handbook of the Bible). [See Pilate knew about the miracles of Christ (Jn. 20:30-31).

Palestina, Prophecy.]

He had no excuse for condemning Christ. (6) Pilate PHILOLOGUS (lover of learning). Ro. 16:15.

tried to wash his hands of Christ (Mt. 27:24), but the PHINEHAS (look of compassion). Ex. 6:25.

Bible says this is an impossibility (Mt. 12:30). [See Crucify.]

PHLEGON (zealous, burning, blazing). Ro. 16:14.

PILDASH (lamp of fire). Ge. 22:22.

PHRYGIA (torrid, barren, dry). A region of Asia Minor (Ac. 16:6).

PILEHA (breaking out). Ne. 10:24.

PHURAH (branch). Ju. 7:10.

PILGRIM. A traveler, a stranger (He. 11:13-16; 1 Pe.

2:11).

PHUT, PUT (enlargement). Ge. 10:6.

PILLED. Peeled (Ge. 30:37-38). [See Ringstraked.]

PHUVAH, PUA, PUAH (splendor, blast). Ge. 46:13.

PILTAI (deliverance). Ne. 12:17.

PHYGELLUS (a fugitive). 2 Ti. 1:15.

PINON (great anxiety, perplexity). Ge. 36:41.

PHYLACTERY. A small case made of leather worn by Jewish men on the forehead and the left arm. The PIPE. The Hebrew word translated “pipe” is HALIL.

forehead case had four compartments containing tiny

“The halil is mentioned several times in the O.T. (1 Sa.

parchments inscribed with quotations from Ex.

10:5; 1 Ki. 1:40; Is. 5:12; 30:29; Je. 48:36). It is also 13:1-10-11-17; De. 6:4-9; 11:13-21. The arm case had one of the instruments mentioned in N.T. (Mt. 11:17; 1

one compartment with the same passages. Jesus Co. 14:7; Re. 18:22). The Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia rebuked the Pharisees for their ostentatious display in tells us of this instrument: ‘It was originally formed from wearing unnecessarily large phylacteries (Mt. 23:5). The the reed, by the simple contrivance of cutting a larger or Pharisees were trying to obey the letter of the law in smaller number of holes in one of its lengths; but it was binding God’s Word upon their arms and in between afterwards more artistically made of wood, bone, horn, their eyes (De. 6:8), but they ignored the spiritual intent and ivory. It is still used in Palestine’” (Paul McCommon, of God’s law, in that God desired His people to have His Music in the Bible). [See Music.]

Word in their hearts and minds, not just tied to their PIRAM (great fruitfulness). Jos. 10:3.

bodies (Analytical). [See Frontlet, Pharisee.]

PIRATHON (righteous vengeance). Ju. 12:15.

PIETY. Godliness; obedience; love for God (1 Ti.

PISGAH (high hill). Nu. 21:20.

5:4). [See Sanctification, Upright.]

PISIDIA (a channel of water). Ac. 13:14.

PIHAHIROTH (mouth of the caves). Ex. 14:2.

PISPAH (scattering). 1 Ch. 7:38.

PITCH. To encamp (Jos. 8:11; 11:5).

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Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

PITHOM - POLYGAMY

PITHOM (very great space). Ex. 1:11.

things were created for God’s pleasure (Re. 4:11). (2) PITHON (great enlargement). 1 Ch. 8:35.

Will; intention; purpose (Ezr. 5:17; Ne. 9:27; Is. 44:28; PITIETH. To have compassion on (Ps. 103:13; Eze.

Ph. 2:13). (3) Good will; favour (Ps. 30:5).

24:21).

PLEIADES (the seven stars). “Being named with PITIFUL. Compassionate; full of pity; tender; having Arcturus and Orion, it doubtless refers to the group of a heart to feel sorrow and sympathy for the distressed stars that still bear the name Pleiades (Job 9:9; 38:31).

(Webster) (Ja. 5:11; 1 Pe. 3:8). The Greek word The same Hebrew word is translated SEVEN STARS in polusplagchnos which is translated “very pitiful” in Ja.

Amos v. 8. There are many stars in the group, but seven 5:11 is used only one time in the Bible. It is defined as are visible to the naked eye” (Concise).

“extremely compassionate” by Strong. Another Greek PLENARY. Full; complete. (1) Plenary refers to the word ( usplanknos) is translated “pitiful” in 1 Pe. 3:8. It biblical view of the inspiration of the Holy Scripture.

is translated “tenderhearted” in Ep. 4:32. [See Love,

[See Bible, Inspiration.] (2) Plenary refers to a council Tenderhearted.]

meeting in which all members are present.

PLAGUE. (1) Disease; suffering; trouble; punishment PLENTEOUS. Plentiful; abundant (Ge. 41:34; Mt.

(Ex. 11:1; Le. 13:2; Mk. 5:29; Re. 16:21). (2) To smite 9:37).

with disease; to punish (Ps. 73:5, 14). [See Suffering, PLUCK. To pull; tear (Ex. 4:7; Ru. 4:7; Pr. 14:1; Mk.

Tribulation.]

5:4).

PLAIN. (1) Level land; open field with even surface PLUMBLINE, PLUMMET. A weight attached to a (Ge. 11:2; 12:6; 13:10; Lk. 6:17). (2) Simple; honest string for testing whether a wall is perpendicular. It is (Ge. 25:27). (3) Straight; upright (Ps. 27:11). (4) Open; used symbolically for the exactness with which not obscure; understandable (Pr. 8:9; Hab. 2:2). (5) To judgment was brought upon Israel. Israel had been built lift up; to be exalted (Pr. 15:19). This verse contrasts the up by God as a wall with a plumbline, and with a way of the slothful with the way of the righteous. The plumbline it should be destroyed (Am. 7:7-8; 2 Ki.

slothful is pictured as hedged in with thorns; the 21:13; Is. 28:17) (Concise). God’s “plumbline” is His righteous, as walking along a raised and level highway eternal Word by which man and all his works are so that his way is not restrained. (6) Correct; not judged.

restricted (Mk. 7:35).

PNEUMATOLOGY. The doctrine relating to the Holy PLAINNESS. Frankness; boldness; confidence (2 Co.

Spirit. [See Holy Spirit.]

3:12).

POCHERETH (cutting of the mouth of man, to PLAISTER. To daub; to spread mortar; to caulk (Le.

entrap). Ezr. 2:57.

14:42; De. 27:2; Da. 5:5).

POETICAL BOOKS, POETRY. The O.T. books of Job, PLAIT. To braid, fold, twist (Mt. 27:29; 1 Pe. 3:3).

Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. [See PLAT. Portion (2 Ki. 9:26).

Bible.]

PLATTED. To weave (Mt. 27:29).

POINT OUT. To assign (Nu. 34:7-8, 10).

PLATTER. A dish (Mt. 23:25-26).

POLITY. Government; a term used to describe PLAY THE. Act the part of; to be something (De.

church organization and operation. [See Church.]

22:21; 1 Sa. 21:15; Ho. 3:3). The phrase “play the men”

POLL. (1) To count persons (Nu. 1:2-22). (2) To cut in 2 Sa. 10:12 means “to be men,” to behave manfully, the hair (2 Sa. 14:26; Eze. 44:20; Mi. 1:16). [See Hair.]

courageously.

POLLUX (great power). Castor and Pollux, the twin PLEAD. (1) To beseech; to use entreaty; to beg (1 Sa.

sons of Jupiter and Leda (Ac. 28:11).

24:15; Job 13:6). (2) To argue, contend, as in a law suit POLYGAMY. A plurality of wives or husbands. The or controversy (Job 9:19; Pr. 22:23; 23:11; 31:9; Is.

English word is from the Greek words polus and gamos, 1:17; Je. 2:9, 35; 51:36; Eze. 17:20; 20:35, 36; Mi.

meaning many marriages. Though certain O.T. believers 7:9). The same Hebrew word is translated “reason” (1

practiced polygamy (Ge. 25:6; 35:22; Ju. 8:31; 2 Sa.

Sa. 12:7), “execute judgment” (2 Ch. 22:8), and 5:13; 1 Ki. 11:3; 2 Ch. 11:21), it has always been

“contend” (Pr. 29:9). (3) To punish; to execute condemned by God. (1) God ordained one-woman, one-judgment (Is. 66:16; Eze. 38:22).

man marriage in the beginning (Ge. 2:20-24). (2) PLEASURE. (1) Enjoyment; that which pleases (Ge.

Polygamy originated with the son of rebellious Cain (Ge.

18:17; De. 23:24; 1 Ch. 29:17; Es. 1:8; Ps. 147:11; Pr.

4:16-19). (3) Concerning David and other O.T. saints 21:17; Re. 4:11). The word “pleasure” is used to who had plural wives: (a) It resulted in much heartache describe lawful enjoyment (Ge. 18:12; 2 Co. 12:10), as and trouble (Ge. 16:1-6; 1 Sa. 1:2-8; 1 Ki. 11:1-8). (b) well as unlawful (2 Th. 2:12; 1 Ti. 5:6; 2 Pe. 2:13). All God had forbidden kings to multiply wives (De. 17:14, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 469

POMMEL - POPE

17). David, Solomon, and other kings who had multiple be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on wives were living contrary to God’s Word. (c) Most men earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

of God even in the O.T. had only one wife. This is true Authority of the Pope

for Adam (Ge. 2-4), Noah (Ge. 6:18), Isaac (Ge.

The pope is said to have the authority to establish 25:20-23), Joseph (Ge. 41:45), Moses (Ex. 2:21), Boaz doctrine. When he speaks officially, ex-cathedra, his (Ru. 4), Job (Job 1), Isaiah (Is. 8:3), and Hosea (Ho.

declarations are considered to be infallible. The New 3:1-3). (4) There is no N.T. example of a godly Christian York Catechism says: “The pope takes the place of Jesus having more than one wife. (5) Those who have more Christ on earth ... By divine right the pope has supreme than one wife today are forbidden to hold church and full power in faith and morals over each and every leadership positions (1 Ti. 3:2,12; Tit. 1:6). This shows pastor and his flock. He is the true Vicar of Christ, the that God is against polygamy. Those who practiced this head of the entire church, the father and teacher of all were disobeying God, even though some were godly Christians. He is the infallible ruler, the founder of men. David is a key example. He multiplied wives to dogmas, the author of and the judge of councils; the himself in spite of God’s command against this, but his universal ruler of truth, the arbiter of the world, the lust also brought him into terrible grief. [See Adultery, supreme judge of heaven and earth, the judge of all, Divorce, Fornication, Home.]

being judged by no one, God himself on earth” (Loraine POMMEL. Anything round. ‘An apple or ball-shaped Boettner, Roman Catholicism, p. 127).

protuberance; now most commonly used of a sword or History of the Papal Office

saddle, but formerly of more general application’ (The Bible Word-Book). It formed some part of the chapiters The concept of a supreme, infallible pope grew up of the two pillars in the temple built by Solomon (2 Ch.

gradually over the centuries as the Roman Catholic 4:12, 13). The same word is translated “bowls” in 1 Ki.

Church came into existence and consolidated its power.

7:41, 42 (Concise).

This history is traced in the book, Catholicism Against Itself, Volume II, by O.C. Lambert. We will quote from POMP. A procession distinguished by ostentation of his book, keeping in the mind that the following grandeur and splendor; show of magnificence; pride (Is.

statements are documented from Catholic resources: 5:14; 14:11; Eze. 7:24; 30:18; 32:12; 33:28; Ac. 25:23).

[See Pride.]

Pope Damascus (366-384 A.D.) was the first to call himself pope and was also the first to appeal to Mt.

PONDER. To weigh; reflect upon (Pr. 4:26; 5:6, 21; 16:18 to bolster his claim of ascendancy over all Lk. 2:19).

churches ( Catholic Encyclopedia, IV, p. 614). Note that it PONTIUS PILATE. [See Pilate.]

was almost four hundred years after the ascension of PONTUS (the sea). A region of Asia Minor (Ac. 2:9).

Christ that a man began to claim to be the universal POOR. (1) Of poor quality (Ge. 41:19). (2) Poverty pope.

stricken; destitute of property, or not having property Pope Gregory I, the Great (590-604 A.D.) was the sufficient for a comfortable subsistence; needy first to use the phrase “to speak ex cathedra” (Lives and (Webster) (Ex. 22:25; Re. 13:16). (3) Weak; wounded Times of the Roman Pontiffs, I, p. 139). “Ex cathedra”

in spirit (Ps. 109:22). (4) Humble (Mt. 5:3). (5) means to speak from the throne, and is the idea that Spiritually destitute (Re. 3:17). [See Humble, Poverty.]

when the pope makes a solemn pronouncement from POPE. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He his throne that pronouncement is infallible.

lives in Rome, Italy, in the Vatican which is the Pope Theodore I (642-649 A.D.) was the first pope headquarters for Roman Catholicism.

officially called Sovereign Pontiff ( General History of the Meaning of the Term “Pope”

Church, Darras, II, p. 232). “Sovereign” refers to Pope is from the Latin word papa, meaning “father.”

supreme power, and is a title which should only be According to Roman Catholic dogma, Peter was the first applied to God, not to a man. “Pontiff” means “a bishop, or pope, of Rome, and to him was given the bridge,” and refers to the pope of Rome as the bridge authority to open and shut the kingdom of God to men.

between God and men. This, of course, is a title which Supposedly, Jesus gave to Peter the supreme authority belongs solely to Jesus Christ (1 Ti. 2:5).

in the church on earth, and this authority was passed on Pope Gregory III (731-741 A.D.). Along about this to other bishops of Rome. These claims are supposedly time the kissing of the pope’s foot was instituted based upon Mt. 16:18-19—”And I say also unto thee, (Catholic Encyclopedia, XII, p. 270). Also carrying the That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my pope in a stately sedan chair (Darras, p. 339).

church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Pope Stephen II (752-757 A.D.) became practically And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of the first pope-king ( Catholic Encyclopedia, XIV, p. 288).

heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall 470

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POPE

Pope Adrian I (772-795 A.D.) is said to be the “real Roman pontiff, the successor of Peter, the Prince of the founder” of the pope’s sovereignty (Ibid., Vol. I, p. 156).

Apostles, and the Vicar of Jesus Christ” (“Rome and Pope St. Nicholas I (855-867) claimed absolute Unity,” Trinitarian Bible Society Quarterly Record, Oct.-

power (Ibid., Vol. V, p. 779).

Dec. 1978, pp. 14-15).

Pope John XV (985-996) was the first to canonize Pope Pius IX (1846-1878) declared himself to be saints (Ibid., Vol. VIII, , p. 428).

infallible in 1870 ( Catholic Encyclopedia, XII, p. 135).

Pope John XIX (1024-1032) seems to have been the Also during the papacy of Pius IX the first Vatican first pope to grant an indulgence in return for alms council was held, during which it was proclaimed that bestowed (Ibid., Vol. VIII, p. 429).

the pope is infallible when he declares ex cathedra (from the throne) on a matter of faith and morals. It Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085) prescribed that the also insisted on the pope’s direct jurisdiction over each title pope should be confined to the successors of Peter and every believer on earth.

(Ibid., Vol. XII, p. 270). Pope is a Latin word meaning

“Father” and is a title forbidden by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thus we see that the Catholic doctrine of papal The Italian equivalent to pope is “papa,” and the pope is supremacy came into being gradually through the often called papa. Religious leaders who allow centuries.

themselves to be called “father,” and those who call Papal supremacy was reaffirmed by the Second them by this title are in rebellion to Christ’s command.

Vatican Council, which was held in the mid-1960s and Matthew 23:9—”And call no man your father upon the attended by 2,400 bishops. The official pronouncements earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”

which were issued by this Council changed the face of Pope Innocent III (1198-1216). From the time of Roman Catholicism in many superficial ways, but the Innocent III the popes called themselves “The Vicar of foundational dogmas regarding the papacy, the mass Christ” (Ibid., Vol. XV, p. 403). Vicar of Christ means and the other sacraments, Mary, the priesthood, etc., representative of Christ, and is blasphemy because only remain unchanged. It is not true that the Second Vatican the Holy Spirit is the true Vicar of Christ on earth.

Council rejected Rome’s heresies or that it turned the Catholic Church toward the Bible. Following are some Pope Boniface VII (1294-1303). One of the statements from Vatican II illustrating the truth of this proclamations of Boniface VII said this: “Listen to the claim:

Vicar of Christ, who is placed over kings and kingdoms.

He is the keeper of the keys, the judge of the living and

“The Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ, namely, and as pastor of the entire Church, has the dead, and sits on the throne of justice, with power full, supreme and universal power over the whole to extirpate all iniquity. He is the head of the Church, Church, a power which he can always exercise which is one and stainless, and not a many-headed unhindered” ( Vatican Council II—The Conciliar and Post monster, and has full divine authority to pluck out and Conciliar Documents, 1975, p. 344).

tear down, to build up and plant. Let not the king

“This loyal submission of the will and intellect must be imagine that he has no superior, is not subject to the given, in a special way, to the authentic teaching highest authority in the Church” ( Catholic Encyclopedia, authority of the Roman Pontiff, even when he does not II, p. 666).

speak ex cathedra in such wise, indeed, that his Pope Benedict XII (1334-1342). It was during the supreme teaching authority be acknowledged with reign of Benedict XII over the Catholic Church that the respect, and sincere assent be given to decisions made by him, conformably with his manifest mind and earliest representation of the tiara (which the pope intention” (Ibid., p. 348).

receives at his coronation) with three crowns appeared.

“The Roman Pontiff, head of the college of bishops, Before that it had only two crowns. “The first circlet enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office, when, as symbolizes the pope’s universal rule in the church, the supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful ... he second, his supremacy, and the third, his temporal proclaims in an absolute decision a doctrine pertaining influence ... father of princes and kings, ruler of the to faith or morals. For that very reason his definitions world, Vicar of Our Saviour Jesus Christ” ( New Catholic are rightly said to be irreformable by their very nature Dictionary, Vatican edition, p. 955).

and not by reason of the assent of the Church ... as a Pope Pius IV (1559-1565). During the papacy of Pius consequence they are in no way in need of the IV Catholics were forbidden to read the Bible—even approval of others, and do not admit of appeal to any other tribunal. For in such a case the Roman Pontiff Catholic versions of the Bible! Pius IV also issued a does not utter a pronouncement as a private person, creed in 1564 which stated in its eleventh and twelfth but rather does he expound and defend the teaching of articles: “I acknowledge the Holy Catholic and Apostolic the Catholic faith as the supreme teacher of the Roman Church to be the mother and mistress of all the universal Church, in whom the Church’s charism of churches ... I vow and swear a true obedience to the infallibility is present in a singular way” (Ibid., p. 349).

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POPE

We see in these Vatican II proclamations that the Pharisees, saying, “But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is pope of Rome retains his supreme position to this very your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And day. In fact, the Vatican II gave to the pope even more call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your power and authority than many previous Catholic Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: documents. It would be hard to imagine a more exalted for one is your Master, even Christ” (Mt. 23:8-10). Peter, position than that described above. No other man on who supposedly was the first pope, refused to accept earth makes such claims as this.

worship (Ac. 10:25-26). Yet the Roman pope accepts—

Papal Titles

yea, demands—titles of deity and accepts the worshipful Following are some of the pope’s titles, all of which genuflection of those who approach him. What show that he is the world’s greatest blasphemer: His unchristian blasphemy!

Holiness, Holy Father, Vicar of Christ, Sovereign, 3. The vicar of christ is the Holy Spirit, not the pope!

Supreme Pontiff, Keeper of the Keys, Head of the Nowhere in the N.T. do we find the blasphemous Church, Prince of the Apostles, Head of the Bishops, Catholic idea that a mere man would become the vicar Supreme Pastor, Universal Ruler of the Truth, Infallible

[representative] of Christ during His absence in heaven.

Ruler, Father of all Christians, Supreme Teacher of the Instead we read that the Holy Spirit would come to be Universal Church, Father of Princes and Kings, Ruler of Christ’s representative (Jn. 14:16-18; 15:26; 16:7).

the Round Earth, Viceroy of Jesus Christ, Substitute for 4. Regarding Matthew 16:16-20—The Roman Church the Son of God, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, uses this passage to support its concept that Peter was Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City, Primate of made pope by the Lord Jesus Christ. We quoted this Italy.

passage earlier. Magically, the Roman Church finds here

“Pontiff,” meaning “bridge builder,” comes “not from the basis for the papacy. Peter is considered to have the Bible but from pagan Rome, where the emperor, as been the rock of the church, so the supposed successors the high priest of the heathen religion, and in that sense of Peter—the Roman popes—form the foundation of the professing to be the bridge or connecting link between church for all ages. That this strange interpretation is this life and the next, was called ‘Pontifex Maximus.’

not true is shown in the following considerations: The title was therefore lifted from paganism and applied First, the Lord Jesus was not saying in Mt. 16:16-20

to the head of the Roman Catholic Church. As the high that he would build the church upon Peter. “There is in priest of the O.T. was the mediator between God and the Greek a play upon words, ‘Thou art Peter men, so the pope also claims to be the mediator (“petros”—literally, a little rock), and upon this rock between God and men, with power over the souls in (“Petra”—a solid rock mass or foundation) I will build purgatory” (Boettner, p. 125).

my church.’ He does not promise to build His church The Error of the Papacy

upon Peter, but upon Himself. Peter himself was careful 1. Peter was not a pope. We must ask an obvious and to tell us that the foundation of the church is Christ.

serious question. Where in the N.T. do we see Peter

‘Wherefore, also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, claiming to be a pontiff? Where do we see him accepted I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious...’ (1

as such by the early churches? Peter was openly rebuked Pe. 2:6)” (Scofield). According to 2 Sa. 22:32, there is by Paul because of hypocrisy (Ga. 2:11-14). Peter had a no Rock except God! “...and who is a rock, save our wife (Lk. 4:38; 1 Co. 9:5). Yet the RCC says the pope—

God?” In both the Old and New Testaments it is God who supposedly is Peter’s successor—cannot marry. The Himself who is the believer’s Rock—Foundation, N.T. speaks more of Paul than of Peter. And it was Paul Security, and Protection. Thirty times in the Old and John, not Peter, who wrote most of the N.T. While Testament God is called a Rock. Five times in the New Peter wrote two epistles of 166 verses, John wrote five Testament Christ is called a Rock—Mt. 16:18, Ro. 9:33, epistles with 1,415 verses, and Paul wrote 13 epistles 1 Co. 10:4, and 1 Pe. 2:18. Only Deity Himself could be with 2,033 verses. If, therefore, there was a pope in the the church’s Rock and Foundation! And this is exactly early church it was Paul, not Peter! The simple truth is what the Lord Jesus Christ was promising in Matthew that neither Peter nor any other man had the position 16.

among the early churches that the pope has in Roman Second, the Roman Catholic interpretation of Mt.

Catholicism. Jesus Christ alone is the Head and Rock of 16:18-19 is strictly contrary to the pattern of the early the Church. Peter was no pope!

churches as testified by the book of Acts and the 2. The titles used for the pope are blasphemous. Only Epistles. Peter simply was not a pope! The Latin writing God should be called Holy Father, Holy Lord, His on the fish-shaped hat worn by the pope says, “Vicarirs Holiness, Supreme Pontiff, Our Most Holy Lord, etc. The Feleii Dei” and means “substitute for the Son of God”!

Lord Jesus Christ condemned this type of thing in the The Apostle Peter no doubt would have cringed in horror at the very thought of donning such a title.

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Third, the church is built, not upon the person of word here means all of this. Thus, all three words—

Peter, but upon the testimony of Peter. In Mt. 16, Peter pastor, elder, and bishop—refer to the work of one man.

had just testified, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the

[See Pastor.]

living God.” This testimony is the focus of Mt. 16:16-20.

The Roman Catholic Church has no biblical authority It is Christ, Christ, Christ! He is the Center, the for elevating some church leaders above others as they Foundation, the Head, the All for the church. This we do with their popes, bishops, priests, and cardinals. We see in that the Lord Jesus completed this scene in Mt. 16

find no such ecclesiastical hierarchy in the New by charging the disciples “that they should tell no man Testament church.

that he was Jesus the Christ.”

6. Paul made no mention of Peter in his letter to Rome.

Fourth, the keys of the kingdom of heaven were not

“According to Roman Church tradition, Peter reigned as given to Peter alone, but to the other disciples as well.

pope in Rome for 25 years, from 42 to 67 A.D. It is After Jesus’ resurrection, He spoke to all the disciples, generally agreed that Paul’s letter to the Christians in saying, “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted Rome was written in the year 58 A.D., at the very height unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are of Peter’s alleged episcopacy there. Paul did not address retained” (Jn. 20:23).

his letter to Peter, as he should have done if Peter was in The key to the kingdom is the Gospel, which is the Rome and the head of all the churches. No, the letter power of God to salvation to those who believe. Paul was addressed simply to the saints in Rome. How said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for strange for a missionary to write to a church and not it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that mention the pastor! ... And if Peter had been the most believeth...” (Ro. 1:16). Peter used the key of the Gospel prominent minister in the land, as allegedly was the to open the door for the Jews on the day of Pentecost bishop of Rome, such an affront would be all the more (Ac. 2). He also used the key of the Gospel to open the inexcusable.

door of salvation to the Gentiles when he preached

“If Peter was there and had been there for sixteen Jesus to Cornelius (Ac. 10). The New Testament does years, why was it necessary for Paul to go at all, not show Peter exercising special authority beyond this, especially since in his letter he says that he does not and it was an authority which was exercised by all the build on another’s foundation (Ro. 15:20)? This disciples.

indicates clearly that Peter was not then in Rome, and In Mt. 16, the Lord Jesus Christ is not making Peter that he had not been there, that in fact Paul was writing the first pope, but is reaffirming that He Himself is the this letter because no Apostle had yet been in Rome to Rock, the Head of the Church, and that Peter’s clarify the Gospel to them and to establish them in the testimony of Christ is the key whereby the door to faith ... And again, had Peter been in Rome prior to or at salvation and the Kingdom of God would be opened to the time when Paul arrived there as a prisoner in 61

all who believe.

A.D. Paul could not have failed to have mentioned him, 5. The terms “bishop,” “elder,” and “pastor” refer to the for in the epistles written from there during his same office in the New Testament Church. These terms imprisonment—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and are used interchangeably in Scripture and refer to Philemon—he gives quite a complete list of his fellow-different aspects of one man’s ministry, rather than to workers in Rome, and Peter’s name is not among different ministries of different men. PASTOR

them” (Boettner, p. 121).

emphasizes the church leader’s role as a shepherd of Peter’s Successor? The following chronology of Peter’s God’s people. ELDER emphasizes his spiritual maturity.

ministry is given by Tom Aldons in The Rock, Oct. 1986: BISHOP emphasizes his role as an overseer and ruler of

“We often hear of the pope referred to as Peter’s the assembly. In some passages all three terms are used successor, a claim which is reflected in one of the titles to describe the church leader. In Ac. 20:17 and 28 the assumed by Pope John Paul II. This is based on the leaders of the church at Ephesus are called elders, assertion that Peter was the first bishop of Rome from overseers (which is the same Greek word translated A.D. 42 to 67. But what does the Bible reveal about bishop) and feeders of the church, which refers to their this claim?

role as pastors. In Tit. 1:5, 7 the terms elder and bishop

“In Ga. 1:16-18 Paul writes that 3 years after his are used interchangeably to refer to the leaders Titus conversion (A.D. 34) he met Peter at Jerusalem (A.D.

was to ordain in Crete. In 1 Pe. 5, the pastor is again 37). In Ga. 2:1-9 Paul writes that he again went to Jerusalem 14 years later (A.D. 51) where he met Peter pictured in all three aspects. He is called elder in verse (verse 9).

one, and overseer in verse two. “Overseer” is from the

“Paul’s Epistle to the Romans was written from Corinth same Greek root word as “bishop.” Also in verse two the about A.D. 60 and chapter 16 has greetings to several elder is told to “feed the flock.” It could be translated, members of the church at Rome by name but makes no

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mention of Peter. This is a strange omission if Peter had and all ye are brethren. AND CALL NO MAN YOUR

indeed been bishop there.

FATHER UPON THE EARTH: for one is your Father,

“Paul’s letter to the Colossians was written from Rome which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for about A.D. 64. At the end of chapter 4 he sends one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest greetings from several people including ‘Luke the among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall beloved physician.’ In verse 10, Aristarchus ‘my fellow exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble prisoner’ sends greetings to Marcus (Mark). In verse himself shall be exalted.’

11, Paul writes, ‘These only are my fellow workers,’ but

“The above Scripture does not mean that you cannot makes no mention of Peter among them.”

call the one who begat you ‘father.’ This is done over Was Peter in Rome? “In A.D. 41 Peter was at Joppa and over in Scriptures. It does mean that no one where he had a vision of the unclean animals (Acts 11).

should call a man ‘father’ as is done in Catholicism. A In A.D. 44 he was imprisoned by Herod and man who assumes this title arrogates to himself the title and prerogative of God. It is not the title itself that miraculously set free (Acts 12). In A.D. 52 he was at is of supreme importance. The Lord is forbidding the Jerusalem disputing against circumcision (Acts 15). He recognition of any man’s power to impart by ceremony wrote his first Epistle from Babylonia about A.D. 60 (1

or in any other way, spiritual life to any fellow man.

Pe. 5:13), the same verse stating that Mark was with

“The father is the one who begets, the one from whom him at that time. In Paul’s letter to Timothy from Rome, life comes. You should never recognize any man who A.D. 66, shortly before his execution (2 Ti. 4:7-8), he claims to be able by sacramentarian grace, or any other writes in verse 11 ‘only Luke is with me.’ Timothy was thing, to communicate life to your soul. The life of God the first [pastor at] Ephesus and Mark was with him (2

in the soul of a man must come by the begetting of Ti. 4:11), confirming Col. 4:10. Peter was therefore with God. We must be careful not to give to any man place Timothy and Mark in Asia Minor and Babylonia, but and honor which does not belong to him.

never at Rome with Paul. His mission was to the

“We must not allow any man to come between circumcision (Ga. 2:7-9)—the Jews and the other 10

ourselves and Christ. There are no priests who can tribes whose location he referred to in 1 Pe. 1:1. So we atone for us. There are no mediators who can see that the man that the Catholic Church says was the undertake to manage our souls with God.

first Roman pope never ministered at Rome!”

“Acts 15 reports a church council in Jerusalem discussing the relation of the Gentiles to the law, to 7. There is no record in the new testament that Peter’s circumcision, etc. In this council, Peter, Barnabas and apostolic office was passed on to another at his death. The Paul gave reports. Then James rather than Peter RC idea of apostolic succession is purely human rendered the final decision. Read Acts 15:13-20. ‘And conjecture. There were only 12 Apostles in the special after they had held their peace, James answered, sense and that is all there ever will be. In the wall of the saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon eternal city of the redeemed there are twelve

[Peter] hath declared how God at the first did visit the foundations—only twelve—and in these foundations are Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. ...

written the names of the twelve Apostles—only twelve!

Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them,

“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in which from among the Gentiles are turned to God.’ (vv.

14, 19).

them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” Re.

21:14.

“Again in Ga. 2:11 Paul rebukes Peter openly because of blameworthy actions. Certainly Paul took a privilege 8. Peter was a married man. Roman Catholic popes which no one would take toward the pope today.

are not allowed to be married, but Peter definitely had a

“In Ga. 2:8-10 Peter is named with others as a pillar of wife. This becomes an important fact when we consider the church, but no supremacy.

that the Roman popes claim to be successors, followers,

“In Ac. 8:14 we are told that PETER WAS SENT BY

of Peter. Consider the following passages of Holy OTHERS to preach and help in the work of the Lord.

Scripture: Mt. 8:14; Mk. 1:30; 1 Co. 9:5. Regarding the

“M.D. Forrest [Roman Catholic writer] in Who is the pope’s celibacy, we see again Rome’s deadly habit of Pope? emphasizes the primacy of Peter in Jn. 21:15-17, changing the pattern of the early church and thereby saying that Christ addressed only Peter when He said, rendering the Scripture ineffective by its traditions. [See

‘Lovest thou me more than these? Feed my lambs.’ The Tradition.]

reason Christ addressed Peter only, though, is not the 9. Peter’s supremacy is contrary to the evidence of the supremacy of Peter but the fact that Peter alone denied Scripture. The following is taken from the book, his Lord! Over against his threefold denial we have the Lord’s threefold question concerning the love Protestants, Catholics and the Word of God, pp. 41-42—

which Peter declared to be greater than that of the

“Peter had certain characteristics which made him a other disciples. We repeat that this is not a question of leader, true enough, but Jesus refused to recognize any primacy but one of confession in light of Peter’s awful pope among His disciples. Mt. 23:8-12 says, ‘But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; 474

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denial” ( Protestants, Catholics and the Word of God, pp.

Christ was poor and lowly.

41, 42).

The pope’s material wealth is immense.

10. Peter was not the head of the church in the first Christ carried on His shoulders the cross.

century. “Take the Word of God in this matter. ‘And hath The pope is carried on the shoulders of his put all things under his [Christ’s] feet, and gave him to servants in liveries of splendor.

Christ preached peace and good will among men.

be the head over all things to the church, which is his The popes have instigated more wars than all body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all’ (Ep.

other aggressors combined.

1:22-23). This plainly states that Christ is the head of Christ promulgated the laws of His kingdom and the church. No man on earth today is the head of the urged His followers to do the same.

church. Note also Ep. 5:23: ‘For the husband is the head The pope tramples them under foot and of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and substitutes his own in their stead.

he is the saviour of the body.’ The book of Ephesians Christ had no place to lay His head.

was written probably thirty years after Pentecost, and The pope lives in a magnificent palace Christ was still the Head of the Church at that surrounded by wealth and pomp.

time!” (Ibid., p. 44).

Christ gave His Gospel freely to all.

The pope sells his masses and other favors.

11. Peter never had a treasury. “I have never read in Christ said: “Call no man your father upon the Scripture that Peter asked and accepted gifts of money earth; for one is your Father, which is in to gather unto himself a treasury of silver and gold to be heaven.”

called ‘The Treasury of St. Peter’ [as the pope has]! In The pope commands all to call him “Holy Ac. 3:6 Peter said, ‘Silver and gold have I none.’ In Ac.

Father.”

8:20 Peter refused to sell a spiritual gift for money—’But Christ lived a chaste and pure life.

Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, Many of the popes have lived immoral and because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be degraded lives.

Christ taught nothing but true doctrine.

purchased with money.’ Rome, though, sells spiritual The pope teaches false doctrine.

blessings and gifts” (Ibid.).

Christ sent the Holy Spirit to be His Vicar on earth.

12. Peter never wore a crown. “Coronation day is The pope claims to be the Vicar of Christ on crowning day. Peter’s coronation day was never during earth.

his earthly life. He will receive a crown when the Lord Christ is the Head of the Church.

comes again, as he said in his first epistle. ‘And when the The pope claims to be head of the Church.

chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of Christ claimed infallibility for Himself and the Word glory that fadeth not away’ (1 Pe. 5:4). The Catholic of God alone.

The pope claims infallibility for himself in Dictionary says concerning the crowning of the pope: matters of faith and morals.

‘The earliest representation of the tiara with three Christ taught that sin should be confessed to God.

crowns is found in an effigy of Benedict XII (died in The pope teaches that sin should be confessed 1342). The first circlet symbolizes the pope’s universal to him and his priests.

episcopate, the second his supremacy of jurisdiction, Christ taught His followers to pray to God through and the third his temporal supremacy. It is placed on his Him.

head at his coronation by the second cardinal deacon, The pope teaches his followers to pray to the with the words, ‘Receive the tiara adorned with three virgin Mary.

crowns and know that thou art Father of princes and Christ gave His Churches two ordinances which kings, Ruler of the world, Vicar of our Saviour Jesus signify the Gospel of His death, burial, and resurrection.

Christ.’” Is this not blasphemous arrogance?

The pope teaches seven “sacraments” which are ( Protestants, Catholics and the Word of God, pp. 44-45).

supposed to confer grace actually and Christ and the Pope Contrasted

effectually.

Christ wore a crown of thorns.

Christ taught that He alone is the Saviour.

The pope wears a triple crown filled with The pope teaches that the Church is the Saviour.

jewels.

Christ taught that Church and State should be Christ said: “My kingdom is not of this world.”

separated.

The pope claims the spiritual and temporal The pope insists that they should be united.

sovereignty of the world.

Christ taught that there was but one Mediator Christ washed his disciples’ feet, thus manifesting a between God and men—Himself.

spirit of humility worthy of emulation by His The pope teaches that there are many followers.

mediators between man and God.

The pope presents his foot to be kissed and Christ taught that salvation was by grace [meaning requires genuflections and kneeling.

a free gift].

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The pope teaches salvation is by grace plus the Tithe.]

works and sacraments of the Roman church POST. (1) A piece of timber set upright, usually ( The Gospel Catholic).

larger than a stake, and intended to support something

[See Clergy, Diotrephes, Eastern Orthodox, Father, else; as the posts of a house; the posts of a door; the Korah, Nicolaitan, Priest, Reverend, Roman Catholic posts of a gate; the posts of a fence (Webster) (Ex. 12:7; Church, Sacrament.]

1 Sa. 1:9; Eze. 40:14). (2) A messenger (2 Ch. 30:6; Es.

POPULOUS. Numerous (De. 26:5).

8:14; Job 9:25; Je. 51:31). “The Hebrew in these PORATHA (a gift). Es. 9:8.

passages signifies ‘runner.’ ‘Post’ as a substantive is not PORTER. A gate keeper (2 Sa. 18:26; Jn. 10:3).

now used in this sense, though it exists in post-haste. It POSITION. In relation to salvation, position is derived from Fr. poste, It. posta, which again are from describes the believer’s new relationship with God in Lat. positum, anything fixed or placed, and so originally Christ Jesus. It is important to distinguish between signified a fixed place, as a military post; then, a fixed position and practice, standing and state, relationship place on a line of road where horses are kept for and fellowship, union and communion. [See travelling, a stage, or station; thence it was transferred Footwashing, Holy, Justification, Sanctification.]

to the person who travelled in this way, using relays of horses, and finally to any quick traveller” (The Bible POSSESS. To seize; take possession of (Nu. 13:30; Word-Book).

Ac. 16:16).

POSTERITY. (1) Remnant; residue; surviving portion POSSESSIONS. The Bible has much to say about (Ge. 45:7). (2) Generation; descendants; succeeding man’s earthly possessions. (1) There are many clear generations (Nu. 9:10; 1 Ki. 16:3; Ps. 109:13). [See warnings in the Word of God in regard to covetousness.

Generation.]

[See Covet.] (2) Covetousness is a heart matter.

Covetousness is not a problem only for the well-to-do.

POST-MILLENNIAL. The allegorical method of The poor man can be covetousness as easily as the rich.

interpreting prophecy. Post-millennial means “after the Covetousness is not a problem so much of whether a millennium,” and refers to the fact that the post-man has possessions or how many possessions he has, millennial view does not believe there will be a literal but of the place those possessions have in his heart and restoration of Israel and fulfillment of the 1,000

life. (3) The use of money is a personal decision which kingdom described in Re. 20. [See Allegorical, A-must be made before God. There are no hard and set millennial, Great Tribulation, Millennium, Prophecy.]

rules which one can make applicable for all people. The POTENTATE. Ruler; king (1 Ti. 6:15).

Bible does not say that a Christian can only have a POTIPHAR (fruit of fatness). Ge. 39:1.

certain kind of home or a certain kind of automobile or POTIPHERAH (priest of the sun). Ge. 41:45.

a certain kind of clothing; that he can only have an POTSHERD. A piece of broken earthenware (Job income of a certain set amount; that his bank account 2:8; Ps. 22:15; Pr. 26:23).

can have only this or that amount. All of this is between POTTAGE. Soup; broth (Ge. 25:29,34; 2 Ki. 4:38-40; each man and his God. Ananias and Sapphira were told Ha. 2:12).

that their possessions were “in thine own power” (Ac.

5:4). The Bible does not support the enforcement of POUND. [See Weights and Measures.]

some form of Christian communism or communalism.

POURTRAY. To engrave; to draw (Eze. 4:1; 8:10; The Bible forbids the child of God of judging another 23:14).

believer in these things (Ro. 14:4). The great matter the POVERTY. Destitution of property (Ge. 45:11; Pr.

Bible addresses in regard to money and possessions is 6:11; 10:4, 15; 11:24; 13:7, 8, 18, 23; 14:20, 21, 31; not whether a man has such and such amount of 17:5; 18:23; 19:1, 4, 17, 22; 20:13; 21:13, 17; 22:2, 7, wealth, not how big his bank account is, not how nice 9, 16, 22; 23:21; 24:34; 28:3, 6, 8, 11, 15, 19, 22, 27; his home, not how new his automobile, but whether he 29:7, 13, 14; 30:8, 9, 14; 31:7, 9, 20; 2 Co. 8:2, 9; Re.

is rich toward self or whether he is rich toward God (Lk.

2:9). The Cause of Poverty: (1) Sloth (Pr. 6:9-11; 20:13; 12:21). What does it mean to be rich toward God? (1) It 24:30-34). (2) Selfishness and greed (Pr. 11:24; 28:8).

means to support Gods House (Mal. 3:10; 1 Ti. 3:15; 1

(3) Rebellion (Pr. 13:18). (4) Injustice (Pr. 13:23). (5) Co. 9:6-14; Ga. 6:6; 1 Ti. 5:17-18). (2) It means to Much talk and little work (Pr. 14:23). (6) Love of support God’s Program, which is the Great Commission pleasure (Pr. 21:17). (7) Drunkenness and gluttony (Pr.

of sending the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Mt.

23:21). (8) Following vain persons (Pr. 28:19). (9) 28:18-20; Ph. 4:15, 16; Tit. 3:13, 14). (3) It means to Hastening to be rich (Pr. 28:22). (10) Persecution (2 Co.

communicate to Gods people (Ga. 6:10; 1 Ti. 6:18).

8:2; Re. 2:9). (11) God’s sovereign purposes (1 Sa. 2:7).

[See Covet, Employment, Gold, Labor, Money, Offerings, The Pain of Poverty: (1) Lack of worldly protection (Pr.

Private Ownership of Property, Steal, Stewardship, 476

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10:15). (2) Lack of friends (Pr. 14:20; 19:4, 7). (3) Lack authority in heaven and in earth (Mt. 28:18). The of worldly esteem (Pr. 18:23). (4) Servitude (Pr. 22:7).

church which seeks to fulfill Christ’s Commission labors (5) Temptations (Pr. 30:8-9). (6) His wisdom is despised by His authority. (4) The Satanic forces are organized (Ec. 9:15-16). The Duty to the Poor: (1) Treat the poor into spheres of authority (Ep. 2:2; 6:12; Col. 1:16), but justly (Ex. 23:6; Le. 19:15; Ps. 82:3, 4). (2) Have all have been defeated by the blood of Christ (Ep. 1:21; compassion on the poor (Le. 19:10; 23:22; De. 15:7-11; Col. 2:15). (5) The Gospel can deliver a man from Job 29:16; 30:25; Pr. 14:21, 31; 17:5; 22:22; 29:7; Satan’s power unto God (Ac. 26:18; Col. 1:13). (6) 31:9, 20; Lk. 14:13; Ro. 15:26, 27; Ga. 2:10). (3) Do Whatever a man is appointed to do, he must be given not exact usury from the poor (Ex. 22:25). (4) Do not the authority to accomplish it (Mk. 13:34).

oppress the poor (De. 24:10-15). (5) Do not Responsibility and authority go hand-in-hand. This is discriminate against the poor in the church (Ja. 2:2-6).

true for every sphere of endeavor: for the parent, for the The Attitude of the Wicked toward the Poor: Ps. 10:2, husband, for the pastor. (7) The woman is forbidden to 8-10; 37:14; Is. 3:14-15. Poverty with Righteousness Is usurp authority over the man (1 Ti. 2:12). (8) The Better than Riches with Wickedness: Pr. 16:8; 17:1; 19:1, husband has authority over his wife’s body, and likewise 22; 28:6. The Blessing of Caring for the Poor: Ps. 41:1-3; the wife over the husband’s body (1 Co. 7:4). (9) The Pr. 14:21, 31; 19:17; 21:13; 22:9, 16; 28:27; 29:14.

preacher is to speak the Word of God with all authority Does God Promise that the Believer Will Not Be Poor? No.

(Tit. 2:15). (10) The obedient Christian will be given (1) Jesus was poor (2 Co. 8:9). (2) Paul experienced power over the nations (Re. 2:26). [See Bible, Child lack (2 Co. 6:10; 11:27). (3) We are instructed to be Training, Church, Church Discipline, Devils, Diotrephes, content in whatever state we are in (Ph. 4:11-13). (4) Gospel, Government, Great Commission, Korah, Pastor, We do not yet possess our full inheritance; our riches Satan.]

are in heaven and we look forward to our inheritance by PRAETORIUM. Prætor’s hall (Mk. 15:16). The same hope (Ro. 8:17-25; Ph. 3:20-21; Col. 3:1-4; 1 Pe. 1:4-9; Greek word, praitorion, is translated “common 4:12-13). (5) Those who think gain is godliness are hall” (Mt. 27:27), “hall of judgment” (Jn. 18:28,33; condemned by God (1 Ti. 6:3-6). God’s Mercy upon the 19:9; Ac. 23:35), and “palace” (Ph. 1:13). [See Palace.]

Poor: Ps. 10:14; 14:6; 34:6; 35:10; 40:17; 69:33; 70:5; PRAISE. [See Worship.]

107:41; 140:12; Je. 20:13; 22:16. The Glorious Future of the Poor Who Trust in Jesus Christ: Ps. 9:18; 12:5; 68:10; PRATE. To talk much and without weight, or to little 72:2-4, 12-13; 109:31; 113:7; 132:15. The Gospel Is for purpose; to be loquacious; as the vulgar express it, to the Poor: Mt. 11:5; Lk. 4:18; 7:22; Ja. 2:5. The Poor Can run on (Webster); to speak against (Pr. 10:8, 10; 3 Jn.

Give to God: Lk. 21:2-3; 1 Co. 16:1, 2; 2 Co. 8:2. [See 10). [See Evil Speaking, Gossip, Tongue.]

Gold, Humble, Low Degree, Mean, Meek, Penury, Poor, PRAYER.To intercede with and communicate with Pride, Sluggard.]

God (Mt. 6:9-13). What Is Prayer? (Ro. 1:8-10) (1) POWER. (1) Strength (Ps. 49:15; 65:6; 90:11; Pr.

Prayer is thanksgiving and praise (Ro. 1:8). (2) Prayer is 3:27; 18:21; Ec. 8:8; Is. 40:29; Lk. 1:35; 9:43; Ac. 1:8; interceding for others (Ro. 1:9). (3) Prayer is 8:10; Ph. 3:10; He. 2:14). (2) Authority (Mt. 6:13; 9:6; conversation with God (Ro. 1:9 “my prayers” refers to 28:18; Lk. 4:6; Jn. 1:12; 17:2; 19:10; 1 Co. 9:5; 2 Ti.

Paul’s intimate relationship with God as a Father and 1:7). The Greek word DUNAMIS refers to might and Friend). (4) Praying is asking; supplication (Ro. 1:10).

ability (Mt. 26:64). It is translated “mighty works” (Mt.

Note that Paul did not demand things from God; he 11:20), “miracle” (Mk. 9:39), “strength” (1 Co. 15:56), requested things of God. Our requests must be and “mightily” (Col. 1:29). It is frequently used to according to God’s will (1 Jn. 5:14-15). How Should We describe Christ’s sign miracles. The Greek word Pray? (1) Through Jesus Christ (Ro. 1:8; Jn. 14:6; EXOUSIA refers to authority and to the right to act (Lk.

15:16; 16:24; 1 Ti. 2:5; He. 10:19-22). (2) Regularly 7:8; 19:17; 20:2; Ac. 1:7). It is translated (Ro. 1:9; Da. 6:10). (3) Persistently (Ro. 1:9; Lk.

“authority” (Mt. 7:29; 8:9), “jurisdiction” (Lk. 23:7), 18:1-7). (4) Making mention of many petitions (Ro. 1:9;

“liberty” (1 Co. 8:9), “strength” (Re. 17:13), and “right Ep. 1:16; Ph. 1:4; Col. 1:9; 1 Th. 1:2; 2 Ti. 1:3; Phile.

to” (Re. 22:14). Sometimes “power” has both meanings, 4). (5) Submissive to God’s will (Ro. 1:10; 2 Co.

referring both to authority and strength (Ac. 26:18; Ro.

12:7-10). What Should We Pray For? (1) For civil 9:21; 17:13).

government (1 Ti. 2:2). (2) For men to be saved (1 Ti.

2:3-4). (3) For Christians (Ep. 6:18). (4) For Christian Bible Lessons about Authority. (1) Authority is derived workers (Ep. 6:19). (5) For daily needs (Mt. 6:11). (6) from a higher power (Mt. 8:9; 21:23; Mk. 13:34; Lk.

For sicknesses and other problems (2 Co. 12:7-8; Ja.

7:8; Jn. 5:27; Ac. 8:27; Re. 13:2). (2) God, of course, is 5:14). (7) For wisdom (Ja. 1:5). (8) For strength and the exception to this, for He is the Source of all mercy (He. 4:16). (9) For all things (Ph. 4:6-7). Prayer authority (Ac. 1:7). (3) The Lord Jesus Christ has all Changes Things (1) Example of 2 Co. 1:8-11. (2) Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 477

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Example of Ph. 1:19. (3) Example of Phile. 22. (4) from heaven prior to the 1,000 year period spoken of in Example of He. 13:18-19. Hindrances to Prayer (1) Re. 20:2-7. Thereafter, all of the O.T. prophecies Selfish purposes (Ja. 4:3). (2) sin (Is. 59:1-2; Ps.

concerning Israel’s glorious earthly kingdom will be 139:23-24; 66:18). (3) Idols in the heart (Eze. 14:3).

fulfilled literally. [See Allegorical, Daniel, Great These can be friends, pleasures, possessions, business, Tribulation, Kingdom of God, Millennium, Prophecy, reputation, money, or anything that comes before God.

Rapture, Revelation, Second Coming.]

(4) Ignoring the needs of others (Pr. 21:13). (5) PRESBYTERIAN. The history of the Reformed or Disobedience to God’s Word (1 Jn. 3:22; Pr. 28:9). (6) Presbyterian churches cannot be traced to one single Not forgiving others (Mk. 11:25). (7) Poor relationship man but to a group of men, as follows: between husband and wife (1 Pe. 3:7). (8) Unbelief (Ja.

Huldreich Zwingli (1484-1531) was a Reformation 1:5-7; He. 11:6). (9) Not abiding in Christ (Jn. 15:7).

leader in Switzerland. He was ordained a Catholic priest (10) Not abiding in Truth (Ps. 145:18). [See High Priest, and after several years, he obtained a Greek New Intercession, Intreat, Supplication, Tabernacle.]

Testament published by Erasmus. The light of scriptural PRECEPT. Command; charge (Ne. 9:14; Ps.

truth began to dawn upon him gradually, and he 119:4-173; Is. 28:10; 29:13; Je. 35:18; Da. 9:5; Mk.

preached more and more boldly against Rome’s errors.

10:5; He. 9:19).

He eventually rejected the pope and married. The city of PRECIOUS. (1) Valuable; very desirable (Ge. 24:53; Zurich followed his leadership and rejected Catholicism.

1 Ki. 10:2-11; 2 Ki. 20:13; Ps. 116:15; 126:6; Pr. 6:26; The city council dissolved the monasteries and 12:27; 20:15; 24:4; 1 Co. 3:12; Ja. 5:7; 1 Pe. 1:7, 19; abolished the mass and image worship.

2:4, 6-7; 2 Pe. 1:4; Re. 17:4; 18:12-16; 21:11, 19). (2) Like Luther, Zwingli intertwined his church with the Rare (1 Sa. 3:1). Some things which are precious: state. He drew up plans for a supposed model Christian Redemption of the soul (Ps. 49:8); the death of God’s community and enforced Christian belief and practice saints (Ps. 116:15); the seed of the Word of God (Ps.

by the force of law.

126:6); God’s thoughts toward His children (Ps.

Switzerland was then divided into 13 loosely 139:17); lips of knowledge (Pr. 20:15); Jesus Christ, the federated states or cantons. Some of the cantons precious corner stone (Is. 28:16); the trial of our faith followed Zurich’s reformation, but others remained (1 Pe. 1:7); the blood of Christ (1 Pe. 1:19).

committed to the Catholic Church. In 1531, war broke PRECIOUS LIFE. This phrase emphasizes the out between the Catholics and the Reformers in Zurich.

destructive power of adultery (Pr. 6:26). It will rob a The military forces of Zurich were defeated, and man of his precious life: (1) loss of innocence (v. 29).

Zwingli, who took up arms as a soldier, was killed in (2) loss of substance (v. 31). (3) loss of his soul (v. 32).

battle. Zwingli’s son-in-law, Heinrich Bullinger, took (4) loss of honor (v. 33). (5) loss of tranquility (vv.

over leadership of the Protestants in Zurich, but they 34-35). Pr. 6:26 also speaks of the evil intent, cunning, were forbidden to spread their beliefs in the rest of and persistence of the wicked woman. “The adulteress Switzerland.

will hunt for the precious life.” Compare Ge. 39:7-14; John Calvin (1509-1564) is the next name we come Jud. 16:18-21, Pr. 2:16; 5:3; 7:5-21; 9:13-17. [See across in the history of Presbyterianism. He was a Adultery, Strange Woman.]

Roman Catholic in early life but was never ordained as a PREDESTINATION. God planned man’s salvation priest. In his pursuit of literary studies in various before the creation (Ep. 1:5, 11). This does not mean universities, he learned Greek and Hebrew; and through God arbitrarily chooses who will be saved and who will reading the New Testament, he became dissatisfied with not be. He has revealed that He wants all men to be Rome’s dogmas and practices. Eventually, around the saved (1 Ti. 2:3-4; Jn. 3:16; 2 Pe. 3:9). God knows the year 1533, he found peace in Christ alone. In 1534, he future and knows who will receive His offer of was caught by the French inquisition and imprisoned for salvation; predestination is based on God’s his faith. Calvin’s brother was burned at the stake later foreknowledge and has more to do with what the that year, with a group of 34 other Protestants. Gaining Christian is predestinated TO than WHO is his freedom, Calvin moved to Switzerland and in 1536, predestinated (1 Pe. 1:2; Ro. 8:29). Predestination he published the first edition of his famous Institutes of assures eternal salvation. [See Election, Foreknow, the Christian Religion.

Presbyterian.]

He settled in Geneva and joined William Farel in PREFER. To put before; to advance; promote; give establishing a Protestant community there. The city had preferment to (Es. 2:9; Da. 6:3; Jn. 1:15,27).

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principles at the force of law. Calvin prepared a Calvin’s theology influenced the establishment of statement of faith to which the citizens were required to Presbyterianism in France (Reformed Church), Germany submit. He also wrote a doctrinal catechism to train (Reformed Church), Holland (Dutch Reformed), children in Protestant beliefs. Calvin and Farel wanted Scotland (the Church of Scotland), Hungary (Reformed to establish a Christian theocracy in Geneva, but they Church), and England (the Puritan movement within were overruled, and Calvin moved to Strasbourg for a the Anglican Church).

couple of years. There he pastored a French The name “Presbyterian” refers specifically to a type congregation of about 500 and married a widow. His of church polity referring to rule by elders. (The word only son, though, lived only a few days. In 1541, the

“elder” in the New Testament is the Greek word city of Geneva asked Calvin to return to help them resist

“presbuteros.”) Whereas, though, the Bible refers strictly the efforts of the Catholic Church to regain the city. This to the local congregation when it describes elders, he agreed to do, and he had a powerful role in the new Presbyterian churches are not independent but are government that was formed. Calvin enforced Christian joined together into a large denominational structure.

doctrine and principles at the point of the sword. In The Presbyterian Church of Australia is an example.

October 1563, the Geneva government burned to death Each congregation has elders and ministers who rule.

Michael Servetus for heresy. Servetus held unitarian These, in turn, submit to the “general guidance and views and was definitely a false teacher, but the Bible oversight” of the regional presbytery, which is a nowhere instructs the churches to kill false teachers.

gathering of elders from several congregations in an Servetus’ death sentence was supported not only by area. The presbyteries, in turn, are subject to the state Calvin, but also by Melanchthon in Germany and General Assembly (which “provides leadership in wider Bullinger in Zurich and by other Protestant leaders who areas of the church’s work such as social services, were consulted about the case.

chaplaincy work in the defence forces, hospitals and Calvin had a strong influence through his teaching other institutions, training of ministers, mission and and writings in those days, and he has continued to evangelism, and Christian education), and, beyond that, wield a strong influence ever since. Geneva was a place to the national General Assembly (which “deals with of refuge for persecuted people from many countries, matters of doctrine, overall standards of training of and they learned Calvin’s doctrine there and carried it to ministers, receiving ministers from other churches and many other places. His Institutes of Christian Religion the church’s mission to the world”).

went through many editions until the final one in 1559.

The Westminster Confession is another significant part This work has been reprinted hundreds of times in of the history of Presbyterianism. This was a statement many languages, and it remains one of the most of faith written during the days when Oliver Cromwell important doctrinal treatises of Presbyterian churches ruled England from 1640 to 1660. The Westminster today. It is highly philosophical in nature, and Calvin Assembly, which met from 1643-48, was called by the presents a doctrine of the sovereignty of God that goes English Parliament to establish a government in the far beyond what the Bible teaches. He teaches that God Church of England that would do away with bishops.

elects some men to salvation and some to damnation.

One of the chief products of this Assembly was the The TULIP theology, which is the cornerstone of Westminster Confession of faith, which, embodying the Presbyterianism and which has been adopted by teachings of John Calvin and his successors, expressed churches of other denominations, including some the doctrinal platform of Presbyterians in England, Baptists, is derived from Calvin’s Institutes. Though Scotland, and America. This Assembly also produced a Calvin himself did not use the term TULIP to describe Shorter and a Longer Catechism, which, together with his theology, it is an accurate, though simplified, the Westminster Confession, are called the Westminster reflection of his views; and contrary to what some have Standard.

claimed, every standard point of TULIP theology can be The Westminster Confession, while containing found in Calvin’s Institutes.

statements which the Bible-believing Baptist must reject, (For a study on Calvinism, see “Elect.”) exalts the Bible and Jesus Christ in a particularly precise Calvin was a prodigious writer. He published and comely manner. Other denominational confessions commentaries on every book of the Bible except the have borrowed heavily from the Westminster in many Song of Solomon and Revelation. (He said of cases. Consider some excerpts:

Revelation, “The study of prophecy either finds a man Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God crazy, or it leaves him so” (cited by Augustus Strong, written, are now contained all the Books of the Old Systematic Theology, Judson Press, 1907, p. 140). This and New Testaments, which are these: [here are listed was because he adopted Rome’s false amillennial the 66 books of our English Bible]. All which are given approach to prophecy instead of approaching it literally.

by inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life. ...

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The authority of the holy Scripture, for which it ought goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek him; testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God and withal most just and terrible in his judgments; (who is truth itself), the author thereof; and therefore hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the it is to be received, because it is the word of God.

guilty.

We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Of the Trinity:

Church to an high and reverend esteem of the holy In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of Scripture, and the heavenliness of the matter, the one substance, power and eternity; God the Father, efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. The Father is of consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole, (which none, neither begotten nor proceeding; the Son is is to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Ghost of the only way of man’s salvation, the many other eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son.

incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly I would also note that the Westminster Confession evidence itself to be the word of God; yet, had many statements purposefully refuting Roman notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of Catholic heresies. It contains a statement denying the the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is inspiration of the Apocrypha. It also identifies the from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing Catholic pope with the antichrist. “There is no other witness by and with the word in our hearts.

Head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ. Nor can The whole counsel of God, concerning all things the pope of Rome, in any sense, be head thereof: but is necessary for his own glory, man’s salvation, faith, and that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by that exalteth himself in the church, against Christ and good and necessary consequence may be deduced from all that is called God” (Westminster Confession of Faith, Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be chapter 25, section 6).

added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men. ...

During the period in England’s history in which the The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native Westminster Confession was being defined, a civil war language of the people of God of old), and the New was waged against the British crown. Oliver Cromwell, Testament in Greek (which at the time of the writing of a cavalry commander who led the opposition forces, it was most generally known to the nations), being ousted the king and attempted to establish a immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care Commonwealth in England in the late 17th century.

and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore These efforts failed, and the monarchy was eventually authentical; so as in all controversies of religion, the reestablished. Tens of thousands of Presbyterians, Church is finally to appeal unto them. But because Puritans, and independents fled to America in the these original tongues are not known to all the people ensuing years in search of religious and political liberty.

of God, who have right unto and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to The Westminster Confession reflected John Calvin’s read and search them, therefore they are to be system of predestinarian theology which has been translated into the vulgar language of every nation summarized in five points by the acronym of TULIP: unto which they come, that the word of God dwelling Total depravity of man, meaning man is incapable of plentifully in all, they may worship him in an responding to the Gospel; Unconditional election, acceptable manner, and through patience and comfort meaning God chooses which men will be saved and of the Scriptures, may have hope.

which men will be lost; Limited atonement, meaning The supreme Judge, by which all controversies of Christ died only for those who will be saved; Irresistible religion are to be determined, and all decrees of grace, meaning the sinner cannot resist God’s call to councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, salvation; and Perseverance of the saints, meaning those and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose who are saved will hold out faithful to the end.

sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scriptures.

We must hasten to say that the Westminster Consider the Westminster confession pertaining to Confession’s teaching in these areas is contrary to the God:

plain statements of the Word of God. The Calvinist wants to have a big God, and I am all for that. I am There is but one only living and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, thankful for men who want to exalt God in an man-invisible, without body, parts, or passions, immutable, exalted hour. The Bible presents us with a BIG God and immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most a little man, and I believe in that. I serve and worship a wise, most holy, most free, most absolute, working all BIG God. He sits as King forever. He does His will, and things according to the counsel of his own immutable no one can stay Him. No one can question His will; no and most righteous will, for his own glory; most one can thwart His will. He says, “My counsel shall loving, gracious, merciful, longsuffering, abundant in 480

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stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Is. 46:10). Indeed, teaching of the Word of God. The Bible requires careful He will. He is Almighty God, and He is to be exalted.

interpretation, it is true, but if we can’t take the Word of It is wrong, though, and a very strange thing, indeed, God at face value, in context, there is no way we can to define a doctrine of the sovereignty of God which dogmatically know what it is saying.

goes counter to what that God has said about Himself!

I have a big God, a sovereign God, but I am neither The Westminster Confession says, “By the decree of Calvinist nor Arminian. The Bible says God would have God ... some men and angels are predestinated unto all men be saved. I believe that. The Bible says man can everlasting life, and OTHERS FOREORDAINED TO

say no to God. As amazing as this seems to me, I believe EVERLASTING DEATH. These angels and men, thus it. If God wants to give man the potential to resist Him predestinated and foreordained, are particularly and and to reject Him and to say no to Him, who am I to say UNCHANGEABLY DESIGNED; and their number is so this detracts from His sovereignty or makes Him any less certain and definite, THAT IT CANNOT BE EITHER

Almighty God? It does not detract from His sovereign INCREASED OR DIMINISHED. ... they who are power one iota. [See Atonement, Election, Eternal elected ... are effectually called unto faith in Christ ...

Security, Gospel, Grace, Overcome.]

NEITHER ARE ANY OTHER REDEEMED by Christ, Presbyterian church polity. The presbyterian form of effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and church government “is based on the principle of saved, BUT THE ELECT ONLY.” This is erroneous human representative government and of one spiritual order philosophy, and it makes out God to be a liar, but the which is vested in the presbyters. A series of ascending Bible plainly says salvation is for whosoever will (Jn.

judicatories—session, presbytery, synod, and general 3:16; Re. 22:17). The Bible repeats this and repeats this assembly—exercise government ... ruling and teaching and repeats this. The Bible says Christ “gave himself a elders chosen by the local congregation have spiritual ransom FOR ALL” (1 Ti. 2:6). He purchased even wicked responsibility over the people. Elders also represent the false teachers who are lost and on their way to hell; congregation in higher church bodies—presbytery, when these men deny the biblical Jesus Christ, the Bible synod, and general assembly” (20th-Century). We says they deny “the Lord that bought them” (2 Pe. 2:1).

should also note that there are a few fundamental He bought them, though they are damned and on their Presbyterian congregations today which believe more way to hell! Away with any manmade doctrine of strongly in the independence of the local assembly and limited atonement.

which maintain rule by a plurality of elders but do not The Westminster Confession says those who are recognize the authority of presbyters outside the saved are “effectually called unto faith in Christ.” This assembly.

means God’s call to salvation is irresistible, but the Bible There are at least eight Presbyterian denominations plainly says that God’s call CAN be resisted. The Lord in the U.S. THE BIBLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH is a Jesus Christ wept over Jerusalem and testified, “O

fundamentalist group with membership of roughly Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, 10,000. It stands for old-line Presbyterian doctrine and and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often is openly opposed to ecumenism and modernism. It’s would I have gathered thy children together, even as a origin is traced to the Fundamentalist-Modernist hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye controversies of the early 20th century. Conservative would not (Mt. 23:37). He would; they would not.

Presbyterians who were opposed to theological There is no irresistible grace here. He said to the modernism set up their own seminary and mission stubborn Pharisees, “And ye will not come to me, that ye board to offer an alternative to the ones which had been might have life” (Jn. 6:40). He would have given these taken over by liberal thought. The leaders of this lost men life, but they would not come. He would; they conservative movement were brought to trial by the would not. There is no irresistible grace here, either.

denomination and defrocked. The apostates charged the That God’s grace can be resisted and refused is a matter Bible believers with heresy! The group which of Scriptural record from Genesis to Revelation. Cain subsequently pulled out of the old-line Presbyterian refused God (Ge. 4:5-16); men living during the Great denomination formed two different independent Tribulation will also refuse God (Re. 9:20-21; 16:9, 11).

groups: The Orthodox Presbyterian Church, led by J.

Men have been foolishly refusing and rejecting God’s Gresham Machen, and the Bible Presbyterian Church, call for the entire, wretched, 6,000 years of human led by Carl McIntire. In 1941 the Bible Presbyterians history.

joined with other fundamentalists to form the American Away with any manmade teaching which denies Council of Christian Churches in opposition to the these plain statements of Scriptures. Someone might liberal National Council of Churches in America. In say, “I can explain those Scriptures.” Away with that, addition to standing against modernism and too. I don’t want anyone explaining away the plain ecumenism, the Bible Presbyterian Church (BPC) Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 481

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granted autonomy to the local assembly. Unlike the King James Bible: In carrying on this preaching ministry liberal Presbyterian denominations, each church in the the Free Presbyterian Church has, throughout its BPC owns its own property and calls its own pastor. In history, used the Authorized (often called the ‘King contrast to this, the old-line Presbyterian denomination James’) Version of the Scriptures. We wish to avoid the

“entered suits in the civil courts against scores of confusion that arises from the use of many different translations and paraphrases in church services. We churches that had withdrawn, and in almost every believe the Authorized Version is unrivaled as a instance the defending local church lost its property to translation of the Scriptures and that it reflects the the denomination. This was in spite of the fact that in authentic, historic Hebrew and Greek texts that God most cases the local churches had purchased their

‘immediately inspired, and by His singular care and p r o p e r t y w i t h n o f i n a n c i a l a i d f r o m t h e providence kept pure in all ages’ (Westminster denomination” (David O. Beale, In Pursuit of Purity, p.

Confession of Faith, I.8).

319).

Baptism: Historically, the Reformed churches along The FREE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH has a similar with the Lutheran, Episcopal. Congregational, and heritage. They stand firmly in the old Presbyterian faith, Methodist churches have accepted that pouring, are strictly separated from the apostasy of the hour, hold sprinkling, and dipping are all valid modes of baptism.

They have also believed that baptism should be to the Authorized English Bible, and exercise autonomy administered to believers and to their children because of the local assembly. The Free Presbyterians were their children are included in God’s covenant with His founded in 1951 in Northern Ireland. The fiery people. ... Over against this view, Baptists and fundamental Presbyterian Ian Paisley is identified with Anabaptists have argued that baptism must follow a the Free Presbyterians. There are 17 of these personal profession of faith. ... On the mode of congregations in North America and roughly 100 in the baptism, Baptists insist that only immersion is world. The following is from Separated Unto the Gospel, acceptable ... The Free Presbyterian Church ... hereby a book published by the Free Presbyterians to explain affirms that each member of the Free Presbyterian their position. We reprint these portions especially to Church shall have liberty to decide for himself which show the contrast between old-line Presbyterianism and course to adopt on these controverted issues ...

the modern apostate Presbyterianism represented by the Moral Standards: We believe there are guiding truths in Presbyterian Church USA. We have added headings to God’s Word that not only authorize the kind of standards we have adopted, but necessitate them. ...

the paragraphs quoted:

Gambling is the expression of covetousness. [is]

Separated from Ecumenism: The Free in our name abstinence from the nonmedicinal drinking of refers to our total dissociation from the major alcohol. ... Our country is sinking in an ocean of Presbyterian denominations of the world, which have alcohol. ... no divorced person or one married to a largely repudiated the historic Christian faith. We have divorced person may be elected to the office of deacon no affiliation with the World Council of Churches or or elder. In addition, no Free Presbyterian church may any of its international, national, or local be used for a marriage service involving a divorced organizations. Thus Free speaks of our liberty to stand person, nor may any Free Presbyterian minister without compromise for Christ in a day of apostasy.

officiate at such a marriage.

Protestant: The church [is] unashamedly Protestant.

Head Covering: The New Testament insists that it [head Throughout its history it has stood opposed to the covering in public worship] is required for women and ecumenical movement’s efforts to promote union with banned for men. In this age of so-called sexual equality the Church of Rome, because that church still holds to

—a misnomer for the philosophy of radical feminism every dogma that caused the Reformation in the first and antiChristian humanism—this may seem strange.

place.

Election and Evangelism: We have no time for a dead, Reformed Theology: In theology the church is intellectual Calvinism that refuses to offer Christ freely Reformed. It stands foursquare in the great Geneva to sinners with the assurance that ‘whosoever shall call tradition of Calvin, Knox, the English and American upon the name of the Lord shall be saved’ (Ro. 10:13).

Puritans ... The church has always tied its Calvinism to Some of the greatest revival preachers in history have evangelism. It is a prayer church with a burden for the been strong asserters of God’s sovereignty in salvation, salvation of sinners. Its growth has been through men like John Bunyan, Jonathan Edwards, Asahel unremitting evangelistic outreach, preaching the Nettleton, George Whitefield, Robert Murray gospel ‘in season, out of season.’

McCheyne, and Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Women Preachers: A burning question for many today THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH U.S.A. (PC-USA) is the is whether or not women may be ordained to the largest Presbyterian denomination in America, with ministry of the church. A woman is not permitted a roughly 3,000,000 members in 11,500 churches. It was pastoral or governmental position over men in a New Testament church. No ministry that places her in such formed in 1983 from a merger of the United a position is open to her.

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Church in the United States. These two denominations taken literally. More than 75% of those polled rejected had resulted from a division along the lines of North the idea that those who have not heard of Jesus Christ and South following the outbreak of the Civil War, and will be damned. In 1987 the PC-USA adopted a report were reunited in the 1983 merger. The Presbyterian which says that Christians and Jews worship the same Church U.S.A. is modernistic and radically ecumenical.

God and that Jews are already in a covenant It is a member of the National and World Council of relationship with God and do not therefore need to be Churches. Like most liberal denominations, the PC-USA born again through faith in Jesus Christ to enjoy such a has been losing members steadily. The denominations covenant. In 1982 the United Presbyterian Church which formed the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. lost 1.3

ordained Mansfield Kaseman in spite of the fact that he million members between 1965 and 1992. Membership denied that Jesus Christ is God, that He was sinless, and in the PC-USA has been declining by 30,000 to 40,000 a that Christ rose bodily from the dead. In typical neo-year.

orthodox doublespeak Kaseman said, “I believe in the The PC-USA and Ecumenism. The Presbyterian resurrection without necessarily believing in the bodily Church U.S.A. is a member of the radical National and resurrection.” When asked if Jesus is God, he replied, World Council of Churches. Mainline Presbyterians were

“No, God is God.” Yet the presbytery voted 165-59 to instrumental in the founding of these liberal bodies in admit Kaseman to the Presbyterian ministry. Also in 1948 and 1950. The PC-USA maintains dialogue with 1982 the director of the United Presbyterian missions the Roman Catholic Church. The ecumenical mindset of program, G. Daniel Little, rebuked fundamentalists for the average Presbyterian minister is reflected in an supporting creationism, and labeled the literal creation article written by Dr. Richard Lovelace, professor of view “denial of the living God” and “calcifying of Church History at Gordon-Conwell Theological narrow, outdated views.” The “Brief Statement of Faith”

Seminary and an ordained Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

approved at the 1991 General Assembly of the PC-USA minister. In his article Three Streams, One River?

contained no clear affirmation of the Trinity; made no Lovelace not only cited examples of the fact that reference to heaven, hell, or the bodily resurrection of Catholics, charismatics and evangelicals are moving Jesus Christ, but it affirmed sexual equality and closer together—he actually advocates and seeks to environmental concerns. [See Adam, Bible, Inspiration, encourage such unscriptural unity. ... Dr. Lovelace says E v o l u t i o n , J e s u s C h r i s t , M o d e r n i s m , N e w that Roman Catholics, Orthodox and Anglicans have Evangelicalism, Resurrection, Trinity.]

much to contribute to the formation of a “united church The PC-USA and Abortion. The PC-USA is a member which is truly Catholic, Evangelical and Pentecostal.” In of the Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights, which 1986 the PC-USA General Assembly voted to share seeks “to encourage and coordinate support for ministry and sacraments with the Lutheran safeguarding the legal option of abortion.” Its 1985

denominations which formed the Evangelical Lutheran Assembly reaffirmed its support for the right to abortion Church in America. Efforts to absorb Presbyterians with and determined that no new studies on abortion be other liberal denominations in the States have been in undertaken. This was a move to permanently silence progress though the Consultation on Church Union abortion opponents within the denomination.

(COCU) since 1961. This attempted union of The PC-USA and Homosexuals. A vote to disassociate Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Methodists, United Church the PC-USA from homosexual ministries within the of Christ, Disciples of Christ, and others has been denomination failed by a margin of 2-1 at its 1984

making steady progress through the years. In June 1993

Assembly. The PC-USA has a formal policy that allows The PC-USA approved a proposal to enter into covenant for homosexuals to be received as members, and even communion with the other denominations in the COCU.

allows for the ordination of homosexuals as long as they

[See Ecumenism, Lutheran, Roman Catholic Church, do not engage in same-sex relationships. In practice, World Council of Churches.]

homosexuals within the PC-USA carry on with their The PC-USA and Modernism. The gospel promoted in perverted lifestyles, and the PC-USA brings no discipline the PC-USA is primarily a false social gospel. In 1984, against them. The committee which recommended the moderator Harriet Nelson said, “The Gospel is not just change in homosexual policy in 1991 equated “sexism”

telling people they are saved. It also means meeting and “heterosexism” with “racism” and condemned needs—things like providing food for the hungry and resistance to homosexuality as homophobia. In 1992 an clothing for the naked.” The PC-USA supports all sorts openly homosexual woman, a divorced mother, was of radical social-political causes in the world, but gives ordained to the Presbyterian ministry. The 1988

very little to evangelistic work. A survey taken in 1986

assembly of the Presbytery of Genesse Valley, New York, revealed that only 5% of the “clergy” and 16% of the invited the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus to perform a membership in the PC-USA believe the Bible is to be concert. In 1991 the PC-USA filed a “friend-of- the-Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 483

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court” legal brief in support of the attempt to overthrow

“ruler,” “kingdom” to “realm”; and added the names of Kentucky’s sodomy law. In 1992 the PC-USA Committee wives to the O.T. genealogies. A paper entitled on Educational Ministry recommended that the

“Theologies Written from Feminist Perspectives” was denomination refuse to allow Boy Scout troops to use distributed at the 1988 General Assembly of the PC-their church basements. This was intended to punish USA. The author, Cythia Campbell of the Austin scouts for their policy of barring homosexuals from Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Texas, said that being troop leaders. Erig Graninger, associate general many feminists reject the concept of redemption counsel for the Presbyterians, said, “It is not for the state because it “reinforces a notion of human passivity ...

to tell the citizens of Kentucky what their morals should and, they question whether the worship of a redeemer be.” Delegates to the 1993 PC-USA Assembly voted to who is male is possible or healthy for women.”

support Clinton’s effort to remove the military’s ban on Campbell admits that feminist theology is open to homosexuals. [See Sodomy.]

“goddess religion and Wicca, more popularly known as The PC-USA and Feminism. The predecessor witchcraft.” At the 1988 assembly of the Presbytery of Presbyterian bodies which formed the PC-USA have Genesse Valley, New York, a liturgy was distributed long been involved in feminist causes. The Presbyterian which had been written by a lesbian Episcopal priest.

Church in the USA was the first of the mainstream Included were the words: “We give you thanks, O

religious bodies to ordain women as ruling elders in empowering Mother, for our sisters and brothers in all 1930. By 1993 PC-USA had 2,419 ordained women nations—black, brown, yellow, red, and white; older ministers. Women were elected to head the PC-USA in and younger; richer and poorer; lesbians, gay men, 1984 and again in 1989. It is interesting that 61% of lovers, spouses, parents, children, teachers and learners; PC-USA membership is female. The new Presbyterian workers in many tasks; siblings in a common home.”

hymnal adopted inclusive language for God and deleted As we have noted, the PC-USA was a chief sponsor of

“Onward, Christian Soldiers” because of the “military the World Council of Churches Re-imagining Conference imagery.” The PC-USA contributed a grant of $66,000 to in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in November 1993. A key sponsor the WCC Re-imagining conference November theme was the celebration of Sophia, the supposed 1993 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The most radical forms goddess of creation. The conferees joined together in of feminism and goddess worship were promoted at this repeating a prayer to Sophia, including these words: meeting. The conference coincided with the midpoint of

“Our maker Sophia, we are women in your image. ...

the Ecumenical Decade of the Churches in Solidarity Sophia, creator God ... shower us with your love. ... we with Women, an initiative of the World Council of invite a lover, we birth a child; with our warm body Churches that began in 1988. [See Women Preachers.]

fluids we remind the world of its pleasures and The PC-USA and Paganism. The Utica, New York, sensations. ... Our guide, Sophia, we are women in your Presbytery of the PC-USA appropriated $700 to bring a image. ... With the honey of wisdom in our mouths, we Buddhist monk from Bangkok to Utica to train local prophesy a full humanity to all the peoples.” Korea’s Asians in Buddhist doctrine. They said they wanted to Chung Hyung Kyung told the crowd, “My bowel is protect the Asian culture. The 1992 General Assembly of Buddhist bowel, my heart is Buddhist heart, my right the PC-USA was opened with a pagan Indian ritual to brain is Confucian brain, and my left brain is Christian expel unwanted spirits and attract desired ones. In brain.”

March 1989, a witch named Starhawk addressed the The PC-USA and Charismatics. Brick Bradford, San Francisco Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She general secretary of the Presbyterian and Reformed spoke under the auspices of a campus group called the Renewal Ministries International, estimates that 10 to Feminist Perspectives Committee which attempts to 15 percent of the Presbyterian clergy are charismatic, raise awareness concerning feminist issues. The witch but only a handful of their congregations are. Members performed ritual chants as prayers to “the powers under of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the small the earth.” Starhawk is a licensed priestess of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church support the renewal Covenant of the Goddess. She referred often to the more so than other Presbyterian denominations, he says

“Mother-Father God,” a concept used in feminist (Christian News, May 19, 1986). [See Charismatic.]

theology.

The PC-USA and Immorality. Divorce and immorality Presbyterians participated in the production of the are rampant in the liberal denominations because there National Council of Churches inclusive language is no clear separation from the world. We have seen the lectionary, which removed masculine references to God; denomination’s tolerant attitude toward homosexuality.

addressed God as “Father and Mother”; deleted passages A report entitled “Sexuality, Spirituality and Social which instruct the wife to submit to the husband; Justice was distributed throughout the PC-USA in changed many words, such as “son” to “child,” “king” to 1990-91. It said “the moral for Christians ought not be 484

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marriage, but rather justice-love. ... Where there is retreat to the position of skepticism in regard to justice-love, sexual expression has ethical integrity. That preservation. Jack Moorman, in his excellent manual moral principle applies to single, as well as to married, Forever Settled, states the solution to this problem persons, to gay, lesbian and bisexual persons, as well as plainly: “A far better principle is given in Romans 14:23

to heterosexual persons.” The report indicated that a

—‘Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.’ If I cannot by faith person can have sexual relations outside of marriage take the Bible in my hand and say this is the preserved and still be right with God. [See Adultery, Divorce, Word of God, then it is sin. If we do not approach the Fornication, Modesty, Nakedness, Sodomy.]

study of how we got our Bible from the standpoint of PRESBYTERIANS OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.A.

faith, then it is sin. If I cannot believe what God says Presbyterian denominations in many lands are being about the preservation of His Word, then I cannot absorbed into larger ecumenical bodies. The believe what He says about its inspiration either—all is Presbyterians in India united with Methodists, Anglicans sin.”

and others to form the Church of South India in 1947

THE BIBLE’S TEACHING ON THE PRESERVATION OF

and the Church of North India in 1970. Seventy-five SCRIPTURE

percent of the Presbyterians in Australia united with Faith stands on the Word of God. Let us see exactly Congregationalists and Methodists in 1977 to form the what the Bible says about this matter of its own Uniting Church of Australia. The Presbyterians in preservation:

Canada merged with the Methodists, Congregationals,

“The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried and Evangelical United Brethren in 1968 to form the in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt United Church of Canada. Similar ecumenical accords keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this have happened in Nigeria, South Africa, and Belgium.

generation for ever.” Ps. 12:6-7

[See Ecumenism, World Council of Churches.]

“The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the PRESBYTERY. The elders who laid hands on thoughts of his heart to all generations.” Ps. 33:11

Timothy (1 Ti. 4:14). The Greek word presbuterion is

“For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his used three times in the N.T. In Lk. 22:66 and Acts 22:5, truth endureth to all generations.” Ps. 100:5

it refers to the elders of Israel. [See Church, Ordain,

“The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all Pastor, Presbyterian.]

his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever PRESENTLY. At once (Mt. 26:53).

and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.” Ps.

111:7-8

PRESERVE. To maintain; to protect; to keep (Ge.

“... the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye 19:32; 45:5, 7; De. 6:24; Jos. 24:17; 1 Sa. 30:23; 2 Sa.

the Lord.” Ps. 117:2

8:6; Ne. 9:6; Ps. 16:1; 31:23; 32:7; 36:6; 40:11; 64:1;

“For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” Ps.

79:11; 86:2; 97:10; 116:6; 121:7-8; 140:1; 145:20; 119:89

146:9; Is. 49:8; Mt. 9:17). The Bible says God preserves

“Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that His saints (Ps. 37:28; 41:2; 97:10; 1 Th. 5:23; 2 Ti.

thou hast founded them for ever.” Ps. 119:152

4:18; Jude 1). [See Eternal Security.]

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of PRESERVATION - BIBLE. The doctrine that God has thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” Ps.

preserved His Word pure through the ages. The same 119:160

God that inspired the Scripture has promised to

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word preserve it—not merely its teachings, but its very words.

of our God shall stand for ever.” Is. 40:8

To argue for a divinely-inspired Bible that no longer

“As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the exists is vain jangling. The bottom line in this matter is Lord; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which that the same Bible that claims to be divinely inspired I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy also claims to be divinely preserved. Our faith in this is mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the not based on common sense (though it is sensible to mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the Lord, from believe that if God gave a perfect Bible He would henceforth and for ever.” Is. 59:21

preserve that very Bible); our faith is based on the

“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, promises of a God that cannot lie.

one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Mt. 5:18

Many evangelical and even fundamentalists write

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall udgament

not pass away.” Mt. 24:35

volumes defining and defending what the Bible says

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of about its own inspiration, but they are strangely silent incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and on what the same Bible says about preservation. They abideth forever.” 1 Pe. 1:23

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“But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is Psalm 100:5 connects Bible preservation with God’s the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1

goodness and mercy. It is because God loves man that Pe. 1:25

He has given His Book. Ps. 100:5 reminds us that the

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of same love which motivated God to inspire the the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto Scriptures, motivates Him to keep them.

these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take Isaiah adds his “amen” to this doctrine of away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God preservation. According to Isaiah 59:21, it is the very shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out words of God which will be preserved.

of the holy city, and from the things which are written The Lord Jesus Christ is even more specific in His in this book.” Re. 22:18-19

teaching about the preservation of Scripture. In Mt.

The teaching of these passages is that God would 24:35 the Son of God promises that His WORDS will not preserve His Word in detail to every generation. This, pass away. And in Mt. 5:18, He says the very JOTS AND

and this alone, is the biblical doctrine of preservation.

TITTLES of God’s Word will not pass away! That is The scholars mock this position and sneeringly label it certainly verbal preservation.

with derogatory terms such as “secondary inspiration,”

The Apostle Peter tells us with absolute authority but I am convinced the Bible teaches miraculous that the Word of God is preserved perpetually, and this inspiration and miraculous preservation.

includes the Word which has been preached to us in the Psalm 12:6-7 summarizes the doctrine of Bible gospel writings. And by gospel writings we must preservation. This passage promises that the pure words understand Peter to mean the whole of the New (not just thoughts or general teachings) of God would Testament, not just the first four books, for He. 2:3

be kept to every generation. Preserved words. Not just instructs us that the gospel “at the first began to be the doctrines. Not just the historical facts. The words!

spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them This is verbal preservation, and it is what the Bible that heard him.”

plainly promises.

Capping off our brief survey of Scripture on this Psalm 33:11 says God’s thoughts would not be lost important doctrine is the testimony of Revelation. In the but rather would stand to all generations, and we know last chapter of this book man is given a dire warning not from passages such as 1 Co. 2:12-13 that these divine to tamper with its contents. Obviously this applies thoughts have been expressed through divinely-chosen directly to Revelation, but it must apply equally to the words. “Which things also we speak, NOT IN THE

entire Book of which Revelation forms the last chapter.

WORDS which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Think about it. If mankind is forbidden from taking Holy Ghost teacheth...” Therefore we see that this away from or adding to the contents of a Book, it must promise in Psalm 33, too, is a promise of the verbal be obvious that God intends to preserve that Book in preservation of Scripture.

every detail. And note that it is the WORDS which man Psalm 100:5, 111:7-8, and 117:2 tell us that the truth is forbidden to tamper with. “For I testify unto every of God will stand forever and endure to all generations.

man that heareth the WORDS of the prophecy of this This could mean that sound doctrine in general will be book ... if any man shall take away from the WORDS of preserved, as those who take a naturalistic view of the book of this prophecy...” The WORDS! If God forbids preservation contend, but this cannot be. We know that man to tamper with any of the WORDS of the Bible, it is God’s truth is not expressed to man merely in general obvious that He intends to preserve those words so they doctrinal terms. Truth is expressed in divinely-selected will be available to man. If this isn’t true, the warning of words. Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy Re. 22:18-19 is meaningless.

word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). He also said, “It is written, In summary, we see that the Bible teaches that God Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word will preserve His Word in pure form, including the most that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4). It is minute details (the jots and titles, the words), and that crucial that men have the very words of Scripture. God this would include the whole Scriptures, Old and New has not merely given man a pattern of truth; He has Testaments. This is only reasonable in light of the given the very form of truth in the Scriptures. It is this doctrine of verbal, plenary inspiration. Of what benefit verbally inspired truth that the O.T. is promising will be are perfect writings which no longer exist?

preserved.

Does Psalm 12:6-7 Refer to God’s Words? There are Psalm 119:160 adds the testimony that even the very those who do not believe Ps. 12:6-7 is speaking of the earliest portions of God’s Word, Genesis and the other Word of God. These contend that this key passage refers writings of Moses, would be preserved.

rather to God’s preservation of the men spoken of in Ps.

12:1-5. An article by Doug Kutilek published in The 486

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Biblical Evangelist in 1983, proposed this view. Kutilek

“4. In the last paragraph, he [Kutilek] says that those claimed that it is not possible that v. 7 could be referring who apply these verses ‘to any doctrine of Bible to the words of v. 6 because the “them” in v. 7 is preservation’ are guilty of handling ‘the Word of God masculine, while the “words” of v. 6 is feminine. In early deceitfully and dishonestly, something unworthy of any 1984 I wrote to Bruce Lackey about this. Dr. Lackey, child of God.’ But earlier, he admitted that such who died December 1, 1988, taught at Tennessee illustrious interpreters as John Wesley, Henry Martyn, G.

Temple in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for nineteen years Campbell Morgan, and Kidner, agreed with the and was the dean of the Bible school department. He preservation-interpretation. Sounds like a mouse pastored churches for 20 years. The last few years of his attacking elephants! They might have been wrong on life he traveled as a Bible conference speaker and some points, but they were certainly not deceitful and authored several books. He was an accomplished dishonest.

musician, a highly respected Bible teacher, and was

“Some other verses which teach that God would proficient in the Greek language. He was a diligent preserve His Words for all generations are Ps. 33:11; student of the Greek Received Text. Following is the 119:152, 160; Is. 59:21; Mt. 24:35; and 1 Pe. 1:25.

reply I received in February 1984.

Also, a comparison of Mt. 28:20 and Jn. 14:23 shows

“I submit the following reasons for my not being that Christ’s promise of His continual presence with us is moved away from my conviction that Ps. 12:6-7 does fulfilled as we keep His words; thus His words must be teach the preservation of Scripture.

available to believers ‘alway, even unto the end of the

“1. His [Kutilek’s] admission that ‘there are world. Amen’” (Bruce Lackey).

occasional exceptions to the principle of agreement in There is also the possibility that the antecedent of the Hebrew Bible (see Gesenius’ Hebrew Grammar 135

“them” in Ps. 12:7 refers to “silver” in v. 6. Pastor David o)’ immediately shows that the preservation-Pitman proposed this view in the Dec. 1993 issue of The interpretation is not automatically incorrect, Baptist Watchman: “In v. 7 the first ‘them’ is masculine grammatically, but is definitely possible. A somewhat plural; the second ‘them’ is masculine singular. ‘Words’

similar situation exists in Jn. 15:6, where ‘them’ is each time in v. 6 is feminine plural. ... The word ‘silver’

neuter plural in Greek, and ‘they are burned’ is a is used as another name for the Word of God in this singular verb. Dana and Mantey, in A Manual Grammar passage. ‘Silver’ is masculine singular. This allows for of The Greek New Testament, on page 165, give the agreement in gender and may explain why the following statement: ‘A seeming exception to the above preservation is promised to the words of God (plural) principle of syntax is the fact that a neuter plural subject and to the Word of God (singular). This interchange regularly takes a singular verb (Jn. 9:3).’ Therefore, it is between masculine singular and masculine plural unwise to prove or disprove a position using the (particularly in circumstances where a collective plural argument of gender and number. Anyone who studies is suggested by the singular) is not uncommon in the languages knows that there are exceptions.

O.T. We believe God has preserved the Bible, but further,

“2. The argument listing various verses in Psalms we believe that He has preserved the very words of the where ‘keep’ and ‘preserve’ speak of people is not very Bible. ... The great contrast drawn in Psalm 12 is weighty. Ps. 12:6-7 might be the only place in the whole between the words of evil men and the words of God.

book which uses these words to refer to things [other Wicked men speak perversely; God speaks purely. The than people], but that would not disqualify the words of the evil will come to nothing; God’s Word situation. Ps. 110:4 is the only verse in the Old stands forever (1 Pe. 1:25; Lk. 21:33). I believe Psalm Testament which teaches the Melchisedical priesthood 12:7 does refer to the promise of Divine preservation of of the Lord Jesus, but He. 4:7 does not hesitate to make God’s Word. It is allowable contextually, grammatically, much of it!

and theologically. This view is not dishonest nor based

“3. The argument from context does not hold water, on ignorance. Those who oppose this view should be either. He says, ‘The basic thrust of the message of more honest in their assessment of it.”

Psalm 12 is clear: the psalmist bemoans the decimation Dr. Thomas Strouse Defends Psalm 12:7 as a Promise of the upright and the growing strength of the wicked.’

of Preservation

Thus, he tries to show that verse 7, teaching A recent issue of the Detroit Baptist Theological preservation, would not fit. If this be true, neither would Seminary Journal contained an article on “The verse 6. Rather, the context is favorable to the Preservation of Scripture” by Academic Dean William preservation-interpretation. God’s promise to save the Combs. While gently rejecting the view of some poor and needy is given in verse 5; verses 6 and 7 are fundamental Baptists, such as Edward Glenny (former injected to show that His promise of verse 5 will never professor at Central Baptist Seminary), who say the be broken.

Bible nowhere promises the preservation of Scripture, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 487

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Combs himself doesn’t go much farther, claiming that thou has founded them for ever’), which Combs affirms the Bible does not tell us in what manner or how purely to be ‘a fairly direct promise of preservation’ of the the Scriptures will be preserved. It is apparent that the written form of the Torah (p. 18). As the KJV/TR

man has spent far too much time reading the bibliologists have argued all along, both the context unbelieving works of modern textual critics, such as and the grammar (proximity rule and accepted gender discordance) of Psm. 12:6-7 demand the teaching of Bruce Metzger. If a child of God follows Combs’ advice the preservation of the Lord’s pure words for every about the Bible, he would be forced to master many generation.

ancient languages as well as the “science” of textual Next, Combs quotes the NIV rendering ‘you will keep criticism in order to sift through the entire documentary us safe and protect us…’ to argue for the preservation evidence in an attempt to somehow reconstruct the of saints interpretation. However, the NIV’s translation

“original autographs.” This is a task that 99.9% of born of ‘us’ for ‘them’ is based on inferior Hebrew texts against Christians are not equipped to do, even influenced by Greek. Furthermore, the context of the assuming that modern textual criticism is a true and whole Psalm argues forcefully for the preservation of exact and believing science (which it is not). As Combs the words of God which are the antidote for the words examines various Bible passages which have of men in every generation.

traditionally been used to support the doctrine of Combs and his ilk do not have a convincing preservation, he sees only a vague, ill-defined promise grammatical, biblical or theological argument for the that is almost meaningless in practice. When he comes

‘preservation of saints’ interpretation in Psm. 12:6-7.

to Psalm 12:6-7, Combs takes the position which has The proper, contextual exegesis of this passage teaches that the Lord has preserved the pure originals intact for become popular in recent years that this Psalm does not every generation (Dr. Thomas Strouse, “Article Review,”

promise pure preservation of God’s canonical words.

April 2001).

Dr. Thomas Stouse, Emmanuel Baptist Theological THE PRACTICALITY OF PRESERVATION: CAN A Seminary (296 New Britain Ave., Newington, CT

TRANSLATION BE CALLED THE INSPIRED WORD OF

06111), has produced an excellent critique of Combs’

GOD?

article. Following is the section of Dr. Strouse’s critique Very few people read the Bible languages (Hebrew, that refutes Combs’ position on Psalm 12:6-7 --

Aramaic, and Greek) fluently. We have seen that Paul’s Combs assures the reader that the original words are doctrine of inspiration in 2 Timothy chapter three pure and inerrant words, but does not know how allows for copies and translations to be viewed as the purely they are preserved (p. 15). Of course the retort is that if the pure originals are not preserved purely, inspired Word of God. Why not? If a translation is an then how can they be preserved at all. Is one to accurate representation of the original Text of Scripture, understand that God has promised to preserve His pure what is wrong with saying that translation is the originals impurely? Combs does concede that these inspired Word of God? Many mock such an idea, verses ‘might be a general promise of preservation.’

though. Recently I received a paper written by a Bible Next, Combs argues that the grammar of vv. 6-7 is college professor in Canada which maligned me for against the word preservation interpretation. Instead, teaching that the King James Version is the inspired the gender differences between the masculine plural Word of God. It was clear that the man had pronominal suffix ‘them’ and its antecedent feminine misunderstood and misrepresented my position. In plural ‘words’ forces one to look for another antecedent replying to the man and attempting to make my stand which is masculine plural (i.e., ‘poor’ and ‘needy’ in v.

5).

on the KJV clear, I sent him statements by certain men that I respect.

However two important grammatical points overturn his argument. First, the rule of proximity requires Consider some of the statements that I sent to this

‘words’ to be the natural, contextual antecedent for Bible college professor, chiefly ones by the Institute for

‘them.’ Second, it is not uncommon, especially in the Biblical Studies and the Dean Burgon Society.

Psalter, for feminine plural noun synonyms for the Each of these statements was written by intelligent,

‘words’ of the Lord to be the antecedent for masculine godly men, who are attempting before God to come to plural pronouns/pronominal suffixes, which seem to grips with exactly what the Bible teaches about

‘masculinize’ the verbal extension of the patriarchal God of the Old Testament. Several examples of this preservation. A man certainly has the privilege of supposed gender difficulty occur in Psm. 119. In verse rejecting these statements, but to say that these men are 111, the feminine plural ‘testimonies’ is the antecedent unscholarly or that they do misjustice to the Scripture is for the masculine plural pronoun ‘they.’ Again, in three slanderous:

passages the feminine plural synonyms for ‘words’ have Institute For Biblical Textual Studies Statement on masculine plural pronominal suffixes (vv. 129, 152, Preservation

167). These examples include Psm. 119:152

(‘Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that 488

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The Institute for Biblical Textual Studies was founded in some verses, we must go back to the underlying as an extension of Dr. David Otis Fuller’s ambition to original language Texts for complete clarity, and also address the version issue and textual debate on a compare Scripture with Scripture. ...

broader scale. The Institute is committed to: Bible inspiration and Bible preservation are

— the immediate, verbal, plenary inspiration of the supremely important. The undermining or destroying of original writings of Scripture and that they are therefore either doctrine renders the other meaningless. If the inerrant and infallible. This inspiration is unique, Bible is not verbally, plenarily, and inerrantly inspired, applicable both to the process of giving the original and if inspiration does not extend to all matters of writings and the writings themselves which are that which the Bible speaks, it does not matter if the Bible product;

has been preserved or how it has been preserved. It also

— the verbal preservation of the Greek Received Text follows that if the Bible has not been preserved it does as published by the Trinitarian Bible Society; not matter how it was inspired (“Position Statement on

— the verbal preservation of the Traditional Bible Preservation,” Dean Burgon Society, approved July Masoretic Hebrew Text of Daniel Bomberg, as edited by 29, 1982).

Jacob ben Chayim;

We conclude this section with the words of Bruce

— the position that translation is not an inherent Lackey: “Faith which is based on a clear promise is boundary to verbal preservation. The breath of God, stronger than objections which are raised by our lack of product, not process, conveyed by translation from the information. Since God has promised to preserve His immediately inspired language copies of Scripture into Word for all generations, and since the Hebrew and any providentially prepared receptor language will Greek which is represented by the King James Version is impart to that translation infallible authority and the Bible that has been received from ancient tradition, doctrinal inerrancy inherent in the original language and since God has so singularly used the truth preached copies. Such a translation by the internal witness of the from this Bible, I must follow it and reject others where Holy Spirit, both with and through that translation, will they differ.”

evidence to the believer its own self-attestation and self-Some Fundamental Baptists Denying and Questioning authentication whereby God asserts himself as the Biblical Preservation

supreme Authority to that culture. For the English Fundamental Baptists are also beginning to deny or speaking world this revelation of God’s authority is question biblical preservation. For example, W. Edward preserved in the Authorized Version.

Glenny, former professor at Central Baptist Seminary, The Dean Burgon Society Statement on Preservation Minneapolis, Minnesota, denied preservation in an We believe in the plenary, verbal, Divine inspiration article that appeared in The Bible Version Debate: The of the sixty-six canonical books of the Old and the New Perspective of Central Baptist Theological Seminary Testaments (from Genesis to Revelation) in the original (1997). The article is titled “The Preservation of languages, and in their consequent infallibility and Scripture.” Consider the following plain statements: inerrancy of all matters of which they speak (2 Ti.

“The doctrine of the preservation of Scripture was first 3:16-17; 2 Pe. 1:21; 1 Th. 2:13). ... We believe that the included in a church creed in 1647. As we have argued Texts which are the closest to the original autographs of above IT IS NOT A DOCTRINE THAT IS EXPLICITLY

TAUGHT IN SCRIPTURE, nor is it the belief that God the Bible are the Traditional Masoretic Hebrew Text for has perfectly and miraculously preserved every word of the O.T., and the Traditional Received Greek Text for the the original autographs in one manuscript or text--

N.T. underlying the King James Version (as found in The type. It is a belief that God has providentially preserved Greek Text Underlying the English Authorized Version of His Word in and through all the extant manuscripts, 1611 as published by the Trinitarian Bible Society in versions and other copies of Scripture. … not only does 1976).

no verse in Scripture explain how God will preserve We believe that the King James Version (or His Word, but THERE IS NO STATEMENT IN

Authorized Version) of the English Bible is a true, SCRIPTURE FROM WHICH ONE CAN ESTABLISH THE

DOCTRINE OF THE PRESERVATION OF THE TEXT OF

faithful, and accurate translation of these two SCRIPTURE. … it is also obvious from the evidence of providentially preserved Texts [the Traditional history that GOD HAS NOT MIRACULOUSLY AND

Masoretic Hebrew Text and the Received Greek Text], PERFECTLY PRESERVED HIS WORD IN ANY ONE

which in our time has no equal among all of the other MANUSCRIPT OR GROUP OF MANUSCRIPTS, OR IN

English Translations. The translators did such a fine job ALL THE MANUSCRIPTS” (Glenny, The Bible Version in their translation task that we can without apology Debate, pp. 93, 95, 99).

hold up the Authorized Version of 1611 and say, “This is Glenny has stated his position plainly. He boldly the Word of God!” while at the same time realizing that, denies that the Bible promises the preservation of Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 489

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Scripture. He explains away every passage that has authors of modern textual criticism. When the New traditionally been cited in support of preservation, Evangelicals began associating with the modernists in including Ps. 12:7; 105:8; 119:89, 152, 160; Is. 40:8; the late 1940s, it took only ONE DECADE for New Mt. 5:18; and Mt. 24:35. At the same time, he Evangelicals to be infiltrated by that same modernism audaciously claims “a belief that God has providentially and to adopt historical critical theories. Harold Lindsell, preserved His Word in and through all the extant one of the founding fathers of New Evangelicalism, manuscripts.” This is an impossible position. There can admitted this --

be no “belief” without a word from God. “Faith cometh

“I must regretfully conclude that the term evangelical by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Ro. 10:17; has been so debased that it has lost its usefulness. ...

see also Hebrews 11). If God has not explicitly promised Forty years ago the term evangelical represented those to keep His word, we cannot have any faith in the who were theologically orthodox and who held to matter whatsoever. In that case, the fathers of modern biblical inerrancy as one of the distinctives. ... WITHIN

textual criticism were correct in treating the Bible like A DECADE OR SO NEOEVANGELICALISM . . . WAS

any other book and applying their theories of criticism BEING ASSAULTED FROM WITHIN BY INCREASING

S K E P T I C I S M W I T H R E G A R D T O B I B L I CA L

to it as they would to the works of Homer or any other INFALLIBILITY OR INERRANCY” (Harold Lindsell, The non-inspired writing.

Bible in the Balance, 1979, p. 319).

Another example of this is James Price, a professor at It is not surprising to see the more scholarly elements Tennessee Temple University. Dr. Price worked on the of the fundamental Baptist movement questioning Old Testament portion of the New King James Bible, but preservation, because many of them are sitting at the he does not believe the Received Text is the preserved feet of the textual critics mentioned above. Books by Word of God. The publishers of the New King James Bruce Metzger and Kurt Aland are readily available in Bible implied in their advertisements that they revered the bookstores and classrooms of schools such as Bob the King James Bible and its Received Text and thus Jones University, Tennessee Temple University, Central aimed to continue its legacy, but the men who did the Baptist Seminary, and Detroit Baptist Seminary. Every translation actually believe the KJV is a weak, corrupt one of the editors of the United Bible Societies Greek translation and they are committed to the critical Greek New Testament are proponents of the modernistic text. In an e-mail to me dated April 30, 1996, Price said: historical critical approach to the Bible, yet many

“I am not a TR advocate. … I am not at war with the fundamentalist seminaries have adopted this New conservative modern versions.” In a more recent e-mail, Testament and the tainted, unbelieving theories Dr. Price stated that the Bible nowhere explicitly teaches underlying it. In fact, Bruce Metzger, who believes that that God will preserve the Scriptures.

the Old Testament is a mixture of myth and truth, has

“One may infer the doctrine of preservation from spoken at Temple Seminary.

statements in the Bible, but the explicit term It does not surprise me that Glenny, Price, and others

‘preserve’ (or its derivatives) is never used in the KJV

of the written word of God” (Price, e-mail, Dec. 20, who have adopted modern textual criticism are 2000).

beginning to approach the Bible with the same When he was understandably challenged for stating naturalistic attitude as the fathers of this “science falsely that God did not promise to preserve the Scriptures, Dr.

so called.” Strangely, they are spending more time Price replied, “I know the passages that infer pointing out alleged errors in the Bible, claiming there preservation, and I believe the doctrine. I just don’t are errors in all Bibles, and rebuking men who do not think that the Bible explicitly states how God preserved believe the KJV contains error than in defending the His word.” He is therefore not as bold as Glenny, but he Bible from its enemies. I say strangely, because this is does most definitely cast doubt upon preservation by his indeed a strange endeavor for men who allegedly claim that the Bible NOWHERE explicitly states or believe in an infallible Bible. It is infallible to them only promises preservation. If that is the case, how can he in theory. The Bible warns that evil communications believe in such a thing! He says there are inferences. Are corrupt good manners (1 Co. 15:33), and this is exactly those inferences authoritative so that a doctrine can be what has happened to Fundamentalists who are sitting built on them? If so, what is he getting at? Either God at the feet of the textual critics. (Of course, they will not has promised to preserve the Scripture, or He has not.

admit that they follow the textual critics, as they profess What is this strange, muddled, middle-of-the-road to be independent thinkers; but their views on Bible position? Dr. Price wants to have his cake and eat it, too, preservation sound suspiciously the same.) but it won’t work. I predict that many of his seminary Contrast the Faith of KJV/Received Text Defenders students will be more consistent and will reject the In great contrast to these works on modern textual doctrine of preservation altogether, as have most of the criticism are the writings of defenders of the Received or Traditional Text. These men treat the Bible as God’s 490

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infallible Word and believe God has guarded the FOUR, PRESERVATION IS BROUGHT TO PASS

transmission of the Bible according to His EXPLICIT

THROUGH THE PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS. The promises, and they make this faith a central part of their preservation of the Scriptures took place through the approach to the Bible text. These include Frederick priesthood of believers. The O.T. text was preserved by Nolan, Solomon Malan, John William Burgon, Edward the Aaronic priests and the scribes who grouped around Miller, Herman Hoskier, Robert Lewis Dabney, Edward F.

them. “Unto them were committed the oracles of Hills, Terrance Brown, Jay Green, and Donald Waite.

God” (Ro. 3:2). In the N.T. dispensation every believer is Regardless of whether or not one agrees with these men a priest under Christ. Hence, the New Testament text in every detail, one encounters in their writings an has been preserved by faithful Christians in every walk entirely different attitude toward the Bible. It is an of life. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he attitude of reverence and faith that is missing from the will guide you into all truth” (Jn. 16:13). It was not the books defending modern textual criticism and the pronouncements of church fathers or counsels that modern Bible versions. As I began researching this determined the text and canon of the N.T. Rather, the subject in the early 1980s, the lack of trembling Holy Spirit guided His own into the acceptance of the reverence toward the Bible and the lack of faith in true word of God. Such copies proliferated, while divine preservation on the part of textual critics was one defective ones were ignored. The Holy Spirit continues of the first warning signals that led me to reject modern this work today in the questions that arise over the textual criticism.

wording in the modern versions.

“Hear the word of the LORD, YE THAT TREMBLE AT

FIVE, PRESERVATION EXTENDS TO THE ACTUAL

HIS WORD…” (Isaiah 66:5).

WORDS. Preservation has to do with the actual words of PRINCIPLES OF BIBLE PRESERVATION

Scripture, not merely the general teaching or concepts.

The following is by Jack Moorman:

This is made clear in the list of verses just given.

ONE, QUESTIONING PRESERVATION IS THE

Advocates of the modern versions commonly say: STARTING POINT OF APOSTASY. The questioning of the

“There is not a single doctrine missing.” But what they Bible’s preservation is the starting point of all other fail to tell you is that the words which support and kinds of apostasy. Satan in Genesis 3 did not begin his develop these doctrines are frequently missing. Thus, attack by questioning whether there was a God, or the force of the doctrine is diminished. As inspiration of whether God created, or whether the doctrine of the the Scriptures is verbal so also is preservation.

Trinity is true. Apostasy did not begin with the question SIX, PRESERVATION IS OPERATIVE IN THE SPREAD

of whether God’s word was inspired in the originals; OF THE SCRIPTURES. Preservation has taken place in apostasy began when Satan asked Eve, “Yea hath God the diffusion of God’s word, not in its being hidden or said?“ “Eve, are you certain that you presently have a stored. Stewart Custer, in seeking to somehow equate full recollection of what God said?” When doubt was the use of Vaticanus and Sinaiticus with the doctrine of given a bridgehead at this point, the other defenses soon preservation, said, “God has preserved His word in the fell. The same principle applies today: Has God sands of Egypt.” (This statement was made in a debate preserved His word and kept intact His original work of at the Marquette Manor Baptist Church in Chicago, inspiration or has He not? It is a fact that the one 1984.) To take such a position would mean that common denominator in all the varied errors, believers have had the wrong text for 1800 years, and it deviations, and heresies is that their advocates will first has been only with the advent of two liberal British criticize the standard received edition or translation of churchmen, and the retrieval of two disused Scripture.

Alexandrian manuscripts that we now have the “true TWO, PRESERVATION MUST BE APPROACHED IN AN

preserved” Word of God. No! The miracle of ATTITUDE OF FAITH. Like all other Bible truths, the preservation was operative while the Scriptures were Scripture’s teaching on its own preservation is to be in being disseminated.

the first instance accepted by faith. Edward F. Hills in his

“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of outstanding book, The King James Version Defended those that published it” (Ps. 68:11).

calls it “the logic of faith.” The facts and evidence of

“Have they not heard? Yes, verily, their sound went such preservation will then follow.

into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world” (Ro. 10:18).

THREE, PRESERVATION IS GROUNDED IN THE

ETERNAL COUNSELS OF GOD. The Bible’s preservation SEVEN, PRESERVATION MUST OF NECESSITY APPLY

is rooted in the eternal counsels of God. The Scriptures TO KEY TRANSLATIONS. As so few can read the original are as eternal as God Himself. “For ever, O LORD, thy languages, God’s promise to preserve His Word has no word is settled in heaven” (Ps. 119:89).

practical relevance if it does not extend to translations.

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by the Word of God” (Ja. 1:18; 1 Co. 4:15; 1 Pe. 1:23).

“And began at the same scripture and preached ” (Ac.

If a translation cannot be equated with the actual Word 8:35).

of God, then ultimately this leads to the situation that

“Reasoned with them out of the scriptures” (Ac. 17:2).

one must know Hebrew and Greek before they can be

“They searched the scriptures daily” (Ac. 17:11).

saved, or built up in the faith (Ro. 10:17; Mt. 4:4).

Further, the Bible’s use of the term “preserved”

“Mighty in the scriptures” (Ac. 18:24).

demonstrates that it is an absolute and not a relative

“Showing by the scriptures” (Ac. 18:28).

term. To speak of the Bible, or in this discussion, a

“Promised before by his prophets in the holy translation as being “almost preserved” is a misnomer.

scriptures” (Ro. 1:2).

Either it is preserved or it isn’t, either it has errors or it

“What saith the scripture” (Ro. 4:3).

doesn’t. Either the flower fades and the grass withers or

“The scripture saith unto Pharaoh” (Ro. 9: 17).

it does not.

“The scripture saith” (Ro. 10:11).

EIGHT, THE MEANING OF THE TERM “SCRIPTURE.”

“Wot ye not what the scripture saith” (Ro. 11:2).

While it may be assumed that the Bible usage of the word “Scripture” has reference to the original

“Comfort of the scriptures” (Ro. 15:4).

autographs; yet virtually each time the word is used it is

“Scriptures of the prophets” (Ro. 16:26).

the copies or even translations of the Scriptures that are

“Christ died…according to the scriptures” (1 Co. 15:3).

in view, e.g. it is the Scriptures to which the people had

“He rose again…according to the scriptures” (1 Co.

access.

15:4).

“But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture

“The scripture, foreseeing that God would justify” (Ga.

of truth” (Da. 10:21).

3:8).

“Did ye never read in the scriptures?” (Mt. 21:42).

“The scripture hath concluded all under sin” (Ga. 3:22).

“Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures” (Mt. 22:29).

“What saith the scripture” (Ga. 4:30).

“How then shall the scriptures be fulfilled” (Mt. 26:54)?

“The scripture saith” (1 Ti. 5:18).

“That the scriptures of the prophets might be

“That from a child thou hast known the holy fulfilled” (Mt. 26:56).

scriptures” (2 Ti. 3:15).

“That the scriptures must be fulfilled” (Mk. 14:49).

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Ti. 3:16).

“The scripture was fulfilled, which saith” (Mk. 15:28).

“The royal law according to the scripture” (Ja. 2:8).

“This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Lk.

“The scripture was fulfilled which saith” (Ja. 2:23).

4:21).

“Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain?” (Ja. 4:5)

“He expounded unto them in all the scriptures” (Lk.

“It is contained in the scripture” (1 Pe. 2:6).

24:27).

“No prophecy of the scripture is of any private

“And while he opened to us the scriptures” (Lk. 24:32).

interpretation” (2 Pe. 3:16).

“That they might understand the scriptures” (Lk.

“Wrest, as they do the other scriptures” (2 Pe. 3:16).

24:45).

The above shows clearly that the word “Scripture” refers

“They believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus to what the people had access to, what was at hand, had said” (Jn. 2:22).

what was current, what they could then actually read

“Search the scriptures” (Jn. 5:39).

and hear. Therefore, the biblical usage of the word

“He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said” (Jn.

refers primarily to copies rather than the original 7:38).

autographs. The fact that these copies and possibly even

“Hath not the scripture said” (Jn. 7:42).

translations are called “Scripture” strongly implies their

“The scripture cannot be broken” (Jn. 10:35).

preservation, and that the very qualities of the inspired original have been brought over unto them.

“That the scripture may be fulfilled” (Jn. 13:18).

These copies are holy (2 Ti. 3:15; Ro. 1:2).

“That the scripture might be fulfilled” (Jn. 17:12; 19:24; 19:36).

These copies are true (Da. 10:21).

“Another scripture saith” (Jn. 19:37).

These copies are not broken (Jn. 10:35).

“They knew not the scriptures” (Jn. 20:9).

These copies are worthy of belief (Jn. 2:22).

“This scripture must needs have been fulfilled” (Ac.

The prophecies contained in these copies have been 1:16).

fulfilled to the very letter and await fulfillment (Lk.

4:21).

“The place of the scripture which he read” (Ac. 8:32).

These copies are the very voice of God.

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This can be shown by a comparison of the following: Therefore, the translation “All scripture is given by

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, reproof…” must be adhered to.

Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews…For this What is remarkable here is that while the Scriptures cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my were inspired in the past and their profitability has to do power; and that my name may be declared throughout with the present, yet both facts are joined together in an all the earth” (Ex. 9:13-16).

identical grammatical construction. Therefore, it is the

“For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this work of past inspiration which makes the Scriptures same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be profitable in the present. And conversely, the Scriptures declared throughout all the earth” (Ro. 9:17).

cannot be profitable in the present if the manifold And again:

blessings of inspiration have not been preserved. Past inspiration is inseparably linked to present profitability.

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram…In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Ge. 12:1-3).

NINE, THE BEARING OF JOHN 16:13 UPON THE

“And the scripture…preached before the gospel unto TRANSLATION AND PRESERVATION PROCESS. “Howbeit Abraham, saying in thee shall all nations be when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you blessed” (Ga. 3:8).

into all truth” (John 16:13). God has promised to guide And further:

His people into all truth. “All” here does not mean

“basically,” “generally,” “almost,” “nearly,” “relatively.” It

“Wherefore she [Sarah] said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this must surely mean ALL! “Truth” is defined in the next bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with chapter of John as referring to the Bible. “Sanctify them Isaac” (Ge. 21:10).

through thy truth: thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17).

“Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the Through the priesthood of believers, God guided His bondwoman and her son: for the son of the people into all truth as to the canon of Scripture, e.g.

bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the which books were and were not inspired. He also freewoman” (Ga. 4:30).

guided them into all truth as to the text of Scripture These verses establish the fact that there is no (which were and were not the correct readings). And in difference between the Scriptures speaking and God order to make this relevant and practical He must also speaking. And as the Scriptures refer to that which is guide them into all truth concerning the translation of current and available, it follows that our copies are as Scripture.

much the voice of God as the original is.

Three important things can be seen in Jn. 16:13: Consider also that classic passage on inspiration: The Guide—“the Spirit of Truth”

“And that from a child thou has known the holy The Journey—“will guide you”

scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All The Arrival—“into all truth”

scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is The history of how our Bible came down to us after profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for its’ inspiration in the original autographs is to be found instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may under these three points. These must be considered in be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2

the history of every Bible of every language.

Ti. 3:15-17).

The Guide. The same Holy Spirit of Truth who There are some remarkable things about this passage verbally inspired the Word in the autographs is that are often overlooked. The words “is given by committed also to its verbal preservation in the textual, inspiration of God” are translated from the one Greek transmissional, and translation process.

word, theopneustos (God-breathed). And “is profitable”

The Journey. The statement “will guide you”

is from ophelimos. These two words are joined by the indicates that a process is in view. In the history of a conjunction kai. Thus, all scripture ( graphe) is said to be given Bible where God was actively guiding there will

“God-breathed and profitable.” The Jamieson, Fausett, be at least three key periods: (1) The Manuscript Period.

Brown Commentary says of this phrase:

(2) The Early Printed Edition Period. (3) The Period of

“Graphe is never used in the Bible of any writings an Authoritative Standard Edition. In each of these except the sacred Scriptures. The position of the two periods God’s Word will be current and available to His Greek adjectives ( theopneustos kai ophelimos) forbids taking the one as a modifier and the other as a people. “But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy predicate. i.e. ‘every God-breathed Scripture is also mouth, and in thy heart that thou mayest do it” (De.

profitable.’ The adjectives are so closely connected that 30:14).

as one is a predicate the other must be too.”

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minor variations existed in the hand copied manuscripts Slavonic, Luther, Tyndale, Geneva, and King James are of the Received Text tradition. The early printed Greek examples of versions which in a sweetly natural way texts of Erasmus, Stephanus, and Beza had some worked their way into the hearts of millions of God’s variation, as did the early printed English versions. Yet, people. High pressured promotion was not needed as in God’s promise of guiding into all truth could still be the case of Constantine’s Bible, the Latin Vulgate, or the counted on, and through the comparing of several New International Version.

sources He would put upon the heart of his people Thus when a translation is being prepared in which of the variants was the true reading.

accordance with the will of God, the life giving breath of For example, Wycliffe’s Bible was based on the Latin God will be felt in that translation. Modern versions Vulgate and was therefore flawed. Yet it could be claim to be the “results of the most recent scholarship,”

clarified with the Celtic, Waldensian, and Old Latin but there is no life in them and they fall flat after a few translations which had a Received Text tradition.

years.

This same general principle could hold even today in God’s work of preservation does more than keep the those remote and primitive areas where only a Bible from error in its transmission and translation, it preliminary translation is available. The earnest seeker gives to the Bible an enduring freshness. Therefore, a of truth can know what a true reading is, for God has translation can be as much the Sword of the Spirit as promised to “guide into all truth.” There is, however, the the original autographs. When God is active in the work disadvantage today that many missionary Bibles are of a translation (and is there a reason to think that He based on the Alexandrian text.

would not be?), the manifold blessings of the once-The Arrival. If “will guide you” refers to the process delivered work of inspiration are transmitted to that or journey; then “into all truth” must refer to the arrival translation. Our standard translation is not a valley of at a destination. This destination refers to that point dry bones, it has breath! To test this fact, read Jn. 14 in when a given language receives an authoritative the New International Version and then in the standardized Bible accepted over a considerable period Authorized Version.

of time by the great mass of believers. By any criterion ELEVEN, A STANDARD TRANSLATION SHOULD BE

the publication of the King James Version in that ACCEPTED AS THE PRESERVED WORD OF GOD. It is language which is most used in international only God who can make a translation or version a true communication is the single most important event in the Standard. Such a Standard will endure the test of time, transmissional history of Scripture.

receive universal acceptance, and result in widespread Certainly here we see the biblical principle of 1 Co.

conversion. Such a Standard will spawn and encourage 13:10 (at least in a secondary application): “But when the publication of vast amounts of supplemental that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part literature: commentaries, concordances, theological shall be done away.”

works, study helps of all kinds. And such a Standard will History has shown this version in its widespread evoke the wrath of Satan. Since it’s inception, the King appeal to tower above the other great standard versions James Version has been called “the paper pope of the of Europe. Even to this day it is the measuring rod Protestants.”

against which all others are judged. The KJV is the That the Authorized Version is such a Standard and grand culmination of God’s promise to guide His people the only Standard in the English language for nearly into all truth. Our conviction that this pinnacle was 400 years argues convincingly that it is God’s preserved reached in 1611 is enforced by the fact that since then word in that language. In response to God’s promises of textual scholarship has been rationalistic, has denied the preservation and the abundant evidence of the same, inspiration of Scripture, and has moved in precisely the the believer may be fully confident that the AV has no opposite direction.

blemishes and is without proven error. There are places TEN, LIFEGIVING QUALITIES IN A TRANSLATION.

that may need explanation, and it is right for the Inspiration in the originals will not only ensure teacher within reasonable limits to amplify, elucidate, preservation in certain key translations, but also and expound the English as well as the underlying text.

animation. It is this quality which enables a translation But this must not be done in such a way as to imply to to convict the sinner and bring manifold grace to the the listener that errors exist. For example, “This word believer: He. 4:12; Ac. 2:37; Is. 55:11; Ps. 119:9, 11, means” is acceptable; but, “A better rendering would be”

130; Ro. 10:17. It is this which ensures that a is not. Certainly, also, before being too concerned about translation will become an enduring standard among the “force of the Greek or Hebrew,” the reader should be the humble people of God. The Old Latin, Syriac certain that he has a grasp on “the force of the English”!

Peshitta, Ethiopic, Armenian, Georgian, Gothic, I say that the KJV is without “proven error” because I am not aware of errors having been proven! Given all 494

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that can be said in behalf of the King James Bible, the Faith does not have to answer every question the burden of proof must rest with the one making the skeptic can throw at it. The Trinity is believed, though charge. If he feels he has better understanding and we are at a loss to explain the details of it, and those spiritual insight at a given point than did the fifty AV

who do not believe it mock us because we cannot translators—not to mention the translators of the seven answer all their questions. The fact of the Bible canon is Bibles from Tyndale to the Bishops which prepared the believed, though we cannot describe every step whereby groundwork of the AV—then he must set forth his the canon was sealed. We have the complete Bible, and evidence.

that is enough for the man who has faith in God. Yet That this is not so easy can be seen from the those who refuse to accept the Bible as the Word of God following incident involving one of the AV translators: mock us because we cannot answer all their questions.

Dr. Richard Kilby, the translator in the Old Testament Likewise, we believe that the Bible has been perfectly group at Oxford, heard a young parson complain in an preserved because God has said so, though we are at a earnest sermon that a certain passage should read in a loss to explain some of the difficulties with this position.

way he stated. After the sermon Dr. Kilby took the Again, those who reject the doctrine of preservation young man aside and told him that the group had mock us because we cannot answer all their questions.

discussed at length not only his proposed reading but Let them mock. We have God’s promise on these thirteen others; only then had they decided on the things. What do we care if some think we are foolish or phrasing as it appeared (Gustavis S. Paine, The Men unlearned? Was that not the charge brought against the Behind the KJV, pp. 137,138).

first Christians by their proud detractors? Dear friends, Great and totally unnecessary harm has been done believe God and do not allow any man to shake your by “young parsons” (and old ones too!) who do this.

confidence in His perfect, preserved Word. [See Bible, Bible Versions, Inspiration, Masoretic Text.]

Long ago it was said: “Nothing can be more unseemly than for the unskillful to be always correcting PRESS. (1) A press by which the juice is squeezed with their literal translations and various readings, from the grape (Pr. 3:10; Joel 3:13). (2) To put pressure distressing simple souls rather than seeking that which on; to be persistent (2 Sa. 13:25,27). (3) A crowd of tends to godly edifying. Anyone who approaches a so-people (Mk. 2:4; 5:27; Lk. 8:19). (4) To move forward called problem passage in an attitude of honour toward persistently (Ph. 3:14). (5) Weighted down; sorrowful; God’s Word will find the solution equally honoring. He burdened; distressed (Ac. 18:5; 2 Co. 1:8). [See Olive.]

will find that God’s promise of preservation has been PRESSFAT. A vat in which the juice is pressed out of vindicated.”

the grape (Hag. 2:16).

TWELVE, WILL THERE BE ANOTHER STANDARD

PRESSED OUT OF MEASURE. To be powerfully BIBLE? It is possible that in the providence of God oppressed; to be weighted down (2 Co. 1:8).

another universally accepted standard translation could PRESUMPTUOUS. This sin, which David asked God be produced. However, given the lateness of the hour, to keep him from (Ps. 19:13) and which is described in the lack of spiritual scholarship, and the fact that our some detail in Nu. 15:30-31, is particularly connected language no longer has the depth and vitality it once with selfwilled pride and rebellion. The definition in had, this seems most unlikely. All indications point to the context of Nu. 15 is (1) to reproach the Lord (v. 30), the KJV as the Bible God would have His people use in and (2) to despise the Word of God (v. 31). The these last days before the Second Coming of Christ.

example given immediately after the warning about A FINAL WORD. God has preserved in the King James presumptuous sin is that of a man who gathered sticks Version His original work of inspiration. The flower has on the sabbath (Nu. 15:32-36). This was flagrant not faded. The sword is as sharp as in the day it was disobedience, because God had specifically and first whetted. (The previous study is by Jack Moorman repeatedly commanded that no work be done and that from his book Missing in Modern Bibles, pp. 65-74).

no fires be built on the sabbath, on the pain of death I praise God that we are not left to drift upon the (Ex. 20:8-11; 31:12-17; 35:1-3). Elsewhere in Scripture unsteady seas of modern critical scholarship. As a this sin is defined as (1) refusal to hearken to the Word consequence of faith in God’s promises to preserve His of God (De. 17:12-13), and (2) a selfwilled spirit which Word, I can reject all of these new texts and Bibles and refuses to submit to God-ordained authority (2 Pe.

can cleave confidently to the faithful Received Text-2:10). Examples of the sin of presumption are found in based King James Version. “Can the matter be so Ex. 21:14; Le. 10:1-2; De. 1:43; 18:20; Es. 7:5. The N.T.

simple?” you say. Why not? Has God not spoken on the equivalent is seen in Mt. 12:32; He. 10:26. The essence subject? My friends, God has not allowed His Book to be of the sin of presumption is pride. The Hebrew word lost.

“ruwm,” translated “presumptuously,” is also translated

“haughty” (2 Sa. 22:28), “high” (Ps. 18:27), “lift Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 495

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up” (Ps. 75:5), “lofty” (Ps. 131:1; Pr. 30:13), “exalt” (Ps.

1:5-6). In the church there is to be no special group of 140:8), “proud” (Pr. 6:17). [See Capital Punishment, priests. The O.T. priesthood was fulfilled in Christ. Jesus Humble, Impenitence, Impudent, Pride, Repentance, Christ is our High Priest, and every believer is a priest to Stiffhearted, Stubborn.]

offer the sacrifice of praise to God through Jesus Christ.

PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE. The Bible doctrine

[See Aaron, Advocate, High Priest, Jesus Christ, that the N.T. saints will be resurrected and caught away Melchizedek, Mercy Seat, Nicolaitan, Offerings, before the Great Tribulation. [See Great Tribulation, Propitiation, Strange Fire, Tabernacle.]

Prophecy, Rapture.]

PRINCIPALITIES. Rulers. This usually refers to the PREVENT. To be; to put before; to anticipate (Ps.

order of fallen angels under Satan (Ro. 8:38; Ep. 1:21; 28:5; 21:3; 59:10; 79:8; Mt. 17:25; 1 Th. 4:15).

6:12). Sometimes it refers to human government (Tit.

PREY. Spoil; booty; plunder (Nu. 31:12, 26).

3:1). [See Devils, Power, Satan.]

PRICE. Value; worth (Pr. 31:10; Mt. 13:46).

PRISCA. [See Priscilla.]

PRICK. A slender pointed instrument or substance, PRISCILLA (ancient). The wife of Aquila (Ac. 18:2; which is hard enough to pierce the skin; a goad; a spur; Ac. 24-26; Ro. 16:3; 1 Co. 16:19). [See Aquila.]

to urge, spur (Ps. 73:21; Eze. 28:24; Ac. 2:37; 9:5; PRISED. Appraised; valued (Ze. 11:13).

26:14). The pricks possibly referred to sharp sticks or PRISON. Place of confinement, usually for instruments used in guiding oxen. The same Greek word lawbreakers (Ge. 39:20; Jud. 16:21; 1 Ki. 22:27; 2 Ki.

is translated “sting” in 1 Corinthians 15:55,56, referring 17:4; 25:27; Ne. 3:25; 12:39; Ec. 4:14; Je. 29:26; to the sting of death. In Acts 9:5 Christ is speaking of 37:21; Mt. 4:12; Ac. 5:18-25; 8:3; 12:4-7; 16:17-27; ).

the conviction of the Holy Spirit in Paul’s life before he The term is also used to describe spiritual bondage (Is.

was saved. Paul’s conscience was pricking him, but he 42:7; 61:1). The first mention of a prison in Scripture is had heretofore resisted the Spirit’s prompting. [See in the Egyptian kingdom during the days of Joseph (Ge.

Conscience.]

39:20-23; 40:3; 42:16). Other nations used PRIDE. Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable imprisonment as a punishment, including the Philistines conceit of one’s own superiority in talents, beauty, (Jud. 16:21), the Assyrians (2 Ki. 17:4), the Babylonians wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, (2 Ki. 25:27), and the Romans (Mt. 14:3; Lk. 23:19; Ac.

which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and 16:23-24).. The conditions of imprisonment were often in contempt of others; insolence; rude treatment usually very severe. Joseph, for example, was hurt with of others; loftiness; ostentation (Webster). Pride comes iron shackles (Ps. 105:18). Samson was blinded, from the fallen heart of man (Mk. 7:22). God hates shackled in brass, and forced to perform heavy labor pride and judges it (Ps. 10:4; Pr. 8:13; Is. 16:6; 23:9; (Jud. 16:21). In Israel under the law of Moses, 28:1, 3; Je. 13:9; Eze. 30:6; Da. 4:37; Zep. 2:10; Ze.

imprisonment was not used as a punishment, but only 9:6; 10:11; 11:3). Pride will bring a man low (Pr. 11:2; for custody until judgment could be passed (Le. 24:12; 16:18; 29:23). The wicked are proud (Ps. 10:2; 73:6).

Nu. 15:34). Punishment under the Mosaic law involved Pride was one of the chief sins of Sodom (Eze. 16:49).

restitution (Ex. 21:18-36; 22:1-15; Le. 6:2-7; De. 22:29; Pride produces contention (Pr. 13:10). Pride causes man Pr. 6:30, 31) and retribution, such as beatings and to be deceived (Ob. 3). Pride hardens the mind (Da.

stoning (Le. 20:2, 27; 24:10-23; De. 13:10; 17:5; 5:20). God will hide His saints from the pride of the 21:21-23; 22:21-24; 25:1-3). The apostate northern wicked (Ps. 31:20). One of the chief traits of the world kingdom of Israel used harsh imprisonment as which the Christian is to refuse to love is “the pride of punishment (1 Ki. 22:27). The southern kingdom of life” (1 Jn. 2:15-17).

Judah also used prisons as punishment in some Examples of Pride: the devil (Is. 14:12-15; 1 Ti. 3:6), instances (2 Ch. 16:9; Je. 29:26; 37:15). It appears from Cain (Ge. 4), Pharaoh (Ex. 5-14), Nebuchadnezzar Christ’s Sermon on the Mount that imprisonment will be (Daniel 4), Haman (Esther), Herod (Ac. 12:21-23), used in His kingdom as part of the rule under “a rod of Diotrephes (3 Jn. 9-10), Antichrist (2 Th. 2:4). [See iron” (Mt. 5:25-26). [See Dungeon, Ward.]

Humble, Haughty, Impenitence, Impudent, Pomp, PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY. The Bible Presumptuous, Puffed Up, Rebellion, Repentance, Scorn, does not teach any form of communism or Stiffhearted, Stubborn, Vainglory.]

communialism or socialism which discourages the PRIEST. One who mediates between God and man; private ownership of property. God made the world and one who serves and worships God. There are three placed man in a stewardship over it. The world is God’s priesthoods spoken of in the Bible. (1) Melchizedek (Ge.

(1 Co. 10:26) but man is in charge of it during his 14:18-10). (2) Aaron (Ex. 28-29). (3) Priesthood of the earthly pilgrimage. In the Old Testament times before the believers in the N.T. dispensation (1 Pe. 2:5, 9; Re.

Law, man was allowed by God to own property and to 496

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be responsible for the use of it. We see this in the lives Ungodly and wicked (Le. 24:7-9). (4) To value spiritual of men such as Abraham (Ge. 13:5-6; 23:4-20; 26:14; things lightly (He. 12:16, 17). (4) Earthly; temporal; in 49:30) and Job (Job 1:3).

contrast to that which is spiritual and eternal (1 Ti. 1:9; In Old Testament times under the Law, man was 4:7). [See Evil Speaking, Holy, Profane and Vain taught by divine ordinance that God intends for man to Babblings, Sanctification.]

be allowed to own property. The eighth commandment PROFANE AND VAIN BABBLINGS. This expression is “Thou shalt not steal.” A man can only steal that in 1 Ti. 6:20 is a warning pertaining to false and which does not belong to him; thus we see that a man is unedifying teachings. “Babblings” refers to speaking.

to work and to enjoy the fruit of his labor. Property is to

“Profane” means common, unsanctified, impure. It be in the hands of men who have labored for it and who describes Esau because he did not value his spiritual are responsible for it. To take away that property is to heritage (He. 12:16). It describes a careless, secular break God’s law. The Israelites owned property, but they attitude toward the things of God (Le. 18:21; Mt. 12:5).

recognized that it was God’s and that they were

“Vain” means empty, without value. Thus profane stewards of it (Le. 25:13-17; 1 Ki. 4:25). It is also babblings refers to teachings which are based on the important to note that when Israel turned away from unsanctified reasoning of man rather than the guidance God, they lost their possessions and were put in of the Holy Spirit. Vain babblings are teachings which bondage to their enemies as part of God’s judgment (Le.

have no spiritual value, which do not edify but rather 26:22; De. 28:31-33).

which cause mere questionings and confusion and In the Christian dispensation, God’s Word continues to which bring spiritual injury. “Profane and vain grant man the privilege of private ownership of babblings” is a description of every form of false property. This is assumed by the N.T. commands against teaching. [See False Teaching, Profane, Vain, Vain stealing (Ep. 4:28; Tit. 3:9-10). There are many N.T.

Babbling.]

examples of Christians owning property: Ac. 10:6; PROFESS. To declare openly (De. 24:3; Mt. 7:23; Tit.

12:12; 16:15; Ro. 16:5; 1 Co. 11:22; 16:19; Phile. 2, 22.

1:16).

The situation in the early part of Acts when the PROFIT. (1) To benefit; to advance (Job 30:2; Pr.

members of the church in Jerusalem sold their 10:2; Mk. 8:36; Jn. 6:63; Ga. 1:14; 5:2). (2) Favour; gift possessions and distributed it to the common good was (2 Co. 1:15; 1 Ti. 6:2).

unique to that circumstance. The church had grown PROGENITOR. To conceive (Ge., 49:26).

from 120 to several thousand in a matter of days and many of the new members were from other parts of the PROGNOSTICATOR. One who foretells the future by country (Ac. 1:15; 2:5-11, 41). That God did not intend the observance of signs. “They pretended to know the for churches to practice communalism under ordinary future by observing the shape of the moon, or at the circumstances is plain in that we do not see any other new moon made known their monthly predictions.

churches practicing this even in N.T. times. It is also From Isaiah’s challenge, it can be seen that Scripture plain in the words spoken to Ananias and Sapphira in regards astrology and horoscopes as worthless and false, Ac. 5:4. The decision whether or not to sell their practices forbidden to the people of God (Treasury) (Is.

property and whether or not to give the money to the 47:13). [See Witchcraft.]

church was a personal decision. One of the most direct PROLONG. Defer; postpone (Eze. 12:25).

passages in the N.T. epistles dealing with possessions is PROPER. (1) Comely; fair (He. 11:23). (2) That 1 Ti. 6:17-19. Here the Word of God exhorts the which belongs to one (1 Ch. 29:3; Ac. 1:19).

Christian to be generous in the distribution of his PROPERTY. [See Covet, Employment, Gold, Labor, possessions, but it also says God “giveth us richly all Money, Offerings, Private Ownership of Property, Steal, things to enjoy” (1 Ti. 6:17). In Eternity there will Stewardship, Tithe.]

continue to be privately-owned property. See Ge. 17:8; PROPHECY. The Greek word for prophecy means “to Ps. 69:35; Mi. 4:4; Mt. 6:20; 1 Pe. 1:4; Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Ti.

tell before.” Bible prophecy refers not merely to the 6:19. [See Employment, Gold, Greedy, Labor, Money, foretelling of future events, but to divine revelation in Possessions, Sluggard, Steal, Stewardship, Tithe.]

general, God showing man that which he cannot find PRIVILY. Privately; secretly (Ju. 9:31; 1 Sa. 24:4; Ps.

out for himself. The “more sure word of prophecy”

11:2; 101:5; Mt. 1:19; 2:7; Ac. 16:37; 2 Pe. 2:1).

refers to the entire New Testament revelation, not PRIVY MEMBER. Male private parts (De. 23:1).

merely to the descriptions of the future (2 Pe. 1:19-21).

PROCHORUS (leader of the choir). Ac. 6:5.

The Power of Prophecy as Christian Evidence PROFANE. (1) To curse or use lightly (Le. 18:21;

“[Fulfilled prophecy] is equivalent to any miracle, and 19:12). (2) To defile (Le. 22:15; Ne. 13:17). (3) is of itself evidently miraculous. The foreknowledge of the actions of free and intelligent agents, is one of the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 497

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most incomprehensible attributes of the Deity, and is forms part of the evidence of Christianity. described the exclusively a divine perfection. ... No clearer testimony desolation of cities and of nations, whose greatness or greater assurance of the truth can be given, and if was then unshaken, and whose splendor has ever since men do not believe Moses and the prophets, neither been unrivaled—and their predictions were of such a would they be persuaded though one arose from the character, that time would infallibly refute or realize dead. ... The voice of Omnipotence alone could call the them.

dead from the tomb—the voice of Omniscience alone

“The history of the life and character of Christianity’s could tell all that lay hid in dark futurity, which to man Founder, as it was written at the time, and is as impenetrable as the mansions of the dead—and acknowledged as authentic by those who believed on both are alike the voice of God.

him, is so completely without a parallel, that it has

“Of the antiquity of the Scriptures there is the amplest often attracted the admiration, and excited the proof. The books of the O.T. were ... received by the astonishment of infidels—and one of them even ...

Jews as of divine authority; and as such they were acknowledges that the fiction of such a character is published and preserved. They were proved to be more inconceivable than the reality. He possessed no ancient 1,800 years ago (Josephus, Apion). Instead of temporal power; he inculcated every virtue; his life being secluded from observation, they were translated was spotless and perfect as his doctrine; he was put to into Greek above 250 years before the Christian era; death as a criminal. His religion was rapidly and they were read in the synagogues every Sabbath-propagated; his followers were persecuted, but their day. ... They have ever been sacredly kept unaltered, in cause prevailed. ...

a more remarkable degree, and with more scrupulous

“The Christian ‘religion’ has been extended over a great care, than any other compositions whatever. … No part of the world, and it is still enlarging its boundary; stronger evidence of their antiquity could be alleged, and the Jews, though it originated among them, yet than what is indisputably true; and if it were to be continue to reject it. In regard to the political changes questioned, every other truth of ancient history must or revolutions of states, since the prophecies first be set aside. That the prediction was prior to the concerning them were delivered—Jerusalem was event, many facts in the present state of the world destroyed and laid waste by the Romans. The land of abundantly testify; and many prophecies remain even Palestine, and the surrounding countries, became yet to be fulfilled. But independently of external thinly inhabited, and, in comparison of their former testimony, the prophecies themselves bear intrinsic fertility, almost converted into deserts. The Jews have marks of their antiquity, and of their truth.

been scattered among the nations, and remain to this

“They are, in general, so interwoven with the history of day a dispersed and yet a distinct people. [Israel has the Jews—so casually introduced in their application been reinstated as a nation in her own land, the dry to the surrounding nations—so frequently concealed in bones living again yet remaining spiritually dead].

their purport, even from the honoured but unconscious Egypt, one of the first and most powerful of nations, organs of their communication, and preserving has long ceased to be a kingdom. Nineveh is no more.

throughout so entire a consistency—so different in the Babylon is now a ruin. The Persian Empire succeeded modes of their narration, and each part preserving its to the Babylonian. The Grecian Empire succeeded to own particular character—so delivered without form the Persian, and the Roman to the Grecian. The old or system—so shadowed under types and symbols—so Roman empire [separated into eastern and western complete when compared and combined—so divisions] further divided into several kingdoms. Rome apparently unconnected when disjoined, and revealed itself became the seat of a government of a different in such a variety of modes and expressions, that the nature from any other than ever existed in the world.

very manner of their conveyance forbids the idea of The doctrine of the gospel was transformed into a artifice; or if they were false, nothing could be more system of spiritual tyranny and of temporal power. The impossible to have been conceived by man. And they authority of the pope was held supreme in Europe for must either be a number of incoherent and detached many ages. The Saracens obtained a sudden and pretensions to inspiration, that can bear no scrutiny, mighty power; overran a great part of Asia and of and that have no reference to futurity but what Europe; and many parts of Christendom suffered much deceivers might have devised; or else, as the only from their incursions. The Arabs maintain their warlike alternative, they give such a comprehensive, yet character, and retain possession of their own land. The minute representation of future events—so various, yet Africans are a humble race, and are still treated as so distinct—so distant, yet so true—that none but he slaves. The colonies have been spread from Europe to who knoweth all things could have revealed them to Asia, and are enlarging there. The Turkish empire man, and none but those who have hardened their attained to great power; it continued to rise for the hearts and closed their eyes can forbear from feeling space of several centuries, but it paused in its progress, and from perceiving them to be credentials of the has since decayed ...

truth, clear as light from heaven.

“These form some of the most prominent and

“Religion deserves a candid examination, and it remarkable facts of the history of the world from the demands nothing more. The fulfillment of prophecy ages of the prophecies to the present time; and if, to 498

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each and all of them, from the first to the last, an index drawn with that degree of light and shade that the is to be found in the prophecies, we may warrantably faithfulness of the picture may best be seen from the conclude that they could only have been revealed by proper point of observation—the period of their the Ruler among the nations, and that they afford completion. Prophecy must thus, in many instances, more than human testimony of the truth of have that darkness which is impenetrable at first, as Christianity.” (Alexander Keith, Christian Evidences: Fulfilled Bible Prophecy, p. 8).

well as that light which shall be able to dispel every doubt at last: and, as it cannot be an evidence of How Bible Prophecies Are Different from Other Christianity until the event demonstrates its own truth, Prophecies

it may remain obscure till history becomes its (1) Bible prophecies are detailed rather than interpreter, and not be perfectly obvious till the ambiguous and general. Names are given (Is. 45:1-3).

fulfillment of the whole series with which it is Locations are given (Mi. 5:2). Minute details are given connected” (Ibid., pp. 7-8).

(Ps. 22; Is. 53; Lk. 19:41-44). Dates are given (Da.

Why Every Christian Should Study Prophecy 9:24-27; Je. 25:11-12). Exact order of events is given (Da. 7). (2) Bible prophecies have never failed. Bible (1) Prophecy is Revelation (De. 29:29; Am. 3:7; Mt.

prophecy stands in great contrast with the hazy, 13:10-12; Re. 1:1; 22:6,10). According to these and imperfect predictions of astrologers and of other non-many other passages, prophecy is said to reveal secrets, inspired soothsayers. (3) Bible prophets agree perfectly not hide them. Prophecy is light, not darkness. It is false in their prophecies. Compare Enoch’s prophecy of teachers who have made prophecy seem to be so Christ’s second coming (Jude 14-15) with that made by obscure. (2) Prophecy is a blessing (Re. 1:3). (3) Isaiah (Is. 13:3-5), Christ (Mt. 24:30), Paul (2 Th.

Prophecy is necessary for spiritual perfection (2 Ti.

1:7-9), and John (Re. 19:11-21). Though separated by 3:16-17). We are told that ALL Scripture is given by God centuries, these prophecies agree perfectly. (4) Bible and is profitable and necessary for the building of the prophets lived holy lives in conformity with their mature Christian. Is prophecy not a large part of message. Those familiar with astrologers and other Scripture? Indeed, prophecy is woven into the very pagan prophets know they do not live holy lives. (5) warp and woof of the Word of God. The study of, Bible prophets did not prophesy for money. In fact, they understanding of, and obedience to prophecy is seen as were often persecuted and impoverished because of essential for a strong Christian life. (4) Prophecy is their prophecies. Their motive was never for personal dependable (Is. 25:1; 2 Pe. 1:19-21). According to the gain.

Apostle Peter, in the first chapter of his second epistle, the written prophetic Word is more dependable than Why are the prophecies not even more explicit. It is visions (2 Pe. 1:16), than voices (2 Pet. 1:17), than true that Bible prophecy, especially to the eye of the great spiritual mountaintop experiences (2 Pe. 1:18).

unbeliever, may appear somewhat obscure. There is (5) It is a responsibility to study prophecy (Lk. 24:25-27).

much symbolism in Bible prophecy which must be The Lord Jesus Christ firmly rebukes the disciples for interpreted by a diligent comparison of Scripture with not believing prophecy. At the judgment seat of Christ Scripture. The prophecies are not always given in a every Christian will be held accountable for whether or concise, logical order, but are scattered throughout the not he studied and believed the prophecies of the Bible.

text of Scripture. Dr. Alexander Keith gave an interesting In light of this warning, we must reject the tendency by and helpful reply to this matter in the early 1800s. “And so many to treat prophecy lightly. Not only will the if the prophetical part of Scripture which refers to the Christian be held accountable for his attitude toward rise and fall of kingdoms, had been more explicit than it prophecy, but the unbeliever will be, as well. In Lk.

is, it would have appeared to encroach on the free 16:29-31, Abraham told the rich man in hell that his lost agency of man; it would have been a communication of brothers on earth would be accountable for whether or the foreknowledge of events which men would have not they believed the prophets. (6) Bible prophecy has grossly abused and perverted to other purposes rather power to sanctify the life. It gives hope in a hopeless world than to the establishment of the truth; and, instead of (Ro. 15:4). It gives joy (Jn. 8:56). It gives comfort (1

being a stronger evidence of Christianity, it would have Th. 4:18; Is. 40:1, 2). It gives understanding in the been considered as the cause of the accomplishment of midst of confusion (Da. 9:1-2). It produces diligence the events predicted ... and thus have afforded to the and purity (Ro. 13:11-14; 1 Jn. 3:1-3). It produces unbeliever a more reasonable objection against the patience and endurance in the midst of trials (2 Co.

evidence of prophecy than any that can be now 4:16-18). It stimulates Christian labor (1 Co. 15:51-58).

alleged. ... whenever the knowledge of future events It brings time and life into proper perspective with would have proved prejudicial to the peace and eternity (Ps. 73:1-3, 12-17; Is. 26:20; 29:17; 54:7-8). It happiness of the world, they are couched in allegory, stimulates Christians to abide in Christ (1 Jn. 2:28). (7) which their accomplishment alone can expound, and Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 499

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Prophecy is an apologetic. Bible prophecy is intended to be method. Everyone agrees that great literatures properly an apologetic. Fulfilled prophecy proves the divine origin use both figurative and nonfigurative languages. ... The of the Bible to unbelievers and increases the faith of presence of figures in Scripture, however, does not believers. Thus, prophecy must be studied, understood, militate against literal interpretation. As George N.H.

and taught by Christians both to believers and to Peters explains: ‘When employing the word literal, we unbelievers. Also we must note that to be an effective are to be comprehended as also fully acknowledging the evidence, prophecy must be fulfilled and interpreted figurative sense, the beautiful ornaments of language; literally. (8) Prophecy is a reality. To say the least, we cordially accept all that is natural to language itself, Christians have a part in the things promised in Bible its naked strength and its charming adornments, but prophecy. It is true that the O.T. prophecies are not object to additionally forcing on it a foreign element, fulfilled directly in the church age but it is also true that and enclosing it in a garb that hides its just proportions.’

the Christian will enjoy the blessings spoken of in O.T.

Although the Scriptures contain figurative language, the prophecy, including the millennial glory of Christ (Col.

interpreter must be careful not to identify as a figure 3:4; Re. 2:26-27; 3:21) and the renewed creation (Ro.

that which is actual. This is true especially of prophecy.

8:18-25). There are also hundreds of prophecies directly The statement ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem’ (Ps.

related to the Christian’s future (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Co. 15; 122:6) is a request concerning the earthly city of Col. 3:1-4; 1 Th. 4; etc.).

Jerusalem, not figurative of praying for the Christian The Interpretation of Prophecy

church” (Tan, The Interpretation of Prophecy).

In contrast to the allegorical method of interpreting What about Application and Devotional Use of prophecy, “the literal method is a true and honest Scripture? “The literal method of interpretation is method. It is based on the assumption that the words of concerned with interpretation, not with application.

Scripture can be trusted. It assumes that since God Applications are fair to the Bible when they are based intends His revelation to be understood, divine on that which has been literally interpreted. To base revelation must be written based on regular rules of interpretations of the Bible on applications is erroneous human communication. To interpret literally means to and will end in chaos. ... The literal interpreter, by explain the original sense of the speaker or writer insisting on the literal sense of Scripture, does not imply according to the normal, customary, and proper usages that the Bible has no depth or latent riches. God’s Word of words and language. In order to determine the contains truths, principles, and applications which every normal and customary usages of Bible language, it is interpreter must fathom. Some of these are latent, necessary to consider the accepted rules of grammar inward, and hidden; others are patent, outward, and and rhetoric, as well as the factual historical and obvious. ... The correlation of both the simple and the cultural data of Bible times. It is proper for a word to profound in God’s Word is wonderful to behold. But this have various meanings and senses. However, when a licenses neither a mystical approach nor a forced search word is used in a given situation, it should normally for some superadded ‘spiritual’ sense. There is nothing possess but one intended sense or meaning. This is the clandestine about Christianity. The proper approach to regular law of linguistic exchange among sensible God’s Word is the reverent one of accepting what it says people. Music lovers seek to understand music and then making applications to life” (Tan, The composers, not by out-thinking and out-sensing the Interpretation of Prophecy). [See Allegorical, Types.]

composers, but by following the latter’s choice and use Prophecies of Christ’s First Coming of precise musical notes. Students of Music Appreciation One of the greatest evidences that Bible prophecy courses do not go about trying to listen for something must be interpreted literally is the fact that prophecy which is not there, but attempt rather to know the which has been fulfilled has always been fulfilled intended meaning and mood of a given composer exactly and literally. The prophecies of the first coming through his use of the notes. Otherwise what the of Christ illustrate this:

composer is trying to say is ignored and what the 1. His birth was foretold: The time (Da. 9:25). The interpreter wants to say becomes the important factor.

place (Mi. 5:2). The miracle (Is. 7:14).

Literal interpreters believe that Scriptural revelation is given to be understood by man. It believes the Bible to 2. His life was foretold: Preaching (Is. 61:1). Healing be revelation, not riddle” (Paul Lee Tan, The (Is. 61:1). Rejection (Is. 53:2-3). Entering Jerusalem Interpretation of Prophecy).

(Ze. 9:9).

What about Figurative Language? “The word literal 3. His death was foretold: His betrayal by a friend is often taken to mean that which is nonfigurative.

(Ps. 41:9; Mt. 26:14-36; 47-49). The perversion of Interpreters often set the literal over against the justice (Is. 53:7-8; Mt. 26:57-60; 27:11-14). The figurative. This is a serious misapprehension of the crucifixion (Ps. 22:14-16; Jn. 19:16-18). The words 500

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spoken on the cross (Ps. 22:1; Mt. 27:46). The mocking 1. The prophecies of Christ’s coming. Enoch (Jude crowd (Ps. 22:6-8; Mt. 27:39,41-43). Some sitting and 14-15). Isaiah (Is. 13:3-5). Zechariah (Ze. 14:5). Jesus staring (Ps. 22:17; Mt. 27:36). Soldiers casting lots for (Mt. 25:31). The angels (Ac. 1:10-11). The Apostles (2

His garments (Ps. 22:18; Mt. 27:35). Vicarious suffering Th. 1:7-10). Revelation (Re. 19:11-21).

(Is. 53:5-6; He. 9:28). Bones not broken (Ps. 22:17; Jn.

2. The time of Christ’s coming. (1) No man knows 19:31-33,36). Burial in a rich man’s tomb (Is. 53:9; Mt.

the hour nor the day (Mt. 24:36). Those who set dates 27:57-60).

for the return of Christ ignore the Word of God. (2) We 4. His resurrection was foretold (Ps. 16:10; Lk.

are to be ready always (Mt. 24:42). His Coming is 24:1-7).

imminent.

5. His return to heaven was foretold (Ps. 110:1; Mk.

3. The purpose of Christ’s coming: (1) To complete 16:9,14-19).

the salvation of the saints (He. 9:28), in the sense of A Prophetic Overview of the Future fulfilling His promises pertaining to resurrection and The following is a listing of the major events glorification. (2) To be glorified in His saints (2 Th.

prophesied for the future.

1:10). (3) To bring to light the hidden things of darkness (1 Co. 4:5). (4) To judge (2 Ti. 4:1). (5) To 1. Church-age believers will be caught away before reign (Re. 11:15). (6) To destroy death (1 Co. 15:25, the Great Tribulation (Ro. 5:9; 1 Th. 1:10; 4:13-17; 26).

5:4-9; Re. 3:10). [See Rapture.]

4. The manner of Christ’s coming: (1) Bodily (Ac.

2. The Great Tribulation will come upon the earth 1:9-11; Re. 1:7). (2) In the clouds (Mt. 24:30). (3) In (Mt. 24:15; Da. 12:1; Is. 13:6-13; 24:1—26:11). (1) great glory (Mt. 16:27; 25:31; 24:30). (4) In flaming The Antichrist will arise and control and deceive (Mt.

fire (2 Th. 1:8). (5) With the angels (Mt. 16:27). (6) 24:15; Da. 7-12; 2 Th. 2:7-13; Re. 13). (2) The With His saints (1 Th. 3:13). (7) Suddenly (Mk. 13:36).

announcement of the soon-coming kingdom will be preached in all the world (Mt. 24:14; Re. 7). (3) There 5. The events of Christ’s coming: (1) He will raise the will be worldwide persecution of those who refuse to dead saints (1 Th. 4:15-17). (2) He will destroy follow the Antichrist (Mt. 24:9-10; Da. 7:25; 8:24; unbelievers and rebels (2 Th. 1:7-9). (3) He will bind 11:33-35; Re. 13:7). (4) There will be terrible Satan (Re. 20:1-3). (4) He will establish His own supernatural judgments (Re. 7-18; Is. 24:1—26:11; Mt.

government on earth (Mt. 25:31). (5) He will judge the 24:21). (5) Great armies will march and fight (Eze.

nations (Mt. 25:32-41). (6) He will rule the world (Ze.

38-39; Da. 11; Ps. 2; Ze. 14; Re. 9:13-19; 16:12-16). (6) 14:9).

Fearful demonic forces will be unleashed (Re. 9:1-11).

6. The motivation of Christ’s coming: (1) It comforts

[See Great Tribulation.]

us in our earthly trials (1 Th. 4:18). (2) It causes us to 3. The nation Israel will turn to the Lord Jesus Christ live obedient lives (1 Jn. 3:1-3; 1 Th. 5:4-7). (3) It (Ze. 12:10-14; Mt. 23:37-39). [See Covenant.]

causes us to separate from evil (Tit. 2:13-14). (4) It causes us to avoid false teachers (1 Jn. 2:24-28).

4. The Lord Jesus Christ will return from heaven (Mt.

24:29-31; 2 Th. 1:9-11). (1) Antichrist will be destroyed Prophecies Pertaining to the Church Age (Re. 19:19-21). (2) Satan will be bound (Re. 20:1-3).

Following is a survey of the N.T. regarding the course (3) O.T. and Tribulation saints will be resurrected (Da.

of this present age. If a Christian is to understand 12:2; Re. 20:4-6). (4) Israel will be regathered from church history and the conditions among professing throughout the world (Je. 30:3-11, 18-24; 31:1-40; Christians today he must be familiar with N.T. prophecy.

32:37-44; 33:2-26). (5) Christ will set up His kingdom We have not been left in darkness. The Lord Jesus and with Jerusalem as the headquarters (Mt. 25:31-46; Ze.

the Apostles, through the Holy Spirit, have given us the 14; Is. 60). (6) The earth will become a paradise (Is.

outline of events from the time extending from that 35). [See Jesus Christ, Millennium.]

hour until the eternal ages begin their endless 5. Satan will be loosed and will be allowed to lead succession. Please note that here we are not considering one final, unsuccessful rebellion (Re. 20:7-9).

the Bible’s prophecies regarding Israel or the Gentile nations, but only those concerning the church, using 6. The unsaved will be resurrected to a judgment of that term in the sense of the visible, professing church condemnation (Re. 20:11-15). [See Judgment, (Christendom) and of the true churches of born again Resurrection.]

believers.

7. God’s people will forever enjoy the New Heaven Increasing Apostasy

and New Earth (Re. 21-22).

A survey of N.T. church prophecy makes it clear that

The Second Coming of Christ

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passes and the coming of Christ draws near (2 Ti. 3:13).

power and life. There are large elaborate church God’s people are warned that the N.T. truth will be buildings, grand ritualistic services, and much activity, abandoned by those who profess to be Christians. This, but there is often no true supernatural power—no of course, is exactly what we can see in church history, power for conviction of sin, no power for the new birth, and the corrupting process is increasing today at a no power for holy living, no power for miraculous frightening pace.

answer to prayer, no power to rebuke the evil of sin and There are many ways this is prophesied. It is woven apostasy, no power to believe and obey the Word of into the very fabric of the N.T. As the N.T. progresses, God, no power to discern truth from error.

there is an increasing emphasis upon apostasy. The first 4. Deceit, subtlety, untrustworthiness, political, epistles deal to various degrees with the problem of treachery (2 Ti. 3:3-4). Paul pictures the apostates false teaching, but when we come to 2 Timothy, then 2

“creeping” around and deceiving people; they are Peter, 2 John and Jude, the writers are almost untrustworthy, fierce. This is definitely a characteristic completely taken up with the theme of apostasy. Finally of apostasy. Those who reject the witness and teachings in Revelation we find the true churches taken away and of the Holy Spirit follow their own fallen hearts.

the apostate “church” in full bloom, ruling for a brief Jeremiah tells us about this natural heart: “The heart is period with the beast, the antichrist (Re. 17).

deceitful above all things, and desperately Let us take a brief survey of some of the major wicked...” (Je. 17:9). Apostate Christians cannot be passages containing church prophecy. Anyone familiar trusted. They imitate the way of their father, the devil, with the prophecies should not be surprised at the who “through his subtilty beguiled Eve” (2 Co. 11:3). Of strange, apostate, compromising conditions we find the apostate religious leaders of His day, Jesus said: “Ye today among Christians. The Holy Spirit of God has are of the your father the devil, and the lusts of your forewarned that this will be the case as the preparations father ye will do. He was a murderer from the are made for the creation of the harlot church of the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is tribulation period.

no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of Characteristics of the Last Days—2 Timothy 3-4: his own: for he is the father of it” (Jn. 8:44).

1. Perilous (2 Ti. 3:1). This means times will be In light of these warnings we should not be surprised difficult, hard, fierce. The reason for the difficulty, as the at the deceit and political maneuverings of leaders of rest of the chapter reveals, is the widespread apostasy.

such apostate groups as the World Council of Churches This makes life difficult for N.T. Christians.

and the Roman Catholic Church. Christians who are deceived by these evil men have only themselves to 2. Low moral and spiritual standards (2 Ti. 3:2-4).

blame, because God has revealed to us the heart These conditions have always been true of the world in condition of apostates. This is not judging; it is believing general. In Ge. 6, in the days of Noah before the flood, the Bible! The treacherous way true Christians have men were described in this way. The difference in 2 Ti. 3

always been treated by the leaders of apostasy is is that these are conditions among professing Christians, fulfillment of this prophecy. An example is the countless among those who “have a form of godliness” (2 Ti. 3:5)!

multitudes of godly N.T. believers who have been Those familiar with the low moral and spiritual murdered by the RCC throughout church history.

condition within apostate Christian groups such as the Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, 5. Increasing in knowledge, but not in truth; much and the liberal Protestant denominations, understand education, but not subjected to divine revelation (2 Ti.

that Paul’s prophecy has been fulfilled. For example, it is 3:7). There is an impressive amount of learning and very common now for the large Protestant education among apostate Christians. Schools of higher denominations to sympathize even with homosexuality.

theology are producing men with grand titles and For instance, in 1983 the United Church of Christ gave degrees who are producing books by the truck-load on official approval to a report in which it was stated that every sort of theological theory; but this “higher”

sexual orientation is not a moral issue and that learning never results in the simple truth of the Word of candidates for ordination should not be refused on the God. Rationalistic theologians move from one new grounds of being homosexual. This official action took hypothesis to another because they have no anchor to place at their biennial general synod and received an the truth. They have rejected the plain teaching of the overwhelming vote of approval.

Bible; therefore they have no absolute standard for judgment. The humblest born-again Christian who 3. Form of godliness without the power (2 Ti. 3:5).

believes the Bible knows more truth than all the learned The word “form” could be translated “ritual,” and this is apostate doctors of theology who have rejected the an apt description of what much of Christianity has testimony of God’s Book. In fulfillment of this prophecy, become—ritualistic, sacramental, without true spiritual some groups, such as the Roman Catholic Church, have 502

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been conducting theological schools for hundreds and chosen, prepared men. Compare 2 Pe. 1:21. (5) The hundreds of years, but have yet to arrive at the simple purpose and power of the Bible—It produces salvation truth of the Apostles!

(2 Ti. 3:15) and good Christian living (2 Ti. 3:17). The 6. Resisting the truth (2 Ti. 3:8). Apostate Christians word “perfect” in verse 17 does not refer to sinless are broadminded and accept almost anything and perfection, but to completeness, maturity. [See Perfect.]

anyone—except simple, apostolic Bible truth and 6. Preach the Bible (2 Ti. 4:1-4). “Preach” means to preachers! They want the N.T. Christian to ignore their proclaim, herald, announce. (1) This is a solemn charge apostasy, but they certainly do not ignore the simple from God. Every preacher will stand before the Lord Bible faith of the N.T. Christian. They mock and slander Jesus Christ and answer for how he preached God’s and reproach and resist that faith.

Word. Those who compromise some teachings, or refuse 7. Refusing to obey N.T. teaching (2 Ti. 3:8). Apostates to rebuke sin and error (this is an inescapable part of are reprobate concerning the teachings of the Apostles.

the ministry of preaching), or misinterpret the Bible, or The N.T. doctrines of inspiration, salvation, judgment, preach without patience and spirituality, or decide to sin, man, the world, the future, etc. are largely (or enter into dialogue rather than to proclaim the truth, wholly) rejected.

will be dealt with by God. (2) This is to be done at all What God Expects from His People in Times of Apostasy times, convenient or inconvenient. (3) This involves negative as well as positive preaching. The first two 1. Separation from those who are apostate (2 Ti. 3:5).

aspects of preaching referred to in 2 Ti. 4 are negative—

Separation from apostasy is the only effective solution reprove and rebuke! “Reprove” means to convince of sin to the problem of error. Heresy is likened to a leaven or error. “Rebuke” means to warn, to censor. “Exhort”

which permeates everything it touches, thus the only means to call alongside, to encourage, to appeal. It is as protection is complete separation. Separation is to say, “Come, join me in obeying the Truth!” (4) This is despised in the ecumenical climate of these last days, to be done in the proper manner and attitude—”with all but it is God’s prescription against the disease of false longsuffering and doctrine.” (5) This is to be done even teaching. [See Separation.]

if people do not want to hear the preaching (vv. 3-4).

2. Follow Paul’s teaching and example (and that of the 7. Do not forget evangelism (2 Ti. 4:5). In the midst of other apostles) (2 Ti. 3:10-11). Christians in every fighting against false doctrine and apostasy and while century are to follow the apostolic pattern. Compare 1

teaching the Word of God to Christians, it is possible to Ti. 6:13-14, 20.

get away from the urgent business of witnessing to the 3. Understand that troubles will come to those who set lost, of preaching the Gospel of the cross of Christ to their hearts to obey the Bible in apostate times (2 Ti.

every nation and individual. Timothy was reminded to 3:12).

do the work of an evangelist. While not every Christian 4. Abide in sound doctrine (2 Ti. 3:14). In apostate is called to be an evangelist, every Christian is to do the times the pressure to relax one’s doctrinal position is work of an evangelist, which is to preach the Gospel to intense. Many professing Christians are entirely apostate the lost. [See Evangelist, Great Tribulation.]

from the truth, but many others, while themselves 8. Be concerned about every detail of life, doctrine, and believers of the Bible, compromise many things for the ministry—“watch thou in all things” (2 Ti. 4:5).

sake of popularity, peace, and convenience. Through Christians must watch every area of their lives. Nothing failing to rebuke apostasy and to contend earnestly for is unimportant. No teaching of the Bible (2 Ti. 3:16); no the faith, they avoid the troubles and labels which thought in one’s mind (2 Co. 10:5); no sinful thing (1

follow such actions. Timothy, though, is exhorted to Th. 5:22); no conversation or word (Col. 4:5-6); no stand firm in the teachings of the Lord’s Apostles and to minute of the day (Ep. 5:16); no decision (Pr. 3:5-6).

endure the resulting hardships.

9. Completely fulfill your God-given ministry—“make 5. Remain confident in the Bible (2 Ti. 3:15-17). Here full proof of thy ministry” (2 Ti. 4:5). Even if every other we see (1) the nature of the Bible—It is a holy book.

professing Christian and preacher compromises with the

“Holy” means “set apart,” referring to the truth that the apostasy of the times, look to yourself and be certain Bible is unlike any other book. It is God’s Book. (2) The that you fulfill your God-given ministry according to the origin of the Bible—It is from God! (3) The perfection of instruction of the N.T. It is Christ to whom we must the Bible—It is from God in its entirety, and it is all answer, not man. Stand fast!

profitable and important for the believer. The entire Characteristics of the Last Days—Matthew 13

Book is given by inspiration of God. The Greek word translated “inspiration” can also be translated “God-The Background. (1) Jesus came and presented breathed.” The Bible, though written by men, came Himself to Israel as the promised Messiah and King (Mt.

from God. It was breathed out from God through holy, 1-10). We know that Jesus did not come to establish the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 503

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Messianic kingdom; He came to die for man’s sin; but (Re. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). (3) To give a foreview He did show Himself as the Messiah. His rejection was of church history. By the divinely inspired order of the necessary for the fulfillment of prophecy (Is. 53:3). (2) letters to the seven churches we see the same pattern of He was publicly rejected by Israel’s leaders and increasing apostasy which is revealed in other ways in representatives (Mt. 11-12. See especially 12:22-28).

the N.T.

(3) Christ then offered Himself to anyone who would The seven churches viewed prophetically: come—Jew or Gentile. It was not until chapter 11:28-30

Ephesus (Re. 2:1-7) -- The apostolic church leaving its that Christ made this offer. (4) Having turned to the first love. The early churches as a whole gradually began Gentiles, Christ now reveals the “mystery” period of the to abandon their wholehearted zeal for Christ and His kingdom (Mt. 13:11). This mystery refers to the course Word; they gradually ceased living by faith and settled of the age during the time of His absence from this earth down comfortably in the world rather than walking as and His temporary rejection by Israel. This period was pilgrims in a strange land. “Ephesus means ‘desirable,’

not foretold in O.T. prophecy, and this is why it is called such a term as a Greek applied to the maiden of his a mystery. Compare Mt. 23:34-39; Ho. 3:4-5; Ro.

choice. Ephesus gives us a picture of the church as it 11:25-26. The O.T. prophecies of the kingdom revealed was in the beginning, when the Lord held the stars (His that Christ would suffer (Is. 53) and would reign (Is.

servants) in His hand and controlled their ministry. He 9:6-7). Nothing is mentioned, though, in O.T. prophecy sent them here and there, just as He would, to proclaim about a period in between these two great events in the glad gospel of His grace and to minister to His which God would temporarily set aside the nation Israel saints. ... The early church was walking in separation and build a church composed both of Jews and Gentiles.

from the world. ... In the days of Ephesus, believers 1. The Sower (Mt. 13:1-23). The Gospel begins to be could not bear those who were evil. ... More than that, preached worldwide and falls upon every kind of soil—

they were loyal to the truth” (Ironside).

people and nations.

Smyrna (Re. 2:8-11) -- Persecution and poverty and 2. The Tares (Mt. 13:24-30). Satan puts false the synagogue of Satan. For more than 200 years the Christians and false teachers among the true churches churches were persecuted by the Roman emperors.

and Christians.

Christ mentions 10 days of persecution, and there were 3. The Mustard Seed (Mt. 13:31-32). The church 10 major periods of persecution under 10 principal experiences abnormal growth and becomes the home of pagan persecutors (Nero, Domitian, Trajan, Marcus evil things. A seed intended to produce a vegetable Aurelius, Severus, Maximum, Decius, Valerian, Aurelian, plant becomes a tree. The birds are revealed as evil in and Diocletian). There was also much poverty, because verse four. They are demons and professing Christians during this period the believers often had to live hand to and teachers controlled by demons. Compare I Ti. 4:1

mouth and in hiding due to the persecution. Judaism and 2 Co. 11:13-15. This is exactly what has happened was also rampant throughout the Roman Empire and in Christianity. The simple church that Christ established the Jews continued to hate the Christians and to has become the largest religion in the world. It is mostly torment them as they did during Paul’s day. It is written apostate and full of demonic teachings and activities.

in church history that the Jews provided the wood to 4. The Hidden Leaven (Mt. 13:33). Christendom will burn Polycarp in Smyrna. “Smyrna means ‘myrrh.’

gradually increase in error until it is entirely apostate.

Myrrh had to be crushed for it to emit its fragrance. This

“Till the whole was leavened.” The final apostate description sets forth the period when the church was

“church” is pictured in Re. 17 as the Great Harlot. That crushed beneath the iron heel of pagan Rome, yet it which professes to be the pure and faithful bride of never gave out such sweet fragrance to God as in those Christ is actually a prostitute with the world and the two centuries of almost constant martyrdom” (Ironside).

devil.

Pergamos (Re. 2:12-17) -- Nicolaitanism was 5. Immediately after the parable of The Hidden developed into a doctrine and Balaamism was rampant.

Leaven, Christ describes His return to earth and the

“Nicolaitan” means “to conquer the people” and refers destruction of the apostate religious system (Mt.

to the rise of the unbiblical hierarchical doctrine of 13:36-43). [See also Parable.]

church government. By the days of Constantine in the Characteristics of the Last Days—Revelation 2-3

fourth century the bishop of Rome was exalted, together with his cohorts, and Nicolaitanism was well on its way The threefold application of the messages.

to producing the papacy. In the early seventh century (1) To instruct the particular churches to which they Gregory the Great solidified the papacy, becoming “the are addressed. (2) To instruct all churches. The first of the proper popes” (Schaff, History of the instruction given to the seven churches of Asia in the Christian Church, I. 15), and later that century Pope first century applies to every church of every century Theodore I was the first pope officially called sovereign 504

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or supreme Pontiff ( General History of the Church, Because Rome everywhere has accustomed people to Darras, II, p. 232). At the same time, there was a gross think of Him as the Son of Mary” (Ironside).

breakdown of separation from the world (the doctrine Sardis (Re. 3:1-6) -- A partial, insufficient of Balaam), and unregenerate pagans were brought into reformation. This church had a name that it was alive, church membership and their pagan practices, such as but it was actually dead (Rev 3:1). Its works were not prayers to the dead and veneration of relics, were perfect before Christ (Re. 3:2). The church was told to Christianized and adopted into the churches.

remember the first works, referring to the New

“Constantine’s patronage did what Diocletian’s Testament pattern given by the apostles (Re. 3:3). All of persecution could not do: it corrupted the church, and these things are characteristic of the denominations that she forgot her calling as a chaste virgin espoused to an arose out of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th to absent Lord. Then she gave her hand in marriage to the the 18th centuries. They left the Catholic Church and world that had crucified Him, thus entering into an rejected some of Rome’s false beliefs and practices, but unholy alliance of which she has never really they did not return to the pure apostolic model. They repented” (Ironside).

held to infant baptism, a special priesthood, sacraments, Thyatira (Re. 2:18-29) -- The Jezebel spirit; idolatry, liturgy, and other errors. They established state churches fornication, and involvement in satanic things. Jezebel and brought the unsaved into church membership by brought fornication and idolatry into the churches and the rite of infant baptism. Thus, though they had a was associated with “the depths of Satan” (Re. 2:20, 24).

name that they lived, they were largely dead. “Nothing These practices, which began in earlier periods, became could describe ‘Protestantism’ more accurately! As over settled doctrine as the first millennium proceeded and against Romish night and ignorance, she has the second began. Fornication became rampant in the enlightenment and outward activity: the great ‘state Roman Catholic Church because of its unscriptural churches,’ or ‘denominations,’ with creeds and histories, doctrine of celibacy and confession to a priest. The costly churches and cathedrals, universities and fornication surrounding the papacy itself has been well seminaries, ‘boards,’ bureaus of publication and documented. Idolatry became rife and Mary was exalted propaganda, executors of organized activities, including as the chief idol. “Whoredom, witchcraft, religious home and foreign missions, even ‘lobby’ men to fasts,--and murdering God’s prophets,--this was Jezebel.

‘influence legislation’ at court! You and I dare compare Is not this also Rome? Jezebel also supported a horde of the Church with no other model than the Holy Spirit idolatrous priests of her own--Babylonians all” (Newell).

gave at Pentecost and in Paul’s day! And compared to

“During this period also there began that exaltation of that--it has a name, but is dead” (Newell). “Nothing can Mary the mother of our Lord which has tended to exalt be much sadder than vast congregations of people who her to the plane of a female deity through whom are baptized, banded together as Christians, ‘taking the intercession to God should be made, and apart from sacrament’ of the Lord’s Supper, zealous for church and whose favor there can be no salvation. The prominence Christianity, and yet largely devoid of personal, saving of a woman prophetess in the church at Thyatira faith in Christ--trusting in forms, ceremonies, and what anticipates the prominence of this unscriptural some people have called ‘birthright membership’ rather exaltation of Mary” (Walvoord). “Jezebel was adept in than in new birth through the Word and the Spirit of the art of mixing. She undertook to unite the religion of God” (Ironside).

Israel and the religion of Phoenicia. That is just what Philadelphia (Re. 3:7-13) -- The churches that keep Romanism is--a mixture of heathenism, Christianity, and God’s Word (Re. 3:8) and escape the great tribulation Judaism. It is not Christianity--yet there is in it quite a (Re. 3:10). This depicts the remnant of sound churches bit that is Christian. From where did its superstition and that remain true to God until the Rapture. From the fact image worship come? It was all taken from heathenism that Jesus’ promise to the church at Philadelphia under the plea that it would help to convert the pagans.

obviously looks beyond anything that was experienced The church became very accommodating. In the fourth, in that church historically and can only apply directly to fifth, and sixth centuries, we find the church churches existing at the time of the Rapture (“I also will compromising with heathen rites and heathen keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come ceremonies to such a degree that, by the seventh upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth,”

century, one could hardly tell heathen from Christian Re. 3:10), we see that there will be Philadelphia temples. The amalgamation is such that it is almost churches existing in the darkest hours at the end of the impossible to separate the one from the other. ... When church age. Many people today have abandoned the He addresses Himself to the church of Thyatira, Christ church as an institution, but Jesus said, “I will build my speaks solemnly as ‘the Son of God.’ Why does the Lord church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against Jesus Christ emphasize the fact of His deity here?

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it “even unto the end of the world” (Mt. 28:20). Thus in

“It is Laodicean,--conformed in everything to the popular spite of the widespread apostasy that exists in our day judgment and will,--the extreme opposite of Nicolaitan.

we can be encouraged that there are true Philadelphia Instead of a Church of domineering clericals, it is the churches in the world and we are responsible to Church of the domineering mob, in which nothing may continue to support Christ’s chosen institution until He be safely preached except what the people are pleased comes. We agree with Arno Gaebelein when he said, to hear,--in which the teachings of the pulpit are

“Philadelphia is not a defined church-period, but rather fashioned to the tastes of the pew, and the feelings of a description of a loyal remnant called out by the Spirit the individual override the enactments of legitimate of God and bearing the final testimony to the whole authority. It is lukewarm,--nothing decided,--partly hot counsel of God by word and deed.” And Harry Ironside and partly cold,--divided between Christ and the makes the following observation: “Following the world,--not willing to give up pretension and claim to Reformation came a time when a cold, lifeless the heavenly, and yet clinging close to the earthly,--

formalism seemed to settle over all Protestant having too much conscience to cast off the name of Christendom ... But in the eighteenth and nineteenth Christ, and too much love for the world to take a firm centuries a great wave of blessing came over all of those and honest stand entirely on His side. There is much lands where the Reformation had gone. God began to religiousness, but little religion; much sentiment, but work afresh in mighty power. Marvelous awakenings very little of life to correspond; much profession, but occurred all over Northern Europe and the British Isles.

very little faith; a joining of the ball-room to the A half century later, the same mighty power began to communion-table, of the opera with the worship of God, manifest itself in America. ... A little later, in the early and of the feasting and riot of the world with pretended part of the last century, God began in a very special way charity and Christian benevolence. And it is self-to arouse many of His people to a deeper sense of the satisfied, boastful, and empty. Having come down to the value of His Word and its all-sufficiency for the guidance world’s tastes, and gained the world’s praise and of His people in this scene” (Ironside).

patronage, the Laodiceans think they are rich, and Laodicea (Re. 3:14-22) -- The unregenerate end-time increased with goods, and have need in nothing. Such church. This church is described as physically wealthy splendid churches, and influential and intelligent but spiritually wretched, and miserable, and poor, and congregations, and learned, agreeable preachers! Such blind, and naked (Re. 3:17). The Lord Jesus is standing admirable worship and music! Such excellently manned outside of this church inviting individuals to come to and endowed institutions! So many missionaries in the Him. This is a picture of the apostate churches of the field! So much given for magnificent charities! Such an last hours of the church age. Compare Revelation 18:4.

array in all the attributes of greatness and power! What

“Laodicea is a compound word meaning ‘ the rights of the more can be wanted? ... Can any man scrutinize people.’ Could any other term more aptly set forth the narrowly the professed Church of our day, and say that condition of modern affairs? It is the era of we have not reached the Laodicean age?” (J.A. Seiss, democratization in both the world and the church. ...

The Apocalypse, 1900).

The spirit of this ultrademocratic age has invaded a A summary of the lessons from this overview of church large portion of the professed church. The authority of history: (1) The church of Jesus Christ will not be God and His Word is rapidly being denied. The spirit of conquered by the world and will not die. In spite of the age is the spirit of a large part of the church; hence, apostasy and persecution, the Philadelphian church the striking correspondence between this letter to the exists in the last days and is Raptured. Compare Laodiceans and the latitudinarianism so prevalent about Matthew 16:18. (2) Apostasy will increase until the end.

us. ... There is neither burning zeal for His Word nor yet Compare 2 Timothy 3:13. The prophetic picture absolute repudiation of Christ and the Bible. Instead, described in Christ’s messages to the seven churches is there is a nauseating, lukewarm condition that is one of increasing apostasy from the New Testament abhorrent to the Spirit of God. ... Never were church pattern as the church age progresses. This, of course, is dignitaries and carnally minded religious leaders more exactly what we see in history, and the apostasy is satisfied with themselves and their great work than increasing continually before our very eyes.

today. They advocate anything and everything that will Total Apostasy (Revelation 17)

seem to increase the church’s popularity. ... Ah, beloved In Revelation 17 and 18 we see the final form of the friends, it is getting late in the dispensation, the night-professing “church” just prior to Christ’s return in power shades are fast falling, and the Lord who, in the and glory. This is after the translation of true Christians beginning, was in the midst of His church, stands from the earth. Notice the characteristics of the harlot outside that lukewarm system that calls itself by His church and remember that though the final, totally name, and He knocks in vain for entrance!” (Ironside).

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comes on the scene (the harlot is pictured as riding representing some 500 million people in 100 nations.

upon the beast, the antichrist government), the This large body of apostate Christendom has already conditions of apostasy have been growing throughout become one in spirit with the Roman Catholic and the centuries and can be seen on every hand today.

Greek Orthodox Churches, and has recognized Preparations are being made throughout Christendom

“spirituality” in non-Christian religions. There is already for the formation of this end-time harlot church.

a harlot “church” sitting upon many waters.

This explains the movement among even those who 3. United with secular government (Re. 17:2). “With profess to be evangelical, Bible-believing Christians to whom the kings of the earth have committed abandon fidelity to the Word of God and to move closer fornication...” This failure to maintain N.T. separation to those who are already apostate. This explains the between the churches and the secular government has movement of Protestant churches back toward union always been a hallmark of the Roman Catholic Church, with Catholicism. Herein lies the mystery of why the the state churches of Europe, and now the World doctrine of separation is so despised and slandered in Council of Churches and other ecumenical bodies.

our day. Fidelity to the Scriptures and separation from Apostasy does not hesitate to unite with godless men in apostasy are stumbling blocks to the formation of the government to accomplish its purposes. The Apostles harlot church.

and early Christians did not unite in any way with the How Revelation 17 Pictures the Roman Catholic Roman government, but remained entirely separate and Church

faithfully carried out the commission Christ had given The Roman Catholic Church fits perfectly the them. Apostate Christians care nothing for Christ’s Great description of the harlot church of Re. 17, but the Commission, but have humanistic, socialistic, worldly Catholic Church alone as it presently exists does not goals; therefore, they have no reason not to unite with fulfill this prophecy. Catholicism foreviews the prophecy, secular government in these goals.

but does not yet fulfill it. Romanism does, though, give 4. Causing men to be drunken with her fornications a perfect picture to us of this future harlot church.

(Re. 17:2). “... and the inhabitants of the earth have Romanism has ridden through church history upon the been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”

back of kings, is clothed in gorgeous robes and decked Apostate religion allows men to continue in their sinful in expensive attire, is full of abominations, is drunken pleasures while having a form of religion to soothe their with the blood of the martyrs it has slaughtered guilty consciences. The attraction of apostate throughout its bloody history, and sits upon the seven Christianity to the people of the world, in spite of the mountains of Rome. The inhabitants of the world are fact that apostate Christendom has constantly indeed drunk with the wine of her fornication.

discredited itself, is amazing to behold. This is Countless multitudes of deceived people from illustrated by the world’s love of the pope of Rome. The practically every nation of the world blindly follow the pope has a definite supernatural attraction to Catholic errors and glory in the apostate Roman rituals.

unregenerate men. Even the secular, humanistic press 1. Spiritual harlotry (Re. 17:1). This harlot church, gives the Roman pope great acclaim, something not though claiming to be the bride of Christ, is unfaithful accorded any other religious leader. Of the pope’s to Christ and His Word, having prostituted itself with journey to South America in 1980, Time magazine said: the world and the demonic powers behind the world

“The Polish-born pontiff proved a spell-binding system. “No one who will take the trouble to read Eze.

presence, drawing crowds of a million or more on at 16 and 23 can fail to understand God’s plain language.

least six occasions.” Following the first visit ever made In these two chapters of Ezekiel alone, whoredom is by a pope to America, Time magazine gushed: “A gentle mentioned over twenty times, as describing the sin shepherd with a will of steel, John Paul II thrilled the before God of those who turn His worship into U.S. with a glorious pilgrimage that won hearts—and shameless fellowship with demons and commerce with challenged the nation. ... After only a year in office, the the world” (William R. Newell, The Book of the Pontiff is emerging as the kind of incandescent leader Revelation).

that the world so hungers for—one who can make people feel that they have been lifted above the 2. Worldwide power (Re. 17:1). The “many waters”

drabness of their lives and show them that they are are the harlot’s global reach (Re. 17:15). The terms capable of better emotions, and better deeds than they

“Catholic” and “Ecumenical” mean universal, may have thought.” Several people have been trampled worldwide, and the present movement of Christian to death in the great crowds which flock to see the pope unity, represented by groups such as the Roman Catholic during his world travels. In 1980, nine people were Church and the World Council of Churches is the trampled to death and dozens were hospitalized in foreview of this worldwide apostate “church.” The WCC

Africa, while three were trampled to death and 30

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injured in El Salvador. These duped millions are indeed full of blasphemy. There is the blasphemy of liberals, drunken with the wine of the fornications of the harlot who deny the very Christ, God, and Bible they profess to

“church.”

follow—liberals such as Nels Ferre, who suggested that This attraction of the world toward apostate Christ might have been the son of a soldier. There is the Christendom will continue to increase as the Great blasphemy of Unitarianism, which denies the very Tribulation draws nearer. Finally, the Antichrist’s Godhead and the deity of the blessed Lord Jesus Christ.

prophet will “cause the earth and them which dwell There is the blasphemy of popery, which takes unto therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound itself names which belong solely to the holy Trinity, was healed ... and deceiveth them that dwell on the names such as Holy Father, His Holiness, Pontiff, Vicar earth by the means of those miracles which he had of Christ. There is the blasphemy of syncretistic power to do...” (Re. 13:11-15) “... God shall send them ecumenism which says God and truth are in pagan strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they religions. Indeed, the harlot church is full of the names all might be damned who believed not the truth, but of blasphemy.

had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Th. 3:11-12) 7. Arrayed in purple and scarlet color (Re. 17:4). The 5. Rome will be the headquarters (Re. 17:3, 9). “The Apostles and Christians of the early churches were seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman humble Bible-believers who lived simple lives and did sitteth.” John pictures the great harlot sitting upon not follow the pattern of the world’s leaders and seven mountains, which most fundamental preachers religions. The harlot church loves impressive cathedrals, identify as the city of Rome. The movement we are flowing robes, gorgeous ritualism, expensive witnessing among Protestant groups toward ecclesiastical clothing and trappings.

reconciliation with the Roman Church is the foreview of 8. Exceedingly wealthy (Re. 17:4). “... decked with this. According to prophecy, Rome will again have gold and precious stones and pearls...” The wealth of supremacy in the final apostate church. “The woman is the Catholic Church alone is vast. When this is added to a city, and the city is Rome, the religious capital of the the wealth of the apostate Protestant denominations, world. ... Rome was the city set on seven hills and was the sum is staggering. The harlot church is spiritually known as such to both pagan and Christian writers. ...

bankrupt, but amazingly full of material wealth. A book Ovid said, ‘Rome looks around on the whole globe from by Martin Larson and Stanley Lowell entitled Praise the her seven mountains, the seat of empire and abode of Lord for Tax Exemption estimated the 1971 statistics for the gods.’ ... She is religious Rome, which at that time church assets in America at $133.3 billion. That will have inherited all the religions of the world. ... It included stocks, bonds, investment, real estate, and will attain the goal of the present-day apostates of all commercial business property. Today’s values would be the great systems of the world: Romanism, much higher.

Protestantism, pagan religions, cults and isms” (J.

9. A bloodless cup (Re. 17:4). “... having a golden cup Vernon McGee, Revelation).

in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her This uniting of all denominations and religions with fornication.” Instead of the cup of the precious blood of Rome is occurring before our very eyes today. A Christ, the harlot church has a cup of abominations and statement made in recent years by the Archbishop of filthiness of fornication. In light of this prophecy, it is a Canterbury, the head of the Anglican and Episcopalian fearful fact that the WCC, the United Bible Societies, the churches, shows how far the ecumenical movement has National Council of Churches, the Roman Catholic gone toward reconciliation with Rome. “We should like Church, and other ecumenical bodies are sponsoring the to see the churches of England, Scotland, the United perverted Good News Bible, which almost entirely States and any other countries, bound together in one leaves out the blood of Christ. Though the word “blood”

body. If the pope would like to come in as chairman, we in reference to the cross of Christ has been omitted, this should all welcome him” ( Why Were Our Reformers version has been approved by all branches of apostate Burned? ). Chairman of the board, indeed! The pope will Christendom. It was one of the first Bible translations to RULE! And not only are apostate Christian be approved by both Catholics and Protestants. Here denominations returning to Rome, but so are pagan also we see the Roman Catholic “bloodless” sacrifice—

religions. At the last two general assemblies of the the Mass, and their refusal to allow the people to World Council of Churches some of the main speakers partake of the cup of the Mass, which signifies the were non-Christians. There were Hindus, Buddhists, Lord’s blood. Many modern Protestant hymnals have Jewish rabbis, Muslims, Sikhs, native American Indians, removed all reference to the blood of Christ. In the and Australian aborigines. Pagan altars were erected place of the cup of Christ’s blood, the harlot church has and fire offerings made to various pagan gods. 6. Names set up idols—abominations—and has offered its people of blasphemy (Re. 17:3). Apostate Christianity is indeed the spiritually adulterous union with this present 508

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wicked, demonically-controlled world system. [See proclamation of the king, dated ten days later, Cup.]

confirmed this decree of the inquisition, and ordered it 10. The final manifestation of the ancient apostasy—

to be carried into instant execution, without regard to Mystery Babylon (Re. 17:5). This connects the final age, sex, condition. This is probably the most concise apostate harlot church with the false religion death-warrant that was ever framed. Three millions of established at Babel in the early history of man (Ge.

people—men, woman, and children, were sentenced to 10:8-10; 11:1-9). In other words, it is the final product the scaffold in three lines. Under this universal of Satan’s corruption of true religion through the ages.

condemnation the reader will see the real spirit of 11. Persecution of true believers (Re. 17:6). “And I saw popery, and what all had to expect who did not yield an the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and absolute, though blind submission, to all her idolatries, with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus...” Both the RCC

and superstitions ( Miller’s Church History, pp.

and certain of the Protestant denominations have been 1002-1008).

guilty of murdering and persecuting true N.T. Christians.

Similar atrocities were being committed against Bible The RCC has murdered millions. No one has ever been believers across much of Europe. The persecution of N.T.

able to count the total number. In the Netherlands alone Christians has been the legacy not only of Rome, but of following the Reformation, multitudes were tormented certain Protestant denominations as well. The Protestant and destroyed. Consider these excerpts from a record of Church of England has imprisoned and martyred those persecutions dating from the 1520s: hundreds of faithful saints of God during its illustrious The history of the Low Countries from this time is so history. John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim’s Progress during full of martyrdoms, that it is like a gradual the 12 years he languished in Bedford prison because of extermination of the population. ... The fires were now his refusal to accept a license from the state church.

kindled all over the country, and edict following edict, Bunyan committed the “awful” crime of preaching the with increasing severity, kept them burning. It was Gospel without the permission of ecclesiastical death to read a page of the Scriptures; death to discuss authorities. Did he not have authority from that One any article of the faith; death to have in one’s possession who has all power in heaven and in earth (Mt.

any of the writings of Luther, Zwingle, or 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15)? Indeed he did, but the old Harlot OEcolampadius; death to express a doubt respecting the has usurped Christ’s authority unto itself. It is recorded efficacy of the sacraments, or the authority of the pope.

that there were never less than 60 other “dissenters”

In the year 1536, that good and faithful servant of the with Bunyan in that one jail, and there were many other Lord, William Tyndale, was strangled and burnt at jails in England in those sad days. These are only tiny Vilvordi, near Brussels, for translating the New examples of the persecution which has raged against Testament into English, and printing it in 1535. ... About N.T. Christians by those who have imbibed the spirit of four hundred churches were thus plundered and the Harlot. Unprecedented persecution will be defaced in a few days. ... The troops were ordered to be unleashed against those who hold to the Word of God distributed over the distracted country, that the after the final form of the harlot church appears, persecuting edicts might be enforced. The Protestants supported by the satanic power of Antichrist’s were reduced to great straits; many were put to death, government. [See Antichrist, Prophecy, Roman Catholic and many fled the country ... In the year 1567 the cruel Church.]

duke of Alva was sent into the Netherlands with an We have seen, then, where the church is headed. The army of fifteen thousand Spaniards and Italians; and the prophecies of the N.T. are divided into revelations Inquisition was to put forth all its energies. . The pertaining to the future of the true churches, and wooden churches were pulled down, and, in some revelations pertaining to the apostate churches. A places the beams were formed into a great gallows on glorious future awaits the true saints of God, and we which to hang the minister and his flock. [These who are born again through repentance and faith in the atrocities against Bible believers were] to be witnessed blood of Jesus Christ should be busy serving Christ, almost daily in the country for nearly forty years. ... In while constantly expecting the coming of Christ to take the year 1567 ‘the council of blood,’ as it was called, us unto Himself. We will forever be with Him in His held its first sitting. ... Blood now flowed in torrents. ...

eternal kingdom.

A new edict was issued, affixing a heavy penalty upon The future of the false churches is a different matter all waggoners, carriers, and ship-masters, who should altogether. The apostasy which began even during the aid in the emigration of ‘heretics.’ They had resolved days of the Apostles will increase until the formation of that none should escape. ... Upon the 19th of February the great world harlot religion of Re. 17. This false 1568 a sentence of the Holy Office condemned all the church will rule with the Antichrist and his government inhabitants of the Netherlands to death as heretics. ... A for a short season and then will be judged, and all false, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 509

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unregenerate “Christians” will suffer the eternal torment righteous claims of Jehovah’s throne. God has been of the lost.

infinitely glorified, and His moral government gloriously If any of our readers are not truly born again by the vindicated in the blood-shedding of Jesus” (Handbook).

Spirit of God, we urge you, please repent of your sin

[See Atonement, Blood, Gospel, Justification, Mercy and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ for eternal salvation.

Seat, Redemption.]

Do not trust some baptism or church ritual. Do not trust PROSELYTE. A person who joins a certain religion or any service you might be doing in the church or in some philosophy (Mt. 23:15). In the Bible, “proselyte” is Christian organization. Do not trust the fact that you commonly used for Gentiles who accepted the Jewish might have been born into a “Christian” home. Jesus religion (Ac. 2:10; 13:23). The term “proselyte” is plainly said, “Except ye be born again, ye shall not see frequently used today as a verb in the sense of making the kingdom of God.” And the Apostle Paul said, “For by converts from one religion or denomination to another.

grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of PROSTITUTE. [See Harlot, Whore.]

yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, lest PROTESTANT. Historically this term derived from anyone should boast” (Ep. 2:8-9). Turn to the the 16th century Protestant Reformation in Europe. The resurrected Christ and be saved before it is eternally too name originated with a group of German princes who late.

protested against the pope in 1529, and has come to be And may we who are already saved be found serving applied to those denominations which arose from the Christ in an acceptable way, that is, according to the Reformation era. [See Anglican, Church, Episcopal teachings and example of the N.T. May we be like the Church, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Prophecy, wise people at Thessalonica, who “turned to God from Roman Catholic Church, World Council of Churches.]

idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for PROTESTANT REFORMATION. [See Anglican, his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Church, Episcopal Church, Lutheran, Methodist, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to Presbyterian, Prophecy, Roman Catholic Church.]

come.” (1 Th. 1:9-10) Praise His name!

PROVE. To test; try; put to the proof (Ex. 16:4; 1 Sa.

[See Allegorical, Antichrist, Bible, Covenant, Daniel, 17:39).

Day, Day of the Lord, Dispensationalism, Double Fulfillment, Ecumenical Movement, Gog, Great PROVENDER. Mixed food; fodder (Ge. 24:25,32; Tribulation, Inspiration, Jerusalem, Jesus Christ, 42:27; 43:24; Ju. 19:19; Is. 30:24).

Judgment, Kingdom of God, Last Days, Millennium, PROVIDENCE. (1) Supply; provision (Ac. 24:2). (2) Mystery, Observation, Prophecy, Rapture, Revelation, The term “providence” is commonly used to describe Tares, Times, Times of Refreshing, Times of Restitution, God’s control over all His creation. The word itself is not Tyre, Zidon.]

used in Scripture in this sense, but the idea is frequently PROPHETICAL BOOKS. The O.T. books of the mentioned (i.e., Ac. 17:25-28; Ro. 8:28).

prophets. These are commonly divided into two PROVOKE, PROVOCATION. To cause to be angry; to groupings: the major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, incite (1 Ki. 15:30; 21:22; Ne. 9:18, 26; Job 17:2; Ps.

Ezekiel, Daniel), and the minor prophets (Hosea 95:8; 2 Co. 9:2; He. 3:8; 10:24).

through Malachi).

PROVOKE TO EMULATION. To cause to be jealous; PROPITIATION. Propitiation means satisfaction; to excite to rivalry (Ro. 11:14).

covering; the fulfillment of a demand. It refers to God’s PSALM. [See Hymn, Music.]

estimation of Christ’s sacrifice. God is fully satisfied by PSALTERY. The Hebrew word most commonly what Jesus Christ did on the Cross. The penalty for His translated psaltery is NEBHEL (2 Sa. 6:5). “The nebhel broken law and man’s sin has been fully satisfied (Ro.

was closely associated with the kinnor [harp] and is 3:24-25; 1 Jn. 2:2; He. 2:17; Is. 5:11). The Greek word frequently mentioned with it. It too could be used to translated “propitiation” (Ro. 3:25) is also translated accompany voices. This instrument seems to have been

“mercy seat” in He. 9:5. The mercy seat perfectly of more elaborate construction than the kinnor and, as covered the law which was contained in the Ark (Ex.

Stainer says, ‘consequently of greater capabilities than 25:17, 21). This symbolizes propitiation—Christ the kinnor, both as to tone and pitch.’ Our present-day covering the demands of God’s law. That it is the blood harp is most likely the nearest in appearance to compare of Christ which put away our sins was depicted on the with the nebhel. Josephus tells us that it had twelve Day of Atonement when blood was sprinkled on the strings and was played with the fingers and not a mercy seat by the high priest (Le. 16:11-17).

plectrum. There were probably many different sizes and

“Propitiation is for God, and for Him alone, although it types of this instrument in use. In shape, as well as vitally concerns us. It is the blessed answer of Jesus character, it probably varied and this added to the great meeting, in death and before God, the holy and 510

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variety of ways in which it could be used” (Paul writers, still, they were never actually adopted by the McCommon, Music In the Bible). [See Harp, Music.]

Church as inspired, or placed on a level with the PSEUDEPIGRAPHA. Spurious Jewish or Jewish-acknowledged productions of the Evangelists and Apostles. The best of these works are the first “Epistle Christian writings produced in the period extending of Clement,” the “Epistle of Barnabas,” and the from 200 years before to 200 years after Christ. J.H.

“Shepherd of Hermas.” ...

Charlesworth included 52 writings and 13 fragments in

... admitting that the first epistle of Clement, for this category. These include the Treatise of Shem; instance, was alluded to or quoted by Dionysius of Apocryphon of Ezekiel; Apocalypse of Zephaniah; Vision Corinth (d. 176), Irenaeus (c. 130-200), Clement of of Ezra; Apocalypse of Abraham; Apocalypse of Adam; Alexandria (165-220), with an honorary title (“the Apocalypse of Elijah; Apocalypse of Daniel; Testament Apostolic”) for its author, and by Origen (186-254); of Adam; Testament of Job; Testament of Moses; Life of that it was publicly read in the church at Corinth; is Adam and Eve; Ladder of Jacob; Jannes and Jambres; found—though in connection with the confessedly History of Joseph; 4 Maccabees; Prayer of Joseph; spurious epistle attributed to the same author—

Prayer of Jacob; Odes of Solomon (20th-Century).

appended to some MSS. of the New Testament, and While these possibly have historical and literary value, was possibly for a time coordinated with certain of the so-called antilegomena: the fact of a supposed indirect none of these writings are Holy Scripture and have Apostolic authority appertaining to it, as the supposed never been included in the canon of the Bible. [See production of the Clement mentioned in Ph. 4:3, is Apocrypha.]

quite sufficient to account for all. It was certainly never The Epistle of Barnabas and the Shepherd of Hermas put in any catalogue of the Scriptures, but, on the are pseudepigraphical or apocryphal writings which contrary, was definitely excluded from such catalogues have received new interest by modernistic Bible scholars (Eusebius, Athanasius, and Jerome), and, little by in recent years. These were included in the Sinaiticus little ... ceased to be classed even among writings of manuscript discovered in the 19th century by doubtful canonicity.

Tischendorf at the St. Catherine’s monastery at Mt.

The same is true of the Epistle of Barnabas, which Sinai. [See Bible Versions.] Participants in the Jesus likewise got into circulation under cover of an honored name, was even widely current for a time, especially at Seminar, for example, who do not believe the Gospels Alexandria, where it probably originated, and is found are genuine history, have given considerable weight to in connection with the “Shepherd” at the close of the the authenticity of the Epistle of Barnabas and the famous Sinaitic manuscript. Clement of Alexandria Shepherd of Hermas. The following important comment held it to be a genuine work of the “Apostle Barnabas.”

on these writings is from Cone Bissell’s The Historic But as we might expect from the character of the Origin of the Bible, published in 1873: contents, which exhibit in all respects a complete Very little need be said of the great mass of Apocryphal contrast to the New Testament literature, as soon as literature called forth by the fame of Christ and his the mere superficial hearsay gave place to actual Apostles, gaining currency, and still of interest, wholly discrimination through careful scrutiny, the churches because of its association with his name. With respect were a unit in excluding it from the list of sacred to most of these writings, there is and has ever been books. Eusebius pronounces it a forgery; and Jerome, entire unanimity among all honest investigators in apocryphal. It never found a place in any of the early discarding them as undoubted forgeries, even more catalogues of the books of Scripture.

clumsy than they are false.

“The Shepherd,” a work purporting to be written by Now, in addition to these and many similar works still another person, bearing the same name as one of which cannot claim to any important extent even this Paul’s companions, on account of its peculiar doctrinal doubtful support of direct allusion and respectful teachings, attained to a position of considerable mention on the part of responsible Christian writers, importance in the early Church. Origen [a heretic]

there is another and quite distinct class of writings to directly identifies its author with the Hermas of Ro.

be considered, ascribed to the Apostolic Fathers, as 14:14, and, personally, thought the book to be Clement of Rome, Barnabas, Hermas, Ignatius, and

“divinely inspired” in an inferior sense, though Polycarp (c. 80-120). What was their relation to the admitting that it was not generally so regarded.

New Testament literature? Why were they not included Irenaeus quotes it under the significant title of graph among the canonical Scriptures? First, a large part of (sacred writing). And Clement of Alexandria [all of the writings attributed to these persons are these men were heretics] also makes honorable indisputably spurious. Then, that which has the best mention of it. But no one now believes that the Hermas claim to being genuine lays no claim to canonical rank, of Ro. xvi. 14 wrote the book. The Canon of Muratori but, on the contrary, virtually disclaims it. Moreover, (Rome, c. 160-170), whose author was likely to be while for the most part agreeing in spirit and doctrine much better informed than Origen, or Clement of with the canonical books, while often quoted, and Alexandria, says that it was written by a brother of uniformly treated with respect by early Christian Pius, Bishop at Rome (142-157), and does not esteem Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 511

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it worthy to be publicly read in the churches; while fourfold to those from whom he had taken anything by Tertullian declares that all (in his region) reckon it false accusation (Lk. 19:8). Though despised by the

“inter Apocrypha et false.” Jerome, that it is almost people, the publicans were frequent objects of Christ’s unknown among the Latins; and Eusebius, though grace. Zacchaeus was gloriously saved. Matthew was accounting the work of some value, placing it among selected to be one of the Apostles and the author of one the antilegomena, yet nowhere allows to it canonical authority. The latter fact is true, indeed, of all early of the Gospels. Jesus used the publican to illustrate the writers who attempted definite lists of the Sacred sinner who humbles himself in contrast with the Books. The temporary honor to which the work religious pride and hypocrisy of the Pharisee (Lk.

attained in certain places was wholly due to principles 18:9-14; Mt. 21:31, 32). “Publicans were persons who and reasons already stated. [Editor: It was apparently farmed the Roman taxes or revenue. They were, usually, given honor only in certain heretical circles, as is the persons of wealth and credit. It was considered among case today.]

the Romans an honorable position, and generally The claim which this and the other writings of the so-conferred on Roman knights. They employed under called Apostolic Fathers have to canonical recognition, them inferior officers, and these, generally, were natives on the ground of their style and internal characteristics of the provinces in which the taxes were collected; to generally, we leave to be stated by [Friedrich] Bleek this class Matthew no doubt belonged. These petty

[nineteenth century textual scholar and author of the officers were everywhere notorious for their fraudulent two-volume An Introduction to the New Testament, 1869-70, and the two-volume An Introduction to the exactions; but to the Jews they were especially obvious.

Old Testament, 1869], who will not be charged with The Jews looked upon themselves as a freeborn people, being unduly affected by prejudice. “The only writings and that they had this privilege direct from God of this class,” he says, “about which there could be a Himself. ‘We be Abraham’s seed,’ was their boast, ‘and question, are those of the Apostolic Fathers, who are were never in bondage to any man.’ Consequently, the mentioned in the New Testament as Christian teachers Roman tax gatherers were the visible proofs of their and helpers of the Apostles—Barnabas, Clement of slavery, and of the degraded state of their nation. This Rome, and Hermas. Barnabas, in particular, seems to was the chain that galled them, and betrayed them into have held a prominent position in the Church. But the many acts of rebellion against the Romans. Hence it was epistle which bears his name is probably spurious, and that publicans were abhorred by the Jews. They looked its contents are paltry and frivolous, so that it is quite unworthy to be placed side by side with the New upon them as traitors and apostates, and as the ready Testament writings. Clement and Hermas are too little tools of the oppressor. Besides, they were most arbitrary prominent as fellow-workers with the Apostle, and we and unjust in their taxations; and having the law on cannot place the same reliance in them as teachers, as, their side, they could enforce payment. It was in their for example, in Apollos. The Epistle of Clement to the power to examine each case of goods exported or Corinthians,—which alone of the writings extant imported, and to assess the alleged value in the most bearing his name is probably genuine,—and ‘The vexatious way” ( Miller’s Church History, pp. 65, 66).

Shepherd,’ which bears the name of Hermas as its PUBLIUS (who is of the people, popular). Ac. 28:7.

author, are alike unfit if we consider their scope and range, together with their form, and especially the PUDENS (shamefaced). 2 Ti. 4:21.

visionary character of the latter, to be regarded as PUFFED UP. To be proud; to be swelled up with constituent parts of the New Testament” (Bissell, pp.

conceit (1 Co. 4:6,18,19; 5:2; 8:1; 13:4; Col. 2:18).

403-407). [See Apocrypha, Canon, Inspiration.]

[See Humble, Pride.]

PTOLEMAIS (warlike). Ac. 21:7.

PUFFETH. To scoff; to blow as an expression of scorn PUA (mouth). Nu. 26:23.

or contempt (Webster) (Ps. 10:5; 12:5). The Hebrew PUAH (brightness, splendor). Ex. 1:15.

word (pooakh) means “to puff, i.e., blow with the PUBLICAN. A tax collector for the Roman breath or air; hence to fan (as a breeze), to utter, to government (Lk. 3:12-13; 19:1-10). The publicans were kindle (a fire), to scoff” (Strong).

hated by the Jews (1) because they collected taxes for PUL (fat, elephant, destruction). 2 Ki. 15:19.

the despised Roman government which ruled over Israel PULPIT. A speaker’s lectern or platform (Ne. 8:4).

in the days of Christ, and (2) because the publicans PULSE. Leguminous plants or their seeds; vegetables were notoriously dishonest. The publicans were classed (Da. 1:12, 16).

with “sinners” (Mt. 9:11; 11:19), “harlots (Mt.

PUR, PURIM (casting of lots). A feast, signifying ‘lot 21:31-32), and the “heathen” (Mt. 18:17). The or lots.’ Haman cast lots to find an auspicious day for authority to collect taxes gave them opportunity to rob the destruction of the Jews. On this being averted, their the people. This is evidenced by the warning given to deliverance was commemorated by an annual feast (Es.

them by John the Baptist (Lk. 3:13). The publican 3:7; 9:24-32). This feast is not mentioned by name in Zacchaeus admitted this when he said he would restore 512

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the N.T. The feast is still kept by the Jews: the Book of It almost seems silly to give a Bible answer to the Esther is read, and curses are pronounced on Haman false teaching of purgatory, since the answer is so and on his wife; and blessings on Mordecai and on obvious. The answer is that purgatory is not taught in Harbonah (Concise).

the Bible! Not only so, but it is contrary to the Bible’s PURE CONSCIENCE, PURE MIND. The Christian teaching about salvation. Purgatory is based on a gross can have a pure mind and conscience because of the misunderstanding and perversion of the Gospel. While it cleansing of salvation (2 Ti. 2:22; Tit. 1:15; He. 10: 22; is true that no sin can enter into heaven, the great Bible 2 Pe. 3:1; 1 Jn. 3:18-21). To maintain a pure conscience words defining the Gospel explain that the purgation the Christian must have genuine, sincere faith in Christ necessary to bring the soul into heaven has already been and avoid the stain of unconfessed sin (1 Ti. 3:9; 2 Ti.

accomplished on the Cross. Redemption means to be 1:3). [See Conscience, Deceit, Dissimulation, Heart, purchased from the slave market of sin by the blood of Hypocrisy, Mind, Sincere, Undefiled.]

Jesus Christ. Propitiation means that the sin debt has PURCHASE. (1) To buy (Ge. 49:32; Le. 25:33; Je.

been satisfied by the blood of Christ. Justification means 32:11). (2) To win; acquire; obtain (1 Ti. 3:13).

the believer is declared righteousness by Almighty God because of what Jesus Christ has done for his soul. [See PURELY. Thoroughly (Is. 1:25).

Grace, Gospel, Hope, Justification, Redemption, PURGATORY (to purge; to cleanse). According to Propitiation.]

Roman Catholic theology, purgatory is a place or state 1. The true Christian goes directly to the presence of where Christians go after death to suffer for sins not Christ at death (2 Co. 5:8; Ph. 1:23; 1 Th. 5:9). This is cleansed during their earthly existence. After an the consistent testimony of the Apostles. To be absent unspecified time of purgation, the soul is thought to go from the body is to be present with the Lord. The to heaven. Purgatory is said to be a place of suffering.

Apostle Paul looked forward at death to “depart and be Until recent years, purgatory was described as a place of with Christ.” In discussing the resurrection and fiery pain, but many Catholic priests today teach that translation of Christians in 1 Th. 4:14, the Apostle Paul the fires of purgatory as taught in former days might be says the Lord Jesus will bring the dead saints with Him symbolic. Masses are said for the dead in the belief that from heaven when he comes. There is no hint of some rituals and prayers can help speed the soul’s escape coming from any other place, such as from purgatory.

from purgatory. Even popes are not thought to be Death cannot and does not separate the believer from exempt from purgatory. When Pope Paul died, special Christ. Nothing can. His blood has forever removed the masses were performed all over the world to help him sin barrier. When Christ died He cried, “It is out of purgatory.

finished!” (Jn. 19:30). At that moment, the veil in the

“The doctrine of purgatory clearly demonstrates that temple was rent (Mt. 27:50,51), God thereby signifying even when the guilt of sin has been taken away, that the entrance into His very presence had been punishment for it or the consequences of it may remain to be expiated or cleansed. They often are. In fact, in accomplished! The believer can praise God for this Purgatory, the souls of those who died in the charity of blessed certainty. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness God and truly repentant, but who have not made to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new satisfaction with adequate penance for their sins and and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, omissions, are cleansed after death with punishment through the veil, that is to say, his flesh” (He. 10:19-20).

designed to purge away their debt” (Vatican Council II, Sin does indeed demand suffering, but the Bible gives us p. 75).

the Good News that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, has already

“The Church teaches us that after death the soul still suffered for sin in our place (Is. 53:5-12; 2 Co. 5:21; 1

has to suffer purification (that is the meaning of the Pe. 3:18; 4:1).

word purgatory) before it is able to see God. It will The Roman Catholic Church has turned the Lord’s certainly be a painful purification; that is why it is represented by the image of a ‘fire’” ( The Theologians Supper into a grand religious pageantry which they call Answer Your Questions, 1970, pp. 138-139).

a sacrifice, but it knows nothing about the real efficacy

“This doctrine of purgatory, reflected in Scripture and of the Sacrifice which the Supper pictures. That developed in Tradition, was clearly expressed in the Sacrifice has entirely and eternally removed the sin Second Council of Lyons (A.D. 1274). ... Besides barrier between God and that individual who exercises declaring the fact of purgatory, the Second Council of personal, repentant faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Glory Lyons also affirmed that ‘the faithful on earth can be of to His name!

great help’ to persons undergoing purgatory by 2. Jesus’ blood cleanses the believer from all sin and offering for them ‘the sacrifice of the Mass, prayers, gives him perfect righteousness before God. No true almsgiving, and other religious deeds’” ( Handbook for believer will ever suffer fiery torment for his own sins Today’s Catholic, p. 36).

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(Ro. 3:21-24; 5:9; 2 Co. 5:21; Ep. 1:3, 7; He. 9:12; 1 Pe.

his nature and his faculties are capable, and that since 2:24; 3:18).

the foundation of the world a single work of 3. The Roman Catholic Church has no scriptural supererogation has never been performed by any of the sons of men; and that therefore the source whence this authority for the teaching of Purgatory. A key imaginary fund of merit is supplied has no existence,

“authority” cited by the Catholic Church for purgatory is and is, like the fund itself, a delusion and a fable; and a quote from one of the apocryphal books, II Maccabees.

it teaches, in fine, that God pardons men only on the The Apocrypha are included in the Catholic Bible but footing of the satisfaction of his Son, which is complete rejected by Bible-believing Christians. [See Apocrypha.]

and sufficient, and needs not to be supplemented by According to the Catholic church, the Apocrypha and works of human merit; and that when he pardons, he their own tradition are equally authoritative with the pardons all sin, and for ever.

Scriptures, but this is impossible in that the Apocrypha

"But the grand criterion by which Rome tests all her and Catholic tradition contains many teachings contrary doctrines is not their truth, nor their bearing on man's to the Bible. It is the Bible alone which is the benefit and God's glory, but their value in money. How authoritative Word of God, and when a religious much will they bring? is the first question which she doctrine such as purgatory contradicts the plain puts. And it must be confessed, that in purgatory she has found a rare device for replenishing her coffers, of teaching of the Scriptures, we reject it. [See which she has not failed to make the very most. ...

Apocrypha.]

Popery, says the author of Kirwan's Letters, meets men 4. The Roman Catholic Church has no authority for

'at the cradle, and dogs them to the grave, and beyond offering Masses for the dead. The Mass, supposedly, is it, with its demands for money'" (J.A. Wylie, The the Lord’s Supper. Where does the Bible indicate the Papacy, 1888, pp. 351,52). [See Atonement, Hell, Lord’s Supper is for the dead? Where does the Bible Roman Catholic Church.]

teach the believer to pray to or for the dead? [See PURGE. (1) To purify; to cleanse (Ps. 51:7; 65:3; Death.]

79:9; Pr. 16:6; Is. 1:25; 6:7; 22:14; 27:9). The New 5. Money cannot purchase forgiveness or spiritual Testament makes it clear that the purging of sin comes blessing of any sort. According to Roman Catholic by Christ’s sacrifice (1 Co. 5:7; He. 1:3; 9:22; 10:2). In practice, the wealthy can get out of purgatory more Psalm 51:7, the word “purge” is the Hebrew khawtaw, quickly than the poor because the rich can afford more which “means to bear the blame (or ‘loss’) for anything; masses. “Joseph Zacchello, former Roman Catholic and then to ‘atone for, to make atonement, to priest, said that priests in the USA make over 22 million expiate’” (Barnes). It is translated “bear the loss” (Ge.

dollars as personal income by celebrating masses for 31:39). As Jacob took the blame for the loss of Laban’s dead Roman Catholics“ (Challenger, Jan. 1984, p. 1).

sheep and paid for them, so Christ took the sinner’s Through this little bit of information we see behind the place at Calvary and bore his sin before God. He was mystery of why Romanism perpetuates the concept of

“made to be sin for us” (2 Co. 5:21). Another Hebrew purgatory even while there is no hint of scriptural word for “purge” is kawfar (Ps. 79:9). The root meaning backing. The RCC through the centuries has enriched is to cover, referring to hiding something out of sight. It itself through its lies about purgatory and the mass. This is usually translated “atonement” (Le. 16:6, 10, 11, 16, reminds us of Peter’s description of some false teachers: 17, 18, 20, 24, 27, 30, 32, 33, 34). The Old Testament

“And through covetousness shall they with feigned sacrifices could only cover sin, but Christ’s atonement words make merchandise of you” (2 Pe. 2:3). The Bible takes it away (He. 10:11-12). (2) The term “purge” is says, “They that trust in their wealth, and boast also used of pruning branches (Jn. 15:2). [See themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of Atonement, Forgive, Gospel, Grace, Mercy.]

them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to PURITANS. A revival movement in the Church of God a ransom for him” (Ps. 49:6-7). See also Ac.

England in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Puritans, in 8:20-21 and 1 Pe. 1:18-19.

various degrees, desired to purify the Anglican Church

"The Scripture authorizes no such distinction as Papists and to bring it more into conformity with N.T. practice.

make between venial and mortal sins. It teaches that They were opposed to the corruption, laxity, and all sin is mortal, and, unless blotted out by the blood of unscriptural ritualism of the Church of England. Some Christ, will issue in the sinner's eternal ruin. It teaches, of the Puritans attempted to remain in the Anglican that after death there is neither change of character church, and others came out and formed separatist nor of state; that God does not sell his grace, but groups. These were frequently persecuted by the state bestows it freely; that we are not redeemed with church and many fled for refuge to European countries corruptible things, as silver and gold; that no man can and to America.

redeem his brother, whether by prayers or by offerings; that the law of God demands of every man, every PURLOIN. To steal; to set apart or clandestinely; to moment of his being, the highest obedience of which sequestrate for oneself; to embezzle (Tit. 2:10). The 514

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Greek word translated “purloining” in Tit. 2:10

PUT DOWN. To depose (2 Ch. 36:3).

( nosphizomai) is translated “keep back” in Ac. 5:2-3 in PUT FORTH. (1) Hold out; reach out (Ge. 3:22; 8:9; reference to Ananias and Sapphira. [See Deceit, Honest, 19:10). (2) Bring forth (De. 33:14; Song 2:13; Mt.

Steal.]

24:32). (3) To propound; to propose (Jud. 14:12). (4) PURPOSE, PURPOSED. Resolve; design; intent (Ps.

To cry out; to speak (Pr. 8:1).

17:3; Je. 49:30).

PUT IN REMEMBRANCE. [See Remembrance.]

PURTENANCE. Inwards (Ex. 12:9).

PUT TO. To apply (Ezr. 6:12; Ec. 10:10).

PUT AWAY. To cleanse oneself of; to remove; to PUT TO THE WORSE. To worst; to defeat; to get the discard from one’s life (Ge. 35:2; Ex. 12:15; De.

better of (2 Ki. 14:12; 1 Ch. 19:16, 19).

22:22,24; Jos. 24:14; 1 Co. 13:11). This phrase is used PUTEOLI (to stink, sulfurous springs). Ac. 28:13.

to describe divorce (Le. 21:7; Ezr. 10:3; Je. 3:1; Mal.

2:16; Mt. 1:19; 5:31,32; 19:3, 8, 9; 1 Co. 7:11). [See PUTIEL (enlargement of God). Ex. 6:25.

Divorce.]

PUTRIFYING. Corrupted; rotted (Is. 1:6).

PYGARG. A species of antelope (De. 14:5).

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-Q-

QUAKE. To shake; tremble (Ex. 19:18; 1 Sa. 14:15; Discussion; debate; theme for a dispute (Jn. 3:25; 2

He. 12:21). [See Earthquake.]

Ti. 2:23). (5) Topic; matter (Ac. 15:2; 18:15). (6) To QUARREL. (1) Vengeance; punishment (Le. 26:25).

charge; call to account (Ac. 19:40; 24:21).

(2) Conflict; argument; grudge (2 Ki. 5:7; Mk. 6:19; QUESTIONS, FOOLISH. [See Foolish Questions.]

Col. 3:13). The term in Col. 3:13 was used of a QUICK. (1) Living (Nu. 16:30; Ac. 10:42; 2 Ti. 4:1; plaintiff’s action at law.

He. 4:12; 1 Pe. 4:5). (2) Animated with understanding QUARTUS (fourth). Ro. 16:23.

(Is. 11:3).

QUATERNION. A company of four soldiers; four such QUICKEN. To give life (Ps. 119:25, 37, 50, 88, 93, companies were assigned to guard Peter (Ac. 12:4).

107, 149, 154, 156, 159; Jn. 5:21; 6:63; Ro. 4:17; 8:11; QUEEN OF HEAVEN. [See Idolatry, Roman Catholic 1 Co. 15:36, 45; Ep. 2:1; Col. 2:13; 1 Ti. 6:13; 1 Pe.

Church.]

3:18).

QUENCH. Extinguish; put out; allay; stifle (2 Sa.

QUIET, AT. Quiet; at rest (Jud. 18:27).

21:17; Song 8:7; Is. 1:31; 42:3; Je. 4:4; 21:12; Am. 5:6; QUIETNESS. Quiet; tranquility (Jud. 8:28; 1 Ch.

Mt. 12:20; Ep. 6:16; 1 Th. 5:19; He. 11:34). This is 22:9; Ac. 24:2).

often used to describe the fires of hell; they are QUIT. (1) Innocent; free; acquitted (Ex. 21:19, 28; unquenchable (Is. 34:10; 66:24; Mk. 9:43-48). [See Jos. 2:20). (2) Acquit; behave (1 Sa. 4:9; 1 Co. 16:13).

Hell.]

QUIVER. (1) Arrow case (Ge. 27:3; Ps. 127:5; Lam.

QUESTION. (1) To ask; to interrogate; to examine (2

3:13). [See Bow, Military.] (2) Chatter; vibrate (Hab.

Ch. 31:9; Mt. 22:35; Mk. 1:27). (2) Puzzle; riddle (1 Ki.

3:16).

10:1). (3) To argue; dispute (Mk. 8:11; 9:16). (4) 516

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-R-

RAAMAH (striking). Ge. 10:7.

spelled “Rachab” in Mt. 1:5. The fact that a prostitute is RAAMIAH (thunder of God). Ne. 7:7.

found in Christ’s genealogy illustrates the marvelous RAAMSES (field of the sun, destroying evil). Ex.

grace of God in salvation. The N.T. uses Rahab as an 1:11.

example of faith (He. 11:31; Ja. 2:25). [See Rachab.]

(2) A symbolic name for Egypt (Ps. 87:4; 89:10; Is.

RABBATH, RABBAH (great). De. 3:11; Jos. 13:25.

51:9, 10). This means tumult. [See Egypt.]

RABBI, RABBONI (my master). A title of dignity for RAHAM (compassion). 1 Ch. 2:44.

religious teachers. Jesus forbad the use of this title, claiming that He alone is Rabbi (Mt. 23:7-8; Jn. 1:38, RAHEL. [See Rachel.]

49; 3:2, 26; 6:25). Rabboni has same meaning as Rabbi RAIL, RAILER. [See Revile.]

(Jn. 20:16). Both are simple transliterations of the RAIL ON. To revile; insult (1 Sa. 25:14; 2 Ch.

corresponding Greek words. Rabboni is of Chaldean 32:17). [See Revile.]

origin; Rabbi is of Hebrew origin. Rabbi is translated RAIMENT. [See Coat, Modesty, Nakedness.]

“master” in Mt. 26:49; Mk. 9:5; 11:21; 14:45; Jn. 4:31; RAINBOW. The sign God put in the sky as a promise 9:2; 11:8. Rabboni is translated “lord” in Mk. 10:51.

that He will never again destroy the world by a flood RABBITH (great, multitude). Jos. 19:20.

(Ge. 9:13-16). There is a rainbow around God’s throne RABBONI (my great master). [See Rabbi.]

(Re. 4:3), signifying God’s eternal promises in Jesus RABMAG (chief of the magi). Je. 39:3.

Christ.

RABSARIS (chief of the eunuchs). Je. 39:3.

RAISE. (1) To lift; to take up; to heave; to erect; to RABSHAKEH (chief cup-bearer). 2 Ki. 18:17.

set upright (Jos. 8:29; Is. 29:3). (2) To accomplish; confirm; build (Ge. 38:8; Jos. 7:26). (3) To exalt; to RACA. An expression of contempt and hatred, advance to a position; to promote in rank and honor meaning empty, worthless (Mt. 5:22). The context of the (Ex. 9:16; De. 18:15; Jud. 2:16; 1 Sa. 2:8). (4) To admonition in Mt. 5:21-24 gives the meaning. Christ rouse; to stir (Job 14:12; Je. 51:11; Eze. 23:22; Joel addressed the issue of murder, showing that the root of 3:7). (5) To collect; to obtain (1 Ki. 5:13). In the N.T.

the problem is the heart, that it is really a matter of the term “raise” is used largely to describe the hatred and strife. It is this heart problem that He is resurrection of Jesus Christ (Mt. 16:21; Ac. 2:24, 30, addressing. The following verse confirms this when He 32; etc.) [See Resurrection.]

speaks of the importance of reconciliation (Mt. 5:23).

[See Anger, Fool.]

RAKEM (empty, vain). 1 Ch. 7:16.

RACHAB. The same as Rahab in the O.T. (Mt. 1:5; RAKKATH (bank). Jos. 19:35.

Jos. 2:1-22). “The Greek language having no letter H, a RAM. [See Offerings, Sheep.]

CH is substituted” (Concise).

RAM (elevated). Job 32:2.

RACHEL (a lamb). Younger daughter of Laban, and RAMA (height, high place). Mt. 2:18.

the best-loved wife of Jacob, to whom she bare Joseph RAMAH (height, high place). Je. 31:15.

and Benjamin. She died at Ephratah, B.C. 1729 (Young).

RAMATH (high places). Jos. 19:8.

Ge. 29:9-30; 30:22-24; 35:16-19; Ru. 4:11; 1 Sa. 10:2; Je. 31:15; Mt. 2:18.

RAMATHAIM-ZOPHIM (Rama of the Zophims, double height of watchers). 1 Sa. 1:1.

RADDAI (the Lord extended). 1 Ch. 2:14.

RAMATHLEHI (height of the jaw-bone). Ju. 15:17.

RAGAU (a friend, fellowship). Lk. 3:35.

RAMATH MIZPEH (high places, watch tower). Jos.

RAGGED. Rugged (Is. 2:21).

13:26.

RAGUEL (shepherd, friend of God). Moses’ father-in-RAMESES (field of the sun). Ge. 47:11; Ex. 12:37; law (Nu. 10:29). This is translated from the same Nu. 33:3, 5.

Hebrew word as Reuel (Ex. 2:18). [See Reuel.]

RAMIAH (the Lord is exalted). Ezr. 10:25.

RAHAB (enlarging, proud). (1) The harlot who hid the Jewish spies (Jos. 2:1-22; 6:17-25). By doing this RAMOTH (high places). 1 Ch. 6:73.

she saved her entire family. The scarlet cord used to RAMOTH-GILEAD (heights, spring perpetual). 1 Ki.

identify her house symbolizes the line of blood which 4:13.

runs throughout the O.T. pointing to the cross of Jesus RAMPART. Bulwark (La. 2:8; Na. 3:8).

Christ. Rahab is in the lineage of Christ, her name being RAM’S HORN. [See Trumpet.]

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RANGE. (1) To move about, as a ranging bear (Pr.

quite different from the Great Tribulation. The general 28:15). (2) A rank, or row of soldiers (2 Ki. 11:8,15).

persecutions of the saints are caused by the wrath of (3) A cooking range, consisting of two parallel stones, wicked men and the devil, whereas the seven-year across which the boiler is set (Le. 11:35) (Strong).

Tribulation is a period especially pertaining to God’s RANGES. Two parallel stones across which the boiler wrath (Is. 13; Re. 6:16, 17; 14:16). Some feel that the is set (Le. 11:35).

church will not be saved out from the time of great RANSOM. The price paid for freeing a slave (Le.

wrath, but will be saved through this wrath. This cannot 19:20). “Ransom” is used to describe the price the Lord be true, since the Bible clearly reveals that those who Jesus Christ paid to free men from the slave market of are on earth during the Great Tribulation will not be sin (Mt. 20:28; 1 Ti. 2:6). [See Atonement, Blood, delivered from wrath but will be overcome (Re. 13:7).

Gospel, Grace, Impute, Justification, Propitiation, The Scriptures which promise church-age believers Redemption.]

deliverance from wrath must refer to salvation out from the very presence of the wrath. Concerning the Great RAPHA (giant, tall). 1 Ch. 8:2.

Tribulation, we are told that “as a snare shall it come on RAPHU (healed, released). Nu. 13:9.

all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth” (Lk.

RAPTURE. The term commonly used for the catching 21:35). Therefore, the church-age believers must either away of the saints described in 1 Th. 4:13-18. This be physically removed from the earth, or they will be Rapture is (1) a resurrection of the dead in Christ (1 Th.

involved in the day of wrath. God promises removal. “...

4:14-16), (2) a catching up and translation of the living I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which N.T. saints (1 Th. 4:17). The term “caught up” in 1 Th.

shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell 4:17 is also translated “pluck” (Jn. 10:28) and “take by upon the earth” (Re. 3:10).

force” (Ac. 23:10). It is used of the Spirit of God 2. The Holy Spirit will be removed before the catching away Philip after the conversion of the tribulation (2 Th. 2:1-8). In other passages, the Holy Ethiopian eunuch (Ac. 8:39). This is exactly what Christ Spirit is said to be the restrainer of sin (Ge. 6:3; Is.

will do to the N.T. believers before the onslaught of the 59:19). The Holy Spirit came into the world in His Great Tribulation. This event is also described in 1 Co.

present special dispensation at Pentecost (Ac. 2), when 15:51-58. Here we see that the translation of the N.T.

He came to empower the church for the Great saints will involve an instantaneous change from Commission (Ac. 1:8). He will remove the church-age mortality to immortality. Those believers living at that believers prior to the time of God’s great wrath.

hour will never see death (1 Co. 15:51).

3. In the book of Revelation, the church is not seen on In both of these key passages the translation of the earth after chapter three until chapter nineteen, when she church-age saints is said to be a source of great comfort is seen returning to earth with Christ. The churches are and encouragement (1 Th. 4:18; 1 Co. 15:58). If this mentioned in Revelation one through three, then translation did not occur until the end of the torments disappear until the end of the book. The true church is of the Great Tribulation, it certainly would not produce not the focus of the Great Tribulation recorded in Re.

solace for the Christian standing on this side of the 4-18.

Tribulation!

4. The church-age believers are promised mansions in Among those who believe in a literal Rapture of the heaven (Jn. 14:1-3). When the Lord Jesus returns to the church-age saints, there are basically three positions earth at the end of the Tribulation, He sets up His regarding the time of the Rapture. The three views are Messianic kingdom. If the Rapture occurred at the end Pre-tribulation, Mid-tribulation (also called Pre-wrath of the Tribulation, the promise to church-age believers Rapture), and Post-tribulation.

pertaining to heaven would not be fulfilled. Church-age The Evidence for the Pre-tribulation Rapture.

believers are a heavenly people with a heavenly hope In the following study we are using the term (Ep. 1; Ph. 3:20; Col. 3:1-3).

“church” in a general, institutional sense: 5. The translation of church-age saints is said to be 1. Church-age believers are promised salvation from imminent (it could happen any moment), whereas the wrath (1 Th. 1:9-10; 5:1-9; Ro. 5:9; Re. 3:10). The Second Coming is said to be preceded by specific signs Great Tribulation is expressly called the day of God’s (1 Th. 1:9, 10; Tit. 2:12, 13; Mt. 24:42-44; Ja. 5:8, 9; 1

wrath. Today the Lord is withholding His anger; He is Jn. 2:28; Re. 1:3). The Apostle Paul instructed the seated upon a throne of grace, but the day approaches church at Thessalonica that they did not need to heed when He will take the seat of judgment. Then “the day signs and times, because the N.T. believer has been of his wrath” will be upon all the world (Ps. 110:5; Re.

promised redemption from the “day of darkness” which 6:17; Is. 13:6-13). It is true that in every century the shall overcome the whole world (1 Th. 5:1-9). The churches have been subjected to persecution, but this is 518

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church is waiting, not for the appearing of the 9. The book of Revelation reveals that the church is not Antichrist, but for the redemption of the Son of God.

on earth during the tribulation. (1) The church is not 6. The church is a mystery unrevealed in the O.T.. (Ep.

seen on earth in chapters 4-18. (2) The 24 elders seem 3:1-11). The N.T. church has no part in the chronology to represent the church. [See Elders.] (3) The witness of events foretold by the O.T. prophets. They clearly for God in the earth during the Tribulation is Israel, not foretold the first coming of Christ, His miraculous birth, the church (Re. 7). (4) The prayers of the saints in Re. 8

life, death, and resurrection. The same prophets are prayers for judgment. Only Israel prayed such described Christ’s Second Coming in glory, preceded by prayers. The church-age saints are instructed to pray for a time of unprecedented worldwide tribulation, her enemies, not against them. These prayers of followed by the glorious Messianic kingdom centered in Revelation are those of the Psalms and are based on Jerusalem. These prophets did not see the present God’s promise to Abraham to curse those who cursed church age “which in other ages was not made known Israel. [See Imprecatory.] (5) The scorpion-like unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy creatures of Re. 9 are given freedom to hurt all earth-apostles and prophets by the Spirit.”

dwellers except those Jews who were sealed by the Between the first coming of Christ and the Second angel of Re. 7; if church believers were on earth, they Coming there is a time gap which was unrevealed in the would be subject to this horrible judgment of God. (6) O.T. times. This gap is the time of the creation and Re. 10 identifies the events of Re. 4-18 with those removal of the church. For centuries God has revealed foretold by O.T. prophets—the days of the Great big plans for the nation Israel. O.T. prophecy pictures Tribulation, the “day of the Lord.” The church age was Israel at the heart of a worldwide kingdom with Israel’s never in the view of these O.T. prophecies; it was an divine Messiah as the sovereign ruler. This kingdom, unrevealed mystery. The church has a different purpose when established, will be eternal, yet Israel today has and program than national Israel. It is Israel that is in been temporarily set aside; these O.T. prophecies have view in O.T. prophecy and in Revelation 4-18. (7) The never been fulfilled. Rather, today God is doing ministry of the two witnesses of Re. 11 identifies them something different from anything which was spoken of with national Israel and with O.T. prophecies of the “day in O.T. times. He is calling out from among all nations a of the Lord.” The two witnesses minister from special body of people. When He has accomplished this Jerusalem, Israel’s capital. The churches have no such present purpose, when the fullness of the Gentiles be capital, her hope being heavenly, not earthly (Col. 3; Ph.

come in, God will restart Israel’s prophetic clock and 2). The two witnesses are clothed in sackcloth, typical of will wholly fulfill all O.T. prophecies in relation to His O.T. Israel, not N.T. believers. Nowhere are the churches ancient chosen nation. “... blindness in part is happened seen in sackcloth. They are told, rather, to “rejoice in the to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Ph. 4:4). The in” (Ro. 11:25).

church-age believer’s judgment is forever past, and he is to keep his mind centered in the heavenlies where, in The Great Tribulation deals with Israel, not with the position, he is seated eternally victorious with Christ church-age believers. This present mystery period will (Ep. 2:5-10). Re. 11:4 identifies the two witnesses with end with the removal of the church-age believers from O.T. prophecy. Ze. 4:3, 11, 14 is a prophecy of Israel, not the earth; and the Lord will then take up His plan for the church. Further, the two witnesses call down the nation Israel as He fulfills the O.T. prophecies of the judgment upon their enemies in Re. 10:5-6. Jesus time of Jacob’s trouble, the coming of Messiah in glory, rebuked his disciples for desiring to do just this and and the establishment of the Messianic kingdom.

instructed the church-age believer to pray for the well-7. The church cannot be overcome, but the saints of the being of his enemies, not for their destruction (Lk.

tribulation will be (compare Mt. 16:18 with Re. 13:7).

9:54-56; Ro. 12:14, 17-21). (8) The devil persecutes 8. There are events intervening between the translation Israel, not the church, during the Tribulation (Re. 12).

and resurrection of the church and the second advent.

There can be no doubt that the woman is identified as According to 1 Co. 15:51, EVERY saved person will be national Israel. Verse 5 shows the woman bringing forth translated at the Rapture. Yet Mt. 25:31-46 shows that Christ; it is obvious that Jesus was brought forth by when Jesus returns to the earth at the Second Advent Israel, not by the churches (Is. 9:6-7; Ro. 9:5). Also, the He will find many true believers in their natural bodies.

symbols of Re. 12:1-2 recall familiar O.T. typology of There must, then, be a period of time between the Israel. She is referred to as a woman (Is. 54:5-7). The Rapture of the church-age saints and the Second sun and moon and the 12 stars of v. 2 remind us of Coming to allow for these folk to be saved. It is Joseph’s dream regarding Israel (Ge. 37:9). The words reasonable to believe that this period of time is the of Re. 12:2 are almost an exact quote from Mi. 5:3, seven years of the Great Tribulation.

again referencing Israel’s delivery of the Messiah. These symbols are not used in the N.T. of the churches. [See Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 519

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Allegorical, Church, Covenants, Day of Christ, REBELLION. Resistance to lawful authority; revolt; Dispensationalism, Enoch, Great Tribulation, obstinate disobedience; insurrection (Ge. 14:4; Nu.

Imprecatory, Kingdom of God, Millennium, Noah, 20:24; De. 1:26; 2 Ki. 18:27; Ezr. 4:12). Rebellion is to Parables, Prophecy, Second Coming, Tares.]

transgress God’s law (Jos. 22:22). Rebellion is to be RASH. Hasty (Ec. 5:2; Ac. 19:36).

stubborn and to resist the details of God’s law (1 Sa.

RAVEN, RAVENING. Devouring; destructive (Ge.

15:23; Ps. 78:8). Rebellion is to transgress God’s Word 49:27; Eze. 39:4; Is. 35:9). Used to describe those who (Eze. 2:3). Rebellion produces a hard look (Eze. 2:6; crucified Christ (Ps. 22:13); Cyrus, king of Persia (Is.

3:8, 9). Rebellious people hate God’s prophets (Eze.

46:11); false prophets (Eze. 22:25, 27; Mt. 7:15); the 2:1-10; 3:4-11). Rebellion is a stubborn and disobedient Pharisees (Lk. 11:39).

child (De. 21:18, 20). The rebellious walk after their own thoughts (Is. 65:2). Rebellion is to turn away from RAVIN. (1) To prey with rapacity; to tear in pieces obeying God (Is. 50:5). Rebellion is a heart problem (Je.

(Ge. 49:27). (2) That which is torn by beasts; prey (Na.

5:23). Rebellion is committed by evil men (Pr. 17:11).

2:12).

Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft (1 Sa. 15:23). God RAVISH. (1) To seize and carry away by violence; will purge out the rebellious at His coming (Eze. 20:38).

compelling to submit to carnal intercourse (Webster)

[See Humble, Impenitent, Sin, Stiffhearted, Stubborn.]

(Is. 13:16; Ze. 14:2). (2) To bear away with joy or REBUKE. To reproach; correct; reprove; chide (Ge.

delight; to delight to ecstasy (Webster) (Pr. 5:19-20; 37:10; De. 28:20; Ru. 2:16; Ne. 5:7; Pr. 9:7-8; 13:1, 8; Song 4:9). [See Home.]

24:25; 28:23; Is. 2:4; Ze. 3:2; Am. 5:10; Mt. 20:31; 1

RAZE. To level with the ground (Ps. 137:7).

Ti. 5:1). What the Lord rebukes: sin (Ps. 9:5; 38:1; READINESS, IN A. In readiness; ready (2 Co. 10:6).

39:11; 76:6; 80:16; 119:21; Is. 2:4; 37:3; Eze. 5:15); READY. (1) Quickly; hastily; not hesitating; prompt the devourer for the sake of those who tithe (Mal.

(Ge. 18:6). (2) Prepare; order; arrange; furnish (Ge.

3:11); the storm (Mt. 8:26); the devil (Mt. 17:18; Mk.

46:29; Ex. 19:11; Mt. 24:44). (3) Swift; quick (Ezr. 7:6; 1:25; 9:25); sickness (Lk. 4:39); the disciples (Mk. 8:32, Ps. 45:1). (4) Willing; eager; not reluctant (Mk. 14:38; 33; Lk. 9:55). The Word of God is to be preached with Ac. 21:13). (5) Being at the point; near; about to do or rebuke (2 Ti. 4:2). One’s attitude toward rebuke reveals suffer (Ex. 17:4). “The phrases ‘ready to perish’ (De.

his spiritual condition (Pr. 9:7-8; 13:1). [See Admonish, 26:5), ‘ready to be offered’ (2 Ti. 4:6), ‘ready to die’ (Lk.

Chasten, Child Training, Church Discipline, Convince, 7:2), signify not ‘prepared’ as in ‘ready to be revealed’ (1

Correction, Counsel, Exhort, False Teaching, Guidance, Pe. 1:5), but ‘near, soon, at the point about’” (The Bible Instruct, Pastor, Reproof, Separation, Timothy.]

Word-Book).

RECEIPT OF CUSTOM. [See Custom, Receipt of; REAIAH, REAIA (the Lord looked, whom the Lord Publican.]

cares for). 1 Ch. 4:2; 5:5.

RECEIVED TEXT. [See Bible Versions, Erasmus, REAPED DOWN. Reaped (Ja. 5:40).

Masoretic Text, Westcott-Hort.]

REASON. (1) Consequence; result (Ge. 41:31; Ex.

RECHAB (acquisition of a father). 2 Sa. 4:2.

2:23; 8:24). (2) Plead; discuss; argue; discourse (1 Sa.

RECHAH (side, border). 1 Ch. 4:12.

12:7; Job 13:3; Is. 1:18; Ac. 24:25). (3) Reasonable; RECKON. (1) To count; to number (Le. 25:50; 2 Ki.

seemly; proper (Ac. 6:2). (4) Underlying cause; 12:15; 22:7). (2) To impute (Ro. 4:4, 9). [See Impute.]

meaning (1 Pe. 3:15).

(3) To consider; to reason something to be so (Ro.

REASON OF, REASON BY. In consequence of (Ge.

6:11).

41:31; Ex. 2:23; 8:24).

RECKONING. Accounting (2 Ki. 22:7).

REASONABLE. Conformable or agreeable to reason; RECOMPENSE. To compensate; to make return of an logical; rational; expected (Ro. 12:1).

equivalent for any thing given, done or suffered; to REASONING. Discourse; discussion; argument; repay (Webster) (Nu. 5:7; Ro. 12:17). [See Vengeance.]

meditating upon a matter (Lk. 9:46).

RECONCILE. To change from enmity to friendship; REBA (the fourth). Nu. 31:8.

to restore a relationship (Mt. 5:24; 1 Co. 7:11). Through REBECCA, REBEKAH (fattened animal, to ensnare Christ’s sacrifice, believing sinners are brought into by beauty). Daughter of Bethuel, the nephew of reconciliation with God (2 Co. 5:18-20; Col. 1:20-21; Abraham; she became the wife of Isaac, and mother of He. 2:17). “Scripture gives no countenance to the Esau and Jacob (Ge. 22:23; 24:15-67; 25:20-28; 26:7-8, thought common to many, either that God has to be 35; 27:5-15, 42, 46; 28:5; 29:12; 35:8; 49:31; Ro.

reconciled or is reconciled. God did not depart from 9:10).

man, hence needed not to be reconciled. To say that the death of Jesus turned the heart of God to man, is to 520

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deny the truth of that magnificent declaration contained Testament). In 1 Kings 9:26, the Gulf of Aqaba where in Jn. 3:16, ‘God so loved the world that He gave His Ezion Geber was located is called the Red Sea. (2) The only begotten Son.’ He ‘loved,’ therefore He ‘gave,’ not bottom line is that the Bible says they crossed a sea, and

‘gave’ in order to love. The reconciliation of man to God the description of the crossing is not the description of a is the blessed character of God’s present ministry marsh or a lake. In ancient times the Bitter Lakes were towards the world (2 Co. 5:18-20). It is important to not deep; they were more like marshy salt flats.* But the distinguish between the reconciliation of persons and water that Israel crossed is described as deep and things; the former is a present blessing, the latter is mighty. It formed a wall unto the Israelites on the right millennial blessing. ‘All things’ will be brought back to and left as they crossed it (Ex. 14:22; 15:4-5, 10; Ne.

God, but not ‘all persons’ (Col. 1:20-21). Universal 9:11; Ps 106:9; Is. 51:10). Paul describes the crossing as subjection to Christ of all in heaven, earth, and hell (Ph.

a baptism in the cloud and in the sea (1 Co. 10:1-2).

2:10) is certainly more wide in its range and extent than Baptism means immersion, so Paul was saying that all things in heaven and earth reconciled. The Colossian Israel walked between towering walls of water beneath passage teaches the future reconciliation of things the cloud of glory. We know, then, that the crossing was contained in heaven and earth; while the Philippian over an arm of the sea itself and not a lake or marsh. (*

Scripture shews the future subjection of heaven, earth,

“Prior to the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Great and hell’s inhabitants to Christ” (Handbook). [See Bitter Lake was a large salt flat; in the arid climate, Adoption, Gospel, Grace, Justification, Propitiation, basins rarely accumulate enough water to become true Redemption.]

lakes,” NASA Earth Observatory). [See Inspiration.]

RECORD. (1) Witness (De. 30:19; Ro. 10:2; Re. 1:9).

REDEEM, REDEMPTION. Redemption means bought (2) Celebrate (1 Ch. 16:4). (3) Account (Job 16:19; Jn.

and released, describing the act of buying a slave from 1:19).

the market in order to give him freedom. There are RED SEA. The sea between Egypt and Arabia which three Greek words translated “redemption” which give a Israel crossed on dry land when God parted the waters wonderful picture of our salvation in Christ: AGORAZO

(Ex. 10:19). Theological liberals and many of their means to purchase in a market. This word is used in a

“evangelical” friends say that Israel crossed north of the general sense in Mt. 13:44,46; 27:7; Lk. 14:18,19. In Red Sea in the Bitter Lakes region. Consider the reference to salvation, agorazo is used in 1 Co. 6:20; following statement from Halley’s Bible Handbook, 7:23; 2 Pe. 2:1; Re. 5:9 and 14:2, 3. Agorazo pictures which is reputed to be conservative: “The sea then the Lord Jesus Christ paying the awful price required by would have flowed north into the depressions known our sin. Jesus Christ came into the slave market of this today as the Bitter Lakes. If a steady wind pushed the fallen world and paid the full price to redeem men by shallow water north into the Bitter Lakes, it would have His blood and death. EXAGORAZO means to buy out of lowered the level of the water so that a land bridge the market. This is the word agorazo compounded with would appear, which is not an uncommon phenomenon.

the Greek preposition ex, meaning out from. Jesus not The waters on the north and the south then were a only paid the purchase price, He completely removed

‘wall’ or ‘defense.’ There is no need to assume the believing sinner from the position of condemnation perpendicular heaps of water defying gravity--although and from Satan’s dominion. LUTROO means to loose, to there is no question that God could have done exactly set free. The emphasis of this word is that God gives to that. ... The Egyptians followed through the exposed sea the believer day-to-day victory over sin, Satan, and the mud and were caught and tangled by the returning tide world. We are purchased, brought out, and released to a following the relaxed pressure of the wind.” Our life of spiritual freedom in Christ. Lutroo is used in Tit.

response to this is as follows: (1) The Hebrew word 2:14; 1 Pe. 1:18 and He. 9:12.

“suph,” which is translated “Red” in most Bibles, does What Is the Price of Redemption? We are redeemed mean “reed,” but this does not mean that the Bible is through Christ’s blood (Col. 1:14; He. 9:12; 1 Pe. 1:18, talking about a shallow reed lake. The Red Sea was 19). Those who say the blood of Christ is only symbolic called “Reed Sea” in ancient times, not because it was for death are wrong. The blood of the O.T. animal shallow, but because reeds grow in marshy areas along sacrifices was symbolic, typifying the blood of Christ, its shores in places. (The Hebrew word refers to water but the blood was real and was required by the law of reeds in general and not to papyrus only.) Further, in the God (Le. 17:11; He. 9:22). To change the word “blood”

New Testament it is called the Red Sea and not the Reed to “death” as some modern versions do is wickedness Sea (Ac. 7:36; He. 11:29). In ancient times the name and is a denial of the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Red Sea was given to the entire Arabian Sea, including How Permanent Is Redemption? It is eternal!

the modern Red Sea and its arms and the Persian Gulf

“...having obtained eternal redemption for us” (He.

(Kenneth Kitchen, On the Reliability of the Old 9:12).

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What Does Redemption Involve? The term the change from the state of depravity, or spiritual

“redemption” is used interchangeably with “salvation.”

death, to that of spiritual life” ( People’s Bible It refers to the fullness of our salvation in Jesus Christ.

Encyclopedia). [See Born Again, Covenant, Gospel, Redemption involves forgiveness of sins (Ep. 1:7); Millennium.]

justification (Ro. 3:24); eternal inheritance (He. 9:15); REHABIAH (the extension of the Lord). 1 Ch. 23:17.

resurrection (Ro. 8:23).

REHEARSE. To tell; narrate; recite; not necessarily Three Aspects of Redemption. (1) Past (Ga. 3:13). We with the notion of repetition, which originally belonged have been redeemed from the condemnation of sin and to the word (Bible Word-Book) (Jud. 5:11; 1 Sa. 17:31).

the dominion of Satan. (2) Present (Tit. 2:14). We are REHOB (room, breadth). Nu. 13:21.

being redeemed from the power of sin and Satan in our daily lives. (3) Future (Ro. 8:23). We shall be redeemed REHOBOAM (the people enlarged). Son of Solomon from the very presence of sin when Christ returns and who inherited the throne and divided the kingdom (1

we receive resurrection bodies. [See Atonement, Blood, Ki. 11:26 - 14:23; 2 Ch. 9:31 - 12:16).

Eternal Security, Gospel, Grace, Justification, Offerings, REHOBOTH (extension of the people). 1 Ki. 14:21.

Propitiation.]

REHUM (compassion, friendly). Ne. 12:3.

REED. “Sometimes a stalk or rod of any plant, as of REI (a friend). 1 Ki. 1:8.

the hyssop (Mt. 27:48; Jn. 19:29). Usually, however, the REINS. The word “reins” is from the Latin “renes,”

word reed denotes a reed or cane growing in marshy meaning kidneys. It is a translation of the Hebrew word grounds (Job 40:21; Is. 19:6); slender and fragile, and kilyaw, which refers to the kidneys and is so translated hence taken as an emblem of weakness (1 Ki. 18:21; Is.

17 times (e.g., Ex. 29:13, 22; Lev. 3:4; Isa. 34:6). Kilyaw 36:6; Eze. 29:6); and of instability (Mt. 11:7). ‘A bruised and reins are used metaphorically for the inner part of reed’ (Is. 42:3; Mt. 12:20), is an emblem of a soul man, the heart and affections and will (Psa. 16:7; crushed and ready to sink in despair under a sense of its 139:13; Pr. 23:16; Jer. 12:2). In many places, reins is guilty and lost condition. Such a soul the Saviour will used together with the heart to refer to the immaterial graciously sustain and strengthen. ... The Hebrew ‘reed’

part of man (Psa. 7:9; 26:2; 73:21; Jer. 11:20; 17:10; is supposed to have been about ten feet long” ( American 20:12; Rev. 2:23). [See Conscience, Heart, Mind, Soul, Tract Society Dictionary).

Spirit.]

REELAIAH (the shaking of the Lord). Ezr. 2:2.

REJOICE. To be joyful; to exult in God (Le. 23:40; REFORMATION - PROTESTANT. [For overview of Mt. 5:12). Rejoicing, in the Bible, most frequently has to the Protestant Reformation see Church, Prophecy.] [See do with rejoicing in God, in His power and glory, in His also Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian.]

protection, in His graciousness, in His provision (De.

REFRAIN. To restrain; to bridle; to hold in check (Pr.

12:12; 26:11; 1 Sa. 2:1; Ps. 9:2; 31:7; 32:11; Is. 41:16; 10:19; Ps. 76:10, 12).

Ph. 4:4). Rejoice in the O.T. There are four Hebrew REFUGE, CITIES OF. [See Cities of Refuge.]

words most commonly translated “rejoice.” SAMACH

m e a n s “ t o b r i g h t e n u p , t o b e b l i t h e o r REFRESHING, TIMES OF. [See Times of gleesome”(Strong), “to gladden” (Piel). This word is Refreshing.]

translated “rejoice” 95 times (De. 12:7) and is also REGEM (a throng). 1 Ch. 2:47.

translated “glad” 55 times (Ex. 4:14), “joy” 16 times (1

REGENERATION. Born again; given new life; Ch. 29:9), “joyful” 4 times (Is. 56:7), and “merry” 2

spiritually renewed. Regeneration is used only two times times (Ec. 8:15). The Hebrew word SUWS is translated in the N.T. (1) The nation Israel and the world will be

“rejoice” 18 times (De. 28:63). It means “to be bright, to regenerated when Christ returns (Mt. 19:28). (2) be cheerful” (Strong). It is also translated “joy” (Is.

Sinners are regenerated when they trust Jesus Christ 65:18), “glad” (Job 3:22), and “make mirth” (Eze.

(Tit. 3:5). In this latter sense, “regeneration is the 21:10). GIYL is translated “rejoice” 40 times (1 Ch.

spiritual change wrought in man by the Holy Spirit, by 16:31). It means “to exult, to be glad” (Strong), and is which he becomes the possessor of a new life. It is to be also translated “glad” (Ps. 31:7; Is. 66:10), “joyful” (Ps.

distinguished from justification, because justification is 35:9), “joy” (Hab. 3:18), and “delight” (Pr. 2:14).

a change in our relationship to God, while regeneration ALATS, translated “rejoice” 6 times (1 Ch. 16:32), is also is a change in our moral and spiritual nature. They translated “triumph” (Ps. 25:2). Rejoice in the N.T. The coincide in point of time and are alike instantaneous, Greek word most commonly translated “rejoice” is and thus are both covered by the general term CHAIRO (Mt. 5:12; Lk. 1:14; Ph. 3:1). It is translated conversion, as that term is popularly and loosely

“rejoice” 25 times. It is also translated “glad” (Mk.

applied. Still they are distinct in that the one is the 14:11), “joy” (Ph. 2:17), “hail” (Mt. 26:49), removal of guilt by divine forgiveness, and the other is

“greeting” (Ac. 15:23), “God speed” (2 Jn. 1:10, 11), 522

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“joyfully” (Lk. 19:6), and “farewell” (2 Co. 13:11).

RELIGIOUS. Profession and form of worship; Ground of rejoicing in the N.T. The Lord (Ph. 3:1; 4:4); professing religion in the outward form (Ja. 1:26). [See Christ’s incarnation (Lk. 1:14); Christ’s power (Lk.

Religion.]

13:17); Christ’s presence (Jn. 16:22; 20:20); Christ’s REMEMBRANCE. (1) Memory; mind; thought (Ex.

ultimate triumph (Lk. 8:56); hearing the Gospel (Ac.

17:14; Mk. 11:21). (2) Memorial; record (Job 13:12; Is.

13:48); salvation (Ac. 8:39); enrollment in heaven (Lk.

57:8; Mal. 3:16; 1 Co. 11:24). The phrase “in 10:2); liberty in Christ (Ac. 15:31); hope (Ro. 12:12); remembrance” means to remember; to memorialize (2

prospect of reward (Mt. 5:12); obedience and godly Sa. 18:18; La. 3:20; Lk. 22:19). The phrase “put in conduct of fellow believers (Ro. 16:19; 2 Co. 7:7, 9; remembrance” means to remind; put in mind (Is. 43:26; 13:9; Col. 2:5; 1 Th. 3:9; 2 Jn. 4; 3 Jn. 3); the 2 Pe. 1:12).

proclamation of Christ (Ph. 1:18); the Gospel harvest REMISSION. To dismiss or pass over. God dismisses (Jn. 4:36); suffering with Christ (Ac. 5:41; 1 Pe. 4:13); and passes over the believer’s sin because of the suffering in the cause of the Gospel (2 Co. 13:9; Ph.

sacrifice of Christ (Ro. 3:25; Mt. 26:28; Ac. 2:38; 5:31; 2:17; Col. 1:24); persecutions, trials and afflictions (Mt.

10:43; 13:38; 26:18; He. 9:22; 10:18). [See Atonement, 5:12; Lk. 6:23; 2 Co. 6:10); the manifestation of grace Blood, Gospel, Grace, Justification, Mercy, Propitiation, (Ac. 11:23); meeting with fellow believers (1 Co. 16:17; Redemption.]

Ph. 2:28); the rejoicing of others (Ro. 12:15; 2 Co.

7:13); learning of the wellbeing of others (2 Co. 7:16) REMMON (greatness). Jos. 19:7.

(Vine). [See Believe, Cheer, Cheerful, Comfort, REMMON-METHOAR (Rimmon defined in a circle).

Consolation, Delight, Glad, Happy, Hope, Joy, Laughter, Jos. 19:13.

Merry, Mirth, Music, Oil of Gladness, Praise.]

REMNANT. Left over; remaining; residue (Ex. 26:12; REKEM (needlework). 1 Ch. 2:43.

Le. 2:3; De. 3:11; 2 Sa. 21:2; Mt. 22:6; Re. 11:13; RELIGION. The word “religion” is used only four 12:17; 19:21). “Remnant” often refers to God’s times in the Bible, with two different significations: (1) preservation of a portion of Israel through the centuries Religion in general, such as the Jewish religion (Ac.

of judgment. He has promised through His covenants 13:43; 26:5). (2) “Pure religion,” which is the subject of with Abraham and David that a remnant will be the book of James. Here religion is defined as the preserved to inherit the Messianic kingdom (1 Ki. 19:18; outworking of the salvation of Jesus Christ (Ja. 1:26, Is. 1:9; 10:20-23; 11:11, 12, 16; Je. 32:38,39; Zep.

27). It is the works that are produced by faith (Ja.

8:12; Joel 2:32; Mi. 2:12; 5:7-8; Zep. 2:7; 3:13; Ze.

2:14-26). Saving faith will always change the life. A so-8:12; Ro. 9:27; 11:5). [See Covenant, Kingdom, Great called faith which does not produce obedience to God’s Tribulation, Millennium, Prophecy.]

Word is a dead faith. [See Sanctification, Upright.] The REMPHAN (Ac. 7:43). [See Idolatry.]

World’s Bible Handbook notes: “Religion is devotedness REMOVED. Moved; not necessarily from one place to to God, and supposes reconciliation to God, fellowship another (Ps. 125:1).

with God, coming under the yoke of God, and being of REMPHAN (prepared). An Egyptian idol (Ac. 7:43).

one mind and spirit with God. Many profess religion REND. To tear; to break off (Ge. 37:29; 44:14; Le.

who do not understand its nature, possess its principles, 10:6; Ps. 7:2).

or practice its precepts. They are not enlightened. They RENDER, RENDERED. (1) To repay; to return (Pr.

are not sincere. They are not devout. Pure religion flows 12:14). (2) To give (Pr. 26:16).

from pure principles, runs in a pure channel, and aims at pure ends. Pure religion is humble, laborious, self-RENEW. To make new; to reestablish; to rebuild; to denying. The truly religious man not only embraces the restore to a former state; to renovate (1 Sa. 11:14; 2 Ch.

doctrines of the gospel, but practices its truths; not only 15:8; Job 10:17; 29:20; He. 6:6). This term is frequently worships God through his Lord and Saviour Jesus used to describe the renewal of spiritual vigor in the Christ, but benefits his fellow men; is not only devout, child of God (Ps. 51:10; 103:5; Is. 40:31; 41:1; Ro.

but devoted. He pities the fatherless, sympathizes with 12:2; 2 Co. 4:16; Ep. 4:23; Col. 3:10; Tit. 3:5). [See the widow, helping them as God allows, and keeps Awakening, Revive, Revival.]

himself unspotted from the world. If he can dry an RENOUNCE. To disown; to disclaim; to reject; to orphan’s tears, or can minister to a widow’s needs, if he refuse (2 Co. 4:2).

can bring a soul to Christ, or in any way promote the RENOWN. Fame; celebrity; exalted reputation (Ge.

holiness and happiness of his fellow man, happy is he. Is 4:6; Nu. 1:16; 16:2; Is. 14:20; Eze. 16:14-15; 23:23; this the nature of your religion? If not, it must be Da. 9:15).

spurious. Let us examine ourselves by this test.” [See RENT. Torn; destroyed (Ge. 37:23; Ex. 28:32; 39:23; Sanctification, Upright.]

Jos. 9:4, 13; 1 Sa. 15:27; 1 Ki. 13:3, 5; Eze. 30:16; Mt.

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9:16; Mk. 2:21; Lk. 5:36). To rend the clothes typified starts this side of repentance makes a false beginning repentance and shame (Le. 13:45; 1 Sa. 4:12; 13:31; which vitiates his whole Christian profession. When 15:32; 2 Ki. 18:37; Is. 36:22; Je. 41:5).

true repentance was preached and emphasized, there were not so many nominal professors of religion. To REPAY. To pay back; to return; to refund (De. 7:10; leave out or minimize repentance, no matter what sort Job 21:31; Pr. 13:21; Is. 59:18; Lk. 10:35; Ro. 12:19; of a faith you preach, is to prepare a generation of Phile. 19).

professors who are such in name only. I give it as my REPEATETH. To gossip (Pr. 17:9). [See Whisperer.]

deliberate conviction, founded on twenty-five years of REPENT ONESELF. To repent (De. 32:36; Jud. 21:6; ministerial observation, that the Christian profession of Joel 2:13). [See Repentance.]

today owes its lack of vital godliness, its want of practical piety, its absence from the prayer meeting, its REPENTANCE. Bible repentance means turning to miserable semblance of missionary life, very largely to God; it means a change of mind toward God that results the fact that old-fashioned repentance is so little in a change of life (Mt. 3:1-2; Lk. 5:32; 13:1-3; 18:13; preached. You can’t put a big house on a little Ac. 2:38; 5:31; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20; 2 Pe. 3:9). There foundation. And no small part of such preaching comes are two types of repentance: (1) Once-for-all repentance from a class of modern evangelists who desiring more by unbelievers unto salvation (Lk. 13:3; Acts 2:38). (2) for their own glory to count a great number of converts Continual repentance by believers for sanctification (Re.

than to lay deep foundations, reduce the conditions of 2:5, 16, 21-22).

salvation by one-half and make the other half but some intellectual trick of the mind rather than a radical Definitions of Repentance

spiritual change of the heart. Like Simon Magus, they

“Repentance is a change of mind that results in a believe indeed, but ‘their heart not being right in the change of life” (Bruce Lackey).

sight of God, they have no part nor lot in this matter.

“Repentance is ‘a change of mind Godward that leads They are yet in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of to a judgment of self and one’s acts’ (1 Ki. 8:47; Eze.

iniquity.’ Such converts know but little and care less 14:6; Mt. 3:2; 9:13; Lk. 15:7; Ac. 20:21; 2 Co. 7:9-10).

about a system of doctrine. They are prayerless, This would not be possible but for the thought of lifeless, and to all steady church work reprobate” (B.H.

mercy in God. It is the goodness of God that leads to Carroll, 1889).

repentance (Ro. 2:4)” ( Concise Bible Dictionary).

“Repentance is a godly sorrow for sin. Repentance is a

“Real penitence; sorrow or deep contrition for sin, as forsaking of sin. Real repentance is putting your trust an offense and dishonor to God, a violation of his holy in Jesus Christ so you will not live like that anymore.

law, and the basest ingratitude towards a Being of Repentance is permanent. It is a lifelong and an infinite benevolence. This is accompanied and followed eternity-long experience. You will never love the devil by amendment of life” (Noah Webster, American again once you repent. You will never flirt with the Dictionary of the English Language, 1828).

devil as the habit of your life again once you get saved.

“The preacher who leaves out repentance commits as You will never be happy living in sin; it will never grave a sin as the one who leaves out faith. I mean he satisfy; and the husks of the world will never fill your must preach repentance just as often, and with as longing and hungering in your soul. Repentance is much emphasis, and to as many people as he preaches something a lot bigger than a lot of people think. It is faith. To omit repentance, to ignore it, to depreciate it, absolutely essential if you go to heaven” (Lester Roloff, is rebellion and treason. Mark its relative importance: Repent or Perish)

You may make a mistake about baptism and be saved,

“To repent literally means to have a change of mind or for baptism is not essential to salvation. You may be a spirit toward God and toward sin. It means to turn Christian and not comprehend fully the high-from your sins, earnestly, with all your heart, and trust priesthood of Jesus Christ (He. 5 :11), but ‘Except ye in Jesus Christ to save you. You can see, then, how the repent ye shall all likewise perish.’ So said the Master man who believes in Christ repents and the man who Himself. Repentance is a preparatory work. For thus repents believes in Christ. The jailer repented when he saith the Lord: ‘Break up your fallow ground and sow turned from sin to believe in the Lord Jesus not among thorns.’ I submit before God, who will Christ” (John R. Rice, What Must I Do to Be Saved? ).

judge the quick and the dead, that to preach faith Repentance Preached by Bible Preachers without repentance is to sow among thorns. No harvest Those who do not preach repentance or who make can be gathered from an unplowed field. The fallow light of it or who claim it is the same as faith or who ground needs to be broken up. The most striking instance on record of repentance as a preparatory work redefine it so that it has nothing to do with sin are not was the ministry of John the Baptist. He was sent ‘to following the Bible pattern for evangelism. They are make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’ He did it following a manmade program. The bottom line is that by preaching repentance, and Mark says his preaching Bible preachers proclaimed repentance. If faith is the was ‘the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the same as repentance, this would make no sense. Those Son of God.’ Here is the true starting point. Whoever who follow the Bible will preach repentance and will 524

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require evidence thereof. Repentance was preached by penitent. The four parts of penance are confession, John the Baptist (Mt. 3:1-10), by Jesus Christ (Mt. 4:17; contrition, absolution, and satisfaction. The satisfaction 9:13; 11:20-21; Lk. 13:2-5; 15:7, 10; 24:46-48), by refers to various duties prescribed by the priest, such as Christ’s disciples (Mk. 6:12), by Peter (Acts 2:38; 3:19; praying the Rosary. Satisfaction is defined by the 5:31; 8:22-23), and by Paul (Acts 17:30; 20:20-21; authoritative Addis and Arnold Catholic Dictionary as “a 26:20). The Bible says that God is “longsuffering to us-payment of the temporal punishment due to sin through ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all works which are good and penal and are imposed by the should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). There is no confessor.”

Bible example of people being saved who did not This is not biblical repentance. Sinners are not evidence a change of life. The Apostle Paul, reviewing commanded to go to priests for forgiveness. They are his ministry before King Agrippa, noted that he went not told to confess their sins to a priest or to do good about preaching to Jews and Gentiles “that they should works with the hope that their sins will thereby be repent and turn to God, and do works meet for forgiven. All of the elements of Catholic penance are repentance” (Acts 26:20). This is exactly the message unscriptural.

we are to preach today.

Repentance is not mere remorse for wrong actions. The What Repentance Is Not

Bible tells us that men can be remorseful about their Repentance is not mere human reformation. Men have actions without exercising genuine repentance unto the ability to reform their own lives in some sense. It is salvation. This is described as the “sorrow of the world”

not uncommon for men who have gotten into trouble to in 2 Co. 7:10. There are key examples of this in the Old come to their senses and to change their ways.

and the New Testaments. King Saul is the prime Old Drunkards have stopped drinking; wife beaters have Testament example. He was sorry that he got caught in ceased from their violence; thieves have become honest various sinful acts, but he did not demonstrate citizens; harlots have turned from a life of infamy. This repentance because his actions did not change (1 Sa.

in itself is not biblical repentance.

15:24; 24:17; 26:21). Judas is the fearful New First of all, reformation is man-centered and this-Testament example of a man who was remorseful but world-centered; whereas repentance is God-centered did not repent toward God (Mt. 27:3-4). Like and eternity-centered. The man who merely reforms has reformation, remorse is man-centered rather than God-his eyes on the people he has offended and the centered. Those who repent change their mind about consequences of his actions in his present life. The their relationship with God and this results in a change gospel, on the other hand, calls for “repentance toward in the way they live. Judas regretted his actions, but he God…” (Acts 20:21). The Prodigal Son’s repentance was did not turn to God.

demonstrated by his change of attitude toward God as Re p e n t a n c e i s n o t m e r e c o n f e s s i o n o f o r well as toward his father. “I will arise and go to my acknowledgement of sin. Repentance is also not mere father, and will say unto him, Father, I HAVE SINNED

acknowledgement of sin. Pharaoh did this, but he did AGAINST HEAVEN, and before thee” (Luke 15:18).

not repent toward God and his actions did not change Furthermore, reformation is problem-centered, (Exodus 9:27). While working in a county jail ministry whereas repentance is sin-centered. The man who for several years, I saw many men and women who reforms his life looks upon his actions as problems and acknowledged that they had sinned, but most of those faults, but not as wicked sin against a holy God. Those did not exercise repentance toward God and faith in the who repent, on the other hand, confess that they have Lord Jesus Christ.

SINNED against God. They do not soft-peddle their sin.

Repentance is not merely changing from unbelief to This is why it is crucial that people be taught plainly belief. The late Pastor Jack Hyles, First Baptist Church, what sin is from the Bible. To tell people that they have Hammond, Indiana, who was an influential sinned is not enough, because the sinner does not independent Baptist preacher, defines repentance to naturally think of himself as truly evil. He will admit mean turning from unbelief to belief. He stated this in that he has faults, problems, weaknesses, lack of self-his 1993 book, The Enemies of Soul Winning. One esteem, etc., but this is not the same as admitting that chapter is titled “Misunderstood Repentance: An Enemy he is a wicked and undone sinner before God.

of Soul Winning.” He builds his doctrine of repentance Repentance is not penance. Many Catholic Bibles largely on human reasoning: since unbelief is the only translate “repentance” as “do penance,” according to sin that sends men to hell (so he claimed), unbelief is Catholic theology that replaces biblical repentance with the only sin that must be repented of. That sounds a sacramental duty. Penance is a Catholic sacrament reasonable, but it is contrary to the clear example and whereby sins “done after baptism” are absolved by the teaching of the Word of God. Biblical repentance as priest upon the confession and good deeds of the preached by John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus Christ, and Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 525

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the Apostles, involved a change of mind TOWARD GOD

unscriptural.

AND SIN. Note the following summary of Paul’s gospel Hutson even carried his false doctrine of repentance message: “But showed first unto them of Damascus, and so far that he modified the 1989 edition of “Soul-at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, Stirring Songs and Hymns,” which is the hymnal and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and published by the Sword of the Lord. Under the direction t u r n t o G o d , a n d D O W O R K S M E E T F O R

of Pastor Tom Stastny the members of Beaver Valley REPENTANCE” (Acts 26:20). The gospel message Baptist Church of Montrose, British Columbia, went preached by Peter on the day of Pentecost and by Paul through the hymnal and documented many changes. In after Pentecost required repentance and defined that as an open letter to Independent Baptists of Canada dated a turning to God from evil works. Biblical repentance is April 1, 2000, Pastor Stastny wrote: “Several of the a change of mind toward God and sin that results in a changes center around the doctrine of repentance i.e.

change of life. To say that it has nothing to do with one’s

#245 (The Old Account Was Settled”), #288 (“I Am attitude toward sin is to throw away 19 centuries of Resolved”), #318 (“Give Me Thy Heart”), #444

Christian preaching.

(“Almost Persuaded”). The 1989 version greatly Repentance is not merely changing one’s mind.

weakens this doctrine in its overall message.” Following Another man who has widely influenced the doctrine of are the changes that were made to these four hymns: repentance held by independent Baptists is the late

“The Old Account Was Settled”

Curtis Hutson, former editor of the Sword of the Lord.

4th verse -- “O sinner seek the Lord, repent of all His 1986 booklet “Repentance: What Does the Bible your sin, For thus He hath commanded if” CHANGED

Teach?” has been distributed widely. Hutson boldly TO “O sinner, trust the Lord, be cleansed of all your sin, denied that repentance means to turn from sin (p. 4).

For thus He hath provided for.”

He denied that repentance is sorrow for sin (p. 8). He even denied that repentance means “a change of mind

“I Am Resolved”

that leads to a change of action” (p. 16). He claimed 4th verse DELETED (“I am resolved to enter the that repentance simply is “to change one’s mind” and Kingdom, leaving the paths of sin...”) that it did not necessarily result in a change of life. In an

“Give Me Thy Heart”

attempt to build his doctrine of repentance, Curtis 2nd verse -- “turn now from sin and from evil depart”

Hutson quoted Scripture that appears to support his CHANGED TO “trust in me only, I’ll never depart.”

position but he ignored the Scriptures that plainly

“Almost”

denounce his position. He misquoted the writings of 1st and 2nd verses DELETED -- “Almost I trusted in men like his predecessor John R. Rice. He also mixed in Jesus, Almost I turned from my sin; Almost I yielded a heavy dose of human reasoning. For example, he completely to the sweet striving within.” “Almost I said, stated that repentance couldn’t mean to turn from sin

‘Jesus, save me.’ Almost submitted my will; Almost because man cannot turn from all sin. That is a persuaded to serve Him, but I rejected Him still.”

smokescreen, because no one has defined repentance as turning from all sin. The historic definition of In a letter to Pastor Statsny dated March 31, 2000, repentance, as it applies to salvation, is a change of Shelton Smith promised that the Sword would publish a mind toward God and sin that results in a change of life.

new edition of the hymnal that would “use the original Repentance is not turning from all sin in the sense of editions” of the hymns. As of 2007 this has not been some sort of sinless perfection; it is a change of mind done, and the changes themselves in the 1989 edition toward sin so that the sinner no longer intends to walk under Hutson’s administration speak for themselves.

in rebellion against God. Dr. Hutson also reasoned that Repentance is not merely the same as believing. Dr.

to say repentance involves turning from sin is a works Dwight Pentecost is among those who define repentance salvation. That is nonsense. The Thessalonians turned as merely believing in Christ. “Repentance is not a from the sin of idolatry (1 Th. 1:9). Obviously, that does prerequisite to salvation; for if repentance is required, not mean they thought that their works had a part in salvation is based, at least in part on works. … We their salvation. The fact that God requires that we turn would suggest to you from the Word of God that from sin does not mean that salvation is by works. We repentance is included in believing. It is not a separate know that the works are the fruit of genuine salvation, act which conditions salvation, but rather it is included not the cause of it. Repentance, defined as turning to in the act of believing” (Pentecost, Things Which Become God from sin, is not a works salvation, as Dr. Hutson Sound Doctrine, 1965, pp. 70,71). This sounds correct to falsely claimed. It is the sinner’s obedient response to many people, but it is wrong. First, as to repentance the Holy Spirit’s conviction (John 16:8). Dr. Hutson’s being a works salvation, that is nonsense. To say that entire line of reasoning about repentance was repentance results in works is not the same as saying 526

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that repentance is works. Saving faith also produces has nothing to do with turning from sin; they try to works, but this is not to say that saving faith is works.

prove that by referring to God’s repentance. It is clear Repentance, in fact, is so far from a work that it is a gift from the following studies that the various Hebrew and of God’s grace. “When they heard these things, they Greek words do not uphold these ideas.”

held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath Hebrew words for repentance: “SHUB or Shuv is God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto translated repent in 1 Ki. 8:47. In Eze. 14:6 this word is life” (Acts 11:18).

translated ‘repent’ and ‘turn.’ NACHUM is used of man’s I will reply to the idea that repentance is the same as repentance in Je. 31:19. See also Ex. 13:17; Ju. 21:6; faith by asking the following questions: (1) If Je. 8:6. Nacham is translated ‘comfort’ in Ge. 5:29 and repentance and faith are the same, why does the Bible in 58 other places and ‘ease’ in Is. 1:24. Robert B.

make such a plain distinction between them? “Testifying Girdlestone, in Synonyms of the Old Testament, says, both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance

‘...the original meaning of this word is generally toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus understood to be ‘to draw a deep breath,’ and this is Christ” (Acts 20:21). In reality, repentance and faith are taken as the physical mode of giving expression to deep two different actions though they are intimately feeling, either of relief or sorrow’ (p. 87). NOCAHM, a connected and cannot necessarily be separated in time.

related word, is used in Ho. 13:14, referring to God’s Repentance is acknowledging one’s sin and rebellion promise that He will resurrect Israel and that against God and changing one’s mind about sinning

‘repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.’ NICHUM, against God. Faith is trusting the finished work of Christ another related word, is used in Ho. 11:8, referring to for forgiveness. Repentance and faith are the two God, and is translated ‘comfort’ in Is. 57:18 and Ze.

aspects of man’s response to God’s offer of salvation. (2) 1:13.

If repentance and faith are the same, why did all of the Greek words for repentance: “METANOEO. According New Testament preachers proclaim repentance? Many to R.C. Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament, arguments have been given to justify not preaching metanoeo involves four things: ‘(1) to know after, (2) repentance, but the bottom line is that the Bible the change of mind consequent on this after-knowledge, preachers proclaimed repentance. If repentance is (3) regret for the course pursued, resulting from the totally wrapped up in believing, why did the Lord Jesus change of mind consequent on this after-knowledge, (4) Christ preach “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise the change of conduct for the future, springing from all perish” (Luke 13:3)? Why did Peter preach, “Repent ye this’ (pp. 257-258). Trench is considered by many to be therefore, and be converted” (Acts 3:19)? Why did Paul an authority in N.T. Greek. His book on synonyms is a preach, “God ... now commandeth all men every where classic; it was first published in 1880 in London, so it to repent” (Acts 17:30)? Or, “[men] should repent and cannot be accused of being a part of the current debate turn to God, and do works meet for repentance” (Acts over repentance. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the 26:20)? (3) If repentance and faith are the same, why New Testament says that metanoeo (the verb) means ‘to did the Lord Jesus Christ say that repentance is a part of change one’s mind, i.e. to repent of one’s past sins’ (p.

the Great Commission? “And that repentance and 405). Of the noun metanoia, he adds, ‘the change of remission of sins should be preached in his name among mind of those who have begun to abhor their errors and all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). The misdeeds, and have determined to enter upon a better answer is that repentance is to be preached, and faith is course of life, so that it embraces both a recognition of to be preached. While these doctrines are intimately sin and sorrow for it and hearty amendment, the tokens connected, they are not the same. Biblical salvation and effects of which are good deeds’ (p. 406).

involves both: “repentance toward God, and faith METAMELOMAI is used synonymously with metanoeo.

toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). That is In Mt. 21:29, 32 metamelomai refers to a change of what the Lord’s Apostles preached, and they are our mind which results in a change of action. The son only infallible guides. Those who claim that repentance obviously changed his action as well as his mind, does not have to be preached or that it is the same as because he ‘repented, and went’ (v. 29). In He. 7:21

faith are denying the plain teaching of the Word of God.

metamelomai tells us that the Lord will not change His Bible Words for Repentance

appointment of Christ as a priest after the order of In Repentance Is More Than A Change of Mind, Bruce Melchizedek. The change of action is inherent and Lackey says, “Various appeals are sometimes made to cannot be ignored” (Lackey, pp. 21-25).

the Hebrew and Greek words which are translated The Bible’s Teaching on Repentance

‘repentance’ in order to prove a definition. Some insist In the following study, we examine most of the Bible that repentance is only a change of mind and does not passages dealing with repentance toward God. Our include a change of action. Others insist that repentance study is an expansion of one done by Bruce Lackey. He Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 527

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defined repentance as “a change of mind that results in a sin and idols. Surely, no one thinks that God would have change of action.” The Bible’s examples of repentance been satisfied if they had merely changed their minds show a clear change in people’s behavior. The change without changing their actions.

itself does not save us from sin, but it is the fruit of Ezekiel 18:30. “Therefore I will judge you, O house of salvation.

Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord Exodus 13:17. “And it came to pass, when Pharaoh GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your had let the people go, that God led them not through the transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” Again, way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; repentance is defined as turning from sin and idols.

for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when Jonah 3:5-8. “So the people of Nineveh believed God, they see war, and they return to Egypt.” God led Israel and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the through the wilderness rather than through the land of greatest of them even to the least of them. For word came the Philistines “lest peradventure the people repent unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, when they see war, and they return to Egypt.” God knew and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with that their change of mind would result in a change of sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be action. In this instance, a change of mind without the proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree resulting change of action would have been of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor meaningless. Repentance is defined in this verse as beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, turning.

nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with Judges 21:1, 6, 14. “And the children of Israel repented sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is tribe cut off from Israel this day.” The men of Israel had in their hands.” The word repentance is not used in the sworn that they would not give any of their daughters Jonah passage, but in Matthew 12:31 Jesus said they as wives for the Benjamites, but they repented and gave repented. The repentance of the people of Nineveh was them wives (vv. 6, 14). Again, the change of mind witnessed in their actions. True repentance is always without the resulting change of action would have been observable by a change in one’s manner of living.

meaningless.

Matthew 3:1, 8. “And saying, Repent ye: for the 1 Kings 8:47-48. “Yet if they shall bethink themselves kingdom of heaven is at hand. ... Bring forth therefore in the land whither they were carried captives, and fruits meet for repentance.” John the Baptist defined REPENT, and make supplication unto thee in the land of repentance as a change in life. He demanded “fruits them that carried them captives, SAYING, WE HAVE

meet for repentance,” which obviously meant that he SINNED, AND HAVE DONE PERVERSELY, we have wanted to see some evidence that they had repented, committed wickedness; And so RETURN UNTO THEE

before he would baptize them. The specific changes of WITH ALL THEIR HEART, AND WITH ALL THEIR SOUL, action are listed in the parallel passage of Lk. 3:8-14.

in the land of their enemies, which led them away captive, The various kinds of people had to show different and pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest changes of action, because their particular sins had been unto their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen, and different.

the house which I have built for thy name.” God promised Matthew 9:13. “But go ye and learn what that that if captive Israel would repent He would hear them.

meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not He defined repentance as acknowledging their wickedness come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

and turning to God with the whole heart.

Jesus defined repentance as a sinner changing his Job 42:6. “Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in attitude to sin.

dust and ashes.” Here, again, we see that repentance is a Matthew 11:20-21. “Then began he to upbraid the change of mind that results in a change of action.

cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, Obviously, the dust and ashes were a change of action.

because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe Jeremiah 8:6. “I hearkened and heard, but they spake unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” Christ as the horse rusheth into the battle.” Repentance is defined repentance as a dramatic change in one’s defined as acknowledging and turning from sin.

attitude toward God and His Word. He said this change Ezekiel 14:6. “Therefore say unto the house of Israel, of mind is evidenced by a change in action.

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves Matthew 12:41. “The men of Nineveh shall rise in from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: abominations.” God defined repentance as turning from because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, 528

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behold, a greater than Jonas is here.” Jesus stated that and restored fourfold that which he had stolen through the men of Nineveh ‘repented at the preaching of Jonas.’

his tax collecting business.

Jonah 3 shows that they heard the Word of God, Luke 24:47. “And that repentance and remission of sins believed God, fasted, put on sackcloth, and turned from should be preached in his name among all nations, their sin. Christ considered their actions to be a result of beginning at Jerusalem.” Repentance is part of the their repentance. Would He have approved what they Gospel message that is to be preached to the ends of the did if there had been no change of action? The answer earth. Repentance is part of the Great Commission.

is obvious.

Acts 2:37-41. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and Matthew 21:28-29. “But what think ye? A certain man be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will Holy Ghost.” The Jews in Acts 2 who heard Peter’s not: but afterward he repented, and went.” The son’s sermon repented, and the evidence of this is that they repentance was witnessed by his change of mind and his gladly received his word, were baptized, and joined obedience. A mere change of mind without a change in themselves with the hated Christians. Again we see that action would not have satisfied the father’s command.

repentance is to turn one’s life from sin and rebellion to Luke 5:32. “I came not to call the righteous, but God and obedience; it is a change of mind toward God sinners to repentance.” Christ’s objective was not merely and sin that results in a change of life. The first church to bring men to a mental belief in the Gospel but to was built on the preaching of repentance!

bring them to repentance, which, as we have seen, Acts 3:19. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that means a turning from sin, a change of mind that results your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing in a change of life.

shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Repentance is Luke 13:3-5. “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye God’s requirement for every sinner who will be saved.

shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom Repentance precedes and brings conversion and the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they forgiveness of sin.

were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell Acts 5:31. “Him hath God exalted with his right hand you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to perish.” Christ absolutely requires repentance for Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Repentance is required for salvation.

and precedes forgiveness of sin. It is a work of Christ in Luke 15:7-10. “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall the heart of the responsive sinner.

be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than Acts 8:21-22. “Thou hast neither part nor lot in this over ninety and nine just persons, which need no matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.”

house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she Peter warned Simon to repent of his covetousness, hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours which meant he was to turn from it, to reject it, to together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the change his mind about it and to stop it.

piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is Acts 11:18. “When they heard these things, they held joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also that repenteth.” Again, we see that Christ requires to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” Note that repentance for salvation. God and heaven do not rejoice the disciples described salvation as repentance. They merely because someone prays a prayer in the name of thought of salvation commonly in these terms. Note, Christ (Mt. 7:21) or because someone makes a mental too, that repentance is a work of God in the heart of the assent to the Gospel (James 2:19-20). God and heaven responsive sinner.

rejoice when a sinner repents.

Acts 17:30. “And the times of this ignorance God Luke 19:1-10. “And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; repent.” Paul preached repentance to the idolatrous and if I have taken any thing from any man by false people at Athens. He did not even mention faith in accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto Christ, but he explained that God demands repentance.

him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch The preaching of God’s holiness and righteousness and as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is man’s fallen condition and need of repentance precedes come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

and prepares the way for the preaching of the Cross.

Zacchaeus’s repentance was a change of mind that resulted in a dramatic change of life. The evidence of his Acts 20:21. “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to repentance was that he gave half his goods to the poor the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 529

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Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse summarizes Paul’s determine to change certain things in their lives that preaching and the true Gospel message: repentance produced that trouble. This is not repentance, because it toward God and faith in Christ. The sinner must repent does not deal with one’s wickedness against Almighty about his disobedience toward God and exercise faith in God and does not result in a change of attitude and the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for his sin.

action in relation to God. (4) True repentance is Acts 26:20. “But showed first unto them of Damascus, permanent (v. 10).

and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of 2 Corinthians 12:21. “And lest, when I come again, my Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” Paul many which have sinned already, and have not repented preached the same message as John the Baptist, so no of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness one can limit this to the dispensation of the law. The which they have committed.” Repentance is not about sin words of this verse, “that they should repent and turn to in general; it involves a change of mind and a change of God, and do works meet for repentance,” show that action concerning specific sins.

repentance is not a work! When we preach repentance 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10. “For they themselves show of for salvation, we are not preaching a works salvation, as us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how some have charged. When we say that repentance ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true produces a change of works, it would be ridiculous to God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he say that the two are one. Food produces energy and raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from strength; labor produces sweat; but they are different the wrath to come.” This passage gives a perfect things, so repentance and works are two separate definition of salvation repentance. It is turning to God things. Repentance produces and results in good works, from idols to serve the living and true God. Note that but repentance itself is not works salvation. The bottom repentance is directed to God (compare Acts 20:21; line is this: Paul preached repentance and required that 26:20). Repentance results in a change of life (turning repentance produce a change in the life. We must do the from idols to serve God).

same today. Those who accept a mere prayer as 2 Timothy 2:25-26. “In meekness instructing those salvation and who baptize people who demonstrate no that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them change of life are not following the Bible pattern of repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that evangelism.

they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, Romans 2:4. “Or despisest thou the riches of his who are taken captive by him at his will.” Repentance goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not produces “acknowledging of the truth” and recovery knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to from the snare of the devil. Repentance is a work of God repentance?” God does many things with the objective in the heart of a responsive sinner. God convicts of sin of bringing men to repentance. This is another reminder and calls the sinner to repentance and faith in Christ, that God desires that all men repent.

and if the sinner responds, God grants salvation and 2 Corinthians 7:9-11. “For godly sorrow worketh fulfills His work of repentance in the sinner’s life.

repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the Hebrews 6:1. “Therefore leaving the principles of the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of of faith toward God.” The ‘repentance from dead works’

yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, is obviously a change of mind that results in a change of what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge!

action.

In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this Hebrews 12:17. “For ye know how that afterward, matter.” Lessons: (1) Repentance is the product of God’s when he would have inherited the blessing, he was Word (v. 8; Jonah 3:5; Acts 2:38-41). (2) Repentance is rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he a change of mind that results in a change of life. The sought it carefully with tears.” Bruce Lackey says: “Since Corinthians’ repentance produced a great change in there is no record of Esau trying to change the sale of their manner of living: “carefulness ... clearing of his birthright to Jacob (Ge. 25:29-34), this must refer to yourselves ... indignation ... fear ... vehement desire ...

his effort to get Isaac to change the blessing from Jacob zeal ... revenge.” (3) Repentance is not the same as back to himself (Ge. 27:34). Some interpret this to reformation or other forms of “the sorrow of the world.”

mean that Esau could not repent; I think it means that Repentance has to do with God and sin, whereas he could not get Isaac to repent of having given the reformation has to do with other people and with firstborn’s blessing to Jacob. In either case, the meaning conditions and things in this world. Many people, when of repentance would be the same. Esau found a place to they get into trouble, are sorry for the trouble and they change his mind, but he could not find a place to 530

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change the action. This is one of the strongest proofs in and repented not of their deeds.” These passages say that Scripture that a change of action must take place, or tribulation sinners will not repent “of their deeds.” Their there is no repentance.”

lack of repentance is connected with their refusal to 2 Peter 3:9. “The Lord is not slack concerning his turn from their evil doings. Repentance is a turning to promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering God from sin, a change of mind about sin that results in to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all a change of action.

should come to repentance.” Again, we see that the Bible Illustrations of Repentance

frequently describes salvation in terms of repentance.

1. Repentance is the Prodigal Son coming to himself, God requires repentance for salvation.

confessing his sin against God and his father, and Revelation 2:5. “Remember therefore from whence returning home. “And when he came to himself, he said, thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else How many hired servants of my fathers have bread I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, Repentance obviously involves turning from actions that I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am are wrong to doing actions that are right. It means to no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of change one’s mind about a wrong behavior so that one thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father.

determines to change that behavior by God’s grace.

But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, Revelation 2:16. “Repent; or else I will come unto thee and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my kissed him” (Lk. 15:17-20).

mouth.” The Christians at Pergamos were instructed to 2. Repentance is the Thessalonians turning to God repent of the sin and error that they were allowing in from idols to serve the living and true God. “For they the church, which meant they were to turn from the themselves show of us what manner of entering in we things that Christ mentioned.

had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to Revelation 2:21-22. “And I gave her space to repent of serve the living and true God” (1 Th. 1:9).

her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast 3. Repentance is Zacchaeus turning from corruption her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her to uprightness. “And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.”

Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the Christ required that the people “repent of their deeds.”

poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by He surely would not have been satisfied with a change false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said of mind without a change of action.

unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, Revelation 3:3. “Remember therefore how thou hast forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham” (Lk. 19:8-9).

received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore 4. Repentance is Nebuchadnezzar humbling himself thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and before God. “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.”

and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are The repentance Christ required produced a complete truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in change in attitude and action about specific sin and pride he is able to abase” (Dan. 4:37).

error.

5. Repentance is the Philippian jailer running from Revelation 9:20-21. “And the rest of the men which his sin to Jesus Christ and becoming a kind helper of were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the Christians. “And he took them the same hour of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor believing in God with all his house” (Acts 16:33-34).

of their fornication, nor of their thefts.” From these 6. Repentance is the Christ-rejecting Jews at verses, we see that repentance that is acceptable before Pentecost turning to Christ and His church. “Then Peter God is to reject and turn from sin, idolatry, and error.

said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of Revelation 16:9, 11. “And men were scorched with you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Then power over these plagues: and they repented not to give they that gladly received his word were baptized: and him glory. And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the the same day there were added unto them about three seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:38-42).

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7. Repentance is a sinner raising the white flag of obviously still wants to hold onto his sin, the personal surrender to God. Repentance is a sinner who is at worker must deal with the fact that he must be ready to enmity with God laying down his arms, raising the allow God to deal with it.

white flag of surrender, and submitting to the One When my wife and I first began our work in the land against whom he was before in rebellion.

of Nepal in 1979, our landlord began coming to our 8. Repentance is a U-Turn. Repentance is when a house to have Bible studies. He was a wealthy middle-sinner is heading one direction, which is the way of sin aged Hindu and had a concubine that he spent most of and selfwill, and he stops and turns around so that he his time with, though he was married and had grown is now going God’s way. This definition of repentance is children. After we went through the gospel a few times, seen in Exodus 13:17: “Lest peradventure the people he told me he was interested in receiving Christ, but he repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.”

needed to know what he would have to do about two The repentance of the Jews would mean they turned specific things in his life—his shady business practices, around from following God to return to Egypt. This is and the illicit relationship with his concubine. I could the opposite of what a sinner does for salvation, but it have said, “Don’t worry about those things. Just pray to gives the correct definition of the term repentance.

receive Christ and those things will work out later.” I 9. Repentance is an assassin laying down the knife.

don’t believe that is proper biblical counsel. I don’t

“The hand that clutches the assassin’s knife must open believe he could receive Christ and be saved unless he

‘ere it can grasp the gift its intended victim proffers; and was willing to repent of his immorality and his opening that hand, though a single act, has a double dishonesty. I told him God required that he repent of aspect and purpose. Accepting the gift implies a turning these great evils. He argued that it was not possible to from the crime the heart was bent on, and it was the gift be honest in Nepal and to be rich, and he never itself that worked the change. Faith is the open hand, returned for another Bible study.

relatively to the gift; repentance is the same hand, During our work in South Asia, we could have gotten relatively, not only to the gift but more especially to the half the people in Nepal to pray a prayer if we had dagger that is flung from it” (James Stewart, wanted to do that. If we would have approached them Evangelism).

by asking them if they wanted to go to heaven if they 10. Repentance is the thief returning the stolen died, and if so, would they pray a sinner’s prayer, 90%

property. “I believe we ought to make right what we can of them would have muttered a prayer. They were make right. What if I was staying with a group of accustomed to mantras, chants, and mysterious preachers and one of them stole my wallet while I was utterances and would have seen the sinner’s prayer in sleeping? The next day he comes up to me and tells me the same light. If we had urged them only to believe he is terribly sorry and asks me to forgive him. I would without dealing with them about repentance, we would be glad to hear that he is sorry for stealing my wallet, have had a multitude of unrepentant, “believing”

but I would certainly want and expect more than that Hindus on our hands—but believing in what? They from a repentant thief. I would want my wallet back! I eagerly believed that Jesus was a god, that he was good, don’t believe he has really repented unless he brings my that he loved them; but they commonly wanted to add billfold back. I DON’T BELIEVE YOU HAVE REPENTED

him to their other gods, not receive Him exclusively as UNTIL YOU GET RIGHT AND SAY, ‘LORD, I’M GOING

God.

TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY FROM NOW ON,’ AND BY THE

During our gospel meetings there, if we had asked GRACE OF GOD YOU WILL LIVE DIFFERENTLY” (Lester for a show of hands of those who wanted to be saved, Roloff, Repent or Perish).

most of the hands would have gone up. But we knew To Preach Repentance Means to Deal Plainly with Sin that most of these Hindus were not ready to turn to The sinner who would be saved must repent, which Christ FROM THEIR IDOLS and to bear the heavy repentance will always result in a changed life. This reproach and persecution of their government and means that we cannot have the attitude that we will neighbors. In other words, they were not ready to be only deal with specific sin after the person receives saved. Without repentance, there is no salvation. “I tell Christ. That is the philosophy of many. If the sinner you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise brings up his love for liquor, or his love for immoral perish” (Lk. 13:5). It is imperative to deal with people relationships, or his love for gambling, some think it about their sin and about repentance.

best to delay dealing with such things until after that Someone might say, “Yes, but that is in Nepal where one has come to Christ. And sometimes this is the best people have never heard the gospel. Things are different policy, but only if the sinner is clearly under the here in North America.” Sure, things are different here, conviction of the Holy Spirit about his sin and is clearly but the fact is that the average person in North America ready to turn to Christ. On the other hand, if the sinner today is almost as gospel ignorant as someone in India.

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The average person we meet in many parts of North

“This saving repentance is an evangelical grace, America has no knowledge of the Bible’s teaching, even whereby a person, being by the Holy Spirit made of its stories and basic content. His mind is filled with sensible of the manifold evils of his sin, doth, by faith the myths of evolution and humanism. Someone who in Christ, humble himself for it with godly sorrow, has been educated in the North American public school detestation of it, and self-abhorrency; praying for pardon and strength of grace, with a purpose and system and who has had no sound Bible training is endeavor by supplies of the Spirit to walk before God actually more prejudiced against believing that the Bible unto all well-pleasing in all things” (Philadelphia is the Word of God than a Hindu in darkest Asia. The Confession of Faith, Baptist, 1742).

same is true for England and Europe.

“Repentance is an evangelical grace, wherein a person The Bible principles of dealing with people are the being, by the Holy Spirit, made sensible of the same no matter where those people are found. The manifold evil of his sin, humbleth himself for it, with Bible requires repentance.

godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self-abhorrence, When the Lord Jesus Christ dealt with the rich young with a purpose and endeavor to walk before God so as to please Him in all things” (Abstract of Principles, ruler who inquired about salvation, He did not tell him Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, 1859).

just to pray a prayer, just to believe. He dealt with him

“Just now some professedly Christian teachers are plainly about his love for riches, his covetousness and misleading many by saying that ‘repentance is only a pride. The young man had to repent of that deep sin of change of mind.’ It is true that the original word does his life before he could be saved. He went away sad, the convey the idea of a change of mind; but the whole Bible says, because of his great riches. Consider Christ’s teaching of Scripture concerning the repentance which dealings with the woman at the well. He faced her is not to be repented of is that it is a much more squarely with the immorality that had controlled her life radical and complete change than is implied by our and required repentance of her in that matter. This is common phrase about changing one’s mind. The the way God always deals with people, and it is the way repentance that does not include sincere sorrow for sin we must deal with them, too, if we want to follow the is not the saving grace that is wrought by the Holy Bible in our gospel work. To preach repentance means Spirit. God-given repentance makes men grieve in their inmost souls over the sin they have committed, and to deal with specific sins which people are holding on works in them a gracious hatred of evil in every shape to, and to tell them clearly that they must repent of and form. We cannot find a better definition of those sins.

repentance than the one many of us learned at our This is not “lordship salvation.” This is not some kind mother’s knee: ‘Repentance is to leave the sin we loved of Puritan methodology. It is simple Bible evangelism.

before, and show that we in earnest grieve by doing so Repentance Defined by Baptists of the Past no more’” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon, “The Royal Saviour,” Metropolitan Tabernacle, London, England, To define repentance merely as turning from unbelief Feb. 1, 1872).

to belief, or to claim that repentance has nothing to do

“…repentance … is a turning from sin, a loathing of it; with turning from sin, ignores not only the Bible, as and if thou hast that, thou hast sure repentance; but seen above, but also nineteen centuries of Bible-not else. Repentance is also a sense of shame for believing Christian scholarship. This is not how Baptists having lived in it, and a longing to avoid it. It is a have defined repentance in the past.

change of the mind with regard to sin--a turning of the The following are only a few of the examples that man right round. That is what it is; and it is wrought in could be given. Statements by men are not our us by the grace of God. Let none therefore mistake what true repentance is” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon, authority, but it is not wise to ignore what Bible-

“Mistaken Notions about Repentance,” Metropolitan believing men of old have believed. Though we would Tabernacle, London, England, April 20, 1879).

not agree with every detail of the following statements,

“Repentance is a change of mind or purpose. Until a we believe they reflect the true definition of biblical man repents he commonly feels comfortable about repentance in contrast to the shallow definition that is himself and his ways; but when the Saviour, through popular today.

the Spirit, gives him repentance, he changes his mind

“Unfeigned repentance is an inward and true sorrow of about himself, and seeing nothing good in his heart or heart for sin, with sincere confession of the same to in his works, his whole soul cries out, ‘Lord, be God, especially that we have offended so gracious a merciful to me a sinner’ (Lk. 18:13)” (William God and so loving a Father, together with a settled Cathcart, The Baptist Encyclopedia, 1881).

purpose of heart and a careful endeavor to leave all

“Repentance and the firstfruits of repentance [baptism our sins, and to live a more holy and sanctified life and other steps of discipleship mentioned in Acts according to all God’s commands” (The Orthodox 2:38-42] were generally inseparable. The former could Creed, Baptist, 1679).

not be genuine without manifesting itself in the latter.

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be baptized was no slight evidence of a new about a system of doctrine. They are prayerless, heart” (Horatio Hackett, Commentary on Acts, lifeless, and to all steady church work reprobate” (B.H.

American Baptist Publication Society, 1882).

Carroll, Baptist, Repentance and Remission of Sins,

“To repent, then, as a religious term of the New 1889).

Testament, is to change the mind, thought, purpose, as

“Repentance being, as it is, an inward change of regards sin and the service of God--a change naturally purpose resulting in an outward change of life, cannot accompanied by deep sorrow for past sin, and be performed by one person for another. Repentance is naturally leading to a change of the outward a turning from a life of self and sin to a life of life” (John A. Broadus , An American Commentary on submission and obedience to God’s will. Repentance, the New Testament, Matthew, 1886).

as used in the New Testament, means a change of

“The preacher who leaves out repentance commits as mind, but it is a word of moral significance and does grave a sin as the one who leaves out faith. I mean he not mean merely a change of opinion. Such a change must preach repentance just as often, and with as often takes place without repentance in the New much emphasis, and to as many people as he preaches Testament sense. The will is necessarily and directly faith. To omit repentance, to ignore it, to depreciate it, involved, as well as the emotions, but in scriptural is rebellion and treason. Mark its relative importance: repentance there is a change of mind with reference to You may make a mistake about baptism and be saved, sin, a sorrow for sin and a turning from sin.

for baptism is not essential to salvation. You may be a Repentance means sins perceived, sins abhorred and Christian and not comprehend fully the high-sins abandoned. This change is wrought by the power priesthood of Jesus Christ (He. 5 :11), but ‘Except ye of God through the Holy Spirit, the word of truth being repent ye shall all likewise perish.’ So said the Master used as a means to convict the sinner of sin and lead Himself. Repentance is a preparatory work. For thus him to forsake it and to resolve henceforth to walk saith the Lord: ‘Break up your fallow ground and sow before God in all truth and uprightness” (W.D. Nowlin, not among thorns.’ I submit before God, who will Baptist Fundamentals of the Faith, c. 1897).

judge the quick and the dead, that to preach faith

“The New Testament emphasizes repentance and faith without repentance is to sow among thorns. No harvest as fundamental conditions of salvation. Repentance is can be gathered from an unplowed field. The fallow a change of mind toward sin and God, and a change of ground needs to be broken up. The most striking will in relation to sin and God. Repentance is not instance on record of repentance as a preparatory work merely sorrow. It is rather godly sorrow which turns was the ministry of John the Baptist. He was sent ‘to away from all wrong doing and enters upon a life of make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’ He did it obedience. Faith is belief of God's Word concerning his by preaching repentance, and Mark says his preaching Son, and trust in his Son for salvation” (E. Y. Mullins, was ‘the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the DD., LL.D., Late President of the Southern Baptist Son of God.’ Here is the true starting point. Whoever Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY, published by The starts this side of repentance makes a false beginning Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist which vitiates his whole Christian profession. When Convention, 1920).

true repentance was preached and emphasized, there

“We believe that repentance and faith are sacred were not so many nominal professors of religion. TO

duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our LEAVE OUT OR MINIMIZE REPENTANCE, NO MATTER

souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being WHAT SORT OF A FAITH YOU PREACH, IS TO

deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and PREPARE A GENERATION OF PROFESSORS WHO ARE

helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we SUCH IN NAME ONLY. I give it as my deliberate turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and conviction, founded on twenty-five years of ministerial supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily observation, that the Christian profession of today receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest owes its lack of vital godliness, its want of practical and King and relying on him alone as the only and all-piety, its absence from the prayer meeting, its sufficient Saviour” (Baptist Faith and Message, miserable semblance of missionary life, very largely to Southern Baptist Convention, 1925).

the fact that old-fashioned repentance is so little

“To repent literally means to have a change of mind or preached. You can’t put a big house on a little spirit toward God and toward sin. It means to turn foundation. And no small part of such preaching comes from your sins, earnestly, with all your heart, and trust from a class of modern evangelists who desiring more in Jesus Christ to save you. You can see, then, how the for their own glory to count a great number of converts man who believes in Christ repents and the man who than to lay deep foundations, reduce the conditions of repents believes in Christ. The jailer repented when he salvation by one-half and make the other half but some turned from sin to believe in the Lord Jesus intellectual trick of the mind rather than a radical Christ” (John R. Rice, What Must I Do to Be Saved?, spiritual change of the heart. Like Simon Magus, they 1940).

believe indeed, but ‘their heart not being right in the sight of God, they have no part nor lot in this matter.

“We believe that Repentance and Faith are solemn They are yet in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of obligations, and also inseparable graces, wrought in iniquity.’ Such converts know but little and care less our souls by the quickening Spirit of God; thereby, 534

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being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger and (Luke 13:1-5); Paul said it is necessary (Acts 17:30, helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we etc.); Peter said it is necessary (2 Pe. 3:9). If preaching turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession and repentance is not necessary and we only need to preach supplication for mercy at the same time heartily faith, why did Christ Himself preach repentance?

receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Saviour” (Baptist I would say to the issue of why verses such as John Bible Fellowship, Articles of Faith, 1950).

3:16 and Acts 16:31 don’t mention repentance is that

“Repentance is a godly sorrow for sin. Repentance is a proper saving faith includes repentance and proper forsaking of sin. Real repentance is putting your trust repentance includes faith. I say this because repentance in Jesus Christ so you will not live like that anymore.

and faith are sometimes spoken of in Scripture as both Repentance is permanent. It is a lifelong and an being necessary for salvation (i.e., Acts 20:21; He. 6:1), eternity-long experience. You will never love the devil while at other times only one or the other is said to be again once you repent. You will never flirt with the necessary.

devil as the habit of your life again once you get saved.

Salvation is referred to as coming to repentance with You will never be happy living in sin; it will never satisfy; and the husks of the world will never fill your no mention of faith in Matthew 9:13; 11:20-21; 21:32; longing and hungering in your soul. Repentance is Mark 1:4; 2:17; 6:12; Luke 15:7; 24:47; Acts 2:38; something a lot bigger than a lot of people think. It is 3:19; 5:31; 11:18; 26:20; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1

absolutely essential if you go to heaven” (Lester Roloff, Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:25; and 2 Peter 3:9.

Repent or Perish, 1950s).

Then in other passages, such as John 3:16 and Acts

“Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of 16:31, salvation is referred to as believing and grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin repentance is not mentioned.

toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and By comparing Scripture with Scripture (rather than commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour” ( Baptist Faith and Message, Southern isolating Scripture, which is the method used by false Baptist Convention, 1963).

teachers), I conclude that saving faith includes

“What do I mean by repent? I mean to turn your heart repentance.

from your sin. Turn from sin in your heart and start out Preaching repentance depends on the soul winning to live for God. … A penitent heart that turns from context.

your sin and turns to Jesus” (John R. Rice, “Repent or The Philippian jailer was obviously under deep Perish,” Sword of the Lord, March 3, 1971).

conviction when he cried out, “What must I do to be

“The Greek words [for repentance] mean ‘a change of saved.” Doubtless Paul and Barnabas had been mind which results in a change of action.’ When that witnessing to him. Now he was fully ready to do refers to man, there is a sorrow for sin involved. This whatever God told him to do. There was no need to go definition is substantiated both by the scholarship of Trench and Thayer, as well as by the New Testament into repentance. He was already repenting! I, too, have usage” (Bruce Lackey, Repentance Is More Than a met men in jails that were ready to be saved. They had Change of Mind, 1989).

heard the gospel and God was working in their hearts;

“Scriptural repentance is a change of mind which leads they knew that they were sinners and were deeply sorry to a change of heart, a change of attitude and a change for their past lives and were ready to bow before God.

of conduct; a change of attitude toward self, toward All that was needed was to explain to them how to put sin, and toward the Lord Jesus Christ. It is an about-their faith in Christ in a saving manner (e.g., Romans face of a soul that has been going away from 10:8-13).

God” (Roger Voegtlin, “God’s Command to Repent,”

On the other hand, when Paul preached to the Fairhaven Baptist Church, Chesterton, Indiana, 1998).

idolaters at Athens who were looking on the matter of

“Repentance expresses the conscious turning from sin, Christ and the resurrection as merely another a change of mind and of the whole inner attitude to philosophical debate, he told them that God “now life, without which true conversion is not possible” (Chris McNeilly, The Great Omission: commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts Whatever Happened to Repentance, 1999).

17:30).

Repentance and Faith

Pastor Dave Sorenson says:

Some men point to John 3:16 and Acts 16:31,

“Saving faith includes repentance. Repentance is not claiming that it is not necessary to preach repentance doing anything. It is not a deed, act, work, or rite.

Rather, it is a change of the direction of one’s heart. It since we don’t see it in these passages.

basically means an attitude of the heart in turning It seems to me, though, that this is a strange way to from sin and self and turning to God. That’s what Paul use the Bible, since it is so obvious from other passages was referring to in Acts 20:21 when he referred to that repentance is necessary. Jesus said it is necessary

‘repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Saving faith is the human heart turning to God Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 535

REPENTANCE

and then trusting in Jesus Christ. ... Even as there is with true repentance, he solicited and expected the the part of trusting Christ, there is also the part of forgiveness of the debt because he was sorry for it, the turning to Him. That may seem inconsequential, but I spendthrift would only meet with contempt in his believe that here is a spiritual reason they some go application; his sureties would have to pay the money.

through the motions of believing in Christ but are not Faith alone in the Crucified cleanses from all sin, and really born again. They seemingly want the fire escape repentance is God’s instrumentality for leading the but there is no interest in turning to God. There is no sinner to the Lamb of God, the Great Remover of interest in repentance. They have the attitude, ‘God, sin” (William Cathcart).

gimme salvation, but I’m gonna keep on doing my own God’s Repentance

thing.’ ... However, if there is no real turning to God from the heart, they have missed the prerequisite for The following is from Bruce Lackey’s study on actually trusting Christ” (Sorenson, Training Your repentance:

Children to Turn out Right, 1995).

“Approximately 31 places in Scripture mention Repentance and faith are two separate things that repentance in connection with God, most of them come together for salvation, but they act together as one saying that He repented or promised to repent if man would change (Ge. 6:6-7; Ex. 32:14; Ju. 2:18; 1 Sa.

thing.

15:11, 35; 2 Sa. 24:16; 1 Ch. 21:15; Ps. 90:13; 106:45;

“Repentance is included in believing. Howbeit, Je. 18:8; 26:3,13, 19; 42:10; Joel 2:13-14; Am. 7:3 ,6; repentance is not faith, nor faith repentance. ‘He that Jon. 3:9-10; Ze. 8:14). Such statements present at least believeth,’ implies repentance. ‘Repent and be three problems to the Bible believer: (1) How could converted,’ involves faith. ‘The hand that clutches the God repent if He is unchangeable, as Mal. 3:6 teaches?

assassin’s knife must open ‘ere it can grasp the gift its (2) There would be apparent contradictions between intended victim proffers; and opening that hand, the aforementioned Scriptures and others which teach though a single act, has a double aspect and purpose.

that God does not repent (Nu. 23:19). (3) God’s Accepting the gift implies a turning from the crime the repentance would have to be different from man’s, heart was bent on, and it was the gift itself that which involves sorrow for sin.

worked the change. Faith is the open hand, relatively

“When Scripture says that God repented, it shows that to the gift; repentance is the same hand, relatively, not He is not an unfeeling machine. He has emotions (such only to the gift but more especially to the dagger that as wrath—He. 3:11) and responds to man’s actions, is flung from it.’ ... Repentance is one threefold action: showing approval or disapproval. A.H. Strong, in his in the understanding--knowledge of sin; in the classic book, Systematic Theology, said, ‘God’s feelings--pain and grief; in the will--a change of mind unchanging holiness requires him to treat the wicked and a turning around” (James Stewart, Evangelism, pp.

differently from the righteous. When the righteous 48, 49).

become wicked, his treatment of them must change.

“While it is true that upwards of one hundred and The sun is not fickle or partial because it melts the wax fifteen N.T. passages condition salvation on believing, but hardens the clay—the change is not in the sun but and fully thirty passages condition salvation on faith ...

in the objects it shines upon ... God’s immutability is nevertheless, repentance is an essential condition in not that of the stone, that has no internal experience, God’s glorious Gospel. It is also true that in the last but rather that of the column of mercury, that rises and analysis repentance and faith are one and the same falls with every change in the temperature of the act. ‘Ye turned to God from idols’ (1 Th. 1:9).

surrounding atmosphere.’

Repentance is included in believing. ‘Howbeit,

“A great truth to remember in all this is that God is repentance is not faith, nor faith repentance. ‘He that unchangeable in His eternal plan. The following believeth,’ implies repentance. ‘Repent and be Scriptures show that, before creation, God established converted,’ involves faith. ... Repentance and faith can a plan for all the ages (Ep. 1:9, 11; Tit. 1:2; Re. 13:8).

never be separated. ‘Repentance toward God, and faith Within this plan, God decided to make certain changes.

toward our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Ac. 20:21). ‘Ye repented To quote from A.H. Strong again, God’s repentance NOT ... that ye might believe Him’ (Mt. 21:32). ...

describes ‘executions, in time, of purposes eternally Repentance is denying (negative), faith is affirming existing in the mind of God. Immutability must not be (positive). Repentance looks within, faith looks above.

confounded with immobility.’

Repentance sees our misery, faith our Deliverer.

Repentance is hunger, faith is the open mouth, and

“What we have done is to interpret one Scripture by Christ is the living food” (James Stewart, Evangelism, another. Some Scriptures state basic principles of truth p. 49).

by which all others must be understood. The statement of Ep. 1:11, that God ‘worketh all things after the

“Repentance never saved a soul by its merits; it lays the counsel of His own will,’ must control our needful foundation for the temple of faith in the heart.

understanding of other verses which describe only one But all the penitential sorrows of Adam’s family would of those things. Thus, each individual act of God must not remove one faint stain of sin. If a man borrowed be considered within the overall context of Who and five thousand dollars, for which he gave security, and What He is.

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“In Nu. 23:19, ‘God is not a man that he should lie; Counsel, Exhort, False Teaching, Guidance, Instruct, neither the son of man, that he should repent,’ Balaam Pastor, Rebuke, Separation, Timothy.]

was not describing God generally, but specifically, in REQUIRE. To ask; without the idea attached to it by relation to His plan for Israel. That is, Balaam was not saying that God would never repent of anything, but modern usage of asking or demanding as a right (Bible that He would not repent of His promises to Israel.

Word-Book) (2 Sa. 12:20; Ezr. 8:22; Ps. 38:16).

“In 1 Sa. 15:29, ‘And also the Strength of Israel will not REQUITE. To recompense (Ge. 50:15; De. 32:6; Ju.

lie nor repent,’ Samuel was not saying that God would 1:7; 1 Sa. 25:21; 1 Ti. 5:4).

never repent of anything, but was referring to God’s REREWARD. Last; rear; protection (Nu. 10:25; Jos.

statement that He would remove Saul from being king 6:9; 1 Sa. 29:2; Is. 52:12; 58:8).

(v. 11). God would not repent of that promise.

RESEMBLE. Liken; compare (Lk. 13:18).

“In Ps. 110:4, ‘the Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of RESEN (a bridle, bit). Ge. 10:12.

Melchizedek,’ God is speaking of His promise to Christ.

RESHEPH (burning coal, flame). 1 Ch. 7:25.

“Rather than present impossible problems, the biblical RESIDUE. Remnant; remaining portion (Ex. 10:5; Is.

statements that God repented teach wonderful truths: 38:10; 44:17; Mk. 16:13; Ac. 15:17). [See Remnant.]

(1) God is not an unfeeling machine; he responds to RESOLVE. Determination; to understand the solution man’s actions. He has emotions. ‘We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our to a difficulty (Lk. 16:4).

infirmities’ (He. 4:15). (2) Scripture is true when it RESPECT. The phrase “had respect unto the says that God repented; there is no need to use recompense of the reward” in He. 11:26 refers to the questionable methods of interpretation. His repentance fact that Moses understood that God’s eternal blessing was purposed when He originally planned all things.

far outweighed any temporal benefits Pharaoh could (3) Everything that God does is so much higher than grant.

man’s corresponding action that there is almost no comparison.”

RESTORE, RESTITUTION. To pay back; to make whole (Ge. 20:7, 14; Ex. 22:1-12; Le. 6:4-5; 24:21;

[See Convict, Convince, Godly Sorrow, Gospel, 25:27-28; Nu. 35:25; De. 22:2; Ju. 11:13; Ps. 51:12; Mt.

Humble, Impenitence, Impudence, Justification, 17:11; Ga. 6:1).

Presumptuous, Pride, Righteousness, Sanctification, Stiffhearted, Stubborn]

RESTITUTION, TIMES OF. [See Times of Restitution.]

REPHAEL (God healed). 1 Ch. 26:7.

RESURRECTION. Raising of the dead. It involves the REPHAH (rich, healing). 1 Ch. 7:25.

body, not the spirit, as man’s spirit continues to have REPHAIAH (the Lord healed). 1 Ch. 9:43.

consciousness after death (Lk. 16:22-31; 2 Co. 5:6-8; REPHAIM (of the giants). 2 Sa. 5:18.

Ph. 1:21-23; 2 Ti. 4:6; 2 Pe. 1:14; Re. 6:9-11). Death is REPHIDIM (beds, places of rest). Ex. 17:1.

a departure of the spirit from the body. The basic REPLENISH. The word translated “replenish” in Ge.

meaning of death is separation. Spiritual death is 1:28 is more commonly translated “to fill.” See Ge.

separation from God. Physical death is separation from 1:22; 6:11; 21:19; 24:16; 26:15; 42:25; and 44:1. By the body. Ja. 2:26 says, “the body without the spirit is using this word, God is not saying that the world had dead.” Eternal death is eternal separation from God in become depopulated and needed to be repopulated.

the lake of fire.

REPORT. Fame; reputation (Ac. 6:3; 10:22; He.

The Error of Soul Sleep

11:2).

The doctrine that man’s spirit sleeps unconsciously in REPROACH. [See Revile.]

the grave until the resurrection is contrary to Scripture.

REPROBATE. Failing to pass the test; disapproved; The Apostles taught that death is a departure of the rejected (Je. 6:30; 2 Co. 13:5-7; 2 Ti. 3:8; Tit. 1:16). Ro.

spirit from the body. 1 Th. 4:13-17 tells us that when 1:28 speaks of a “reprobate mind,” referring to the fact Christ returns He will bring with Him the dead saints to that God rejects those who reject Him, and allows them receive their resurrection bodies. The bodies of the to be taken over by uncleanness and wickedness (Ro.

deceased believers are sleeping in the graves, but their 1:28-32). This reprobation of mind is connected in the spirits are with the Saviour in heaven. The Bible says previous verses in Romans with homosexuality and death cannot separate the believer from Christ (Ro.

moral perversion. [See Sodomy.]

8:38-39). Many O.T. references also teach that death is a departure of the spirit (Ge. 25:8; 35:18; Nu. 27:13; 1 Ki.

REPROOF. Correction; rebuke; instruction (Pr. 1:23; 17:21, 22). [See Death.]

10:17; 2 Ti. 3:16). [See Admonish, Chasten, Child Training, Church Discipline, Convince, Correction, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 537

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The Different Resurrections

15:20-24). (e) It encourages us to live steadfast There will not be one general resurrection. There are Christian lives (1 Co. 15:58).

at least four different resurrections spoken of in the The Nature of the Resurrection Body Bible. (1) The resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Co. 15:20).

(1) It is a real, physical body (Lk. 24:36-43). (2) It is The O.T. feast of first fruits was a picture of Christ’s an incorruptible body (1 Co. 15:42). It is not subject to resurrection as the first fruit of those who sleep in death decay and infirmity. (3) It is a glorified body (1 Co.

(Le. 23:9-14). (2) The resurrection of N.T. believers at 15:43). This speaks of the kingly glory of the the Rapture (1 Co. 15:23; 1 Th. 4:13-17). (3) The resurrected Christ in which the believer will share. (4) It resurrection of Israel and O.T. saints at the coming of is a spiritual body (1 Co. 15:44). This does not mean the Christ (Da. 12:1-3,13; Re. 20:4-6). (4) The resurrection resurrection body is not physical, which would of the unsaved dead following the Millennium (Re.

contradict the entire testimony of Scripture; it means 20:5-15). The saved shall be raised to eternal glory; the the resurrection body is not natural like man’s present unsaved to eternal punishment and shame (Jn.

body. 1 Co. 15:44 contrasts the natural body with the 5:28,29). [See Hell, Judgment.]

spiritual body. Both are real bodies, but they are The N.T. also teaches a spiritual resurrection. This different types of bodies. In man’s present condition, happens when a person is born into God’s family by man’s spirit is subject to the body to a large degree; in faith in Christ’s blood. Such a person is risen spiritually the resurrection, the spirit will control the body. Of the with Christ and seated with Him at the right hand of cherubim, the Scripture says, “Whithersoever the spirit God in heaven (Ro. 6; Ep. 2:4-6).

was to go, they went” (Eze. 1:20). This will be true for This spiritual union with Christ is not the fulfillment the resurrected believer. (5) It is an immortal body (1

of future physical resurrection, but the promise and Co. 15:53). This means it is not subject to death.

guarantee of it (Ro. 8:9-10,23-25). As surely as there is The Ending of the Gospel of Mark

a spiritual resurrection for the believer, there is also a Mark 16:9-20 is omitted or separated from the rest of physical one. At conversion the believer is raised with the Gospel with a footnote questioning its authenticity Christ, spiritually, positionally. God sees the true believer in most modern versions. This originated with critical identified with His Son in death, burial, and editions of the Greek text developed in the 19th century resurrection. He imputes to the believer these things. In and popularized by the Westcott-Hort Text and the God’s eyes, every believer is dead in Christ to sin. In His English Revised Version of 1881. The ERV separates Mk.

eyes, the believer is raised to new life in Christ. But 16:9-20 from the rest of the text and has a footnote there also remains a physical resurrection at Christ’s saying, “The two oldest Greek manuscripts, and some coming. The bodies of the dead saints will be raised.

other authorities, omit from v. 9 to the end. Some other The living saints will be instantly transformed by God’s authorities have a different ending to the Gospel.” The power, so that all will put on immortal bodies (1 Th.

Westcott-Hort Greek Text (New York: The Macmillan 4:13-17; Ro. 8:22-24; 1 Co. 15). Some men teach there Company, 1925) separates these verses from the rest of is only a spiritual resurrection; some teach only a the text with double brackets. The NIV separates this physical resurrection. The Bible teaches both.

passage from the rest of the text with a line and a blank Resurrection in the Old Testament

space and a note reading, “The two most reliable early See Job 19:25-27; Ps. 16:10; Is. 26:19; Da. 12:2 ,13.

manuscripts do not have Mark 16:9-20.” The fact is that Christ’s Resurrection

this passage is inspired Scripture, and the following brief study reveals the error of questioning its (1) It was prophesied—by O.T. prophets (Ps. 16:8-11; authenticity.

Ac. 2:24-31); by Jesus Himself (Mt. 16:21). (2) It was foreviewed—by Jonah (Mt. 12:40); by Isaac (He.

The manuscript evidence witnesses to the authenticity 11:17-19). (3) It was fulfilled bodily (Lk. 24:36-43; 1

of Mark 16:9-20. The following is from The Future of Co. 15). When the disciples thought the resurrected the Bible by Jakob Van Bruggen: “One of the most Christ was a spirit, He told them to touch Him, and He discussed passages is Mk. 16:9-20. In the New American ate food to prove to them that He had risen bodily.

Bible (NAB), three possibilities are given successively in Anyone who denies the bodily resurrection of Jesus the translation: ‘The Longer Ending,’ ‘The Shorter Christ denies the plain testimony of Scripture. The Ending,’ and ‘The Freer Logion,’ a manuscript from the Apostle Paul called all such doubters “fools” (1 Co.

fourth or fifth century. In this way, the suggestion is 15:35-36). (4) It was significant. (a) It proves that Jesus raised very strongly that Mark 16 originally ended at v.

is the Son of God (Ro. 1:4). (b) It guarantees our 8 or that the original sequel to verse 8 was lost. The salvation (Ro. 4:25). (c) It illustrates the power of God NAB creates the impression that the majority textual (Ep. 1:19-20). (d) It promises our resurrection (1 Co.

tradition was rather bold to complete the chapter. This procedure throws doubt on the Majority Text and raises 538

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the question of how often additions occur in other would want to remove such a portion of Scripture from passages that cannot be traced.

the Bible? I believe the devil would. [See Death, Jesus

“The notes in the NAB, however, correct this Christ, Judgment, Millennium, Prophecy.]

impression. The ‘Freer Logion’ occurs in only one Greek REU (a friend, fellowship). Ge. 11:18.

manuscript (fourth to fifth century). The ‘Shorter REUBEN (behold a son). Eldest son of Jacob (Ge.

Ending’ is found only in a few late Greek manuscripts.

29:32; 30:14; 35:22; 37:19-22; 42:22-37; 49:4).

The normal ending (Mk. 16:9-20), however, seems to Reuben’s children form the tribe of Israel by that name originate from the first century and seems to be (Ge. 4:6-9; Nu. 1:21; 2:16; 32:1-33; Jos. 13:15-32; accepted as genuine in the majority of manuscripts. The 15:6; 2 Ki. 10:32-33; 1 Ch. 5:25, 26; 12:37; Eze.

NAB translators really objected to this ending only 48:6-31; Re. 7:5).

because the vocabulary and style of Mk. 16:9-20 are REUEL (fellowship of God). (1) A son of Esau (Ge.

said to deviate from the rest of Mark. Yet such 36:4). (2) Moses’ father in law (Ex. 2:18). In Ex. 3:1 he objections have nothing to do with the determination of is called “Jethro,” and in Nu. 10:29, “Raguel.” There is a the text, but rather with the question of how one judges simple explanation for the seeming discrepancy. First, the text.

the names “Reuel” and “Raguel” are from the same

“With regard to the normal ending of Mark 16, W.R.

Hebrew word. In other words, they are the same name.

Farmer concludes: ‘In fact, external evidence from the Second, the name “Jethro” “is not a proper name, but a second century for Mk. 16:9-20 is stronger than for title of honor denoting ‘excellency’ (Halley). Moses’

most other parts of that Gospel” (W.R. Farmer, The Last father-in-law’s name was Reuel (or Raguel) and his title Twelve Verses of Mark, p. 31). Jerome knew that there was Jethro.

were manuscripts in his time that omitted Mk. 16:9-20, REUMAH (concubine). Ge. 22:24.

but he was personally convinced of the authenticity of these verses. There are only three known Greek REVELATION. The Greek word for revelation, manuscripts that end at 16:8, and one of them [Codex apokalupsis, means “an uncovering,” and is used of (a) Sinaiticus] has a large open space after verse 8. All the the drawing away by Christ of the veil of darkness remaining Greek manuscripts contain verses 9-20 after covering the Gentiles (Lk. 2:32), (b) the mystery of the Mark 16:1-8, and most of them do not have a single purpose of God in this age (Ro. 16:25; Ep. 3:3), (c) the note or insertion of other data. Mk. 16:1-20 has both communication of the knowledge of God to the soul the authority of the Majority Text, as well as the (Ep. 1:17), (d) the expression of the mind of God for authority of the oldest text. If it still remains uncertain the instruction of the churches (1 Co. 14:6, 26), (e) the whether Mk. 16:9-20 is well attested textually, then very revelation of Christ at His coming (1 Co. 1:7), (f) the little of any of the text of the New Testament is well manifestation of God’s children when Christ establishes attested” (pp. 130,131).

His kingdom (Ro. 8:19) (Vine). Early revelation among men before the writing of the Scriptures. It is interesting The doctrine of providential preservation also points to to see that man knew a great many spiritual truths in the genuineness of Mark 16:9-20. It has been in the the earliest days after the Fall before the Bible began to Bibles used by God down through the centuries. Mark be formed. Ac. 3:21 and Lk. 11:50 tell us there have 16:9-20 was in all English translations preceding the always been prophets of the Lord to warn and instruct ERV of 1881. It was in the Bibles which were carried to men. By considering several other Bible verses we can the ends of the world during the great revival/

learn quite a lot about just what God’s people knew in missionary era of the last four centuries. And it is olden times. (1) Salvation. They had revelation of wickedness and folly to question its authenticity on the substitutionary salvation. Abel’s offering proves this.

basis of two unreliable manuscripts (Sinaiticus and Abel was a prophet (Lk. 11:50,51) and offered by faith Vaticanus) which were hidden away for centuries in the (He. 11:4). This means he offered according to God’s pope’s library and in an eerie monastery at the foot of Word, because “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by Mt. Sinai.

the Word of God” (Ro. 10:17). (2) Saviour. They had There is also the internal witness which testifies to the revelation of the Redeemer who would come to the authenticity of Mark 16:8-20. Every truth of Mark earth in the last days (Lk. 1:68-70). Job probably lived 16:9-20 is confirmed by other portions of Scripture.

in the days before Abraham, and he knew about the There is nothing heretical or spurious there. To end the coming Saviour (Job 19:25). (3) Resurrection. They had Gospel of Mark at 16:8 leaves the disciples amazed and revelation of resurrection (Job 19:26,27). (4) Second afraid. On the other hand, to end the Gospel at verse 20

Coming. They had revelation of God coming to judge leaves the disciples in this condition: “And they went wicked men. Enoch prophesied of this great truth (Jude forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with 14-15), and he was Noah’s great grandfather (Ge.

them, confirming the Word with signs following.” Who 5:21-32). (5) High priest. They had revelation of a Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 539

REVELATION

priest who stands between God and sinful man (He.

were fulfilled. From the time that Jerusalem was rebuilt 14:18-20; He. 7). (6) Heavenly kingdom. They had until the coming of the Messiah was 483 years (69X7).

revelation of a heavenly kingdom God is preparing for One week of years remains to be fulfilled from this His people (He. 11:13-16). (7) Restored earth. They had prophecy. The Lord Jesus came as promised Messiah, revelation of a restored earth (Ac. 3:21). (8) Tithing.

was rejected and crucified in fulfillment of prophecy.

They had revelation about tithing (Ge. 14:18-20; Following His resurrection, He ascended back to heaven 28:22). (9) Righteous living. Noah was a preacher of to await the time of His return in power and glory. Israel righteousness (2 Pe. 2:5). We have seen that God has was set aside temporarily and God began calling out a always spoken to men in great detail about salvation people for His name from among all nations. When the and future things. The world is in darkness today only fullness of the Gentiles will be come in, God will fulfill because most men have consistently ignored the His promises to Israel (Ro. 11:25-27). The 69th week of prophets of God. Cain ignored Abel. The people of Daniel 9 expired during Jesus’ first coming. One week Enoch’s day ignored him. Noah’s message was ignored.

remains. Therefore we know that from the time the N.T.

Most of Noah’s grandchildren rejected the truth which believers are removed from the world until the Second had been taught by their fathers. Israel rejected its Coming of Christ will be seven years, the final week of prophets. Most people today are rejecting the Gospel of Daniel’s prophecy.

Jesus Christ which has been preached to the ends of the 3. It will be divided into two 3.5-year periods. The earth for almost 2,000 years. For example, most parts of seven year Tribulation will be divided into two distinct Asia today are in gross heathenism, but the reason lies parts. The first half will be less intense than the last half.

in the historical rejection of the Gospel by Asian Da. 9:27 indicates that the division is marked by the peoples. The first foreign missionary work took place in occasion in which the Antichrist will desecrate the western Asia by the Apostle Paul. The message of truth Jewish temple. Compare 2 Th. 2:3-4. The Lord Jesus was largely rejected, and today most of western Asia told of this same event in Mt. 24:15. Matthew 24:4-14

continues to be in bondage to false religion. A strong describes the first half of the Tribulation, while verses tradition says the Apostle Thomas carried the Gospel to 15-30 describe the last half. The watershed is the India and other parts of South Asia in the first century.

abomination brought into the temple by the Antichrist.

His message was largely rejected by Asian people, and The prophecies of Revelation reaffirm this division of today the offspring of those Christ-rejectors continue to the Tribulation into two 3.5-year periods. For example, live in darkness and lies. It is not because God has not the two witnesses of Revelation 11 will preach for 1260

tried to give light! God has made every attempt to fill days, or 3.5 years (Re. 11:3). Israel shall flee into the the world with light and is endeavoring to do so today wilderness for 1260 days, or 3.5 years (Re. 12:6), and through the Great Commission, but men love darkness Antichrist will rule for 42 months, or 3.5 years (Re.

rather than the light (Je. 7:25-26; 25:4; Jn. 3:19). [See 13:5). The events of the Great Tribulation in Re. 6-19

Bible, Conscience, Inspiration, Light, Mystery.]

occur during a seven year period following the removal REVELATION - BOOK OF. The last book of the Bible, of the church-age believers and ending with the Second containing the revelation of Jesus Christ given to the Coming of Christ. The first 3.5 years is called “the Apostle John. The Greek word for Revelation, beginning of sorrows” (Mt. 24:5-8). The last 3.5 years is apokalupsis, means “an uncovering” and is the basis of called the “great tribulation” (Mt. 24:15-21).

the English word apocalypse.

Different Interpretations of Revelation The Outline (Re. 1:19). (1) Things which thou hast Post-Millennial. According to this view, the church seen (Re. 1). (2) Things which are (Re. 2-3). (3) Things will overcome evil in the world by Gospel preaching and which shall be hereafter (Re. 4-22).

socio-political action. Civilization will gradually become The Time Element of the Events in Revelation 4-22

better, ultimately resulting in the kingdom of God. This 1. It will occur just preceding Christ’s return. The view ignores much Bible prophecy—for example, the prophetic events of Revelation foreview the Great apostasy of the professing church (2 Ti. 3) and the Tribulation described by the Lord Jesus Christ in Mt. 24, violent defeat of Satan and wicked men at Christ’s which He said would occur just prior to His Return (Mt.

return (2 Th. 1-2; Re. 19).

24:29-30).

Amillennial. According to this view, the events of 2. It will be of seven years duration. The prophecy of Revelation are thought to be symbolic of things Da. 9:22-27 reveals the time length for the Great happening in the world today—the general struggle of Tribulation. Daniel was told that 70 weeks were good against evil. Amillennialism does not believe in a required to complete God’s judgments upon rebellious literal antichrist, or end-time Great Tribulation, or a Israel and to bring in the kingdom. We know these are literal 1,000 year earthly reign of Christ. The arguments weeks of years because of the way the first 69 weeks 540

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against such allegorical interpretation of prophecy are Revelation. The nations will be judged (Re. 6-18); will given in the entries for Allegorical and Prophecy.

be ruled over by the saints after Christ’s return (Re.

Premillennial. This is the only view which accepts 20:4); and will bring gifts into the New Jerusalem (Re.

Bible prophecy as literal future events. The reasons for 21:24-27). [See Babylon, Church, Covenant, Cup, such a view are given in the entries on Allegorical and Daniel, Day of the Lord, Great Tribulation, Kingdom, Prophecy. [See Allegorical, Prophecy.]

Millennium, Prophecy, Rapture.]

Revelation Summarizes and Concludes all Bible REVELLING. Carousing; drunkenness; evil living Prophecy

(Ro. 13:13; Ga. 5:21; 1 Pe. 4:3).

All of the great prophetic themes find fulfillment in REVENGE. “Revenge” and “vengeance” are Revelation. Some of these are as follows: translated from the same Greek words. [See 1. The Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation is first and Vengeance.]

foremost a revealing of Jesus Christ (Re. 1:1). We see REVENGER OF BLOOD. The relative of a murdered Him as the eternal God, the Alpha and Omega (Re. 1); person intent upon avenging the death of a loved one. It the glorified High Priest of the churches (Re. 1-3); the was customary in Israel, as elsewhere in the East, for a Lamb slain for the sins of the world (Re. 5); the One relative to seek the life of a person who murdered his who controls the events of the world (Re. 6-18); the next of kin. The cities of refuge were set up to protect Good Shepherd (Re. 7:15-17); the eternal King (Re.

those who killed someone accidentally or in self-defense 11:15); the Bridegroom (Re. 19); the Word of God (Re.

(Nu. 35:19, 24, 25, 27). [See Avenger of Blood, Cities of 19); the Captain of the saints (Re. 19); the Judge of all Refuge, Kill, Vengeance.]

men (Re. 20); the One sitting on the eternal throne of REVERENCE. (1) Veneration; fear mingled with God (Re. 22:3).

respect and esteem (Le. 19:30; Ps. 89:7; Mt. 21:37; Ep.

2. The Church. N.T. prophecies regarding the church 5:33; He. 12:9, 28). (2) To bow before; to salute; (using the term in a general and institutional sense) also venerate; honor (2 Sa. 9:6; 1 Ki. 1:31; Es. 3:2). What find fulfillment in Revelation. There are two major are we to reverence: God (Ps. 89:7), parents (He. 12:9), aspects to church prophecy. One, the true church will husbands (Ep. 5:33), the Lord’s sanctuary (Le. 19:30).

persevere through the centuries and the true N.T.

The latter would apply today to the N.T. church (1 Ti.

believers will be taken out of the world before the Great 3:15). [See Church.]

Tribulation begins (Mt. 16:18; 1 Th. 4-5). This finds REVEREND. Inspiring awe; venerable. This term is fulfillment in Re. 4-5. Two, the apostate church will used only one time in the Bible, and it is a name for grow increasingly corrupt and finally will be judged (2

God. “...holy and reverend is his name” (Ps. 111:9).

Ti. 3). This finds fulfillment in Re. 17-19.

Today it is common for an ordained preacher to be 3. Satan and Evil. Ge. 3 records the beginning of called “reverend” as a title, but we do not believe this is Satan’s work in this world and the beginning of evil proper. Those who first took this title to themselves among men. This wickedness has progressed in the were those who formed the Roman Catholic Church.

world through the centuries, and the book of Revelation Such men were willing to usurp the place of Jesus Christ records the end of this matter. There will be one brief, by claiming to be priests and popes, and by taking to final period of intense evil in the world when Satan is themselves titles such as “holy,” “most holy,” “his given free reign. Christ will then return and put down holiness,” “father,” and “reverend.” These are titles evil and the evil one.

which belong solely to Almighty God. [See Clergy, 4. Israel. The Bible prophecies regarding the blessing Diotrephes, Father, Holy, Korah, Laity, Rabbi, Roman of Israel and the establishment of the Davidic kingdom Catholic Church.]

(Is. 9:6-7; 35:1-10; 60:1-22) find fulfillment in REVILE. To abuse with hurtful language; to reproach Revelation. First there are the judgments preceding the (Jn. 9:28; Ac. 23:4; 1 Co. 4:12; 6:10; 1 Pe. 2:23). In the establishment of Israel’s kingdom (Ze. 13:8-19; Re.

KJV the Greek word translated “revile” is also translated 6-18). Then Israel’s Messiah will come in power to

“reproach” (Lk. 1:25; 6:22; Ro. 15:3; 1 Ti. 3:7; 4:10; destroy their enemies and set up the kingdom (Ze. 14; He. 4:10; 10:33; 11:26; 1 Pe. 4:14) and “rail” (1 Co.

Re. 19-20).

5:11; 1 Pe. 3:9).

5. The Antichrist. All Bible prophecy regarding the REVIVE. To bring again to life; to raise from languor, final man of sin (Da. 8-11; 2 Th. 2; 1 Jn. 2) find depression or discouragement; to rouse; to renew (Ge.

fulfillment in Revelation (Re. 13, 16, 19).

45:27; Ju. 15:19; 1 Ki. 17:22; Ne. 4:2; Ps. 138:7; Ro.

6. The Gentile Nations. The prophets had much to say 7:9). It is used frequently to describe God’s renewal of about the nations of the world. Consider, for example, Israel in the end times (Ps. 85:6; Is. 57:15; Ho. 6:2; Is. 15-24. All such prophecies find ultimate fulfillment in 14:7; Hab. 3:2). It is used to describe Christ’s Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 541

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resurrection (Ro. 14:9). [See Awakening, Renew, in short, it is true religion” (Webster). Three Kinds of Resurrection, Revival.]

Righteousness. (1) The righteousness of man. This is the REVIVAL. Return, recall or recovery to life from morality and religious aspirations of the natural, fallen death or apparent death; return or recall to activity from man. In God’s holy eyes this impure righteousness is as a state of languor, neglect, carelessness; awakening of filthy rags (Is. 64:6). Sinful man’s attempts at good men to spiritual concerns (Webster). The term “revival”

works are unacceptable, being entirely tainted with the is not used in the Bible, but “revive” is used many times.

fallen self. (2) The righteousness of the law (Ro. 2:26).

“Revival” has become a term commonly used among This is the righteousness of obeying God’s laws. Since Christians to describe renewals. “Revival is not an no man can keep God’s law perfectly, it is impossible to evangelistic campaign; it is the restoring to life of be justified through it (Ro. 3:19-20; Ga. 3:10, 11). (3) believers and churches that have previously experienced The righteousness of God (Ro. 1:17), referring to God’s the life of God in being born again of the Spirit, but who moral and spiritual perfection. The Theme of Romans.

have become cold, worldly and ineffective. It is the The righteousness of God is the theme of Paul’s epistle greatest need for the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ.

to the Romans. The question raised and answered in Revival will later affect the unbelievers. Revival cannot this epistle is this: How can sinful, unrighteous man be organized, for it is given by our Sovereign God when attain God’s righteousness? The answer is twofold: First, He sees fit and in answer to prayer” (Operation World).

God gives the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ to God promises spiritual renewal to those who repent of those who trust Him (Ro. 3:21-25). Jesus died and paid their sins and earnestly seek His face (2 Ch. 7:14; Ps.

the punishment for man’s sins, and He rose from the 51:10; 138:3; Pr. 8:17; 32-36; Ro. 12:1-2; He. 11:6; 1

dead. Because of this payment, God puts perfect Jn. 1:9). [See Awakening, Fasting, Renew, Repentance, righteousness to the account of the sinner who believes Revive.]

on Christ (2 Co. 5:21). This results in the believer REWARD. Earning; payment for services rendered standing in a new position before God—no longer a (Nu. 18:31; 1 Sa. 24:19; Lk. 6:23; 1 Co. 3:8; 1 Ti. 5:18).

condemned outcast, but now a blessed child of God (Ro.

Salvation by grace is the opposite of reward (Ro. 4:4-5; 5:1-2). Secondly, God gives the imparted righteousness 11:6). It is a free gift (Ro. 3:24; Ep. 2:8, 9). [See of Jesus to believers that they might grow in conformity Employment, Grace, Judgment.]

to Jesus Christ in practice as well as position (Ro.

8:1-14). The Holy Spirit dwells in the believer to REZEPH (wide smooth pavement). 2 Ki. 19:12.

reproduce the life of Jesus Christ in him. Paul spoke of REZIA (desire, delight). 1 Ch. 7:39.

these two aspects of salvation—imputation and REZIN (firm, sure). 2 Ki. 15:37.

impartation—in Ga. 2:20. He said, “I am crucified with REZON (grave in manners). 1 Ki. 11:23.

Christ; nevertheless I live...” This is imputed salvation.

RHEGIUM (rupture, fracture). Ac. 28:13.

Paul’s sin was imputed to Jesus, and Jesus’

RHESA (the head, the first). Lk. 3:27.

righteousness was imputed to Paul. Next he said, “... yet not I but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now RHODA (a rose). Ac. 12:13.

live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, RHODES (a rose). Ac. 21:1.

who loved me, and gave himself for me.” This refers to RIBAI (contention of the Lord). 2 Sa. 23:29.

imparted righteousness whereby Paul became a new RIBBAND. A thread (Nu. 15:38).

man in his earthly walk. [See Gospel, Integrity, Just, RIBLAH (multitude of people, fruitful). Nu. 34:11.

Justification, Holy, Sanctification, Upright.]

RICHES. [See Covet, Gold, Labor, Money, Poverty, RIGOUR. Severity; strictness; hardness; fury (Ex.

Tithe.] [For comment on the story of the rich man and 1:13-14; Le. 25:43, 46, 53).

Lazarus see Parable, Seventh-day Adventist.]

RIMMON (2 Ki. 5:18). [See Idolatry.]

RID. To remove; take off (Ge. 37:22; Ex. 6:6; Le.

RIMMON-PAREZ (breaches of the pomegranates).

26:6; Ps. 71:1).

Nu. 33:19.

RIDDANCE. To consume; to end (Le. 23:22; Zep.

RINGSTRAKED. Striped; with bands (Ge.

1:18).

30:35,39,40; 31:8, 10, 12). “Jacob’s contrivances were, RIFLED. To be spoiled; robbed (Ze. 14:2).

(1) to set peeled sticks before the cattle where they were watered, that, looking much at those unusual RIGHTEOUSNESS. “Righteousness, as used in party-colored sticks, by the power of imagination they Scripture and theology, is nearly equivalent to holiness, might being forth young ones in like manner party-comprehending holy principles and affections of heart, colored. Probably this custom was commonly used by and conformity of life, to the divine law. It includes all the shepherds of Canaan, who coveted to have their we call justice, honesty, and virtue, with holy affections; cattle of this motley color. (2) When he began to have a 542

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stock of ringstraked and brown, he contrived to set invariably carries a staff or rod with him when he goes them first, and to put the faces of the rest towards them, forth to feed his flock. With this staff he rules and with the same design as in the former contrivance; but guides the flock to their green pastures, and defends would not let his own, that were motley-colored, look at them from their enemies. With it, also, he corrects them Laban’s that were of one color. (3) When he found that when disobedient, and brings them back when his project succeeded, through the special blessing of wandering” (The Land and the Book).

God upon it, he contrived, by using it only with the ROGELIM (fullers). 2 Sa. 17:27.

stronger cattle, to secure to himself those that were ROHGAH (copious rain). 1 Ch. 7:34.

most valuable, leaving the feebler to Laban” (Matthew Henry).

ROLL. A rolled manuscript (Is. 8:1; Je. 36:2; Eze.

2:9; 3:1). “A book in ancient times consisted of a single RINNAH (shouting for joy). 1 Ch. 4:20.

long strip of paper or parchment, which was usually RIOT. Debauchery; indulging in excessive feasting; kept rolled up on a stick, and was unrolled when a wanton or licentious in festive indulgencies (Pr. 23:20; person wished to read it. Hence the Hebrew term 28:7; Lk. 15:13; Ro. 13:13). The Greek word translated megillaw, from gawlal, ‘to roll,’ strictly answering to the

“rioting” in Romans 13:13 is translated “reveling” in 1

Latin volumen, whence comes our ‘volume.’ The use of Peter 4:8.

the term megilaw implies, of course, the existence of a RIPHATH (fraction of a fraction, remedy, medicine).

soft and pliant material, perhaps parchment. The roll Ge. 10:3.

was usually written on one side only, and hence the RISSAH (rupture, ruin). Nu. 33:21.

particular notice of one that was ‘written within and RITHMAH (juniper tree) Nu. 33:18.

without’ (Eze. 2:10). The writing was arranged in columns” (The People’s Bible Encyclopedia). [See RIZPAH (burning). 2 Sa. 3:7.

Volume.]

ROARING. The groaning of a man in great pain (Job ROMAMTIEZER (I will draw forth help). 1 Ch. 25:4.

3:24; Ps. 22:1; 32:3). Also used to describe the roaring of a lion (Job 4:10; Is. 5:29; Ze. 11:3).

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. A false religious organization that erroneously claims to be the only true ROB. [See Steal.]

church of Christ. It is ruled by an ecclesiastical hierarchy ROBOAM (extending of the people). Mt. 1:7.

of bishops, archbishops, cardinals, with the pope at the ROCK. In the O.T. God is called “the Rock” at least 30

top. Its headquarters is the Vatican in Rome, Italy.

times (De. 32:4, 14, 18, 30, 31; 1 Sa. 2:2; 2 Sa. 22:2, 3,

“Roman” describes the fact that it is headquartered in 32, 47; Ps. 18:2, 31, 46; 28:1; 31:2, 3; 42:9; 61:2; 62:2, Rome. “Catholic” means universal and points to the 6, 7; 71:3; 78:35; 89:26; 92:15; 94:22; Is. 17:10; 51:1).

RCC’s claim to have authority over all Christians In the N.T. Jesus Christ is called “the Rock” five times throughout the world. The San Giovanni Laterno (Mt. 16:18; Ro. 9:33; 1 Co. 10:4; 1 Pe. 2:8). SPIRITUAL

Church is the first church of Rome and a Latin LESSONS FROM THE FACT THAT JESUS CHRIST IS

inscription carved on the front says in translation, CALLED A ROCK: (1) Jesus Christ is identified as

“MOST HOLY LATERAN CHURCH, MOTHER AND

Jehovah God! That O.T. Rock was Christ (1 Co. 10:4).

MISTRESS OF ALL CHURCHES OF THE CITY AND THE

(2) Jesus Christ is the believer’s sure and solid WORLD.” Catholic popes lived in the Lateran Palace Foundation (Ps. 40:2; Mt. 16:18). (3) Jesus Christ is the until they moved to the Vatican in the 14th century.

believer’s source of refreshment; water comes from the The Catholic Church claims 800 million members smitten Rock (Ex. 17:6; 1 Co. 10:4). (4) Jesus Christ is worldwide, but membership figures are considerably the believer’s place of refuge (Ps. 28:1; 31:2; 61:2). (5) misleading in that they count as members every person Jesus Christ is the believer’s strength (Ps. 62:7). (6) who has been baptized Catholic, including millions of Jesus Christ is the fearful Judge of unbelievers (Ro.

people who were baptized as infants but are not 9:33; 1 Pe. 2:8). (7) Jesus Christ is that Stone which practicing Catholics. While the number of priests and will come from heaven and destroy the wicked women participating in religious orders has decreased kingdoms of this world (Da. 2:34-35, 44-45). [See tremendously in the West since the Second Vatican Cornerstone, Jesus Christ, Stumbling Block, Council, the number of priests in third world countries Stumblingstone.]

has increased. For example, in 1945 about 90% of Jesuit ROD. A staff; a branch; a pole (Ex. 4:2). A rod of priests lived in Europe, the U.S., or Canada. There were correction and punishment (Job 9:34; Pr. 10:13; 13:24; no Jesuit units in Africa and Asia. Today only about 60%

22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15; 1 Co. 4:21; Re. 2:27). A rod of of the Jesuit membership lives in the West, while 20%

guidance and sustenance (Ps. 23:4; Mi. 7:2). The live in Asia, 14% live in Latin America, and 4% in Africa expression in Micah 7:14, “feed thy people with thy ( India Church Growth Quarterly, Apr.-Jun. 1986, p. 159).

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The History of Roman Catholicism

5. The N.T. church was not yoked up with civil In the following brief survey we trace the major government. The church was an entirely separate events that led to the formation of the Roman Catholic institution with an entirely different purpose. The early Church, then we examine the conditions that existed churches were persecuted by Caesar but they did not during the years of Rome’s dominion in Europe. Finally yoke up with Caesar. There was no state-church.

we consider the Protestant Reformation and Roman The apostles warned that a large number of Catholic Counter-reformation of the 16th and 17th professing believes and churches would turn from the centuries.

faith (2 Ti. 3:5, 13; 4:3-4), but Jesus also promised that The Apostolic Period: The Early Churches He would build His church and the gates of hell would The true church was established by the Lord Jesus not prevail against it (Mt. 16:18). Although the majority Christ. He said, “I will build my church” (Mt. 16:18). It of churches have gradually become apostate from the is His institution, and He is not only the Founder and apostolic pattern, just as God’s Word prophesied, there Builder, but the Foundation and Chief corner stone (1

have always been N.T. churches. We will see how that in Co. 3:11; 1 Pe. 2:6). The Lord Jesus Christ chose twelve the centuries following the death of the apostles men as His apostles, and it was through these that He churches in general became increasingly apostate, established the first churches and laid the doctrinal culminating in the formation of Roman Catholicism.

foundation for all future churches. Ephesians 2:20 tells From that time to the present the majority of professing us that the apostles (not just Peter) were the foundation Christians in the world have been false and apostate, for the church. If a church does not have Jesus Christ as but there have always been true Bible churches in its Founder and Foundation, the apostles as its teachers, existence.

and the N.T. churches as its model, it is not a true The Roman Government Persecutions (65-300 A.D.) church.

Beginning even in the days of the apostles’, the Characteristics of New Testament apostolic Churches.

Roman government instigated violent persecutions upon 1. The N.T. church was biblical. The Scriptures were the Christians. It was Rome, of course, at the the sole authority in the early churches (2 Ti. 3:16-17).

provocation of the Jewish leaders, that crucified Jesus.

The apostle Paul taught that the Scripture is given by The primary moving force behind these persecutions divine inspiration is able to make the man of God was Satan’s hatred for Christ and the truth, but the

“perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

human motivation was the Roman emperors’ jealousy Obviously nothing else is needed. Every teaching was and fear that Christ would usurp the place they compared to Scripture (Ac. 17:11; Ro. 16:17), and any demanded in the hearts and lives of Roman citizens.

teaching or practice that was merely the tradition of Halley’s Bible Handbook gives us a brief look at the man and that was not in accordance with Scripture was major periods of these persecutions.

rejected (Col. 2:8). The New Testament faith was Nero (60-68 A.D.). “The Bible makes no mention of completed during the lifetime of the apostles (“the faith Nero’s persecution of Christians, though it happened in which was once delivered to the saints,” Jude 3), and a Bible times, and is the direct background of at least two divine seal was placed on the last chapter warning New Testament books, 1 Peter and 2 Timothy, and was against adding to it (Re. 22:18-19).

the persecution that brought Paul to his martyrdom, 2. The N.T. church was apostolic. It was apostolic in and, according to some traditions, Peter also. ... In and doctrine (Ac. 2:42), in practice (Ph. 4:9; 1 Co. 11:2), around Rome multitudes of Christians were arrested and in government (1 Ti. 3:14-15).

and put to death in the most cruel ways, crucified, or tied in skins of animals and thrown into the arena to be 3. The N.T. church was spiritually alive—not merely worried to death by dogs, for the entertainment of the an organization, but an organism. The churches were people. Or thrown to the wild beasts. Or tied to stakes composed of regenerated believers (Acts 2:41-42). The in Nero’s gardens, pitch poured over their bodies, and prayers, fellowship, singing, and service were living acts their burning bodies used as torches to light Nero’s of worship and spiritual service, not dead ritualism.

gardens at night, while he drove around in his chariot 4. The N.T. church was a priesthood (1 Pe. 2:5). This naked, indulging himself in his midnight revels, gloating passage teaches that “spiritual sacrifices” are to be over the dying agonies of his victims” (Halley).

offered by every believer, not just by a few specially Domitian (95 A.D.). “Domitian instituted a appointed men. In the early churches there was no strict persecution against Christians. It was short, but division between so-called clergy and laity, no special extremely violent. Many thousands were slain in Rome priesthood through which the other believers and Italy” (Halley).

approached God.

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Trajan (98-117 A.D.). “Christians were not sought 2. There was a joining of church and state. “Under out, but when accused were punished. ... Christianity Constantine [the emperor of Rome in the early fourth was regarded as an illegal religion, because Christians century], Christianity was virtually made the state refused to take part in Emperor-worship, and the church religion of the Roman Empire. The church immediately was regarded as a secret society, which was became an institution of vast importance in world forbidden” (Halley). Though not as aggressive as politics. Constantine regarded himself as head of the previous persecutions, many Christians died for their church” (Halley).

faith in cruel ways during Trajan’s reign.

3. Church worship gradually became elaborate, Hadrian (117-138 A.D.). “He persecuted the ritualistic, with “imposing ceremonies having all the Christians, but in moderation.” Even so, many died a outward splendor that had belonged to heathen martyr’s death.

temples.”

Antonius Pius (138-161 A.D.). “This emperor rather 4. Ministers became priests. The term “priest” was not favored the Christians, but felt he had to uphold the applied to Christian ministers before A.D. 200 and was law; and there were many martyrs...” (Halley).

borrowed from Jewish worship and from the heathen Marcus Aurelius (161-180 A.D.). “He encouraged priesthood.

persecution of Christians. It was cruel and barbarous, 5. The new birth was not required of those who joined the severest since Nero. Many thousands were beheaded the church. “The Goths, Vandals, and Huns who or thrown to wild beasts. ... The tortures of the victims, overthrew the Roman Empire accepted Christianity; but endured without flinching, almost surpasses to a large extent their conversion was nominal and this belief” (Halley).

further filled the church with pagan practices” (Halley).

Septimius Serverus (193-211 A.D.). “This persecution These “converts” became members of the churches was very severe, but not general. Egypt and North Africa simply by being sprinkled with water and by calling suffered most. In Alexandria many martyrs were daily themselves Christians. The acceptance of unregenerate burned, crucified or beheaded” (Halley).

heathen into the churches resulted in the paganization Maximin (235-238 A.D.). “In this reign many of Christianity—which is exactly what we find in Roman p r o m i n e n t C h r i s t i a n l e a d e r s w e r e p u t t o Catholicism. This is why we can see so many similarities death” (Halley).

today between Hinduism and Romanism. Both have a

“celibate” priesthood, holy buildings, holy days, holy Decius (249-251 A.D.). “Resolutely determined to water, ritualism, images, candles and incense, etc.

exterminate Christianity, Decius’ persecution was coextensive with the Empire, and very violent; It was this Christianizing of pagans which gave rise multitudes perished under the most cruel tortures, in to the worship of Mary. “Isis was the Egyptian goddess Rome, North Africa, Egypt, Asia Minor” (Halley).

whose worship had spread throughout the Empire in the Christian era. ... The devotees of Isis, herself called ‘the Valerian (253-260 A.D.). “More severe than Decius; Great Virgin’ and ‘Mother of God,’ naturally tended to he aimed at the utter destruction of Christianity. Many look to Mary for comfort when paganism was outlawed leaders were executed” (Halley).

and their temples destroyed at the end of the fourth Diocletian (284-305 A.D.). “The last Imperial century. Some surviving images of Isis holding the child persecution, and the most severe; coextensive with the Horus are in a pose remarkably similar to that of some Empire. For ten years Christians were hunted in cave early Christian madonnas. ... The cult of saints and and forest; they were burned, thrown to wild beasts, put martyrs grew rapidly in the fourth century, another to death by every torture cruelty could devise. It was a example of the blending of the old paganism with resolute, determined, systematic effort to abolish the Christianity” (Lion’s History of Christianity, p. 132).

Christian Name” (Halley).

6. There came to be five major centers of Christianity.

Rise of the Roman Catholic Church 300-500 A.D.

“By the end of the fourth century the churches and A gradual apostasy from apostolic teaching and N.T.

bishops of Christendom had come to be largely church order, combined with events within the Roman d o m i n a t e d f r o m f i v e g r e a t c e n t e r s . Ro m e , Empire, led to the rise of the Roman Catholic Church.

Constantinople, Antioch, Jerusalem, and Alexandria, Very briefly we can trace these events as follows: whose bishops had come to be called patriarchs 1. There was a gradual change in church government.

[fathers], of equal authority one with another, each From the simple pattern of the autonomous local church having full control in his own province.”

with its own leaders and work, which is the example we 7. The centers of authority gradually became Rome in see in the book of Acts, there rose the concept of a the west and Constantinople in the east. In the beginning hierarchy of leaders with powerful bishops ruling over each church had its own government and work. When entire areas and groups of churches.

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the Holy Spirit called Paul and Barnabas as missionaries, persecutors, and in many cases only scant record of the church at Antioch ordained them and sent them out; their existence has survived.

they didn’t need to seek authority from any church or

“During the Dark Ages, when, from the union of person outside of the assembly (Acts 13:1-4). This church and state, Christianity became generally biblical system of the autonomy of the assembly was corrupt, there still remained in obscure places, gradually replaced with the multiplication of realms of churches and sects which maintained the pure ecclesiastical authority over which bishops ruled. This doctrines and ordinances of Christ, and, hence, it is developed into five major areas of authority, which certain that these churches and sects held, finally resulted in the division of the churches into the substantially, the same principles which are now held as the distinctive views of the Baptists. The Roman jurisdiction of two centers of authority—East and West.

Catholic Church claims to be the oldest and the only We must not forget, though, that throughout this apostolic church; but without a shadow of proof. The period there were independent N.T. churches that Papal Church is very old, indeed, but so is Judaism, maintained apostolic doctrine and pattern. These and so are many of the heathen religions. Age alone refused to submit to the unbiblical hierarchical cannot establish her claim to be recognized as the true ecclesiastical system that was being developed by power church of Christ. It must be shown that in doctrine and hungry church leaders.

practice she is the same as the primitive church. But this cannot be done. It is a very perverted and corrupt The bishops of Rome and Constantinople fought one form of Christianity, with a mixture of Jewish ritualism another for many years, making a basic break in the 5th and heathen rites, but also with sufficient gospel truth century and a final break in the 9th when “Nicolas, the to give it some resemblance to the true religion. When bishop of Rome, excommunicated Photius, Patriarch of the Church of Rome departed from the doctrines of the Constantinople, who in turn excommunicated Nicolas.”

apostles, it ceased to be an apostolic church, and Thus we see the origin of the split between the Roman became a political organization. The Baptists claim that Catholic and the Greek Orthodox Churches. [See their principles are older than the Church of Rome, and Eastern Orthodox.]

they base their claim to being the true church of Christ, not on their age, nor on apostolic succession, traced 8. Leo I (440-461 a.d.) became the first pope in Rome.

through the centuries, but mainly on the identity of This was the initiation of the Roman Catholic Church.

their doctrines and practices with those of the apostolic

“He proclaimed himself Lord of the whole church; churches” (Thomas Armitage, A History of the Baptists).

advocated exclusive universal Papacy; said that

“Baptist churches have the most slender ties of resistance to his authority was a sure way to hell; organization, and a strong government is not advocated the death penalty for heresy” (Halley). Some according to their polity. They are like the river Rhone, identify Gregory I (590-604 A.D.) as the first pope which sometimes flows as a river broad and deep, but rather than Leo. We see, though, in the claims of Leo I at other times is hidden in the sands. It, however, never all of the important characteristics of popery.

loses its continuity or existence. It is simply hidden for a period. Baptist churches may disappear and reappear Roman Catholic Dominion 500-1500 A.D.

in the most unaccountable manner. Persecuted With the Roman bishop claiming to be the pope everywhere by sword and by fire, their principles (father) of all churches and seeking to exercise absolute would appear to be almost extinct, when in a most authority over all Christians and even over civil wondrous way God would raise up some man, or some governments, we see the beginning of the Roman company of martyrs, to proclaim the truth. The Catholic Church and its dominion of Europe and parts of footsteps of the Baptists of the ages can more easily be other continents. In Europe this dominion was almost traced by blood than by baptism. It is a lineage of complete and lasted approximately 1,000 years. These suffering rather than a succession of bishops; a martyrdom of principle, rather than a dogmatic decree centuries were dark because an apostate church had of councils; a golden chord of love, rather than an iron arisen to a position of awesome power and made every chain of succession, which, while attempting to rattle effort to keep truth and salvation from the people.

its links back to the apostles, has been of more service Catholic tradition usurped the place of Scripture. The in chaining some protesting Baptist to the stake than in pope, Mary, the “saints,” and the priests usurped the proclaiming the truth of the New Testament. It is, place of Christ.

nevertheless, a right royal succession, that in every age Did N.T. Churches Exist During the Period of Roman the Baptists have been advocates of liberty for all, and Catholic Dominion?

have held that the gospel of the Son of God makes every man a free man in Christ Jesus” (John Christian, The following are some statements describing the A History of the Baptists).

existence of N.T. churches throughout the church age,

“The Waldensian’s traditions invariably point to an though bitterly persecuted by Rome. They were called unbroken descent from the earliest times, as regards by many names, usually those chosen by their their religious belief. The Nobla Leycon [ Noble Lesson], 546

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which dates from the year 1100, goes to prove that the Presbyters first called priests by Lucian (2d century) Waldenses of Piedmont did not owe their rise to Peter Sacerdotal mass instituted by Cyprian (3d century) Waldo of Lyons, who did not appear till the latter half Prayers for the dead (A.D. 300)

of that century (1160). The Nobla Leycon, though a Making the sign of the cross (A.D. 300) poem, is in reality a confession of faith, and could have Wax candles (A.D. 320)

been composed only after some considerable study of Veneration of angels and dead saints and use of the system of Christianity, in contradistinction to the images (A.D. 375)

errors of Rome“ (J.A. Wylie, The Waldenses, c. 1860, p.

Mass became a daily ritual (A.D. 394)

3).

Beginning of the exaltation of Mary, the term

“Petrobrusians and Henricians [12th and 13th

“Mother of God” first applied to her by the centuries] ... rejecting infant baptism, image worship, Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)

cross worship, saint worship, the use of consecrated Priests began to wear special clothing (A.D. 500) church buildings, and all the non-scriptural Extreme Unction (A.D. 526)

appurtenances of the hierarchical church... rejecting The doctrine of purgatory by Gregory I (A.D. 593) the authority of the Fathers [Catholic leaders] and Latin used in worship (A.D. 600)

tradition, adhering to the Scriptures alone” (Albert Prayers offered to Mary, dead saints and angels Newman, A Manual of Church History).

(A.D. 600)

“Arnoldists [13th and 14th centuries] ... agreed in their First man to be proclaimed pope (Boniface III) uncompromising hostility to the Roman Catholic (A.D. 610)

Church ... they are mentioned with sufficient frequency Kissing the pope’s feet (A.D. 709)

in the Roman Catholic literature of the 13th and 14th Temporal power of popes, conferred by Pepin, King centuries to prove that they persisted as a distinct party of the Franks (A.D. 750)

until long after the rise of the Waldenses. ... They made Veneration of the cross, images and relics the apostolic church their model, and aimed to restore authorized (A.D. 786)

C h r i s t i a n i t y t o i t s p r i m i t i v e p u r i t y a n d Holy water, mixed with a pinch of salt and blessed simplicity” (Newman).

by a priest (A.D. 850)

Veneration of St. Joseph (A.D. 890)

“Misc. evangelical groups in the Netherlands and College of Cardinals begun (A.D. 927)

Germany in the 13th to the 15th centuries. ... denied Baptism of bells instituted by Pope John XIII (A.D.

the transmutation of the bread and the wine into the 965)

body and blood of Christ in the hands of the priests, Canonization of dead saints, first by Pope John XV

nor did they say that the sacrament of baptism profits (A.D. 995)

little children unto salvation [speaking of infants too Fasting on Fridays and Lent (A.D. 998) young to trust Christ in a personal way] ... making void The mass developed gradually as a sacrifice, the priesthood of the church for sins, and as calling attendance made obligatory (11th century)

‘superstitions’ all observances in the church ‘that Christ Celibacy of priests declared (A.D. 1079) and his Apostles have not established.’ ... Taborites The rosary adopted from pagans by Peter the

[14th to 15th centuries in Germany and Italy] ... They Hermit (A.D. 1090)

rejected the apocryphal scriptures, tradition, and The Inquisition instituted by Council of Verona ecclesiastical authority, asserting the sole and absolute (A.D. 1184)

authority of the canonical Scriptures in matters of faith Sale of indulgences (A.D. 1190)

and practice ... regarding the Roman Catholic Church Seven sacraments, defined by Peter Lombard (12th as ‘the church of the malignant and of the beast and of century)

the harlot,’ as ‘the house of lies’ ... They rejected the Transubstantiation, defined by Pope Innocent III entire body of ceremonies that had grown up in (A.D. 1215)

connection with the mass ... rejected transubstantiation Auricular confession of sins to a priest instead of and consubstantiation alike ... rejected with the utmost God, instituted by Pope Innocent III (A.D. 1215) decision all ecclesiastical fasts and festivals, except Adoration of the wafer (host), decreed by Pope such as have apostolic sanction, and ecclesiastical Honorius III (A.D. 1220)

chanting and all liturgical devices, and repudiated the Bible forbidden to laymen, placed on the index of doctrines of purgatory, prayers for the dead, forbidden books by the Council of Valencia intercession of saints, the veneration of relics, shrines, (A.D. 1229)

images” (Newman).

Scapular invented by Simon Stock of England (A.D.

(For more about Bible-believing Christians that 1251)

existed apart from Rome through the centuries see the The cup forbidden to the laity at communion by Way of Life Advanced Bible Studies Series illustrated Council of Constance (A.D. 1414)

course The History of the Churches.) Purgatory proclaimed a dogma by the Council of Doctrines and Practices that evolved in the Roman Florence (A.D. 1439)

Tradition declared of equal authority with the Bible Catholic Church:

by the Council of Trent (A.D. 1545)

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Apocryphal books added to the Bible by the Council major Protestant denominations did not return entirely of Trent (A.D. 1546)

to the apostolic pattern. They did not even attempt to Immaculate Conception of Mary proclaimed by do so. Following are four examples of unbiblical things Pope Pius IX (A.D. 1854)

that were retained in most of the denominations that Syllabus of Errors proclaimed by Pope Pius IX and ratified by the Vatican Council; condemned originated with the Reformation:

freedom of religion, conscience, speech, press State Churchism. Most of the Protestant groups and scientific discoveries which are disapproved became State churches—e.g., the Church of Scotland by the Roman Church; asserted the pope’s (Presbyterian), the Church of Germany (Lutheran), the temporal authority over all civil rulers (A.D.

Church of England (Anglican). There was not the return 1864)

to the important N.T. pattern of separation of church Infallibility of the pope in matters of faith and and state.

morals proclaimed by the Vatican Council (A.D.

1870)

Hierarchicalism. As a rule, the Protestant churches Assumption of Mary proclaimed by Pope Pius XI kept some form of government by hierarchy. The (A.D. 1950)

autonomy of the local church as taught in the N.T. was Mary proclaimed Mother of the Church by Pope not practiced.

Paul VI (A.D. 1965)

Sacramentalism. A form of sacramentalism was (The above list of Roman Catholic inventions is taken carried over from Catholicism into Protestantism. The from Scriptural Truths for Roman Catholics by Protestant denominations rejected the abominable Bartholomew F. Brewer, former Roman Catholic priest.) Catholic mass, but many of them continued to maintain We see that though true N.T. churches did not cease there was some efficacious power in the Lord’s Supper to exist in the centuries following the apostles, the RCC

and baptism. Protestant denominations such as the gradually assumed its present form. It also began to Anglican and Lutheran continue to teach that Christ is dominate a large portion of the world.

present spiritually in the elements of the Lord’s Supper The Protestant Reformation (1550-1700) and that He is taken sacramentally. Also, according to the teaching of most Protestant groups, infant baptism is In the 16th century, several Roman Catholic leaders an occasion and means whereby the child receives the rejected the errors they had been taught and led a large Holy Spirit and becomes a member of Christ’s body.

movement away from the Roman system. Martin Luther, Consider the Lutheran doctrine, for example: “Being by a priest who was converted while reading the book of nature sinners, infants as well as adults, need to be Romans, is the most famous of these. There were strong baptized. Every child that is baptized is begotten anew movements away from Catholicism throughout Europe of water and of the Spirit, and is placed in covenant and many Protestant denominations were formed.

relation with God, and is made a child of God and an While the Protestants rejected many of the errors of heir of his heavenly kingdom” ( The New Analytical Bible, Catholicism, they did not return to the pure pattern of p. 49). [See Baptism, Infant.]

the N.T. church. Churches were divided into three major categories—Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Baptist.

Persecution. Several of the Protestant denominations have been guilty of persecuting N.T. Christians. “Calvin Positive characteristics of the Protestant Reformation.

consented to the death of Servetus. In Holland Following are four the many blessings that flowed from Calvinists executed an Arminian. In Germany Lutherans the Protestant Reformation in Europe. First, papal put to death a few Anabaptists” (Halley). “The authority was rejected. Second, many of the errors of Reformers ... had determined to use all necessary means Catholic tradition were rejected. Protestant churches at to root out Anabaptism ... To Protestants and Catholics least professed the follow the Bible alone as their sole alike, the Anabaptists seemed not only to be dangerous authority. Third, salvation through church works was heretics; they also seemed to threaten the religious and rejected, at least in theory. Protestant churches social stability of Christian Europe. In the carnage of the professed to follow the grace alone gospel of the next quarter of a century thousands of Anabaptists were apostles, though their error of infant baptism contained put to death (by fire in the Catholic territories, by in it the false doctrine of sacramental salvation. Fourth, d r o w n i n g a n d t h e s w o r d u n d e r P r o t e s t a n t throwing off the shackles of Rome resulted in a great regimes)” (Lion’s History of Christianity, p. 402). The expansion of individual liberty.

Church of England bitterly persecuted N.T. believers.

Unscriptural characteristics of the Protestant The famous John Bunyan wrote his Pilgrim’s Progress Reformation. The sad fact about the Reformation is that during the 12 years he spent in prison because he it was only a partial reformation from the apostasy that refused to be licensed by the Protestant state church.

had leavened Catholicism. There was a break with the There were at least 60 other separatists in that apostate papacy and a desire for a purer church, but the particular jail, and there were many other such jails in 548

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those days. Puritans, Anabaptists, Particular Baptists, they led in the massacre of untold multitudes. By these and others fled to Europe and America because of the methods they stopped the Reformation in Southern persecution poured out upon them by the state church Europe, and virtually saved the papacy from of England. (We have given extensive documentation of ruin” (Halley).

the Protestant persecution of Baptists in “The Protestant Examples of Inquisition Horrors. Consider the Persecutions” at http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/

Albigenses. They preached against the immoralities of protestant-persecutions.html.)

the priesthood, pilgrimages, worship of saints and It was the Anabaptists’ desire to practice biblical images; completely rejected the Catholic clergy and its separation and to maintain apostolic order that brought claims; criticized church conditions; opposed the claims upon them this hatred from the Catholic and Protestant of the Church of Rome; made great use of the state churches. “Unlike the other Reformers, the Scriptures; lived self-denying lives and had great zeal Anabaptists were not committed to the notion that for moral purity. For such great “evils,” Pope Innocent

‘Christendom’ was Christian. From the beginning they III, in 1208, ordered a crusade against these New saw themselves as missionaries to people of lukewarm Testament Christians. A bloody war of extermination piety, only partly obedient to the gospel. The followed, scarcely paralleled in history. Town after town Anabaptists systematically divided Europe into sectors was put to the sword, and the inhabitants murdered for evangelistic outreach and sent missionaries out into without distinction of age or sex. In 1229 the Inquisition them in twos and threes. ... They were not interested in was established and within a hundred years the simply reforming the church; they were committed to Albigenses were utterly rooted out (Halley).

restoring it to the vigour and faithfulness of its earliest Cosnider the Huguenots. Their earnest piety and pure centuries... The Anabaptists came to elaborate upon the lives were in striking contrast to the scandalous lives of

‘congregational’ (independent, autonomous) view of the Roman clergy. In 1557 Pope Pius urged their church authority” (Lion’s History of Christianity, pp.

extermination. The king issued a decree for their 400, 401).

massacre, and ordered all loyal subjects to help in The Roman Counter-Reformation 1550-1675 A.D.

hunting them out. St. Bartholomew’s Massacre followed.

“In fifty years the Reformation had swept Europe, Catherine de Medici, mother of the King, an ardent with most of Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Romanist and willing tool of the pope, gave the order, Scandinavia, England, Scotland, Bohemia, Austria, and on the night of August 24, 1572, 70,000

Hungary, Poland in its grasp; and making headway in Huguenots, including most of their leaders, were France. This was a terrific blow to the Roman Church, massacred. There was great rejoicing in Rome. The pope w h i c h , i n t u r n , o r g a n i z e d t h e C o u n t e r -

and his college of cardinals went, in solemn procession, Reformation” (Halley).

to the Church of San Marco, and ordered the Te Deum The Jesuits and the Inquisition. “Rome’s answer to the to be sung in thanksgiving. The pope struck a medal in Lutheran Secession was the Inquisition under the commemoration of the massacre (Halley).

leadership of the Jesuits, an order founded by Ignatius Consider the Bohemian Brethren. By 1600 eighty Loyola, a Spaniard, on the principle of absolute and percent of the population of 4,000,000 were Protestant.

unconditional obedience to the pope. The object of the When the Hapsburgs and Jesuits had done their work, Inquisition and of the Jesuits was the recovery of only 800,000 were left, all Catholics (Halley).

territory lost to Protestants and Mohammedans, and the Consider Spain. Every effort for freedom or conquest of the entire heathen world for the Roman independent thinking was crushed with a ruthless hand.

Catholic Church. Their supreme aim was the destruction Torquemada (1420-98), a Dominican monk, arch-of heresy, that is, any thinking different from what the inquisitor, in eighteen years burned 10,200 and pope said think. The primary methods of the Jesuits condemned to perpetual imprisonment 97,000. Victims were Schools, seeking especially the children of ruling were usually burned alive in the public square; made classes, aiming in all schools to gain absolute mastery the occasion of religious festivities. From 1481 to 1808

over the pupil; the Confessional, especially with kings, there were at least 100,000 martyrs and 1,500,000

princes, and civil rulers, indulging them in all kinds of banished.

vice and crime for the sake of gaining their favor; and The following is from The Anabaptist Story by Force, persuading rulers to execute Inquisition William R. Estep:

sentences. In France they were responsible for St.

Under the persecuting zeal of Cardinal von Bartholomew’s Massacre [in which 70,000 separatist Dietrichstein the Brethren were robbed of all their Christians were slaughtered in one night], persecution savings and driven out of Moravia. Once again of the Huguenots. ... In Spain, Netherlands, South deprived of houses and land, cattle and household Germany, Bohemia, Austria, Poland and other countries, goods, they became wanderers upon the face of the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 549

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earth. Their history in subsequent centuries is filled converted. ... As soon as the ropes on his wrists were with all the pathos of a people universally despised and burned, Sattler raised the two forefingers of his hands persecuted. Here and there, on the fringe of European giving the promised signal to the brethren that a civilization, they sought brief respite from the martyr’s death was bearable. ... Three others were then relentless hounds of persecution. The hounds of executed. After every attempt to secure a recantation persecution would not rest. To Hungary and from Sattler’s faithful wife had failed, she was drowned Transylvania the Brethren had fled. Through the eight days later in the Neckar river (Ibid., pp. 47-48).

diabolical designs of the Jesuits a century and a half In 1529 a death decree was issued against the later, these areas became an inferno of hate, intrigue, Anabaptists by the Second Diet of Speirs. This greatly and torment in which the Anabaptist movement was accelerated the program of extermination already in virtually consumed... After inhuman treatment progress... Four hundred special police were hired to incapable of description those who were not killed hunt down Anabaptists and execute them on the spot.

turned Catholic. ... The Hutterite missionary effort was The group proved too small and was increased to one a costly enterprise. It is estimated that eighty percent thousand... thousands of Anabaptists fell victim to one of the missionaries died a martyr’s death.

of the most widely spread persecutions in Christian Anabaptist leader Hutter was captured with his history... Burning faggots and smoldering stakes pregnant wife in the latter part of November 1535, in marked their trek across Europe (p. 49).

the home of Hans Steiner of Clausen. They were Roman Catholic Methods of Torture. The following is immediately taken to the episcopal fortress of from Babylon Mystery Religion by Ralph Woodrow, used Brandzell. Shortly thereafter Hutter was removed to by permission, copyright 1966:

Innsbruck where every conceivable attempt was made to secure a recantation. Neither the logic of Dr. Gallus Many were those noble souls who rejected the false Muller, the stabbing pain of the rack, nor the bruises of claims of the pope, looking instead to the Lord Jesus the brutal whippings to which he was subjected moved for salvation and truth. These were called ‘heretics’ and him to betray the faith. On February 25, 1536, some were bitterly persecuted by the Roman Catholic three months after his arrest, he was burned at the Church. ...

stake (p. 94).

Men pondered long in those days on how they could The labors of Hans Hut, Anabaptist leader, came to an devise methods that would produce the most torture end with his death in a prison cell in Augsburg.

and pain. One of the most popular methods was the Imprisoned and tortured over a period of almost four use of the rack, a long table on which the accused was months, he died of asphyxiation from a fire of tied by the hands and feet, back down, and stretched unknown origin which had been ignited near his by rope and windlass. This process dislocated joints wasted form. But even death itself did not keep him and caused great pain.

from man’s judgment. ‘The officials took the dead body Heavy pincers were used to tear out fingernails or were to court on a chair, tied the chair to the executioner’s applied red-hot to sensitive parts of the body. Rollers cart, sentenced it to die, and burned it at the stake on with sharp knife blades and spikes were used, over December 7’ (p. 81).

which the heretics were rolled back and forth. There An eyewitness account of Hubmaier’s execution was the thumbscrew, an instrument made for

[another Anabaptist leader] was given by Stephen disarticulating fingers and ‘Spanish boots’ which were Sprugel. ... ‘With his wife exhorting him to fortitude, used to crush the legs and feet. The ‘iron virgin’ was a he was taken to the place of execution. Suffocating hollow instrument the size and figure of a woman.

from the smoke, he died. Three days later the Knives were arranged in such a way and under such execution of his wife by drowning in the Danube river pressure that the accused were lacerated in its deadly followed (p. 67).

embrace. This torture device was sprayed with ‘holy water’ and inscribed with the Latin words meaning, Another example of the awful persecutions which were

‘Glory be only to God.’

launched against the separatists by Roman leaders is the murder of Anabaptist leader, Sattler.

Victims after being stripped of their clothing had their arms tied behind their backs with a hard cord. Weights The sentence was read on May 18. Two days later, on were attached to their feet. The action of a pulley May 20, Sattler was executed. The torture, a prelude to suspended them in mid-air or dropped and raised them the execution, began at the market place where a piece with a jerk, dislocating joints of the body. While such was cut from Sattler’s tongue. Pieces of flesh were torn torture was being employed, priests holding up crosses from his body twice with red-hot tongs. He was then would attempt to get the heretics to recant. ...

forged to a cart. On the way to the scene of the execution the tongs were applied five times again. In Some who rejected the teachings of the Roman church the market place and at the site of the execution, still had molten lead poured into their ears and mouths.

able to speak, the unshakable Sattler prayed for his Eyes were gouged out and others were cruelly beaten persecutors. After being bound to a ladder with ropes with whips. Some were forced to jump from cliffs onto and pushed into the fire, he admonished the people, long spikes fixed below, where, quivering from pain, the judge, and the mayor to repent and be they slowly died. Others were choked to death with 550

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mangled pieces of their own bodies, with urine, or Germany, Netherlands, Bohemia and other countries excrement. At night, the victims of the Inquisition were were murdered by the harlot “church.”

chained closely to the floor or wall where they were a A warning to separatists today. The Roman Catholic helpless prey to the rats and vermin that populated those bloody torture chambers.

Church and the papacy is possibly the most power hungry institution in the world. The pope claims The religious intolerance that prompted the Inquisition caused wars which involved entire cities. In 1209 the absolute authority over, not only all Christians, but the city of Beziers was taken by men who had been entire world, including civil governments and non-promised by the pope that by engaging in the crusade Christian religions. Whenever possible, the pope has against heretics they would at death bypass purgatory exercised this authority without mercy. “However much and immediately enter heaven. Sixty thousand, it is Roman priests in our own country [America] may cry reported, in this city perished by the sword while blood

‘tolerance,’ the official ‘infallible’ law of the System to flowed in the streets. At Lavaur in 1211 the governor which they belong is against it. Romanists are in favor was hanged on a gibbet and his wife thrown into a of tolerance only in countries where they are in the well and crushed with stones. Four hundred people in minority. The papacy has fought religious freedom at this town were burned alive. The crusaders attended every step” (Halley). Whenever and wherever the pope high mass in the morning, then proceeded to take other towns of the area. In this siege, it is estimated can rule, he WILL rule. History proves this.

that 100,000 Albigenses (Protestants) fell in one day.

“Christian church unity must center on Rome, Pope Their bodies were heaped together and burned.

John Paul II told some 30,000 Catholic and Protestant At the massacre of Merindol, five hundred women youths gathered in Rome for an end-of-the-year were locked in a barn which was set on fire. If any ecumenical peace vigil. The European youths, led by leaped from windows, they were received on the points Roger Schutz of the famed ecumenical community of of spears. Women were openly and pitifully violated.

Taize, France, met in Rome December 27 through Children were murdered before their parents who were January 1981, for a pilgrimage of prayer in the parish powerless to protect them. Some people were hurled churches and catacombs of Rome. ... Meeting with from cliffs or stripped of clothing and dragged through them December 30 in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope John the streets. Similar methods were used in the massacre Paul focused on two themes: church unity and of Orange in 1562. The Italian army was sent by Pope reconciliation, and the Christian task of building a Pius IV and commanded to slay men, women, and

‘civilization of love’ in the world ... he said, ‘THIS

children. The command was carried out with terrible UNITY OF THE CHURCH, given by Christ, marred by cruelty, the people being exposed to shame and torture Christians and therefore ceaselessly to be rebuilt, WAS

of every description. ...

ESPECIALLY ENTRUSTED TO THE APOSTLE PETER ...

TO PETER ALONE ... EVERY CHURCH DESIRING TO

An illustration from Ridpath’s History of the World is PRESERVE THE APOSTOLIC TRADITION MUST FOR

hanging by his feet in stocks. The fire is heating a THIS PURPOSE MAKE SURE IT REMAINS IN

poker to brand him and blind his eyes.

COMMUNION WITH ROME.’ The pope also bluntly Some of the popes that today are acclaimed as ‘great’

rejected non-institutional Christianity” (Why Were Our by the Romish church lived and thrived during those Reformers Burned).

days. Why didn’t they open the dungeon doors and This rejection of non-institutional Christianity refers quench the murderous fires that blackened the skies of Europe for centuries? If the selling of indulgences, or to, N.T. churches outside of an organizational hierarchy.

people worshiping statues as idols, or popes living in If Bible-believing Christians do not wake up and fight immorality can be explained as ‘abuses’ or excused with their spiritual weapons (Ephesians 6) against this because these things were done contrary to the official growing ecumenical monster, we who live in countries laws of the church, what can be said about the that allow freedom of religious worship could within Inquisition? It cannot be explained away as easily, for one generation find ourselves, or our children, in though sometimes torture was carried out beyond bondage to a world church headed by the Roman pope.

what was actually prescribed, the fact remains that the The Bible does not promise that we will be taken out Inquisition was ordered by papal decree and confirmed by pope after pope! (Woodrow, Babylon Mystery of the world without experiencing the beginnings of Religion, pp. 105-109).

bondage to the world church. We will not see its We have seen only a minuscule part of the awful culmination. We will not see the revelation of the slaughter unleashed by the RCC upon those who dared Antichrist, but we could very well see the days when the to question its “authority” and separate from it to form harlot church begins to enjoy success in the N.T. churches. “The number of martyrs under papal consolidation of worldwide power. In fact, missionaries persecutions far outnumbered the early Christian and Christian workers the world over are already martyrs under pagan Rome. Hundreds of thousands experiencing many forms of hindrance and persecution among the Albigenses, Waldenses, and Protestants of from this ecumenical spirit.

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Roman Catholic Doctrine and the Bible Confirmation, Mass, Penance and the other sacraments.

Error # 1—Salvation by faith plus works

“Just as Christ was sent by the Father so also he sent Rome’s gospel centers in the Catholic Church, the the apostles ... that they might preach the Gospel to pope, and the sacraments. While Catholicism teaches every creature and proclaim that the Son of God by his death and resurrection had freed us from the power of that Christ died on the cross to purchase man’s Satan and from death, and brought us into the salvation, it is not satisfied simply to invite men to Kingdom of his Father. But he also willed that the work receive this salvation by faith directly from the of salvation which they preached SHOULD BE SET IN

resurrected Christ. Rome teaches that Christ, having T R A I N T H R O U G H T H E S A C R I F I C E A N D

purchased redemption by His blood and death, delivered it SACRAMENTS, around which the entire liturgical to the Catholic Church to be distributed to men. Consider

[ritualistic] life revolves” (Vatican II, Constitution on the following quotes from the Vatican II Council: the Sacred Liturgy, Chap. 1, I, 5, 6, pp. 23-24).

“For ‘God’s only-begotten Son ... has won a treasure for

“THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS ARE THE NECESSARY

the militant Church ... he has entrusted it to blessed MEANS ESTABLISHED BY CHRIST THROUGH WHICH

Peter, the key-bearer of heaven, and to his successors HIS REDEEMING, LIFEGIVING, SANCTIFYING GRACE

who are Christ’s vicars on earth, so that they may IS IMPARTED TO INDIVIDUALS’ SOULS. You must distribute it to the faithful for their salvation. They may centre your life upon the sacraments established by apply it with mercy for reasonable causes to all who Christ if you want to save your soul. ... The sacraments have repented for and have confessed their sins. At are the source of your real life, the divine life that will times they may remit completely, and at other times unite you with God in this world and in eternity. Let only partially, the temporal punishment due to sin in a nothing make you think that you can get along without general as well as in special ways (insofar as they the sacraments. Without them your soul must die. ... IF

judge it to be fitting in the sight of the Lord). The YOU DON’T RECEIVE THE SACRAMENTS AT ALL, merits of the Blessed Mother of God and of all the YOU DON’T RECEIVE GRACE. If you don’t receive elect ... are known to add further to this them properly, that is, if you receive them seldom and treasury’” (ellipsis are in the original) (Vatican II, with little devotion, you receive less grace” (L.G.

Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Apostolic Lovasik, The Eucharist in Catholic Life, pp. 14, 15).

Constitution on the Revision of Indulgences, Chap. 4, Thus we see that the Roman Catholic plan of 7, p. 80).

salvation is faith in Christ PLUS baptism PLUS

“For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone, which continuing in the sacraments.

is the universal help towards salvation, that the fulness Rome teaches that salvation is by the grace of Jesus of the means of salvation can be obtained. It was to the Christ and is through faith, but it denies that it is by apostolic college alone of which Peter is the head, that we believe that our Lord entrusted all the blessings of grace and faith ALONE.

the New Covenant, in order to establish on earth the Let us hear this in the words of a modern Catholic one Body of Christ into which all those should be fully theologian. The following statement is made by a incorporated who belong in any way to the people of Roman priest well known for his emphasis upon the God” (Vatican II, Decree on Ecumenism, chap. 1, 3, p.

necessity for personal faith in the exercise of the 415).

sacraments, yet he is careful to remind us that the Rome’s plan of salvation has several steps.

sacraments are as necessary as the faith.

The First Step is Baptism. According to Rome,

“In recent years the church has reiterated again and salvation begins with baptism. It can be infant baptism again that we are saved by faith AND the sacraments of for those born into Catholic homes or adult baptism for faith. BOTH ARE NECESSARY” (J.D. Crichton, those who approach the Roman Church later in life.

Christian Celebration: The Sacraments, p. 65).

Either way, the Catholic Church teaches that through The Catholic Church redefines grace. This confuses baptism a person receives spiritual life.

many people. When a Roman Catholic priest speaks of

“By the sacrament of Baptism, whenever it is properly salvation through the grace of Jesus Christ, he does not conferred in the way the Lord determined and received mean the unmerited, free grace of Christ whereby a with the proper dispositions of soul, man becomes man is eternally and completely and once-for-all saved truly incorporated into the crucified and glorified from sin when he puts his faith in Christ. By “grace,” the Christ and is reborn to a sharing of the divine RCC means divine help to live a righteous life.

life” (Vatican II, Decree on Ecumenism, chap. 3, II, 22, Consider the following quote from Vatican II: p. 427).

“All children of the Church should nevertheless Next Steps are the Other Church Sacraments. After remember that their exalted condition results, not from baptism a person is considered to be born again and their own merits, but from the grace of Christ. If they part of the body of Christ, the Church. This new life is fail to respond in thought, word and deed to that said to be nurtured and kept alive through 552

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grace, not only shall they not be saved, but they shall This is true Bible salvation. Eternal life, forgiveness be the more severely judged” (Vatican II, Dogmatic of sin, righteousness, and the Holy Spirit are received Constitution on the Church, chap. 2, 14, p. 337).

when an individual acknowledges his sinfulness, repents This is a strange kind of grace. It is a grace that does of his sin and trusts Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. It not provide eternal certainty, but only the POSSIBILITY

is only after this that a person can do any work to please of living up to God’s requirements. It is a subtle and God. Works and ceremonies, such as baptism and the unscriptural MIXTURE OF GRACE PLUS WORKS that is Lord’s Supper, in themselves have nothing to do with severely condemned in Galatians 1:6-8.

forgiveness of sin, eternal life, the new birth, or Bible Answer:

becoming a child of God. Rather, obedience to God 1. Sacramental salvation is contrary to the examples follows salvation as naturally as living follows ones of salvation in the book of Acts (Acts 10:43: 11:16-18; natural birth. First we must receive new life through 14:27; 15:9-11; 16:30-31). The souls that were saved in personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Then, the early churches were saved once and for all by having life, the regenerated believer serves his Master.

putting their faith in Jesus Christ. Their salvation was Questions to ask a person who claims to be a saved not a process of sacramentalism.

Roman Catholic. The following is by Alex O. Dunlap: 2. Sacramental salvation is contrary to the teaching

“Occasionally, some well-meaning Christian thinks he of the book of Romans. This book is written expressly to knows a “saved Roman Catholic.” We invite such a reveal the way of salvation (Romans 1:15-17).

person to introduce us to his friend so that we may, in Consider Romans 3:21-24; 4:4-6; 11:6. Notice in the his presence, ask the Roman Catholic these questions.

last reference that God says it is impossible to mix grace His answers will easily determine that he is not saved in and works for salvation. We are saved by grace or we the true, biblical sense. The new “accommodation”

are saved by works; it cannot be a mixture of the two as approach of the Roman Church in these ecumenical the Catholic Church teaches!

days of apostasy is to use the same expressions as 3. Sacramental salvation is also contrary to the Fundamental Christians. Christian love is not shown by Gospel of John, which was written expressly to lead permitting these people to believe they are saved, when men to eternal life in Christ (John 20:31).

they are not. Christian love is shown by making the true Gospel plain and clear so that the “religious but lost”

The first twelve chapters of John describe Jesus’

person will realize his unsaved condition and his need ministry to the world of lost men. In these chapters, we of a Saviour. He must receive the true Christ of the are shown by unmistakable emphasis that eternal life Bible, not a counterfeit, as in the Roman, Greek and and salvation are received by faith in Jesus Christ and many other churches. The Apostle Paul said that he was faith in Christ alone. “Believe” is the key word in these free from the blood of all men because he did not chapters. See John 1:12; 3:16-18, 36; 5:24; 6:28-29; withhold from them all truth. May the same be true of 7:38-39; 8:24; 9:35-38; 11:25-26; 12:36-37. Notice that every genuine witness for Jesus Christ! Here are the in all of these verses we are told that salvation is questions:

obtained through faith in Christ and there is no hint of 1. When were you converted?

sacramentalism.

2. How were you converted?

4. Sacramental salvation is contrary to the summary 3. To what, or to whom, were you converted?

of the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Here Paul 4. What do you believe now that you did not summarizes the gospel that he preached, and it is faith believe before your conversion?

in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Period.

5. What does it mean to be saved?

There is no sacramentalism whatsoever. No priests; no 6. On what scriptural promises do you base your church; no works; no sacraments.

salvation?

7. What does it mean to be born again?

5. Sacramental salvation is contrary to the summary 8. Are you sure today that if you die tomorrow, or of the gospel in Ephesians 2:8-10. This passage teaches at any time in the future, you will be in heaven that salvation is a free gift of God’s grace and that works immediately after death?

follow as the evidence. This puts everything into proper 9. What do you believe about Purgatory?

order and perspective. It is God’s will that men live holy 10. What do you believe about the Mass?

lives, but holy living is the product of salvation and not 11. Do you still participate in the Mass?

the way of salvation.

12. Do you believe that any sinner can be saved who dies without trusting in Jesus Christ alone 6. Sacramental salvation is contrary to the summary for the salvation of his soul and forgiveness of of the gospel in Titus 3:4-8. This passage also teaches his sins?

that salvation is a free gift of God’s grace and that works follow as the evidence and product.

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13. Do you believe that Mary and Roman Catholic 1. Any church teaching that contradicts the Bible is saints can answer your prayers or help you get wrong (Is. 8:20; Acts 17:11; Ro. 16:17; Ga. 1:8; Ph.

to heaven?

3:17; Col. 2:8; 1 Ti. 6:14; 2 Ti. 1:3; 3:16-17). The 14. How do you believe that the blood sacrifice of problem with Roman Catholic tradition is not only that Jesus Christ is applied to your soul?

15. Have you told your priest you have been saved?

it adds to the Bible’s teaching but also that it directly 16. Do you believe you will still go to heaven if you contradicts this teaching. Many Catholic dogmas are in leave the Roman Catholic Church, receive direct opposition to apostolic truth. The false teachings believer’s baptism and join a fundamentalist listed in this study are examples. The Lord Jesus Bible believing, non-Catholic church?

publicly condemned the Pharisees because their 17. When and where do you plan to do this?

traditions contradicted Scripture and led men away As questions such as these are discussed in detail, it from the pure truth of God’s Word (Mk. 7:6-13). Christ will become evident that the person is trusting in his still condemns those who, by their traditions, contradict works, merits, baptism, confirmation, sacraments, or the Scriptures. He condemns the Roman Catholic something BESIDES OR PLUS, Jesus Christ, and not in Church and any other group that exalts its own tradition Christ and Christ ALONE. He can then be shown the to an equal footing with the Bible.

difference between his unbiblical form of salvation and 2. The Bible is complete. The Christian faith was the saving faith of the Bible.

revealed in its finality in the New Testament Scriptures.

Error # 2—Church Tradition Equal in Authority to Every word was carefully chosen by God (1 Co.

Scripture

2:12-13). The apostle Paul taught that the Scripture is According to Roman Catholicism, church tradition is so complete that it is able to make “the man of God as authoritative as the Bible. This is a foundational perfect, THROUGHLY furnished unto ALL good error. It is this idea that allows the Roman Church to words” (2 Ti. 3:16, 17). If Scripture is able to do this, hold such strange doctrines as the papacy, the certainly we have no need for extrabiblical priesthood, Mary the Queen of Heaven, the saints, the

“revelations” and traditions, such as the proclamations mass, prayers to and for the dead, etc., without support of popes and councils.

from the Scriptures. Using the Bible as our sole and final The truth that God desires His people to know today authority, these teachings are readily seen to be false.

has been revealed once for all in the Bible. The church’s The Roman Catholic Church, though, claims to have job is to defend this truth, not formulate something new.

other authorities. The official pronouncements of the It has been rightly said that churches have executive pope and the Church councils are as binding upon and judicial authority, but not legislative authority. Jude Catholics as the teachings of the apostles. A Catholic instructs us to “earnestly contend for the faith which writer expresses this false dogma in the following way: was ONCE delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). The New

“The Bible is a chance collection of missionary Testament faith was finished during the days of the writings. ... It does not give a general view of revealed apostles.

truths. ... We find, welling up between Christ and the Those who add to God’s revelation are condemned in Scriptures, the living teaching of the Church guarding the last chapter of the Bible (Re. 22:18). This serious and explaining the truth. Through every gap and rift in warning has been ignored by the Catholic hierarchy, and the Bible message gleam the clear waters of they will pay the consequences.

tradition” (Karl Adam, One and Holy, pp. 78,79).

3. The apostles were given special inspiration and That this view of authority has not changed is made guidance for writing Scripture. The work of the apostles clear by the statements of the Second Vatican Council: is called foundation work in Ephesians 2:20. They were

“It is not from sacred scripture alone that the Church appointed by God to lay the foundation of the church.

draws her certainty about everything which has been This indicates a temporary, passing, one-time work.

revealed. Therefore BOTH SACRED TRADITION AND

SACRED SCRIPTURE ARE TO BE ACCEPTED AND

Once a foundation for a structure is laid, it is not laid VENERATED WITH THE SAME SENSE OF LOYALTY

again. Likewise, the apostles and prophets did a work AND REVERENCE. It is clear, therefore, that sacred that does not need repeating. They established the first tradition, sacred scripture and the teaching authority churches and wrote the New Testament, thus of the Church. ... are so linked and joined together that completing the Bible, God’s Book for this age. To the one cannot stand without the others. ... Sacred apostles was revealed the “faith once delivered to the theology rests on the written word of God, together saints” (Jude 3; Ep. 3:3-6). When their unique with sacred tradition, as its primary and perpetual foundational work was finished, they passed off the foundation” (“Dogmatic Constitution on Divine scene.

Revelation”).

Since the days of the apostles, the churches have had Bible Answer:

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completed Scriptures. The churches today need no This teaching has been modified somewhat in recent apostles, because we have the infallible teaching of the years. (The Roman Catholic Church has frequently apostles preserved in the N.T. Scripture. The firm refashioned its dogmas in order to accomplish some foundation was laid long ago. The need today is to build new objective.) Today Rome teaches that non-Catholic solid churches and individual Christian lives upon that Christians—yea, even followers of pagan religions—can well-laid foundation for the glory of Jesus Christ (1 Co.

also be saved if they sincerely follow the light they have.

3:10).

“We now realize that millions of people have been and The Roman Catholic idea of apostolic succession—

are within the One Church, though in incomplete that the popes and bishops are successors to the apostles communion with it, because of the divisions of

—is foreign to the Scripture. The apostolic office was Christendom... there exists a newly realized held by men individually appointed by Jesus Christ.

relationship between ourselves and our separated brethren (op. cit. pp. 214, 215).

“Paul, an apostle, (NOT OF MEN, NEITHER BY MAN, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him

“The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst from the dead)” (Ga. 1:1). Each apostle had seen the whom are the Moslems. These profess to hold the faith resurrected Christ (1 Co. 9:1; 15:7-9).

of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, In the eternal city of God there are twelve merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day ... Those foundations, and in these foundations are written the who, through no fault of their own, do not know the names of the twelve apostles—ONLY TWELVE (Re.

Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless 21:14).

seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it No man living today is a successor to the Lord’s through the dictates of their conscience—those too apostles. Since the death of the apostles, no man has may achieve eternal salvation” (Vatican II documents, possessed apostolic unction. The apostles had special

“Dogmatic Constitution on the Church”).

sign miracles to authenticate their office (2 Co. 12:12), This does not mean that the RCC no longer believes and no pope has ever been able to accomplish these itself to be the one true church. It does. While stating signs. At its inception, the church was given its one that non-Catholics can possess a measure of salvation, supreme written authority, the completed Bible. Rome’s the Roman Church sees such people as “separated rejection of the sole authority of Scripture is a grave and brethren.” Separated from what? From the one true damnable heresy.

church!

Error # 3—The Roman Catholic Church is the only

“The separated brethren ... live outside the visible true church

structure and full organic communion of the One The Roman Catholic Church has always considered Church” ( The Theologians Answer Your Questions, p.

itself the one true church of Jesus Christ. Catholic 215).

theologians have frequently identified the Roman The RCC continues to consider itself the one true Church with the body of Christ.

church in its fullest expression. The Second Vatican

“The Catholic Church ... knows herself as the Church of Council reaffirmed this:

Christ ... as the body of Christ, as the one means of

“This is the sole Church of Christ which in the Creed salvation. Because ... of this she is bound to condemn we profess to be one, holy, catholic and apostolic, all other churches which have arisen or may arise ... as which our Saviour, after his resurrection, entrusted to extra-Christian and indeed UnChristian and anti-Peter’s pastoral care. ... This Church, constituted and Christian creations” (Karl Adam, One and Holy, p. 93).

organized as a society in the present world, subsists in This is why the Catholic Church has historically the Catholic Church, which is governed by the taught that outside of itself there is no salvation, at least successor of Peter and by the bishops in communion not in the fullest sense. This was stated in a 15th with him” ( Vatican Council II: The Conciliar and Post century Roman Council:

Conciliar Documents, edited by Austin Flannery, 1975, p. 329).

“The Catholic Church believes, professes and proclaims

“It is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone, which is that no one living outside the Catholic Church, not the universal help towards salvation, that the fullness only pagans, but both Jews, heretics and schismatics, of the means of salvation can be obtained. It was to the can become partakers of eternal life, but will go into apostolic college alone of which Peter is the head, that eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels unless we believe that our Lord entrusted all the blessings of before the end of life they become members of it [the the New Covenant, in order to establish on earth the Catholic Church]” (Council of Florence, 1439, “The one Body of Christ into which all those should be fully Decree for the Arminians”, quoted from The incorporated who belong in any way to the people of Theologians Answer Your Questions, p. 213).

God” (p. 415).

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“This holy Council first of all turns its attention to the church of Jesus Christ. “Unto the church of God which is Catholic faithful. Basing itself on Scripture and at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, tradition, it teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on called to be saints, WITH ALL THAT IN EVERY PLACE

earth, is necessary for salvation. ... [Christ] is present CALL UPON THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, to us in his body which is the Church. He himself ...

BOTH THEIRS AND OURS” (1 Co. 1:2).

affirmed at the same time the necessity of the Church which men enter through baptism as through a door.

Error # 4—The Papacy

Hence they could not be saved who, knowing that the

[See Pope.]

Catholic Church was founded as necessary by God Error # 5—The Priesthood

through Christ, would refuse either to enter it, or to remain in it” (p. 336)

The RCC has created a special priesthood to mediate Words could not be plainer. Those who say the between the people and God. These priests supposedly Catholic Church no longer makes exclusive claims are have power to hear confession of sins, to absolve people living in a fairyland. The objective of Roman Catholic from their sins, to offer sacrifices through the mass, to ecumenism is for all non-Catholics to become Catholics bestow salvation through their sacramental ministry, and submit to the authority of the pope. An ecumenical and to prepare men for death through special rituals.

Roman Catholic leader expressed this clearly: Some specific details relative to the Roman Catholic priesthood follow:

“For the sake of the unity of the Church, the Rock of Peter’s Office must remain through the centuries ... it is Catholic priests take the place of Christ, being called this Papacy alone which makes possible unity ... to lord, father, and Melchizedek.

admit even the possibility that the final union of The Council of Trent, whose decrees must be Christendom could take place other than in her and accepted by all Roman Catholics under pain of mortal through her would be a denial and betrayal of her sin or excommunication, said: “The priest is the man of most precious knowledge that she is Christ’s own God, the minister of God. ... He that despiseth the priest church. For her there is only one true union, reunion despiseth God; he that hears him hears God. The priest with herself” (Karl Adam, One and Holy, pp. 76,93).

remits sins as God, and that which he calls his body at The declarations and subtle changes made in the the altar is adored as God by himself and the Second Vatican Council were made to make the path of congregation. ... Wherefore they are justly called not reconciliation easier for Protestants. It was actually the only angels, but also God. ... The priestly course of Protestants—the World Council of Churches, especially preparation reaches its climax in a colorful and solemn

—that led in attempts to be reconciled with Rome and ordination ceremony, in which the bishop pronounces to include Rome in their endeavors.

the awesome words: ‘Thou art a priest forever, All of the important Roman Catholic dogmas remain according to the order of Melchizedek” (Loraine intact. The changes are designed only to strengthen Boettner, Roman Catholicism, pp. 51,63).

ecumenical efforts, the efforts toward bringing the Catholic priests mediate between God and man.

“separated brethren” back into the pope’s fold.

“The priest at the altar is at Mass as Jesus was on Bible Answer:

Calvary. His function is to bring God to men and raise 1. The Roman Catholic Church did not exist until the men to God. He consecrates and he sacrifices. As 5th century, at the earliest. Certainly the churches consecrator he acts in the name of God ... As sacrificer described in the N.T. have no resemblance to he acts in the name of men” (L.G. Lovasik, The Eucharist Catholicism. With such a late origin and heretical in Catholic Life, p. 95).

nature, it is impossible to accept the Church of Rome as Catholic priests turn the bread of the Lord’s supper into the “one true church.”

Jesus Christ and offer Him as a sacrifice.

2. No manmade organization is the true church. The

“The two greatest powers of the priests are those by N.T. speaks of the church in two ways: (1) the general which they forgive sins and change bread and wine into church composed of all born again Christians in heaven the body and blood of Christ. ... the power to consecrate (He. 12:23) and (2) local churches of professing bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ has Christians on earth (e.g., the seven churches Christ been transmitted to priests down through the addressed in Revelation 2-3). The Roman Catholic generations. ... The priest himself can never grasp the Church is neither of these. It is wrong for any one sublimity of this power. He calls God back to earth again organization to claim to be the true church and because through him the Incarnation has once again possessor of salvation. Salvation is in the Lord Jesus been renewed. He actually holds the Creator in his Christ, not in the church (Ep. 1:3).

hands. ... The Mass is the ... renewed presentation of the Neither the Roman Catholic Church nor any other sacrifice of the cross... Holy Mass ... is the sacrifice of church has the right to claim to be the one and only true Jesus on the cross offered again on the altar ... The Last 556

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Supper, the Sacrifice of the Cross, and Holy Mass are OF THE SACRAMENT.’

one and the same Sacrifice, and Jesus is the only In another step aimed to encourage Catholics to return Victim” ( The Eucharist in Catholic Life, pp. 26, 27, 94, to regular confessions to priests, the pope ‘canonized a 97).

20th-century Croatian monk known for his work as a Catholic priests have power to forgive sins.

confessor.’ This was done in October 1983.

“The priest has Christ’s power. He can forgive every There can be no doubt that the Roman dogma of sin, provided that we confess sincerely and with a auricular [in the ear] confession is and will remain an contrite heart. a new life, the Holy Spirit. What a great important part of Catholic life. In many predominantly wonder ... Man goes to confession a sinner, if he goes Catholic countries the confession booth is very popular.

sincerely and trustfully; he returns a new man, brought On a visit to Czechoslovakia in the early 1990s I back to life, filled with strength” ( The Art of Teaching witnessed people lined up before the booths awaiting Christian Doctrine, pp. 152,153).

their turn to confess to a priest.

There might be someone who will protest at this Bible Answer:

point that the practice of confession to a priest is no 1. Men go directly to God through Jesus Christ, the longer a common part of Catholic life. It is true that One Mediator between God and men (1 Ti. 2:5; He.

visits to the confessional booth have decreased in past 10:19).

years, especially in Western countries; but it is also true 2. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only priest after the that the “Sacrament of Penance” remains a dogma of the order of Melchizedek. What strange, unbiblical Roman Catholic Church.

blasphemy for fallen men to claim to be priests after the The practice of confession was reaffirmed and high order of Melchizedek! The New Testament plainly encouraged by the Second Vatican Council. Pope John teaches that only Jesus Christ is a Priest after this order; Paul II did much to draw Catholics back to the He is the Great and only High Priest (He. 6:20). The confessionals. An article in The Atlanta Constitution for writer of Hebrews dwells at length upon the subject of September 30, 1983, was titled “Pope, cardinals seeking the Melchizedek priesthood, and he only describes one to draw sinners back to confession booth.” The article Man who is after this order, and that is Jesus Christ. The gave the following facts:

New Testament does say that all true Christians are part Pope John Paul II and more than 200 Roman Catholic of a priesthood (1 Pe. 2), but never are Christians cardinals and bishops from around the world launched referred to as part of the priesthood of Melchizedek. It is a triennial synod Thursday to seek ways of bringing certain that no Catholic priest fits the qualifications for sinners back to the confessional booth. The pontiff in a this priesthood.

homily told the bishops they have a ‘particular Qualifications for the Priesthood Of Melchizedek: responsibility’ to stress the importance of the (a) The priesthood of Melchizedek requires a kingly confession of guilt, which, he said, leads to reconciliation with God. ‘IT WOULD BE VERY

position. No Roman Catholic priest is a king. “For this DIFFICULT TO FIND A MORE FUNDAMENTAL THEME

Melchisedec ... first being by interpretation King of FOR THE WORK OF THE SYNOD, A MORE

righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which EVANGELICAL THEME, ONE MORE APOSTOLIC, OR

is, King of peace” (He. 7:1-2).

ONE MORE URGENT,’ said the pope, speaking in (b) The priesthood of Melchizedek requires an Italian. ...

eternal generation. No Catholic priest has had an For this synod, the pope chose the theme ‘Penance and eternal existence! “Without father, without mother, Reconciliation in the Mission of the Church’ because of without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor the sharp decline, especially in Western Europe and end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth North America, of individual confessions of sin to a priest continually” (He. 7:3).

priests in the Rite of Reconciliation. THIS HAS BEEN A MAJOR CONCERN OF JOHN PAUL SINCE THE START

(c) The priesthood of Melchizedek requires a OF HIS PONTIFICATE. TO EMPHASIZE HIS

personal appointment by God, yet no Catholic priest has CONCERN, HE AT LEAST TWICE DONNED A PRIEST’S

been personally appointed by Almighty God. They are GARB AND HEARD CONFESSIONS IN ST. PETER’S

appointed by men. “For he testifieth, Thou art a priest BASILICA. ...

for ever after the order of Melchisedec” (He. 7:17). See

‘NO PASTOR CAN BE COMPLACENT ABOUT THE

also Hebrews 5:4-6.

EVIDENCE THAT PEOPLE WHO NEED THE

(d) The priesthood of Melchizedek requires an SACRAMENT ARE TODAY EITHER NOT RECEIVING IT

immortal existence. “And they truly were many priests, OR RECEIVING IT VERY SELDOM,’ said American bishops attending the synod in a statement issued in because they were not suffered to continue by reason of Washington. THEY SAID INDIVIDUAL CONFESSION

death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath OF SINS ‘IS AND WILL REMAIN A NECESSARY PART

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an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also dependent on the priest’s prayers which must be paid to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by for by relatives or friends” (Boettner, p. 53).

him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for 6. Confession of sin is to be to God, not to a priest.

them” (He. 7:23-25).

“Confession of sins is commanded all through the Bible, (d) The priesthood of Melchizedek requires a sinless but always it is confession to God, never to man. It is a life. “For such an high priest became us, who is holy, striking fact that although Paul, Peter, and John dealt harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made frequently with men and women in sin, both in their higher than the heavens” (He. 7:26).

teaching and in their practice, they never permitted a (e) The priesthood of Melchizedek requires a perfect, sinner or a saint to confess to them. Paul wrote thirteen once-for-all sacrifice. No Catholic priest has the power of the New Testament epistles, and in them he often to make such a sacrifice. “Who needeth not daily, as speaks of the duties and practices of Christians. But those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own never once does he mention auricular confession sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once,

[confession in the ear of a priest]. Peter, John, and Jude when he offered up himself” (He. 7:27).

wrote six epistles in which they have much to say about (f) The priesthood of Melchizedek requires the the matter of salvation. But not one of them ever absence of all infirmity and weakness. “For the law mentions auricular confession. And certainly Christ maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the never told anyone to go to a priest for forgiveness.

word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Nowhere do the Scriptures tell us that God appointed a Son, who is consecrated for evermore” (He. 7:28).

special class of men to hear confessions and to forgive sins” (Boettner, pp. 206-207).

In light of these qualifications, we see the utter impossibility of anyone holding the office of the What about James 5:16 -- “Confess your faults one to Melchizedek priesthood other than the Lord Jesus another, and pray one for another, that ye may be Christ.

healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”?

3. The believer has all blessings IN CHRIST (Ep. 1:3).

Biblical pastors do not distribute spiritual blessings.

First, we are to confess our faults, not our sins. The Their work is to proclaim the Good News of God’s offer standard Greek word for sin is harmartia. That is not of blessing through Christ and point men to the Saviour.

used here. Instead, James uses the word paraptoma, The blessings of salvation must be received directly from which refers to “a side-slip, lapse, deviation, or Christ. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour error” (Strong). Elsewhere it is translated “fall” (Ro.

and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt.

11:11), “offence” (Ro. 4:25), “trespass” (Mt. 6:14).

11:28).

James is instructing us to confess those faults that are committed against other brethren. He is not asking us to 4. There is no Bible authority for a special priesthood confess our deepest sins against God. Those are today. The Scriptures say that the Old Testament confessed to God directly. “The confession referred to is priesthood was fulfilled in Christ and has passed away for ‘faults’ with reference to ‘one another,’ that is, where (He. 5-10). Today every true believer is a priest (1 Pe.

one has injured another; and nothing is said of 2:9), and there is no special priesthood as in O.T. times.

confessing faults to those whom we have not injured at The Roman priesthood is the creation of men in all” (Barnes). (Modern versions such as the NIV and rebellion to biblical revelation.

NASV erroneously read “sin” instead of “faults” in James 5. The Catholic priesthood is an evil attempt to rob 5:16 because they follow the corrupt Westcott-Hort Christians of their God-given privileges. “Christ intended Greek text which replaces the word paraptoma with that His church, which consists of all true believers, hamartia.)

should enjoy all the rights and privileges that were Second, we are to confess our faults to one another, conferred by Him. But Rome withdraws those rights and not to a priest. Nowhere in the N.T. do we find a special privileges from the people, and invests them in an order priesthood that stands between Christ and the believer.

of priesthood. ... Romanism puts the priest between the Christian believer and the knowledge of God as revealed Third, we are to pray one for another, not pronounce in the Scriptures, and makes him the sole interpreter of God’s forgiveness. Forgiveness comes from God and not truth. It puts the priest between the confession of sins from man. The Bible tells us in 1 Kings 8:38-39 that and forgiveness of sins. It carries this interposition only God can forgive sins because only God knows the through to the last hour, in which the priest, in the hearts of men: We see, then, that even in O.T. times sacrament of extreme unction, stands between the soul when there was a divinely-ordained priesthood between and eternity, and even after death the release of the soul the people and God, it was not the priests who from purgatory and its entrance into heavenly joy is still bestowed forgiveness. That has always been the prerogative of God alone.

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7. The detailed, private confessions demanded by the 9. Jesus forbade His followers to address religious Catholic Church are degrading and unholy. Former men by the title of “father” (Mt. 23:9). How blatantly Catholic priests have documented the degradations of the Roman Church ignores such plain Bible instruction!

the Roman confessional. Priests are instructed to ask Those who address men with titles such as father, lord, questions of the most personal nature. Many have been or Melchizedek—names which belong solely to God the led into immorality through this ungodly practice.

Father and the Lord Jesus Christ—commit blasphemy.

Consider the following testimony by a former priest: The term “father” has only three correct usages among When the Council of Lateran decided that every adult, Christians, according to the Bible: (1) Father can be of either sex, should confess all their sins to a priest, at used to refer to God (Mt. 6:9; 1 Jn. 2:2). (2) Father can least once a year, there were no exceptions made for be used to refer to one’s own parent or human ancestors any special class of sins, not even for those committed (Ep. 6:2-4; Ga. 1:14). (3) Father can be used to refer to against modesty or purity. And when the Council of the person instrumental in one’s conversion (1 Co.

Trent ratified or renewed the previous decision, no 4:15). The Lord Jesus Christ very specifically forbade us exception was made, either, of the sins in question.

to use the term “father” as a title for religious leaders, They were expected and ordered to be confessed, as all other sins, without any exception. It is imperative, and it is not once so used in the writings of the apostles.

absolute; and every good Catholic, man or woman,

[See Clergy, Father, Fault, Priest, Reverend, Sin.]

must submit to it by confessing all his or her sins, at Error # 6—The Sacraments

least once a year....

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that Jesus Therefore, the young and timid girl, the chaste and purchased salvation and spiritual blessing and has given modest woman, must think of shameful deeds and fill these to the Church for distribution to men through the their minds with impure ideas, in order to confess to sacraments. As men take part in these rituals, they an unmarried man whatever they may be guilty of, allegedly receive salvation, blessing, and spiritual however repugnant may be to them such confession, or dangerous to the priest who is bound to hear and even strength. This is stated in the words of Catholic demand it. No one is exempt from the loathsome, and theologians as follows:

often polluting task. Both priest and penitent are

“The Church is primarily an institution for required and compelled to go through the fiery ordeal salvation” (Karl Adam, One and Holy, p. 90).

of contamination and shame. They are bound, on every

“A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to particular, the one to ask, the other to answer, under give grace. The sacraments receive their power to give penalty of eternal damnation.

grace from God, through the merits of Jesus Christ.

I do not exaggerate when I say, that for many noble-The sacraments give sanctifying grace. Each of the hearted, well-educated, high-minded women, to be sacraments also gives a special grace. ... The forced to unveil their hearts before the eyes of a man, sacraments always give grace if we receive them with to open to him all the most secret recesses of their the right dispositions. Baptism and Penance are called souls, all the most sacred mysteries of their single or sacraments of the dead because their chief purpose is married life, to allow him to put to them questions to give the supernatural life of sanctifying grace to which the most depraved woman would never consent souls spiritually dead through sin” (L.G. Lovasik, The to hear from her vilest seducer, is often more horrible Eucharist in Catholic Life, pp. 11, 12).

and intolerable than to be tied on burning coals. More Rome teaches that men must exercise faith as the than once, I have seen women fainting in the sacraments are observed, but it also teaches that faith in confessional box, who told me afterwards, that the Christ is not sufficient apart from the sacraments.

necessity of speaking to an unmarried man on certain Rome’s gospel is that of faith PLUS works, rather than things, on which the most common laws of decency ought to have for ever sealed their lips, had almost the true gospel of faith THEN works (Ephesians 2:8-10).

killed them! (Charles Chiniquy, The Priest, the Woman, The Seven Roman Catholic Sacraments and the Confessional, pp. 119,120).

Baptism: The Catholic Church performs infant 8. Christ’s remarks about remitting sins were directed baptism for children born into Catholic families and to all the disciples, not just to the apostles (Jn.

adult baptism for those who approach the church later 20:22-23). We read in verse 19 of John 20 that Jesus in life. Sometimes the ceremony is accomplished by had appeared in a room in which all the disciples had sprinkling; sometimes by pouring; rarely by immersion.

gathered; thus the privilege of remitting sins and Water baptism is thought to result in the new birth, retaining sins is for all Christians, not just for supposed washing of original sin, and baptism into Christ’s body.

apostolic successors. John 20:23 refers to the power of

“By the sacrament of Baptism, whenever it is properly the gospel to bring salvation, to bless and to curse.

conferred in the way the Lord determined and received Compare 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. It was spoken in the with the proper dispositions of soul, man becomes context of the Great Commission (Jn. 20:21).

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life” ( Vatican Council II—the Conciliar and Post permanently. This presence of Christ under the species Conciliar Documents, “ Decree on Ecumenism,” chap. 3,

‘is called real, not in an exclusive sense, as if the other II, 22, p. 427).

kinds of presence were not real, but par

“By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all excellence” (The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin” ( New Instruction on the Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery, Catholic Catechism, 1994, Canadian Conference of Chap. 1, E, p. 114).

Catholic Bishops, 1263).

“In the celebration of Mass there is proclaimed the

“Baptism not only purifies from all sins, but also makes wonderful mystery of the real presence of Christ our the neophyte ‘a new creature,’ an adopted son of God, Lord under the eucharistic species. The Second Vatican who has become a ‘partaker of the divine nature,’

Council and other magisterial pronouncements of the member of Christ and co-heir with him, and a temple Church have confirmed this truth in the same sense of the Holy Spirit” ( New Catholic Catechism, 1265).

and the same words as those in which the Council of Confirmation: This rite is given subsequent to Trent defined it as an article of faith. ... Christ becomes present through an essential change in the baptism, usually in early adolescence. It is performed by elements” (The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the laying on of the priest’s hands and anointing with General Instruction on the Roman Missal, foreword, 3, oil. Confirmation is supposed to “increase and deepen p. 154).

baptismal grace.” By confirmation the recipient is

“As often as the sacrifice of the cross by which ‘Christ thought to receive the Holy Spirit, especially in His gifts our Pasch is sacrificed’ (1 Co. 5:7) is celebrated on the and serving power.

altar, the work of our redemption is carried

“In confirmation the baptized receive the Spirit poured out” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Chapter 1, out on the apostles at Pentecost and by this gift they 3, p. 324).

are more perfectly conformed to Christ and are

“The sacrifice on the altar is no mere commemoration strengthened ... so that they may bear witness to Christ of Calvary, but a true and proper act of sacrifice, for the building up of the church” ( Christian whereby Christ the high priest, by an unbloody Celebration: The Sacraments, p. 98).

immolation offers himself a most acceptable victim to Holy Orders (the Priesthood): We have already dealt the eternal father, as he did on the cross” ( Catholic with this.

Catechism, 1975).

Eucharist (Mass): This is the Roman Catholic form of The consecrated wafer is worshipped as Christ.

the Lord’s Supper. Rome teaches that the bread and

“The faithful should therefore strive to worship Christ wine actually become the body and blood of the Lord our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. ... Pastors [priests]

Jesus Christ through the rituals performed by the priest.

should exhort them to this, and set them a good This is called transubstantiation. The sacrifice of Christ example. ... The place in a church or oratory where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle [the is allegedly reoffered in each Mass. By being present at box where the consecrated wafer is kept and the ceremony and partaking of the elements of the worshiped between Masses] should be truly Eucharist the participants allegedly receive spiritual prominent. It ought to be suitable for private prayer so nourishment. Except for a few special occasions, Roman that the faithful may easily and fruitfully, by private Catholics only eat the wafer and do not drink the wine.

devotion also, continue to honour our Lord in this

“Hence the Mass, the Lord’s Supper, is at the same time sacrament” ( Vatican Council II—the Conciliar and Post and inseparably: a sacrifice in which the sacrifice of the Conciliar Documents, The Constitution on the Sacred cross is perpetuated; a memorial of the death and Liturgy, Instruction on the Worship of the Eucharistic resurrection of the Lord, who said ‘do this in memory Mystery, Chap. 3, I B, p. 132).

of me’ (Lk. 22:19) … In the Mass, therefore, the

“All the faithful ought to show to this most holy sacrifice and sacred meal belong to the same mystery sacrament the worship which is due to the true God, as

—so much so that they are linked by the closest bond.

has always been the custom of the Catholic For in the sacrifice of the Mass Our Lord is immolated Church” (The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, when ‘he begins to be present sacramentally as the Instruction on the Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery, spiritual food of the faithful under the appearances of Intro., C 6, p. 109).

bread and wine.’ … For in it Christ perpetuates in an While certain forms of the Mass have changed since unbloody manner the sacrifice offered on the cross, Vatican II (e.g., it can be performed in vernacular offering himself to the Father for the world’s salvation languages instead of Latin), the foundational dogma of through the ministry of priests” ( Vatican Council II—the Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents, The the Mass has not changed.

Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Instruction on the Penance: This is the act of confessing one’s sins to a Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery, Introduction, C 1, priest and doing good deeds and performing various 2, p. 108).

rituals (such as repeating the Rosary) according to the

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the sin. It is called “auricular confession,” which means 1. Salvation is received directly from God through confession in the ear.

faith in Jesus Christ. See Romans 3:22-25; 10:8-13;

“Man goes to confession a sinner, if he goes sincerely Titus 3:5-7. The early disciples received eternal life and and trustfully; he returns a new man, brought back to salvation directly from the Lord Jesus while He was on life, filled with strength” ( The Art of Teaching Christian earth. He called them; they trusted Him; He saved Doctrine, p. 153).

them. Salvation has not changed since then. The

“If someone confesses his sins [to a Roman Catholic resurrected Saviour calls men through the Gospel (2 Th.

priest], even if they are as black as hell, with honesty 2:14). Those who respond with personal faith are of soul, humility and repentance and if he is really received by Christ and obtain their salvation directly ready to live as befits a friend of Christ, he can have no from Him, not through men, churches, or rituals.

doubts. The sacrament of Penance really assures him of Salvation is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as forgiveness and reconciliation to God. ... If one has forgotten a serious sin or has not confessed it, being Lord and Saviour (Jn. 1:12; 17:3).

confused at the time of one’s confession, that 2. The church does not distribute salvation to men.

confession is nevertheless valid, and the absolution Blessing and salvation are in Jesus Christ and are given has set the penitent free from all his sins” ( The received when a person receives the gospel (1 Jn. 5:12; Theologians Answer Your Questions, pp. 111,112).

Ep. 1:3, 7). The church’s job is simply to point men to

“After a good confession, I know for sure that my sins salvation in Christ by proclaiming the gospel. The have been forgiven through the merits of the blood of church’s role is to invite; Jesus Christ Himself receives, Jesus Christ—merits which the Church applies to my blesses, and saves sinners.

soul” ( Any Questions? p. 149).

Notice in Philippians 2:16 that the church does not Marriage: Marriage is considered a sacrament by the hold forth life to sinners. The church rather holds forth Roman Catholic Church.

THE WORD of life. In 2 Corinthians 5:19 we see that

“Christ raised marriage to the wonderful dignity of a the church does not have the PACKAGE of sacrament of the New Law in which the bride and reconciliation; it has the MESSAGE of reconciliation.

groom are truly consecrated for their sacred duty of Christ is the One who reconciles sinners to God. The founding and directing a new ‘ecclesiola,’ a human family which shall at the same time belong to the church’s job is to beseech men to receive this (2 Co.

family of God. Through this sacrament, the Kingdom of 5:19-20).

God on earth is given the greater part of its new 3. The Roman Catholic Church has no biblical members, heaven is filled with saints, and the parents authority for adding to the ordinances Christ gave the themselves are strengthened with ever new graces church. Nowhere in the New Testament Scriptures do against all the difficulties of life” ( The Art of Teaching we read that the church is to practice confirmation, Christian Doctrine, p. 158).

penance, marriage, or anointing with sick as sacraments Anointing of the Sick (formerly called Extreme that have the power to bestow saving grace upon Unction): This is the sacrament for those who “begin to individuals. This was not the practice of the churches be in danger by reason of illness or old age.” The priest that are described in Scripture. Again we see the anoints the person with oil, hears his confession, and frightful tendency of the Roman Catholic Church to pronounces blessings. The sick person can also take the change, add to, and pervert the eternal Word of God.

Eucharist.

[See also Baptism - Infant, Ordinance.]

“This sacrament, when it is received with sorrow for 4. The Catholic Mass is a gross perversion of the the sins of our whole lives, acceptance of our sufferings simple meal depicted for us in the N.T. Scriptures.

and death in union with Christ’s sacrifice, and ardent Following are the reasons why we reject the Mass : (1) desire for Christ, should complete the process of necessary purification. But if a man, sharing Christ’s Jesus could not possibly have meant that the bread and life, is still not perfectly purified at the moment of juice would actually become His body and blood. First, death, God will still cleanse him in another way. For when He instituted the Supper, He was there in His nothing defiled can enter heaven ... This is the function physical body, “so the piece of wafer which He said was of purgatory, to complete the process of purification, of His body, and the cup of wine which He said was His transformation into Christ” ( The Art of Teaching blood, could not possibly have been His body and His Christian Doctrine, pp. 163, 164).

blood in any literal sense; certainly, He was indicating Bible Answer:

that these were symbols that He was using” ( Let Rome Through these rituals the Roman Catholic Church Speak for Herself). Second, Paul plainly taught that the promises that men can receive saving and sanctifying Lord’s Supper is a symbolic, memorial meal (1 Co.

grace, but the following biblical truths reveal the 11:23-25). Paul said that he received this teaching by Catholic system of sacraments to be but an empty, man-divine revelation. Third, in John 6 Jesus explained the made religion.

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drinking His blood, and He said it has a symbolic, not a by the popes.

literal meaning (Jn. 6:35, 38, 41, 48, 53). (2) The Mary Was Born without Sin. This is the dogma of the sacrifice of Christ was a once-for-all event (He. 9:12, 26, Immaculate Conception. The Catholic Church denies 28; 10:10, 12, 14). When Christ died on the Cross, He that Mary had a sin nature or that she ever committed said, “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30). The RCC, with its wrong doing.

repetition of Christ’s sacrifice, denies the eternal

“Through the centuries the Church has become ever sufficiency of the Atonement. (3) A sacrifice without more aware that Mary, ‘full of grace’ through God, was blood cannot atone for sins (Le. 17:11; He. 9:22); thus, redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is the mass has no atoning value. (4) The intrusion of a what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception special priesthood between Christ and the believer is an confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854” ( New unbiblical abomination (1 Ti. 2:5; He. 7:24-27; 1 Pe.

Catholic Catechism, 491).

2:5,9). (5) Masses for the dead, which have been a

“From among the descendants of Eve, God chose the central feature of Roman Catholicism for centuries, are Virgin Mary to be the mother of his Son. “Full of entirely foreign to the Bible. Prayers and rituals for the grace,” Mary is “the most excellent fruit of dead are paganism, not biblical Christianity (De. 18:9, redemption” (SC 103): from the first instant of her 11; 26:13-14). (6) The supposed changes that occur in conception, she was totally preserved from the stain of original sin and she remained pure from all personal the Mass are clearly deceptions. The wafer and wine sin throughout her life” ( Catholic Catechism, 508).

remain unchanged in appearance, color, odor, or form,

“The Immaculate Virgin [was] preserved free from all yet the Catholic Church requires its people to believe stain of original sin” (Vatican II, “Dogmatic that the elements actually become Christ. They call this Constitution on the Church”).

deception a miracle, but true biblical miracles are Mary Was the Mother of God. The most common title observable. (7) It is idolatry to worship the elements of for Mary in Catholicism is the Mother of God. The the Mass (Ex. 20:4-5; Jn. 4:24). (8) There is no reasoning given for this is as follows: semblance between the drama of the Catholic Mass and the simple ceremony initiated by Christ and practiced by

“Mary is really the mother of Jesus; and since Jesus is God, Mary is the mother of God. It is, therefore, correct the N.T. churches (Mt. 26:26-29; Mk. 14:23-25; Lk.

to say that Mary is the mother of her Creator” ( Any 22:19-20; 1 Co. 11:23-25). The Bible promises perfect Questions? , p. 67).

security and assurance through Christ’s once-for-all

“... the Church confesses that Mary is truly “Mother of sacrifice on Calvary. Any person who places his trust God” ( Theotokos)” ( New Catholic Catechism, 495).

entirely in Christ and His shed blood need never doubt Mary is a Perpetual Virgin. The Catholic Church his eternal salvation before God (Jn. 3:16; He. 9:12).

contends that Mary had no other children after bearing The biblical Lord’s Supper, far from repeating Christ’s Jesus.

sacrifice, simply REMINDS the believer of that glorious sacrifice by which he is redeemed unto God forever!

“The Blessed Virgin had no child other than Jesus.

Such is, and has ever been, the faith of the Church, 5. In the New Testament there are no special priests whom Christ has promised to assist till the end of set apart for performing “sacraments.” The only time” ( Any Questions? , p. 63). [Editor: We must point priesthoods described in the New Testament in relation out that this teaching WAS NOT the teaching of the to the churches are (1) the Melchizadec priesthood of church in the days of the apostles! The phrase “has Christ (Hebrews 5-7) and the priesthood of all believers ever been the faith of the Church” is entirely false.]

(1 Pe. 2:5, 9).

“... the glorious ever Virgin Mary” (Vatican II, 6. The Catholic Church uses James 5:14-16 as

“Dogmatic Constitution on the Church”).

biblical support for its practice of anointing the sick, but Mary Was Taken Bodily to Heaven. This is called the as we have seen, (1) The sick is to call the elders of the the Assumption.

church, not a priest. (2) The confession of sins is to “one

“On November 1, 1950, Pius XII speaking as infallible another,” not to a priest. (3) The Eucharist is not Pastor of the Universal Church said, ‘To the glory of mentioned.

Christ, Immortal King of all Ages, and Victor over sin and death, we declare it a divinely revealed dogma Error # 7—Mariolatry

that the Blessed Virgin Mary was, after her life on The Roman Catholic Church teaches many false earth, taken body and soul to the glory of heaven.’ This things about Mary, Christ’s mother. Though it is declaration was made by the Holy Father after nearly sometimes denied, official Catholic dogma does affirm all the bishops of the world had petitioned for the that Mary is to be worshipped. This will be proven with Assumption to be defined as a truth revealed by substantial documentation from official Catholic God” ( Any Questions?, p. 70).

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“The Immaculate Virgin preserved free from all stain of Church, chap. 8, II, 62, pp. 382-383).

original sin, was taken up body and soul into heavenly Mary Is to Be Venerated with a Special Cult.

glory, when her earthly life was over, and exalted by

“Mary has by grace been exalted above all angels and the Lord as Queen over all things, that she might be men to a place second only to her Son, as the most the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords holy mother of God who was involved in the mysteries (cf. Apoc. 19:16) and conqueror of sin and of Christ: she is rightly honoured by a special cult in death” (Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the the Church. ... The sacred synod teaches this Catholic Church, chap. 8, I, 52 ,53; II, 59, pp. 378, 381-382).

doctrine advisedly and at the same time admonishes all Mary Is Queen of Heaven and of the Entire Universe.

the sons of the Church that the cult, especially the

“Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all liturgical cult, of the Blessed Virgin, be generously stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life fostered, and that the practices and exercises of was finished, was taken up body and soul into devotion towards her, recommended by the teaching heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over authority of the Church in the course of centuries be all things, so that she might be the more fully highly esteemed, and that those decrees, which were conformed to her Son” ( New Catholic Catechism, 966).

given in the early days regarding the cult images of

“She was exalted as Queen of the universe by the Lord, Christ, the Blessed Virgin and the saints, be religiously so that she might be more fully conformed to her Son.

observed” (Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Mary is Queen by grace, by divine kinship, by Church, chap. 8, IV, The Cult of the Blessed Virgin in conquest, and by singular choice. And her domain is as the Church, 66,67, pp. 384-385).

vast as that of her Son and God, for nothing is exempt The fervor of Catholic Mary worship has increased in from her dominion” (William Most, Our Lady After recent decades. Pope John Paul II was an ardent Vatican II, pp. 16, 17, 34, 46).

worshiper. Embroidered on his robes were the Latin Mary is Co-Redemptress and Co-Intercessor. Mary words “Totus Tuus Sum, Maria” (Mary, I am totally supposedly shared in Christ’s sufferings and thereby yours!). After his recovery from the attempted shared in His work of redemption. It is believed that she assassination, John Paul gave the glory to Mary for his has the power to answer prayers and assist Christians on survival. On his frequent travels, he always made a earth.

point of visiting the shrines dedicated to Mary. “In

“As St. Irenaeus says, she being obedient, became the addition to their pastoral aspect most of the Pope’s cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human journeys have been pilgrimages, usually to shrines of race. Hence not a few of the early Fathers gladly assert the Virgin Mary; in Mexico to the sacred image of the with him in their preaching ‘DEATH THROUGH EVE, Virgin at Guadalupe; in Poland to Czestochowa [to pray LIFE THROUGH MARY’. THIS UNION OF THE

before the national shrine of the ‘Black Madonna’]; in MOTHER WITH THE SON IN THE WORK OF

Ireland to Knock; in Turkey to Ephesus, where she is SALVATION IS MADE MANIFEST FROM THE TIME OF

CHRIST’S VIRGINAL CONCEPTION UP TO HIS

believed to have spent her last years on earth” ( British DEATH. She cooperated in the work of the Saviour in Visit 1982, a souvenir magazine sold prior to the pope’s an altogether singular way to restore supernatural life visit to Britain).

to souls. As a result, she is our mother in the order of On June 6, 1987, to celebrate the end of the special grace. Mary, sharing as she did even on Calvary, had a Marian Year John Paul II prayed the Rosary by live part even in the once for all acquisition of the great television linkup with millions of Catholics around the treasury. Now from this common sharing of will and world. The broadcast originated in the Basilica of St.

suffering between Christ and Mary, she ‘merited to Mary Major in Rome, the oldest church in the world become most worthily the REPARATRIX [one who makes amends or atonement] for a lost world,’ and dedicated to Mary as the Mother of God. The pope led therefore, DISPENSATRIX [one who dispenses] of all the Rosary in five languages, and was responded to by a the gifts which Jesus gained for us by His death and congregation of more than a million people linked His blood (Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the together by satellite from 16 Marian shrines on all five Church, chap. 8, II, 56, pp. 380-381).

continents. After saying the Mary prayers, the Pope

“Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving placed his own rosary on an image of the Catholic “Our office but BY HER MANIFOLD INTERCESSION

Lady” in the basilica. “With a smile from the Virgin CONTINUES TO BRING US THE GIFTS OF ETERNAL

Mary,” the Pope concluded, “the rosary will bring to our SALVATION. By her maternal charity, she cares for the world the tender tones of God’s love for anxious brethren of her Son, who still journey on earth humanity in the 20th century” ( New Evangelization, Jul.-

surrounded by dangers and difficulties, until they are Aug. 1987, pp. 17-19).

led into their blessed home. Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of A DVO CAT E , H E L P E R , B E N E FA C T R E S S , a n d MEDIATRIX” (Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 563

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To further illustrate the unbiblical status of Mary in the Bible as Lord and Saviour. What blasphemy it is to popular Catholic practice, we quote from a common speak of fallen, mortal men or women as being IN ANY

Catholic prayer, “Hail, Holy Queen:”

WAY equal with the eternal, sinless Son of God.

“Hail, holy queen, mother of mercy, our life, our 2. Mary was not sinless. She confessed her need of a sweetness, and our hope. To you we cry, poor banished Saviour in Luke 1:47. If she were indeed “immaculate”

children of Eve; to you we sent up our sighs, mourning or sinless as the Catholic Church teaches, she would and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, O most have had no need of a Saviour. The Bible says ALL have gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and sinned and come short of the glory of God (Ro. 3:23).

after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement [gentle], O loving, O

The only exception mentioned in Scripture is the virgin sweet virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of born Son of God. See Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22. One God” ( Handbook for Today’s Catholic, p. 52).

will look in vain in the Bible for a reference to Mary as This is a very mild depiction of the Catholic Mary as immaculate and without original sin.

compared with many of the publications we could 3. Mary had other children after she bore Jesus. She quote. In our library we have publications such as The was not a perpetual virgin (Mt. 13:55-56).

Mystery of the Rosary, Treatise on the True Devotion to the 4. The idea that Mary ascended to heaven bodily is a Blessed Virgin, Queen of Peace, My Mother My Hope, and fable with no basis whatsoever in Scripture or history.

True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin. In these books, all of 5. In Scripture Mary is not exalted as she is in which contain official Catholic imprimaturs, Mary is Catholic theology. In fact, there is not one mention of presented as co-equal with the very Son of God Himself; Mary, the mother of Jesus, in all of the New Testament Christ’s titles and offices are applied to Mary.

epistles from Romans to Revelation! Yes, Mary was One can witness firsthand the blasphemous attitude blessed above other women to have had the privilege of toward Mary in popular Catholic devotion by visiting bringing the Saviour into the world; but this does not the shrines dedicated to her name throughout the give us the right to let our imaginations run wild as world.

Catholic theologians have done in calling Mary the In the Church of the Mother of God of Polish Martyrs Immaculate Queen of Heaven, etc.

in Warsaw, Poland, Mary is depicted hanging on the 6. Mary is not the mother of God. It is true that Jesus cross holding the child Jesus. See http://

Christ is God the Son, and Mary was the mother of wayoflife.worthyofpraise.org/fridaynews/pdf/

Jesus, but the New Testament does not call Mary the 2007/20070928.pdf

mother of God. Jesus Christ, as God the Son, had no Outside of the main Mary basilica in Rome (Santa beginning (Jn. 1:1). Christ as God had no mother or Maria Maggiore) there is a large crucifix with Jesus beginning. It was only His human, earthly existence that hanging on one side and a crowned Mary hanging on began in the womb of Mary. She is the mother of the other. See http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/in-Christ’s humanity, not His divinity. The Godhead has no thefootsteps-bibletrans/index.html

mother!

A plaque in the Chapel of the Virgin of the Grace at 7. To attribute any aspect of salvation to or to give Saints Vincent and Anastasius Church in Rome says, any devotion to Mary is idolatry and an abomination

“Cardinal Benedetto Odescalchi, who became the pope before God. Mary is the Saviour’s human mother, but with the name of Innocent XI, initiated THE WORSHIP

she is not co-mediator, co-redeemer, etc. These titles are OF THE IMAGE, placed on the altar in 1677, and utterly blasphemous when applied to Mary.

wanted his heart to be buried here, not in the main 8. The only mention of “queen of heaven” in the chapel.”

Bible refers, not to Mary, but to a heathen idol (Je.

Bible Answer:

44:18-19). The apostate Jews referred to the heathen The following Bible truths refute these Catholic goddess they were worshiping as the queen of heaven.

dogmas regarding Mary.

They stubbornly cleaved to this pagan goddess and refused to turn from their apostasy. And just as these 1. Jesus Christ is the ONLY mediator between God apostate Old Testament people of God worshipped the and men(Jn. 14:6; 1 Ti. 2:25; He. 1:1-3)! If these queen of heaven, so do apostate Christians have their statements of Scripture are true, and we know they are, own queen of heaven—Mary of Catholicism! This is there is no possibility that Mary, or Catholic saints, or another example of how Romanism has borrowed from Roman popes and priests can stand between God and pagan, idolatrous customs.

men. In light of these verses, it is absolute apostasy and wickedness to speak of Mary as being in any sense Error # 8—Degrees of sin

whatsoever co-redemptress or co-intercessor with The Roman Catholic Church divides sin into two Christ. Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ alone, is exalted by degrees: mortal and venial. Mortal sin is said to be 564

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serious sin which results in eternal punishment. Venial blood of Christ is needed for cleansing! What can wash sins are thought to be of lesser consequence. The away our sins? NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS!

Catholic Church has no absolute and complete list of Error # 9—Images and Vain Rituals

which sins are mortal and which are venial, but The Catholic Church has, since the early centuries of normally the mortal sins are considered to be trespasses its existence, allowed and encouraged its members to of the ten commandments, sins involving immorality, seek blessing and spiritual help through images. The and failure to attend weekly mass or say confession at following examples are taken from a correspondence least yearly. Venial sins are things like cheating.

course conducted by the Catholic Church. The course is Forgiveness of mortal sins is received primarily in widely administered in America and is especially two ways, according to Roman Catholic teaching—

designed for non-Catholic inquirers. The author took through baptism and through confession. At baptism the this course in 1977, and it is still being used at this individual’s past mortal sins inherited from Adam are writing.

thought to be washed away. Then after age seven the

...every Catholic makes this Sign of the Cross when he individual must confess his mortal sins to a priest for enters a Catholic Church. In Mass, the officiating priest forgiveness. Venial sins are forgiven, supposedly, by makes it more than thirty times. Catholics the world good works, prayers, fasting, etc.

over consider the frequent use of the Sign of the Cross Bible Answer:

an indispensable weapon against evil in all its forms.

According to the Scriptures, all sins are serious and The medal worn by a Catholic is blessed by the Church.

deadly. There is no biblical basis for the Catholic This is what makes it a sacramental for the Catholic and gives it value. It carries with it the prayer of the division between so-called mortal and venial sins.

Church. One of the most common medals used by Consider James 2:10; Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:4.

Catholics is one popularly called the ‘Miraculous Romans 1:29-32 has a listing of various sins, and we Medal.’ The pattern of the medal was manifested in a are told that “they which commit such things are worthy vision by the Blessed Virgin to a young French girl. The of death.”

countless extraordinary favors obtained as a result of

“Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, the reverent use of this medal have earned for it the wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, title.

murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, The Catholic Church has approved the special devotion backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This devotion was given a inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without new impetus in 1675 when a pious nun, Sister understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural Margaret Mary Alcacoque, had a vision of Christ. In affection, implacable, unmerciful. Who knowing the this vision Christ asked that the world be made to judgment of God, that they which commit such things appreciate the tremendous love which He has for are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have mankind, and that this was to be done by special pleasure in them that do them” (Ro. 1:29-32).

pictures and devotions which he described. You might We can see here that God does not divide sins into even find yourself silently whispering a short prayer that Catholics say on viewing a representation of the little and big, deadly and less than deadly, mortal and Sacred Heart of Jesus—‘Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put venial. As seen through the eyes of an infinitely holy my trust in Thee.’ You will be better for so acting.

God, all sin is vile and must be punished. In this listing It is a pious practice of Catholics to receive the of sins, whispering is considered as evil as murder; Eucharist on the first Fridays of nine successive covetousness as evil as fornication; being unmerciful as months. This practice comes from one of the evil as hating God. And what is the punishment for revelations of our Lord to Margaret Mary Alacoque. In these sins? Death! “For the wages of sin is death.” “The this vision He made many wonderful promises to those soul that sinneth, it shall die.”

who would observe this practice.

Someone might be thinking at this point, “If all sin is The Rosary. In it we ask that Mary will use her punishable by death, if all sin is mortal, how can we influence with her Son to obtain for us all good things have any hope whatsoever of escaping hell?” That is a for our present necessities and especially at the hour of good question, and the answer is the blood of Jesus our death. The Rosary is a powerful weapon against the evils or our times. We hope that in performing the Christ. Through the blood of Christ one can receive devotions sanctioned by the Church we may draw forgiveness of every sin, and only through the blood of God’s attention to our needs.

Christ can we receive forgiveness (Ep. 1:7).

In blessing holy water, the priest prays that ‘Wherever This is the only answer to our sin problem—personal this water shall be sprinkled through the invocation of faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. Let me ask, is this Thy Name, every hostile intent of the unclean spirit where your hope of salvation rests today? Only the may be taken away.’ This is the spirit in which and the blood of Christ can cleanse sin, and nothing besides the purpose for which Catholics use holy water.

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The Catholic Church by the power given to her by The Catholic Church gives several reasons for this Christ declares that the wearing of these scapulars requirement: First, celibacy leaves the priest free from

[special cloths which have been blessed by a Rome]

marital responsibility that he might more fully devote with good dispositions will aid in the forgiveness of the himself to his (or her, in the case of nuns) ministry.

punishment due to sin and bring down God’s blessing Second, celibacy allows the priest to expose himself to upon the wearer (Catholic Information Service correspondence course, lesson nine).

dangers without thought of a family. Third, as a type of Christ in servanthood, the priest (or nun) should forsake If someone persists in the belief that these practices marriage as a willing sacrifice as Christ did. Fourth, are no longer a common part of Roman Catholic life, he celibacy is an example of virtue in a wicked world. Fifth, should visit Rome! Or let him consider the following by celibacy priests and nuns identify with the poor statement made by a Catholic theologian who travels people of the world by voluntarily giving up a natural and reads widely in international Catholic circles: pleasure of life ( The Theologians Answer Your Questions,

“The rosary, which seemed about to vanish into the Bombay: St. Paul Publications, 1970, pp. 189-190,).

grave, has been reborn. I know enough of leaders and directors of pilgrimages to Lourdes to know that their Bible Answer:

devotion to the Blessed Virgin is not in question” ( The 1. Peter and most of the other apostles were married Theologians Answer Your Questions, pp. 185-186).

men (Mt. 8:14). In 1 Corinthians 9:5 the apostle Paul As we have seen, the Second Vatican Council says that he was an exception to the rule of not having a encouraged Catholics to continue to follow what it wife.

called the “Mary cult,” and Pope John Paul II continually 2. God’s standards for church leaders call for urged Catholics to worship Mary and partake in the cult marriage, not celibacy (1 Ti. 3:1-4; Tit. 1:5-6)! The of Roman superstitious practices.

Roman Catholic Church has an evil habit of following Bible Answer:

traditions that are directly contrary to God’s Word.

1. All of these practices are foreign to the New 3. Marriage is an area of personal freedom before Testament Scriptures. There is no biblical authority for God. In 1 Corinthians 7 the apostle Paul gave them.

instructions about marriage and he left the final 2. Sanctification (holiness) and blessing do not come decision to the individual rather than dictating absolutes through religious ritual, images, cloths, water, or in this area. Some are called to remain unmarried all pilgrimages to “holy shrines.” Churches have no power their lives; others are not so called. It is strictly a matter to make such things holy or to promise blessing through of personal freedom and calling, not something to be attendance to them. The practices described above are dictated by church laws.

foreign to and contrary to the teaching of the New 4. Any teaching that forbids marriage is demonically Testament.

inspired (1 Ti. 4:1-3).

If we desire to be made holy before God, to be 5. Marriage is as holy as virginity (He. 13:4). Here sanctified, to be blessed we must receive it in the we see that it is not more virtuous to remain unmarried.

biblical way. The Bible says we are sanctified through Marriage is holy and honorable.

the sacrifice of Christ (He. 10:10), through the Word of 6. To forbid marriage is to put believers in danger of God (Jn. 17:17), in the name of Jesus Christ and by the falling into immorality (1 Co. 7:2-5, 9, 36). Catholic Spirit of God (1 Co. 6:11).

history is filled with the chronicles of priests and nuns—

Error # 10—Celibacy

yea, even popes—who lived in adultery and fornication.

In the fourth century it became law that the “clergy”

One reason for this is the enforced “celibacy.”

of the Roman Catholic Church take a vow of celibacy 7. The Bible commands married couples to live and remain unmarried. “A married man could become a together and not to forsake the marriage bed (1 Co.

priest if, besides having the required qualities, he 7:3-5). As we have seen, Rome demands that married obtained his wife’s consent to a separation” (Joseph men and women disobey God’s Word in this matter if Segers, Any Questions? Bombay: St. Paul Publications, they desire to be church leaders. The Lord Jesus Christ 1965, p. 154; this is a Catholic publication used in says to the Catholic Church what He said to the missionary work in India). Of course, this also applies to hypocritical Jewish leaders. “He answered and said unto the pope. “If a married man was elected, he could not them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of accept the election unless he first secured his wife’s God by your tradition? Ye have made the commandment consent to a separation. It would indeed be a worthy of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, sacrifice on the altar of matrimonial faithfulness” (Ibid., well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people p. 54).

draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips: but their heart is far from me. But in 566

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vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the 13:13; Ep. 1:1; Ph. 1:1; Col. 1:2, 4; Phile. 7; He. 6:10; commandments of men” (Mt. 15:3-9).

13:24). Even the carnal Christians at Corinth were Error # 11—Prayers to the “saints”

called saints (2 Co. 1:1). Christians are not saints The Roman Catholic Church has a list of people who because they are special; they are saints because they have been officially proclaimed saints. The process of have a special Saviour and He has removed their sin

“sainting” someone is called “canonization,” and the list before God (Re. 1:5-6; 1 Pe. 2:9-10).

is called “the Roman Martyrology.” Catholics are Rome and the Charismatic Movement

encouraged to own images of these saints and to pray to Since 1967, when the first Catholics in America them.

began speaking in tongues and experiencing other

“A canonization is a solemn pronouncement by which charismatic phenomena, the so-called Catholic the Supreme Pontiff declares that a particular person,

“renewal” has grown by leaps and bounds and has while on earth, practised Christian virtue in a heroic spread throughout the world. It is clear, though, that degree, and may now be honoured by the faithful as a this “renewal” is not a revival of biblical truth, but is a saint. A canonization is the outcome of a long and renewal of devotion to Catholic error. The Catholic exacting examination bearing on the words and deeds charismatic movement is not leading people to the of the servant of God and on the reality of at least four truth, but into a deeper, more dedicated relationship miracles attributed to his intercession. patron saints.

They are in heaven, and very close to God, and very with the errors of Rome. Consider some statements by powerful with Him. ... A saint is not only a protector to key leaders in the “renewal” movement: invoke but also a model to imitate” ( Joseph Segers,

“Unanimously, people [Roman Catholics who have had Any Questions? , pp. 79,80,84).

charismatic experiences] report a greater appreciation Bible Answer:

of the sacraments, especially the Mass as meaningful encounters with Christ, the Real Presence [in the mass]

1. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only Mediator and the role of Mary” (John V. McHale, The Furrow, between God and men (1 Ti. 2:5-6). “One mediator”

May 1973).

means ONE, not two or three or seventy. Mary nor any

“Catholic charismatics are placing more emphasis on other person can mediate between God and men, and their church identity and heritage than ever before.

there is no support in the New Testament for a mediator Wherever I go ... Catholic charismatics are between the individual and Christ.

rediscovering the meaning of traditional Catholic 2. The Bible nowhere teaches Christians to seek help beliefs and practices, including the sacraments, the from the dead. The only support for this doctrine is rosary, the Virgin Mary and the saints. ... For years I’ve found in an apocryphal book, II Maccabees. In the entry been telling Pentecostals that the Catholic Church was de-emphasizing devotion to Mary. Now I hear it’s all on the Apocrypha we have shown that these writings coming back, with the charismatics leading the are not inspired Scripture and should not therefore be way” (Nick Cavnar, “Why Are Catholic Charismatics used to support doctrinal beliefs.

Getting So Catholic?” Charisma, April 1985; Cavnar is 3. To make images of men, then bow before them executive editor of the Catholic publication New and pray to them is idolatry. Even the angels would not Covenant).

allow men to bow before them (Re. 19:10; 22:8-9).

“Anyone who has become a genuine Charismatic, to my 4. The Bible teaches men to pray to God in the name knowledge, has become a better Catholic” (Cardinal of Jesus Christ, not to dead men or in the name of dead Manning of Los Angeles, quoted by Priest Finbarr Devine, Charismatic Renewal for Catholics, 1976, p.

men. There is not one New Testament example of God’s 48).

people praying to the dead or approaching God through

“There is, however, another option and this is the way any mediator other than Jesus Christ, the Son. The only that has been followed by the millions of happy way to God is through the sacrifice of and the name of Catholics who are active in charismatic renewal. They Jesus Christ (He. 10:19-22). The blood of Jesus Christ have experienced a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit brings us into the very holiest of holies in heaven, into in answer to expectant prayer, and they are content to the very presence of Almighty God. What unbiblical refer to this as ‘being baptized in the Holy Spirit.’ ...

nonsense, then, is the Roman doctrine of the Also, very strikingly, they have found themselves intercession of “the saints.” No one who has Jesus Christ drawn more deeply into their Catholic faith and needs a Catholic saint!

practice. The Mass and the sacraments have become more meaningful and fruitful. Quite simply, they have 5. Rome’s dogma of “sainthood” is unscriptural. In become more Catholic (Derek Lance, “The Dilemma of the N.T. the term “saint” is applied to all true Christians, Being a Catholic Charismatic,” Chariscenter USA not merely to those who have unusual qualities (Ac.

Newsletter, March-April 1990; Lance is a Catholic priest 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Ro. 8:27; 12:13; 15:25, 31; of Northampton, England).

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“As one reads the literature coming out of the renewal, RITUALS] MORE FULLY ( The Catholic Gospel, Vol. 14, it becomes obvious that those who write from within No. 1, p. 4).

the renewal wish to be Catholic and wish to situate the Another example of this was published in an renewal within the Catholic theological tradition. This is an expression, one of many, of the fidelity of the interview Light of Life magazine conducted in Bombay, renewal to the [Catholic] Church” (Ralph Martin, The India. At the time Light of Life was India’s most Spirit and the Church, 1976, p. 147).

influential evangelical magazine. When the “renewed”

“Since I have had this [charismatic] experience, my Catholics were asked if their views of Mary had allegiance to the Holy Father as the Vicar of Christ in changed, they responded as follows:

the world has been heightened and strengthened. My

“Nothing has happened to the great Mother of God.

appreciation for Mary as the co-redemptress and She still remains Queen of heaven and earth, mediatoress of my salvation has been assured. My respected, loved and venerated. But we have a deeper appreciation of the mass as the sacrifice of Christ has understanding of her position in regard to God and to now been heightened” (Cardinal Joseph Suenens, us” (Light of Life, June 1979).

“Charismatic Ecumenism: The Road to Rome,” by My friends, the biblical Mary is NOT the Queen of Michael McCoskey, The Flaming Torch, April-June Heaven nor is she to be venerated in any sense 1985).

whatsoever. “Venerate” is defined as “to solicit the Roman Catholic Cardinal Joseph Suenens is accepted goodwill of a god, worship, revere” ( Random House by Charismatic leaders as a genuine Spirit-filled Webster’s College Dictionary). We don’t know what spirit Christian, but it is obvious that he is not. He bestows is leading these people but it is not the Spirit of Truth.

upon the pope and Mary titles that belong exclusively to In reviewing the early history of the Catholic the Lord Jesus Christ. He denies the once-for-all eternal Charismatic movement, Kevin Ranaghan says: sufficiency of the Atonement by claiming that Christ is sacrificed repeatedly upon Roman Catholic altars. This

“What we were experiencing was very Catholic. In addition to all the new elements, we were awakened to is wickedness and gross apostasy. Yet this same Suenens the richness of the Mass, the sacraments and a new has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with key Pentecostal and understanding of the place of Mary and the Charismatic leaders for decades. In a show of saints” (“Roman Catholics Find Charismatic Movement ecumenical unity, he stood before the 50,000 gathered Is ‘Very Catholic,’” Charisma, June 1982).

at Kansas City ‘77 with Assemblies of God General This same Ranaghan, who has been a leader in the Superintendent Thomas Zimmerman, J.O. Patterson of Catholic charismatic renewal for decades, made the the Church of God in Christ, and Anglican Archbishop following statement in the August 1981 issue of New Bill Burnett. Pentecostal Vinson Synan has worked Covenant:

closely with Suenens in organizing ecumenical rallies

“WE BELIEVE THAT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

across the United States and in other parts of the world, SUBSISTS IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THAT

including England and India.

SHE POSSESSES IN UNIQUE FULLNESS BOTH

These Roman Catholic leaders should be rebuked for REVELATION AND THE MEANS OF SALVATION. We their abominable practices and false doctrines. They are devoted to Scripture, the teaching of the Church, should be exposed and condemned for leading THE LITURGY AND SACRAMENTS, AND THE

multitudes to eternal hell through their sacramental WISDOM OF OUR SPIRITUAL TRADITION. We gospel. What does Jesus Christ think of these false recognize that without our continual nourishment as sons and daughters of the Church throughout her teachers? His scathing sermon in Matthew 23 to the many channels of grace, we will surely wither away.

tradition-bound Pharisees leaves no question as to what We place our own personal Charismatic experience in He thinks. Instead of dealing with these wolves in the this context, and IN THE COMPANY OF MARY AND

manner that Christ did, though, the gullible Charismatic THE SAINTS. With them as guides and models, we crowd treats them as Spirit-filled men of God, just hope to stand as a beacon of truth and love in the because they claim to have had some charismatic midst of late twentieth century fog and confusion. This experience and have learned to use evangelical is the scope of our life of faith. To say it encompasses terminology. This is a great and terrible evil.

less would be ecumenically and theologically dishonest.”

The Full Gospel Business Men’s Association published a booklet entitled Roman Catholics and the Baptism of This man, who is accepted as a genuine Christian by the Holy Spirit, featuring testimonies of how that priests, ecumenical charismatics and has been a leader in some nuns, and Catholic laity received the “baptism of the of the largest charismatic congresses, is obviously a Holy Spirit.” The result? Now THEY ATTEND MASS

thoroughgoing Romanist, steeped in all its unscriptural MORE REGULARLY, ARE MORE DEVOTED CATHOLICS, dogmas. He also believes God speaks through the AND APPRECIATE THE LITURGY [ROMAN CATHOLIC

papacy:

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“It is the Catholic position that the pope is the supreme If a Roman Catholic is truly yielded to the Holy teacher and pastor of the church. While he could Spirit’s control, he will be taught to abhor the errors of exercise these roles by himself, he is at the head of all the Roman system and every other false system. The the bishops who as successors of the apostle also Spirit-filled person will testify with the godly Psalmist, exercise these teaching and pastoring gifts. Catholics,

“Through thy precepts I get understanding: then, normally expect to hear the voice of God through the Pope and the bishops” (Ranaghan, Ibid., June THEREFORE I HATE EVERY FALSE WAY” (Ps. 119:104).

1982).

In order to be right with God a person must repent.

This spirit of renewed dedication to Romanism on The Lord Jesus warned that except we repent we shall the part of charismatic Catholics has also been evident perish (Lk. 13:3, 5). Christ has commanded us to preach in their conferences. The National Catholic Register’s

“repentance and remission of sins” in His name (Lk.

report on Notre Dame ‘73 noted this:

24:46,47). The apostle Paul proclaimed to the people of

“‘Catholic charismatics should renew their dedication Athens that “God now commandeth all men everywhere to Jesus Christ, His Blessed Mother, and His Church, in to repent” (Acts 17:30). And we are told by the apostle the person of the Holy Father.’ ... That was the message Peter that it is God’s will that “all should come to of the seventh annual International Conference on the repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church held on Repentance means changing one’s mind about the campus of the University of Notre Dame. ...

having loved sinful and false things. It means to be

“Addressing his words to the Holy Father, [Jesuit priest ready to turn away from things that displease God. It is Harold Cohen stated,] ‘You are the Vicar on earth of a change of mind toward God that results in a change of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. You are the action. When a Roman Catholic truly repents, he is sorry successor of Peter. On this rock Jesus built His church.

that he was involved in teachings and practices that are We are founded on this rock and on this rock we stand.’

abominable before God. He is led to obey God’s commands to separate from false teaching and practice

“With this pledge, the crowd of 25,000 people in the stadium exploded into applause and songs of alleluia, and will follow in the footsteps of the multitudes of giving a long standing ovation to the pledge of loyalty souls that have left the Roman Catholic Church for to the Pope” ( National Catholic Register, June 17, conscience’ sake after having been born again.

1973).

When such things happen, we have biblical reason Dear friends, the pope is NOT holy, is not a father, is for believing that the Spirit of God is present.

not the representative [vicar] of Christ, is not the Charismatic Catholics, though, are not following the successor of Peter, and is not the rock upon which Christ same Spirit the apostles followed. The Holy Spirit of the built His church! The entire papacy is a blasphemous lie, Lord’s apostles, the Spirit of Truth, commanded the and every person led by the Holy Spirit of Truth will brethren to separate from any who teach and practice understand this and reject the pope in revulsion.

false things. See Ro. 16:17; 2 Th. 3:6; 1 Ti. 6:3-5; 2 Ti.

In a similar vein, the Religious News Service reported 2:15-18; 3:5.

on Atlantic City ‘76 in this way:

[See Baptism - Infant, Celibacy, Charismatic, Church,

“While displaying a dynamic ecumenical outreach, the Clergy, Cup, Eastern Orthodox, Father, Mass, Nicolaitan, largest conference in the history of the Catholic Ordinance, Pope, Priest, Reverend, Rosary, Vatican, Charismatic Renewal—drawing some 28,000 persons Vatican II.]

from the Northeast U.S.—reflected a posture that ROSARY. The Catholic Rosary is a ritualistic prayer strongly affirmed a deep loyalty to the Pope and the to God the Father and to Mary using a chain of beads to Catholic bishops” (RNS, Nov. 1, 1976, reprinted in guide the individual through the prayers. Most Rosaries Christian News Encyclopedia, p. 370).

contain five “decades,” each with 11 beads, ten small The Holy Spirit is “the Spirit of Truth,” and it is ones and one slightly larger. For each small bead the evident that the spirit leading the charismatic movement

“Hail Mary” is prayed. For the larger bead a prayer is into fellowship with Romanism is NOT the Holy Spirit.

made to God the Father. Thus, the Rosary is largely a While it is possible that some Catholics are having real prayer to Mary. A complete Rosary is 15 decades (each experiences of salvation through their charismatic consisting of 10 ‘Hail Marys’ and one ‘Our Father’), affiliations, for the most part the Catholic “renewal” has though it is more common to pray five decades. The proven to be unscriptural.

Rosary’s use has been encouraged by such influential It is true that some charismatic Catholics no longer Catholics as Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. Bill believe some of the teachings of their church, yet they Jackson writes: “St. Dominic is credited with preaching stedfastly ignore God’s commands to “shun,” “turn away the Rosary as an antidote to the Albigensian heresy. He from,” “avoid,” “have no fellowship with” those who called it ‘the rampart of the Church of God’ and ‘the teach and practice false things. [See Separation.]

Book of Life.’ Popes have described it as ‘the salvation of Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 569

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Christians’; ‘the dispeller of heresies’; ‘the scourge of Scripture in the sense of sanctified unto God (Mk.

Satan’; and ‘promoter of God’s Glory.’ Msgr. O’Sullivan 6:20; Ac. 3:21), the term “holy” is NEVER used as a title in Externals of the Catholic Church says, ‘Repetition in for a fallen man. Further, to address Mary as “full of prayer is a very ancient custom. It would seem natural grace” is blasphemy. Only Jesus Christ is said to be full for man to recite his prayers over and over ... The of grace (Jn. 1:14, 16). Mary is said to be “highly B u d d h i s t r e p e t i t i o n s o f t h e p r a i s e s o f favored” and “blessed among women,” but this is a very Buddha’” ( Christian’s Guide to Roman Catholicism). The different thing from being full of grace. The only grace

“Hail Mary” prayer in the Rosary is as follows: “Hail Mary has is the grace she received from Jesus Christ in Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art the salvation from her sin. She acknowledged that God thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy is her “Saviour” (Lk. 1:47). [See Roman Catholic womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us Church.]

sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

ROSH (head, top). Ge. 46:21.

What the Bible Says:

RUDDY. Red; reddish (1 Sa. 16:12; 17:42; Song 1. The Bible forbids pagan ritualism (Je. 10:2). The 5:10).

Rosary was adopted from pagan practice; Buddhists and RUDIMENTS. A first principle, or element; that Hindus still use rosaries. And the Rosary consists of which is to be first learnt; the primary rules of an art or repetitious prayers which are forbidden in Scripture religion (Webster). The “rudiments of the world”

(Mt. 6:7-8).

mentioned in Col. 2:20 refer to worldly religious 2. The Bible says there is ONE Mediator between principles whereby men try to gain merit with God. Paul God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Ti. 2:5-6). Jesus mentioned this in the context of his treatise against Christ, and Jesus Christ alone, is our High Priest to certain heresies which deny the sufficiency of Jesus bring us to God (He. 8:1-2; 9:11-14). The Rosary Christ and of His atonement and which seek to know consists largely of prayers to Mary. This is unscriptural.

God through the keeping of manmade ordinances and 3. The wording of the Rosary is blasphemous. To laws (“touch not; taste not; handle not” Col. 2:21). [See address Mary as “Holy Mary” is wickedness. This title is Bible, Celibacy, Elements, Jesus Christ, Vegetarian.]

not fitting for a fallen human being. The “the Holy One”

RUE. A common herb used as a condiment and a is a title frequently used of God in Scripture (Is. 1:4; medicine (Lk. 11:42).

5:19,24; 6:3; 10:17,20; 12:6; 17:7; 29:19, 23; 30:11, RUFUS (red). Mk. 15:21.

12, 15, 29; 31:1; 37:23; 40:25; 41:14, 16, 20; 43:3, 14, RUHAMAH (having obtained mercy). Ho. 2:1.

15; 45:11; 47:4; 48:17; 49:7; 54:5; 55:5; 57:15; 60:9,14; Je. 50:29; 51:5; Eze. 39:7; Ho. 11:9; Hab.

RUMAH (exalted). 2 Ki. 23:36.

1:12; 3:3; Lk. 1:49). His name is “holy” (Is. 57:15). The RUTH (looking on with delight, satisfied, beauty). A Bible tells us that God is jealous for His Holy name (Eze.

Moabitess woman who married Boaz and became the 39:25). Jesus Christ is called the “Holy One” (Lk. 4:34; mother of Obed, grandfather of David, in the lineage of Ac. 2:37; 3:14; 13:35). While men are called holy in Jesus Christ (Ruth; Mt. 1:5).

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-S-

SABACHTHANI. A saying of Jesus while on the S A C K B U T . A m u s i c a l i n s t r u m e n t ; s o m e cross. [See Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachtani.]

commentators say the sackbut was a bass trumpet with SABAOTH (hosts). “Lord of sabaoth” is the same as a slide, like the modern trombone (Da. 3:5, 7, 10, 15).

“Lord of hosts” (Ro. 9:29; Ja. 5:4). [See God.]

[See Music.]

SABBATH (rest). God first gave the sabbath as a duty SACKCLOTH. A course, dark cloth made of goats’

to man in the book of Exodus. It is true that the sabbath hair. It was worn by Jews to show mourning and originated at the completion of the creation (Ge. 2:1-3), repentance (2 Sa. 3:31; 2 Ki. 19:1; Mt. 11:21; Re. 11:3).

but that was God’s rest, not man’s. There is no record in

[See Repentance.]

Genesis that God gave the sabbath to man, and there is S A C R A M E N T . O r i g i n a l l y, t h e L a t i n w o r d no record of men keeping the sabbath before Israel in

“sacramentum” referred to an oath, or to a ceremony the wilderness. Nehemiah 9:13-14 plainly states that the producing an obligation. In present religious usage, sabbath was first given to Israel. Seventh-day Adventists sacrament refers to an outward and visible sign of an teach that men kept the sabbath from the days of Adam inward and spiritual grace. The term sacrament is used onward, but this is based on Ellen G. White’s by the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, and imagination and is contrary to the Bible’s own record.

certain Protestant denominations to describe their Exodus 31:12-18 says the sabbath was a sign between ordinances. Roman Catholicism has seven sacraments—

God and Israel. If mankind in general had been given baptism, eucharist, confirmation, marriage, holy orders, the sabbath following creation, it could not have been a penance, and last rites. Those who describe baptism and sign for Israel. The sabbath belongs to the nation Israel the Lord’s Supper as sacraments usually believe these and will be an eternal possession of Israel (Ex. 31:16).

ordinances are more than symbolic ceremonies.

This explains why the prophets say that Israel will keep

“Today Roman and Anglican Catholics, as well as the sabbath even after the kingdom of Christ is Eastern Orthodox, regard the sacraments as effective established on earth (Is. 66:23). It also explains why channels of God’s grace and give them a central place Jesus Christ mentioned the sabbath in His prophecies of in the worship of the church.

the Tribulation (Mt. 24:20). The Jews in Israel keep the

“Luther developed a sacramental teaching similar to sabbath today. N.T. Teaching on the Sabbath: The the Catholic one, but regarded Christ’s presence as apostles only mentioned the sabbath three times: (1) purely spiritual. For this reason, he rejected the The sabbath is a symbol of salvation rest in Christ (He.

medieval doctrine of transubstantiation and substituted 4). (2) The N.T. believer is not bound to keep the what has come to be called ‘consubstantiation.’ Christ is said to be present alongside the consecrated sabbath (Col. 2:9-17). (3) The N.T. believer has liberty elements, not actually in them ...

in the matter of holy days (Ro. 14). Those who teach

“Zwingli developed a more radical sacramental that the sabbath is binding upon N.T. believers are theology, claiming that the signs were of merely contradicting what the apostles taught. Why did Jesus symbolic value and thus made no difference to keep the Sabbath? He kept the sabbath for the same anyone’s faith. ...

reason He kept all the other Mosaic laws. He also

“Calvin’s view, enshrined in the Thirty-Nine Articles of observed the Jewish feasts. Jesus did these things religion and the Westminster Confession of Faith, is the because He was a Jew, born under the law, that He most widely accepted in traditional English-speaking might fulfill it and redeem His people from its penalty Protestantism. It lies somewhere between that of and bondage (Ga. 4:4; Ro. 9:5). [For evidence that the Luther and Zwingli. Calvin rejected both Luther’s first churches worshipped on Sunday see Seventh-day doctrine of consubstantiation and Zwingli’s theology, Adventism, Sunday.]

instead developing the view that the sacraments are sure witnesses of God’s grace, guarding against false SABEANS (leading into captivity). People of Sheba teaching, and also effectual signs, confirming and or Seba (Job 1:15).

strengthening the faith already in us” (20th Century).

SABTAH, SABTA (a stroke, breaking). Ge. 10:7; 1

“The Reformed [Protestant] creeds did not get free Ch. 1:9.

from Rome as regards what they still called SABTECHA, SABTECHAH (greatest stroke). Ge.

‘sacraments’—a Babylonish term. For sacramentum was 10:7; 1 Ch. 1:9.

the Latin word for a mystery of the pagan religion. ‘The grand distinguishing feature of the ancient Babylonian SACAR (reward, hire of labor). 1 Ch. 11:35.

system was the Chaldean mysteries, that formed so essential a part of that system’ (Hislop, p. 4). ‘Even in Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 571

SACRIFICE - SALT

the prayer-book of the Church of England, the Lord’s SALEM (peace). Salem is first mentioned in Ge.

Supper is called ‘these holy mysteries’! But such a term 14:18; Melchizedek the priest was king of Salem. Later for it is unknown in the New Testament, and was Salem became Jerusalem, the capital of Israel (Ps.

subsequently introduced merely because the initiates 76:2). [See Jerusalem, Melchizedek.]

(of Babylonish idolatry) fixed upon the Memorial Supper as the one thing in Christianity which they SALIM (crafty fox, completed). Jn. 3:23.

could most easily metamorphose into a Mystery, or SALLAI (my rising). Ne. 12:20.

Sacrament. Then, associating Baptism with the bath SALLU (very high). 1 Ch. 9:7.

which preceded (pagan) initiation, they called it, also, a Mystery, or Sacrament—though they often dropped SALMA (a garment). 1 Ch. 2:11.

a l l d i s g u i s e , a n d s p o k e o f i t p l a i n l y a s SALMON (distinguished robe). Lk. 3:32.

initiation’” (William R. Newell, Revelation: A Complete SALMONE (very shady, flowing). Ac. 27:7.

Commentary).

SALOME (reward, peaceable). Mk. 15:40.

Baptists, as well as others who strive to maintain a SALT. “Indispensable as salt is to ourselves, it was New Testament pattern, reject the concept of even more so to the Hebrews, being to them not only an sacraments. The Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles appetizing condiment in the food (Job 6:6), and a delivered to the churches two ordinances [observances]: valuable antidote to the effects of the heat of the climate baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These do not impart on animal food, but also entering largely into the grace; they signify and memorialize grace and turn the religious services of the Jews as an accompaniment to believer’s thoughts to Christ. [See Anglican, Baptism -

the various offerings presented on the altar (Le. 2:13).

Infant, Eastern Orthodox, Lord’s Supper, Mass, Roman They possessed an inexhaustible and ready supply of it Catholic Church.]

on the southern shores of the Dead Sea [also called the SACRIFICE. To make offerings to God. [See Salt Sea Ge. 14:3; Nu. 34:3.] There is one mountain Offerings.]

here called Jebel Usdum, seven miles long and several SACRILEGE. To violate or profane sacred things (Ro.

hundred feet high, which is composed almost entirely of 2:22).

salt” (Smith).

SADDUCEES. A group of Jewish religious leaders in Salt was required in all of the offerings to God (Le.

the days of Christ’s earthly walk. The Sadducees did not 2:13). The salt thus symbolized (1) the permanence of believe in miracles or the bodily resurrection (Mk.

God’s love for His people, and (2) the communion of 12:18; Ac. 23:8). Though normally enemies of the God with His people. “The altar was the table of the Pharisees, the Sadducees joined forces with them to Lord; and therefore, salt being always set on our tables, condemn the Lord Jesus Christ (Mt. 21:2; Lk. 19:47).

God would have it always used at his. It is called the salt SADOC (just). Mt. 1:14.

of the covenant, because, as men confirmed their SAFEGUARD. Guard; safe keeping, security (1 Sa.

covenants with each other by eating and drinking 22:23).

together, at all which collations salt was used, so God, SAINT. “Saint” means one who is set apart for God.

by accepting his people’s gifts and feasting them upon The words “saint,” “holy,” and “sanctify” are from the his sacrifices, supping with them and they with him (Re.

same Greek words. In the N.T. the term “saint” is 3:20), did confirm his covenant with them. Among the applied to all true Christians, not merely to those who ancients salt was a symbol of friendship” (Matthew have unusual qualities (Ac. 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Ro.

Henry).

8:27; 12:13; 15:25, 31; 16:2, 15; 1 Co. 6:1, 2; 14:33; Salt was used to signify covenants (Nu. 18:19).

16:1, 15; 2 Co. 8:4; 9:1, 12; 13:13; Ep. 1:1; Ph. 1:1;

“Covenants were ordinarily cemented in the East by the Col. 1:2, 4; Phile. 7; He. 6:10; 13:24). Even the carnal rites of hospitality; of which salt was the obvious token, Christians at Corinth were called saints (2 Co. 1:1).

entering as it does into every article of diet. It indicates Christians are not saints because they are especially perpetuity” (Barnes).

holy; they are saints because they have a special Saviour The phrase “ye are the salt of the earth” (Mt. 5:13) and He has removed their sin before God (Re. 1:5-6; 1

can signify many things. (1) Salt penetrates; it even Pe. 2:9, 10). [See Holy, Justification, Sanctification.]

penetrates metal; signifying the power of the Gospel to SALA,SALAH (offspring, a race). Lk. 3:35.

change men’s lives. (2) Salt cleanses. Sodium chloride is SALAMIS (bitten by serpents). Ac. 13:5.

still used in many cleansing agents. Likewise the Gospel and the presence of born-again people have a cleansing SALATHIEL (petition of God). Mt. 1:12.

effect in the world. (3) Salt purifies, as does the Gospel.

SALCHAH, SALCAH (lifting up). De. 3:10; Jos.

(4) Salt preserves. It is used to preserve food in the 13:11.

absence of refrigeration. Likewise the Gospel preserves righteousness and truth in an evil world. (5) Salt burns.

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If left piled in one place it results in sterility. Likewise connection there is, if any, between the present state of the Gospel and the churches are to be spread across the the Salt Sea and the destruction of Sodom and world and not to be congregated in only one place (Mt.

Gomorrah, is not known. In Ge. 14, the battle of the 28:18-20). (6) Salt irritates, as when placed on a four kings against the five was in ‘the vale of Siddim, wound. Likewise, the Gospel irritates the unsaved, and which is the Salt Sea’ (v. 3). The four kings had come they do not appreciate God’s message or people.

from a distance, but the five kings, of whom the kings of Jesus warned that salt can lose its savor (Mt. 5:13; Sodom and Gomorrah were two, were near home; Mk. 9:50; Lk. 14:34). “He was apparently referring to farther than this the connection cannot be rock salt (rather than the purified salt obtained from traced” (Concise). [See Salt.]

evaporation), used as fertilizer. The rock salt of Jesus’

SALVATION. The book of Romans is an orderly day could lose its saltiness. Minerals were leached from presentation of the Bible’s doctrine of salvation. It begins it by moisture, and the salt deteriorated under high by showing the need for salvation. (1) God is holy and heat. Without saltiness, what remained had no value to punishes sin (Ro. 1:18). (2) Man is sinful and has anyone” (Revell).

broken God’s law (Ro. 1:19—3:18). (3) Nothing man The Christian’s speech is to be “alway with grace, can do can earn him God’s favor (Ro. 3:19, 20). It then seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6). “The meaning seems to shows the way of salvation. Salvation is the free gift of be, that our conversation should be seasoned with piety God’s eternal blessing through the atonement of Jesus or grace in a way similar to that in which we employ Christ. It is offered to all who believe on Christ (Ro.

salt in our food. It makes it wholesome and palatable.

1:16, 17; 3:22-30; 4:3-8, 24). Salvation is through faith So with our conversation. If it be not imbued with the ALONE and grace ALONE, not by any mixture of grace spirit of piety, it is flat, insipid, unprofitable, injurious.

and law, faith and works (Ro. 4:13-16; 11:6). Romans The spirit of piety will make it what it should be—

then shows the evidence and fruit of salvation, which is a useful, agreeable, beneficial to mankind. This does not holy life (Rom. 6-8).

mean that our conversation is to be always, strictly The Place of Works in Salvation

speaking, religious—wherever we may be—any more Faith alone is the door into God’s wonderful than our food should be mere salt; but it means that, salvation. Having been forgiven and blessed with whatever be the topic, the spirit of piety should be eternal blessings in Christ, we serve God with a thankful diffused through it—as the salt in our food should heart—not in order to be saved or in order to perfect our properly season it all” (Barnes). “Let all your discourse salvation, but because we have been saved. We are not be as becomes Christians, suitable to your profession—

saved by works; we are saved unto works (Ep. 2:8-10; savoury, discreet, seasonable. Though it be not always of Titus 3:4-8).

grace, it must be always with grace; and, though the Position and Practice

matter of our discourse be that which is common, yet there must be an air of piety upon it and it must be in a The Bible makes a distinction between the Christian’s Christian manner. Grace is the salt which seasons our position and his practice. Other terms for this are discourse, makes it savoury, and keeps it from standing and state, relationship and fellowship, union corrupting” (Matthew Henry). [See Salt Sea.]

and communion. The believer’s position in Christ is unchanging, secure, and eternal the moment he is born SALT SEA. The Bible name for the Dead Sea in Israel into God’s family. His practice, on the other hand, (Ge. 14:3). “The term ‘Salt Sea’ is very appropriate; for depends upon his day-to-day fellowship with Christ and it contains much more salt than is found in ordinary sea is changeable. Justification has to do with the believer’s water [25-35 percent salinity level], which makes it position before God.

extremely nauseous. It is also very heavy, so that a person cannot sink in it; and after bathing it leaves a The book of Ephesians. The book of Ephesians lays crust of salt on the flesh. “On the restoration of Israel in out this distinction plainly. Chapters one through three a future day a river will issue out of the house, the present the believer’s position and standing; chapters future temple, which river will go down into the desert four through six deal with his practice and state, his and run into this sea, and the waters will be healed. En-walk. In Ep. 1-3 the believer is repeatedly said to be “in gedi, about half way along the coast of the Dead Sea, on Christ” (1:1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13; 2:6, 10, 13, 22; the west) will be one of the stations of the fishermen 3:6, 12). This is the theme of this section of the epistle.

(Eze. 47:1-10) (Concise). Some have speculated there The key word in Ep. 1-3 is “grace” (1:2, 6; 2:5, 7, 8; 3:2, might be a connection with the Salt Sea and the 7). In Ep. 4-6 the subject changes to the believer’s walk overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, though this is not in this world. The key words in Ep. 4-6 are “walk” (4:1, certain. De. 29:23 indicates that the overthrow of these 17; 5:2, 8, 15), “conversation” (4:22), “put on” (4:24; cities left a residue of salt and infertility. “What 6:11), and “obey” (6:1). The pivotal verse is Ep. 4:1—”I Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 573

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therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye

[See also Abel, Adoption, Atonement, Blood, Crucify, walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.”

Eternal Security, Glory, Gospel, Grace, Holy, Hope, Here we are told the believer is to bring his daily walk Justification, Law, Mercy, Mystery, Propitiation, into line with his eternal calling. He does not live right Reconcile, Redemption, Repentance, Roman Catholic in order TO BE called or in order to perfect his calling, Church, Sanctification, Seventh-day Adventism.]

but because he HAS BEEN called. There is a world of SAMARIA (guard, watch station). This city was built difference between these two things. To serve God by Omri, king of Israel, and came into prominence by because you have been saved is the Gospel; to serve God becoming the capital of the kingdom of the ten tribes (1

in an attempt to attain salvation or to perfect one’s Ki. 16:23-24). It was situated on the side of a hill and salvation is a perversion of the Gospel. Ep. 5:8 says, “For was adorned and fortified by the kings of Israel. Ben-ye were sometimes darkness, but NOW are ye light in hadad, king of Syria, besieged Samaria in the reign of the Lord: WALK as children of light.” The believer’s Ahab, but by the intervention of God it was not taken (1

position in Christ is that he is “light in the Lord.” This is Ki. 20:1-34). In the days of Jehoram it was again a present, eternal reality, and he is instructed to live up besieged by Ben-hadad, and the famine became so great to that position in his daily life.

that they were on the point of capitulating when some John’s First Epistle. The difference between position lepers brought word that the enemy had fled, and and practice is also seen in 1 John. Here the Lord makes abundance of provision was to be found in the camp (2

a plain distinction between relationship and fellowship.

Ki. 6:24-33; 7:1-20). It was besieged again by The theme of 1 John is found in 1:3. The theme is Shalmaneser, about B.C. 723, but held out for three fellowship, not relationship. It is written to those who years, being eventually taken by Sargon. The people have established a relationship with God as children were carried into captivity (2 Ki. 18:9-12) (Concise).

through faith in Christ. The Scriptures teach that a SAMARITANS. The people who inhabited the region person is placed into the family of God when he believes of Samaria in central Israel. Samaritans were a mixed on the Lord Jesus Christ. God imputes the righteousness race of Jews and foreigners (2 Ki.17:24-41). For this of Christ to the sinner’s account once-for-all and is reason, the Samaritans were despised by the Jews (Jn.

eternally satisfied (propitiated) because of the blood 4:9). When they called Jesus a Samaritan, they were and death of Christ. This is where confession of sins slandering Him (Jn. 8:48). The Lord Jesus led a enters into the Christian life. Obedience and confession Samaritan woman to salvation (Jn. 4) and used a of sins are essential in order to remain in fellowship Samaritan in His teaching on showing compassion to with the Savior, but our walk does not change our one’s neighbor (Lk. 10:30-37). Of ten lepers who were position in Christ or our relationship with God as Father.

healed, only the Samaritan returned to give thanks to If we sin He still remains our Father and Christ remains Christ (Lk. 17:11-19). Jesus commanded that the gospel our Advocate (1 Jn. 2:1). This is because He paid the be preached to the Samaritans (Ac. 1:8; 8:25).

full price demanded by God’s law for sin (1 Jn. 2:2), SAMGARNEBO (keeping of Nebo). Je. 39:3.

and eternal life is a free gift that is received by faith in Christ.

SAMLAH (distinguished robe) Ge. 36:36.

John’s Gospel. The Gospel of John also shows this SAMOS (high place). Ac. 20:15.

distinction. In John 1-12 the focus is on the unsaved, SAMOTHRACIA. An island in the Aegean Sea and the main message is “believe on the Lord Jesus belonging to Thrace (Potts) (Ac. 16:11).

Christ” (Jn. 1:7, 12; 3:15-16, 18; 4:39; 5:24; 6:35, 47; SAMSON (sunlike). The judge of Israel who was 7:38; 8:24; 9:35; 10:38; 11:26). When the unsaved defeated because of his sin and disobedience (Ju.

asked about doing the works of God, Christ replied, 13-16). Samson was a Nazarite. [See Nazarite.]

“This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom SAMUEL (heard of God). The last judge of Israel (1

he hath sent” (Jn. 6:29). Faith in Christ is the only work Sa. 1-17; Ac. 3:24; 13:20; He. 11:32).

God will accept from the unsaved. In chapter thirteen, SANBALLAT (hatred in secret). Ne. 2:10.

though, Christ turns His attention to His own little flock, SANCTIFICATION. “Sanctify,” “holy,” “hallow,”

and the theme changes from faith to obedience. “If a

“sacred,” and “saint” are translated from the same Greek man love me, he will keep my words” (Jn. 14:23). This root word, hagias. Basically they mean to be set apart change in the theme of John’s Gospel illustrates the for service. In the Bible many things other than people difference between relationship and fellowship. Faith is are said to be sanctified. The Tabernacle furniture was the requirement for eternal relationship; obedience is sanctified, meaning it was set apart for God’s service the requirement for daily fellowship. Faith is the way to (Ex. 40:10, 11, 13). Mt. Sinai was sanctified by God’s become a child of God; obedience is the way to walk in presence and set off from the surrounding territory (Ex.

fellowship with the Father.

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SANCTUARY - SAPPHIRA set apart as holy and acceptable by prayer (1 Ti. 4:5).

SANHEDRIN (council chamber). The supreme The believer is to sanctify God in his heart in the sense council of the Jewish people in the time of Christ and of setting God apart as first in his thoughts and earlier. THE ORIGIN OF THIS ASSEMBLY is traced in affections (1 Pe. 3:15). Thus, to sanctify, or to make the Mishna to the seventy elders whom Moses was holy, does not mean to purify or to make morally directed to associate with him in the government of the sinless; it means to set apart something for God and for Israelites (Nu. 11:16, 17); but this tribunal was His pure service. The essence of holiness is separation.

probably temporary, and did not continue to exist after In relation to the Christian, sanctification or holiness the Israelites had entered Palestine. In the lack of refers to being set apart to God from sin. There are definite historical information as to the establishment of three distinctly different aspects of this sanctification: the Sanhedrin, it can only be said in general that the past, present, and future. Every Christian can say, “I Greek etymology of the name seems to point to a period have been sanctified; I am being sanctified; I will yet be subsequent to the Macedonian supremacy in Palestine.

sanctified.” Past Sanctification means the believer is From the few incidental notices in the N.T., we gather already positionally set apart in Christ (Ac. 20:32; 1 Co.

that it consisted of chief priests, or the heads of the 1:2, 30; 6:9-11; He. 10:10, 14). At the new birth, the twenty-four classes into which the priests were divided, believer is eternally sanctified in Christ, is brought from elders, men of age and experience, and scribes, lawyers, the power of the devil into the family of God (Jn. 1:14; or those learned in the Jewish law (Mt. 26:57,59; Mk.

Ga. 4:4-6), from the devil’s kingdom into Christ’s 15:1; Lk. 22:66; Ac. 5:21). THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS

kingdom (Col. 1:12, 13); from the old creation into the is usually given as 71. The president of this body was new creation (2 Co. 5:17). This sanctification is an styled nasi, and was chosen on account of his eminence eternal reality and is based on a new spiritual position in worth and wisdom. Often, if not generally, this pre-the Christian has in Jesus Christ. The Corinthian eminence was accorded to the high priest. The vice-believers were far from sinless, yet they were called president, called in the Talmud ‘father of the house of saints and were said to have been sanctified (1 Co. 1:2, judgment,’ sat at the right hand of the president. ...

30). In this sense, the Christian can say, “I AM sanctified While in session the Sanhedrin sat in the form of a half-in Christ.” Present Sanctification is the process by which circle. THE PLACE IN WHICH THE SESSIONS OF THE

the Holy Spirit gradually changes the believer’s life to SANHEDRIN WERE ORDINARILY HELD was, according give victory over sin. This is practical sanctification. This to the Talmud, a hall called Gazzith, supposed by is Christian growth: putting away sin and putting on Lightfoot to have been situated in the southeast corner godliness (Ro. 6:19, 22; 1 Th. 4:3, 4; 1 Pe. 1:14-16).

of one of the courts near the temple building. In special The process of sanctification never ends in this life. The exigencies, however, it seems to have met in the believer never comes to the place where he can say, “I residence of the high priest (Mt. 26:3). Forty years have no sin” (1 Jn. 1:8-10). He must resist sin and before the destruction of Jerusalem, and consequently continue the process of putting off the old man and while the Saviour was teaching in Palestine, the sessions putting on the new man (Eph. 4:22-24) until he is taken of the Sanhedrin were removed from the hall Gazzith to from this world at death or at the return of Christ. In a somewhat greater distance from the temple building, this sense, the Christian can say, “I am BEING sanctified although still on Mount Moriah. After several other by God’s power.” Future Sanctification is the perfection changes, its seat was finally established at Tiberias, the believer will attain at the resurrection (1 Th. 5:23).

where it became extinct A.D. 425. As a judicial body the At Christ’s coming, every believer will receive a new Sanhedrin constituted a supreme court, to which body that will have no sin. The Christian will no longer belonged in the first instance the trial of error and have to resist sin within or to grow toward perfection.

deceivers of the people. From Ac. 9:2 it appears that the His sanctification will be complete. He will be wholly Sanhedrin exercised a degree of authority beyond the and forever set apart to God from sin. We must be limits of Palestine. The Talmud also mentions a lesser careful not to confuse these different aspects of Sanhedrin of 23 members in every city in Palestine in sanctification or holiness. [See Eternal Security, Grace, which were not less than 120 householders (Smith).

Gospel, Holy, Integrity, Justification, Saint, Seventh-day SANSANNAH (frequent purifying). Jos. 15:31.

Adventism, Upright.]

SAPH (extended). 2 Sa. 21:18.

SANCTUARY. (1) Israel’s Tabernacle (Ex. 25:8). (2) SAPHIR (fair, delightful). Mi. 1:11.

Israel’s temple (1 Ch. 22:19). (3) A haven of refuge (Is.

8:14). (4) A place of heathen worship (Is. 16:12). (5) In SAPPHIRA (beautiful). The woman in the early modern usage, the term “sanctuary” is also used to church who was killed with her husband because of describe a church building or a place of Christian lying about what they gave in offering from the sale of worship. [See Tabernacle, Temple.]

their property (Ac. 5:1-10).

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SAPPHIRE. A precious stone, apparently of a bright-Princeton University between 1910 and 1914. Originally blue color (Ex. 24:10; 28:18; Job 28:16; Eze. 28:13).

there were 78 great pillars, each 58 feet high. The SARA, SARAH (princess). The wife of Abraham. At temple was also devoted to Zeus and to the worship of first her name was “Sarai,” meaning dominating. God the imperial cult. An excavation in 1962 uncovered the changed her name to “Sarah,” meaning queen (Ge.

largest ancient Jewish synagogue yet discovered. The 17:15, 16). Sarah was given the promised son in her old first stage of it was built sometime after the earthquake age (Ge. 17:19-21; 18:9-14; 21:1-8). Abraham and of 17 A.D. (Edwin Yamauchi, New Testament Cities, p.

Sarah both laughed about God’s promise at one point in 71). It was built by the gymnasium. Nearby was one of the record (Ge. 17:17; 18:12), but they went on to the main Roman avenues. It was about 55 feet wide, believe God, by His grace, and are listed in faith’s hall which is twice as wide as the typical modern roadway. It of heroes (He. 11:8-19).

was paved with marble blocks and lined with porticos SARAI. [See Sarah.]

with colored mosaic floors. Along the street at this point were shops owned by Jews. Some of the plaques have SARAPH (a venomous serpent). 1 Ch. 4:22.

been recovered, such as one saying, “The shop of Jacob SARDINE, SARDIUS. One of the precious stones the elder of the synagogue.” There was a fountain in the mentioned in the Bible (Ex. 28:17; 39:10; Eze. 28:13; entrance hall of the synagogue. The floors were covered Re. 4:3; 21:20). “The Hebrew odem, from adam, to be with mosaics. The walls had designs made of marble red, ruddy, seems to denote the ruby; as adam does in inlays. The main hall is thought to have had a capacity Persian a beautiful gem, of a fine deep red color, with a of 1,000. There were thrones for Elijah and Moses. The mixture of purple” (Treasury). [See High Priest.]

throne of Moses was possibly occupied by the head SARDIS (the remainder). The location of one of the rabbi, the president of the Sanhedrin, and the throne of seven churches in Asia Minor that was addressed by the Elijah by visiting speakers. Smaller thrones have also risen Christ in Revelation 2-3. See Revelation 3:1-6.

been discovered in the ruins of the synagogues at Sardis was located about 50 miles south and slightly Chorazin in Israel, at Hammath by Tiberius, and on the east of Thyatira, and was situated on the northern slope island of Delos in Greece.

of Mt. Tmolus. The river Pactolus flowed by the base of SARDONYX. A semi-precious stone similar to the the mountain, and the surrounding area is a well-onyx with parallel bands of chalcedony. The bands are watered plain. The soil is rich and the climate moderate.

shades of red (Re. 21:20).

Its acropolis (high fortified city) was built on a rock of SAREPTA (pouring forth). Lk. 4:26.

soft sandstone 950 feet high, which was a spur of the mountain, and its southern perpendicular wall was SARGON (righteous prince, sun prince). Sargon II considered impregnable and thus left unguarded, (722-705 BC) was a king of Assyria (Is. 20:1). He though, as we will see, troops found a way to scale the conquered Samaria and took the Jews of the northern wall and successfully attack the city in the 6th and again kingdom captive. Bible critics prior to the mid-1800s in the 3rd century B.C. The historian Pliny said the art claimed that Sargon never existed and that the Bible of dying wool was invented here. There were vast flocks was wrong, since they had found no mention of Sargon of sheep in the surrounding region and the wool was in historical records outside of the Bible. “In 1842, Botta sent to Sardis for processing. Its carpets were so famous discovered the ruins of the Sargon’s palace, in that they were used by the king of Persia. The sands of Khorsabad, on the north edge of Nineveh, with treasures its rivers produced much gold, and gold and silver coins and inscriptions showing him to have been one of were first minted in Sardis. The city featured Assyria’s greatest kings. Yet his name had disappeared magnificent pagan temples, such as the temple of Zeus from history, save this lone mention in Isaiah” (Halley).

(Jupiter, Jove), that was built by Alexander the Great, Sargon I (c. 2334-2279 BC) founded an empire that and the temple of the goddess Artemis (Diana). The city stretched from Elam to the Mediterranean Sea ( New was also infamous for its immoral habits. Some World Encyclopedia).

extensive archaeological excavations have been done at SARID (residue). Jos. 19:10.

Sardis (called Sart today). The first period of excavation SARON (great plain). Ac. 9:35.

was between 1910 and 1922. Excavations began again SARSECHIM (chief of the eunuchs). Je. 39:3.

in 1958 and have continued to the present. The SARUCH (connection, binding). Lk. 3:35.

gymnasium and Roman bath had 100 columns on the front façade. It was restored between 1965 and 1973.

SATAN. Satan, meaning “accuser,” is one of the titles The temple of Artemis is in the valley by the river. By of the enemy of God (Re. 12:9-10). We do not want to the 20th century it was completely covered with dirt focus on Satan, but the Bible does say that we should except for the top of the two tall pillars. It was not be “ignorant of his devices” (2 Co. 2:11), so we excavated under the direction of Howard Butler of should understand enough about him to defeat him.

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Satan’s Origin. (1) He was created by God (Col.

devil can do some miracles and he uses them to deceive 1:16). (2) He was an exalted angel (Eze. 28:12-14). In people. We have already seen that the miracles spoken this passage, God describes Satan in his beginning. He of in the context of the end of this age, in Matthew and was the “anointed cherib.” He was exceedingly lovely Thessalonians and Revelation, are always demonic with all sorts of precious gems included in his makeup.

miracles of deception. Thus it is very alarming to find He even had amazing musical abilities built into his the charismatic movement focusing so much on signs body (“pipes” and “tabrets”). (3) He was called Lucifer, and miracles. The late John Wimber, who was a leader son of the morning (Is. 14:12). Lucifer means “shining.”

in the charismatic movement, even had large meetings We can only imagine how beautiful Lucifer was when in various parts of the world that he called “Signs and God created him. (4) He was lifted up with pride and Wonders Conferences.” (5) Blinding men’s minds to the sinned (Eze. 28:15, 16; Is. 14:13, 14; 1 Ti. 3:6). (5) He Gospel (2 Co. 4:4). This verse not only says that Satan became the enemy of God and of man (Ge. 3; 2 Co.

blinds men’s minds to spiritual truth, but it tells us why 11:3).

he can do that. It is those who “believe not” who are Satan’s Personality. The Bible does not portray Satan blinded by him. Man is responsible for the truth that he merely as an evil influence, but as an evil person (Job hears. Jesus gives light to every man (Jn. 1:9) and the 1:6-12; Mt. 4:1-11; Jn. 8:44).

Holy Spirits convicts men (John 16:8), but men are Satan’s Character. (1) He is a liar (Jn. 8:44). (2) He responsible to respond to the truth. The devil cannot is a murderer (Jn. 8:44). (3) He is proud (1 Ti. 3:6). (4) blind men unless they refuse to believe. He cannot keep He is a deceiver (Re. 12:9). (5) He is a thief (Mt.

men from Christ if they want to come to him. It is only 13:19). (6) He loves to destroy (1 Pe. 5:8).

when they harden their hearts to the gospel and refuse to heed Christ’s admonition to come to Him for Satan’s Titles. (1) The devil (Re. 12:9), meaning salvation that the devil can blind them (2 Th. 2:10, 12).

“slanderer.” (2) Prince of the power of the air (Ep. 2:2).

(6) Inflicting disease and trouble under God’s sovereign (3) Prince of this world (Jn. 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). (4) eye (Job 1-2; Lk. 13:16; 22:31; Ac. 10:38; 1 Co. 5:5; 2

God of this world (2 Co. 4:4). Satan is called this Co. 12:7; 1 Ti. 1:20). The devil has the power to give because unsaved men have rebelled against the true sickness and much trouble to people, even to believers, God and serve Satan, some knowingly and some but only as God allows it. (7) Tempting men to sin (Eve unknowingly. (5) The dragon (Re. 12:9). (6) That old

—Ge. 3:1-5; Jesus—Mt. 4:1-11; Judas—Jn. 13:2; serpent (Re. 12:9). (7) Roaring lion (1 Pe. 5:8). (8) Ananias and Sapphira—Acts 5:3; married couples—1

Ruler of darkness (Ep. 6:12). (9) Beelzebub (Mt.

Co. 7:5; young widows—1 Ti. 5:15). Satan tempts 12:24), meaning “dung-god.” (10) Apollyon (Re. 9:11), people, but he cannot make them sin. James 1:13-14

meaning “destroyer.” (11) The wicked one (Mt. 13:19).

says men are tempted when they are drawn by their (12) Belial (2 Co. 6:15), meaning “worthless.” (13) The own lusts. It is apparently at that point that Satan enters enemy (Mt. 13:39; Lk. 10:19). (14) The tempter (1 Th.

and magnifies the temptation. We see this in the 3:5).

temptation in the garden of Eden. It appears that Eve Satan’s Activities. (1) Opposing God’s plan for the was already eyeing and pondering the tree that God had ages (Re. 12:1-9). Whatever God does and plans, Satan forbidden (Ge. 3) when the devil came along and began hates it and does everything he can to oppose it; and he asking her evil questions to lead her along. (8) has been doing this ever since he fell. (2) Opposing Controlling unsaved people (Ep. 2:2; Lk. 22:3; Jn.

God’s people (1 Pe. 5:8; Ze. 3:1; 1 Ch. 21:1). One of the 8:44). According to the Bible, Satan literally controls the reasons why the service of God is so difficult at times is lives of the unsaved. Lost men think of themselves as that Satan is aggressively opposing God’s people. He free thinkers and as masters of their own fate, but in especially targets those who are leaders and who are reality they are puppets of the god of this world, Satan.

zealous in the work of God. (3) Opposing, hindering, (9) Empowering false religions and idolatry. The Old and seeking to corrupt the work of the Gospel (Mt.

Testament teaches this (Le. 17:7; De. 32:17; Ps.

13:19, 39; Mk. 4:15; 1 Th. 2:18). In Mt. 13:19, we see 106:37). And the New Testament teaches it (1 Co.

why the devil can snatch the truth from the hearts of 10:20; Re. 9:20). One of the devil’s biggest works is some sinners. It is because they do not go to the trouble false religion. Why do multitudes of otherwise rational to understand it and to seek it. Man is always people worship foolish idols and follow after strange responsible for what he does with the truth. (4) false religions such as Islam? Because there is a spiritual Working miracles (Mt. 24:24; 2 Th. 2:9; Re. 13:11-15; power behind those religions, a drawing power, and it is 16:14). We see this also in the Old Testament. The the devil. (10) Promoting false teachings (1 Ti. 4:1; 2

magicians who opposed Moses could do some miracles Co. 11:1-4, 12-15; 2 Ti. 2:25, 26). Satan is the (Ex. 7:14). Many people are deceived by thinking that mastermind and power behind false teaching. That is miracles must be of God, but the Bible warns that the why multitudes follow things such as Mormonism and Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 577

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Romanism. There is a spiritual power there that draws SAVE. [See Salvation.]

and holds them. (11) Accusing Christians (Re. 12:10).

SAVE ALIVE. To keep alive (Eze. 18:27).

Satan is the accuser of the brethren, and he does this SAVIOUR. Deliverer; helper. Jesus Christ is the only continually. Praise God, though, he cannot succeed at Saviour (Jn. 14:6; Ac. 4:12; 1 Ti. 2:3-5). He saves from this because our sins were carried away by the cross of the punishment due for man’s sin against God’s holy law Calvary. (12) Destroying the lives of disobedient (Ro. 5:9-10). He saves from the power of sin (Ro.

Christians (1 Co. 5:5). Satan is allowed to destroy the 8:9-11). He saves from Satan’s power (1 Jn. 4:4). [See lives of unrepentant sinning Christians who are put Gospel, Jesus Christ, Mediator, Salvation.]

under the discipline of the church or to make life so miserable for them that they will repent.

SAVOR. Fragrance (Song 1:3).

Satan’s Power. Satan has power but he is always SAVOUREST. To mind; to take pleasure in (Mt.

under God’s control (Job 1-3; Lk. 22:31). (1) Satan can 16:23).

tempt me, but he cannot make me sin (James 1:14). (2) SCALL. Scab (Le. 13:30).

Satan can hinder me, but he cannot stop me in the will SCANT. Slight; deficient; sparing (Mi. 6:10).

of God (compare 1 Th. 2:18 with Ph. 4:13). (3) Satan SCAPEGOAT. One of the two goats used in the can persecute and even cast me down, but he cannot Jewish Day of Atonement. One goat was killed and its destroy me (2 Co. 4:9). (4) Satan can wish me evil and blood offered as a sacrifice. The other goat was sent curse me, but he cannot stop God’s blessing (compare away into the wilderness after the priest confessed the Ep. 1:3; Pr. 26:2). We see this in the life of Balak, who nation’s sins over it (Le. 16:7-10, 15-22). The two goats tried to curse Israel (Nu. 23:7-10).

picture two aspects of salvation. The slain goat pictures Satan’s Subordinates. The Bible indicates that a large the means whereby Christ purchased salvation, which number of angels followed Satan in his rebellion against was His blood and death. The scapegoat pictures the God (Mt. 25:41; Ep. 6:12; Re. 12:3, 4). These are called sufficiency of Christ’s salvation. Through Christ’s demons, or devils. [See Devils.]

atonement the sin problem is completely removed (Ps.

Satan’s Future. (1) He will be cast out of heaven (Re.

103:12; Ro. 4:6; Ep. 1:7; Col. 1:14; He. 9:12; 12:7). (2) He will increase his activity during the Great 10:14-22). All of the transgressions and sins were Tribulation (Re. 12:12). (3) He will empower the confessed over the scapegoat (Le. 16:21), and he was Antichrist (2 Th. 2:8-9; Re. 3). (4) He will bring the said to bear “ALL their iniquities unto a land not nations together for the Battle of Armageddon (Re.

inhabited” (Le. 16:22). Even so, the Lord Jesus Christ 16:13, 14). (5) He will be bound in the bottomless pit bore away all the believer’s sin when He died on the for 1,000 years (Re. 20:1-3). (6) He will be released to cross! [See Atonement, Atonement - Day of.]

stir up one final rebellion (Re. 20:7-9). (7) He will be SCARCE, SCARCELY. Hardly; just barely; with cast into the lake of fire where he will be tormented day difficulty (Ge. 27:30; Ac. 14:18; 1 Pe. 4:18).

and night forever and ever (Re. 20:10). [See Hell.]

SCARCENESS. Scarcity (De. 8:9; Ps. 68:6).

How to Defeat Satan. (1) Faith in Jesus Christ (1 Jn.

SCARLET. Bright red color; crimson. In the curtains 5:4-5). (2) The blood of Christ (Re. 12:11). (3) of the Tabernacle, scarlet was used (Ex. 26:4), Resisting steadfast in the faith (1 Pe. 5:8-9). (4) Putting symbolizing Christ’s blood atonement. [See Blood, on the whole armor of God (Ep. 6:11-19). (5) Using the Tabernacle.]

Word of God (Mt. 4:4). (6) Submitting to God and SCEPTRE. A sceptre is a staff or wand usually made resisting the devil (Ja. 4:7). (7) The power of the of wood, commonly overlaid with gold, or of ivory or indwelling Holy Spirit (1 Jn. 4:4). (8) Continuing in the even of gold. It was borne in the hands of kings as an Word of God (Jn. 8:31, 32). [See Antichrist, Apollyon, emblem of authority and power (Es. 4:11; 5:2; 8:4; Ps.

Beelzebub, Bottomless Pit, Devils, Revelation, 45:6; Is. 14:6; Ze. 10:11; He. 1:8).

Witchcraft.]

SCHISM. Division (1 Co. 12:25).

SATIATE. To fill; to soak; to glut (Je. 31:14; 46:10).

SCHOLAR. The term “scholar” is so often applied to The term is used to describe God’s ministry to weary apostates that it has a decidedly bad connotation today.

souls (Je. 31:25). In this sense it means to strengthen; For example a feminist “theologian” was quoted by the comfort.

Minneapolis Star Tribune, Sept. 19, 1993, as saying, SATYR. [See Dragon.]

“Most scholars agree that Paul did not write five of the SAUL (desire, demanded). (1) The first king of Israel 13 books in the Bible traditionally attributed to him.”

(1 Sa. 9-31; Ps. 18-title; 52; 54; 57; 59; Is. 10:29; Ac.

This theologian should have said “most modernistic 13:21). (2) Saul of Tarsus who became the Apostle Paul.

scholars” deny the authorship of certain of the Pauline

[See Paul.]

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the authorship of the 13 Pauline epistles! Sadly, man could understand Him. His proud detractors therefore, the term “scholar” in Christendom refers most stumbled at this Wisdom. They exclaimed, “How commonly to an unbelieving Bible critic.

knoweth this man letters, having never learned?” (Jn.

This is not the traditional dictionary definition of a 7:15). Jesus Christ was not a scholar.

scholar, though. The Webster’s Deluxe Unabridged Were the Apostles Scholars? For the most part the Dictionary defines a scholar as “a learned person; one Apostles were common men who were called by Jesus trained in a special branch of learning; an advanced Christ to write the last chapters of the Bible and to student.” Thus the term scholar is not necessarily a bad establish the first churches. The Lord Jesus put these term in itself.

men through an intensive course in knowledge and Many who fancy themselves “intellectuals,” though, wisdom, but it was not in a classroom; it was not look down in their pride upon a man who does not have theoretical. It was not “ivory tower” or “arm chair”

a list of letters after his name, implying that he is theology. He taught them a practical, spiritual wisdom.

unlearned and ignorant because he does not fit the Jesus Christ did not establish a seminary; He established mold of what they think a scholar must be. Many of the a church. He did not grant degrees; He taught them letters I receive reflect this attitude. Dr. David Otis Fuller how to do the work of God in this wicked, hell-bound called this phenomenon “scholarolatry.”

world. The Apostle’s proud detractors did not recognize Learning is important, and I do not despise any effort nor understand the wisdom God had given them. In a man can make to learn the Word of God more their enemies’ estimation, they were “unlearned and perfectly. Get all the degrees you can if your goal is the ignorant men” (Acts 4:13). The Pharisees were mastery of the Holy Bible. I refuse, though, to respect a consumed with “scholarolatry.” My friends, I contend man who is puffed up with his own conceit. I am not that the Apostles of Jesus Christ were some of the wisest against seminary training in principle, but it is a fact men who have ever walked this earth. They were wiser that the bulk of seminary education today is the even than the mighty prophets of Old, because they had philosophical study of fallible man which results in greater Revelation. They were common men, but God uncertainty and foolish questionings instead of the gave them eternal wisdom. They were not scholars, practical study of God’s infallible Word which results in though.

confidence in the Bible, holiness of life, and zeal for the Were the Pastors of the Early Churches Scholars? The truth.

qualifications for pastors is given in 1 Timothy and I see two problems with the broad use of Titus, and I don’t find anything there about the credentialed titles among preachers. First, too often the necessity of having a D.D. or a Th.D. or even an M.Div.

title is meaningless. What sense is it to have Dr. before The qualifications have to do with spiritual living and your name if you can’t even write a proper paragraph in practical application of the Scriptures to life and the the king’s English? Second, too often the title is a matter work of God. Could the pastor, then, be ignorant?

of pride. The late Evangelist Lester Roloff said it well Indeed not. He has to be skillful in handling the Word of when someone wanted to bestow upon him an honorary God—no small feat. The pastor has to be “apt to degree. He commented, “It would be like tying a pretty teach” (1 Ti. 3:2). In Titus we see that the pastor must ribbon on a hog’s tail.” Brethren, if we will be honest, all be a man who holds “fast the faithful word as he hath of us are mere hog’s tails. God has chosen the weak been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both things of the world to confound the mighty; let’s not act to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Tit. 1:9).

pretentious, not with our honorary degrees, nor with Thus he must have a thorough knowledge of the our earned degrees.

Scriptures and of sound doctrine and he must have the ability to use this knowledge to edify the saints and to The wisdom commended by God is a practical deal with false teachers. This is not a theoretical wisdom, not a theoretical one. The late J. Vernon knowledge. This is “rubber-meets-the-road” knowledge.

McGee, who made it his life’s aim to take the Word of The pastors of the early churches were not scholars.

God and explain it and apply it, said the Bible had to get down to “where the rubber meets the road.” Sadly, Dr.

Consider the men who have been greatly used by McGee compromised in some matters, but I like his God through the centuries. Were the mighty prophets of saying. Godly wisdom is a skill in understanding and Israel raised up through the prophets’ schools, for the applying the truth of God’s Word to the needs of life and most part? No, God individually called and anointed the work of God.

them. What about Charles Haddon Spurgeon? He had no degree, yet he wielded vastly more influence for God Was Jesus Christ a Scholar? The Lord Jesus Christ did in this world than hundreds of his titled compatriots not submit Himself to the popular religious schools of combined. He maintained a Pastor’s College, yet the His day, and He spoke in such a way that the common goal of that college was not to award titles, but to grant Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 579

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men a practical knowledge of Jesus Christ and of His SCRIPTURE. The Christian Scriptures are the Eternal Word.

inspired writings God has given through His chosen Please don’t misunderstand me. I am for education prophets (2 Ti. 3:16). [See Bible, Inspiration.]

and learning. I have been a diligent student all my SCROLL. A book made of long sheets of paper or Christian life. I have studied the Bible and associated animal skins wound around wooden rods at one or both material for an average of probably six hours a day for ends (Is. 34:4; Re. 6:14).

more than 27 years. I fear there are a great many men SCYTHIAN (a hut, rude, ignorant). This word, being in the ministry today who are disqualified because they associated with the term “barbarian,” signifies a most are too lazy to study. The possession of a degree does uncultivated person (Col. 3:11). Happily such a one has not make one a student. I am not exalting ignorance; I the same reception as the most cultivated: such is the am exalting God’s way of education over against the grace of God. In Christ Jesus all distinctions are lost. As world’s way. And I am rebuking the pride of man which a race, the Scythians were located north of the Caspian is behind the phenomenon of “scholarolatry.”

and Black Seas. They were esteemed by the ancients as SCIENCE FALSELY SO CALLED. This phrase in 1 Ti.

very low in intelligence and culture (Concise).

6:20 is a warning against any manmade philosophy or SEA. [For study on “no more sea” in Re. 21:1 see supposed science which is contrary to the Word of God.

Heaven.]

Dr. Henry Morris, head of the Creation Research SEA OF GALILEE. [See Galilee, Sea of.]

Institute, served for 28 years on the faculties of major universities, including 13 years as chairman of the Civil SEALED. Preserved; kept; protected. A seal is a sign Engineering Department at the Virginia Polytechnic of ownership and security (1 Ki. 21:8; Es. 3:12; 2 Co.

Institute and State University. He said, “[T]he revealed 1:22; Ep. 1:13; 4:30; Re. 7:3-8). [See Eternal Security, Word of God [is] supported completely by all true Holy Spirit.]

science” (Morris, The Twilight of Evolution). True science SEAR. To scorch (1 Ti. 4:2). “In old surgical language is that science which is fully tested and proven, as

‘searing’ was used for ‘cauterizing.’ Hence the word opposed to that “science” based upon mere hypothesis.

‘seared’ is used metaphorically to denote that which is Examples of “science falsely so called” in our day are devoid of feeling, like flesh which has been theistic evolution, the JEDP theory, and form criticism.

cauterized” ( The Bible Word-Book). [See Conscience.]

SCOFF. Ridicule; reject; despise; scorn (Hab. 1:10; 2

SEBA (eminent). Ge. 10:7.

Pe. 3:3).

SEBAT (a twig, scepter). The 11th month of the SCORN. Ridicule; mock; (2 Ki. 19:21). The O.T.

Hebrew calendar (Ze. 1:7), corresponding to parts of word translated “scorn” ( laag) is also translated January and February (Potts). [See Calendar.]

“mock” (Job 21:3; Pr. 1:26; Je. 20:7), “have in SECACAH (a hedge). Jos. 15:61.

derision” (Ps. 2:4; 59:8), and “laugh to scorn” (Job SECHU (a watchtower). 1 Sa. 19:22.

22:19; Ps. 22:7). The references to scorn in the N.T. are SECOND COMING. The return of Jesus Christ from all connected with the phrase “laugh to scorn” (Mt.

Heaven to judge His enemies and set up His earthly rule 9:24; Mk. 5:40; Lk. 8:53). [See Humble, Pride.]

(Zec. 14: Mt 24:27-31; Ac 1:11; 1 Th 1:10; 2:19; 4:14; SCOURGE. To whip; chasten; punish; correct (Is.

2 Th 1:5-10; Tit 2:13; Jud. 1:4, 1:15; Re. 19-20). [See 10:26; Mt. 10:17; 20:19; 23:34; Ac. 22:25; 2 Co. 11:24, Great Tribulation, Jesus Christ, Millennium, 25; He. 12:6). “The Jews were forbidden to inflict more Prophecy, Rapture.]

than forty stripes, so that with a whip of three thongs SECOND DEATH. The second death is eternal they could give only 39 (2 Co. 11:24). We learn from damnation in the lake of fire (Re. 20:6, 14-15). It is not Mt. 27:26 and Mk. 15:15 that the Lord was scourged by annihilation, but eternal, conscious punishment (Re.

whips” (Scott). [See Chasten, Child Training, Church 20:10; 14:9-11). [See Annihilation, Hell, Judgment.]

Discipline.]

SECOND WATCH. [See Watch.]

SCRABBLE. To scratch (1 Sa. 21:13).

SECONDARILY. Secondly (1 Co. 12:28).

SCRIBE. A public writer. Some did secretarial work SECRET PLACE. The “secret place” (Ps. 91:1) is that (2 Ki. 12:10). Some copied Scripture and taught from it special and personal place where I meet God and (Ezr. 7:6, 10). In N.T. times scribes were interpreters fellowship with Him, confessing my innermost sins, and teachers of the law (Mt. 16:21; 21:15; 26:3; Lk.

sharing my deepest, most private and intimate thoughts.

11:44).

SECURE. To be confident and sure; free from danger; SCRIP. Wallet (1 Sa. 17:40; Mt. 10:10; Mk. 6:8; Lk.

void of care; safe (Jud. 18:7; Job 11:18; Mt. 28:14).

9:3; 10:4; 22:35-36).

SECURITY. [See Eternal Security.]

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SEDITION. An uprising; a factious commotion of the SELF-RIGHTEOUS. Trusting that my own good people; a tumult; insurrection (Ezr. 4:15, 19; Lk. 23:19, works will make me right with God (Ro. 10:3-4). [See 25; Ac. 24:5; Ga. 5:20).

Grace.]

SEDUCE, SEDUCER. To draw aside or entice from SELFSAME. Very same (Ge. 7:13; Mt. 8:13; 1 Co.

the path of rectitude and duty in any manner, by 12:11).

flattery, promises, bribes, or otherwise; to tempt and SELFWILL. Self-pleasing; dominated by one’s own lead to iniquity; to corrupt; to deprave; to lead away will; not subject to God’s will (Ge. 49:6; Tit. 1:7; 2 Pe.

from the truth (Webster) (2 Ki. 21:9; Pr. 12:26; Is.

2:10). [See Presumption.]

19:13; Eze. 13:10). In the N.T. the term “seduce” refers SEM (celebrated name). Lk. 3:36.

almost exclusively to seduction from the truth and from sound doctrine (Mk. 13:22; 1 Ti. 4:1; 2 Ti. 3:13; 1 Jn.

SEMACHIAH (joined to God). 1 Ch. 26:7.

2:26; Re. 2:20). [See Apostasy, False Teaching.]

SEMEI (my fame, that hears, obeys). Lk. 3:26.

SEED. (1) Seed for living things (Ge. 1:11-12). (2) SEMINARY. A school for training Christian workers.

Offspring (Ge. 12:7). The Seed of Abraham is both the Seminary usually refers to graduate level studies. The nation Israel and Jesus Christ (Lk. 1:55; Jn. 7:42; Ac.

term “seminary” is from a Latin word referring to a seed 3:25; 7:5-6; 13:23; Ro. 1:3; 4:13, 16, 18; 9:7-8, 29; Ga.

nursery or hothouse where plants are grown for 3:16-29; 2 Ti. 2:8; He. 11:18). [See Abraham, transplanting.

Covenant, David, Jesus Christ.] (3) The Word of God SENAAH (distinguished). Ezr. 2:35.

(Lk. 8:11; 1 Pe. 1:23). (4) The resurrection body (1 Co.

SENEH (height). 1 Sa. 14:4.

15:38). [See Bible, Resurrection.]

SENIR (a sleeping candle). 1 Ch. 5:23.

SEEING. (1) Since; because (Ge. 15:2; 18:18; 24:56; SENNACHERIB (devastation by an enemy). 2 Ki.

Lk. 1:34; Ac. 2:15). (2) To see; observe (Ge. 19:1; Mt.

18:13.

5:1).

SENSUAL. Pertaining to the sinful nature of man.

SEEMLY. Becoming (Pr. 19:10; 26:1).

Sensual is the opposite of spiritual (Ja. 3:15; Jude 19).

SEER. Prophet (1 Sa. 9:9-19; 2 Sa. 15:27; 24:11; 2

[See Sin, Worldly.]

Ki. 17:13; Is. 29:10; 30:10; Am. 7:12; Mi. 3:7). “They SENTENCE. Deliberate opinion; judgment (De. 17:9; were so-called apparently because they were given of Ec. 8:11; Ac. 15:19).

God to foresee events or to see visions. This is confirmed SEPARATION. Bible separation is the practice of by Is. 30:10, where rebellious Israel, in effect, said to separating from sin and error unto truth and the seers, ‘See not.’ They did not want to hear what God righteousness.

had to say to them. Ezekiel also says, ‘Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit and have Three Types of Separation

seen nothing’ (Eze. 8:3)” (Concise). [See Prophecy, In the N.T. we find three basic areas of separation.

Prophet.]

The Christian is to practice Moral Separation—

SEETH. To boil (Ex. 16:23).

separation from sin and worldliness; Doctrinal Separation—separation from those whose teaching and SEGUB (highness). 1 Ch. 2:21.

practice is contrary to that of the apostles; and Practical SEIR (rough). The mountain range of Edom running Separation—separation from brethren who are south of the Dead Sea. It was occupied originally by the committed to disobedient paths.

Horites (Ge. 14:6; De. 2:12), but was conquered by the Moral Separation. There are many passages of children of Esau (Ge. 32:4; 33:14, 16; 36:8, 30; De. 2:4; Scripture that teach that the Christian is to separate Jos. 24:4).

from sin. We are commanded to put sin out of our lives SELA-HAMMAHLEKOTH (rock of division). 1 Sa.

and avoid fellowshipping with the evil things of the 23:28.

world. Of the many passages we could consider, let us SELA, SELAH (a rock, fortress). Sela refers to Petra consider one: Ephesians chapter five. Here God begins (2 Ki. 14:7; Is. 16:1).

by telling His children to “walk in love.” And how is this SELAH (to pause). Mentioned many times in the done? The rest of the chapter tells us, and we see that Psalms, it is probably a rest mark (Ps. 3:2, 4; 4:2; 7:5; much of the chapter is devoted to instruction about 9:16, 20). [See Music.]

separation from evil things. This is part of godly love!

SELED (of supplication). 1 Ch. 2:30.

1. Moral separation is involved in true Christian love SELEUCIA (white with brightness). Ac. 13:4.

(Ep. 5:1-3).

SELF-DEFENSE. [See Kill, Pacifism.]

2. Moral separation is a very careful, strict separation (Ep. 5:3-11). (See also 2 Co. 7:1; 1 Th. 5:22; 4:1-4).

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3. The cause of moral separation: (1) We separate Doctrinal Separation. The second kind of separation because we have a new position (Ep. 5:3, 8), We don’t God requires of the Christian is doctrinal separation.

separate in order to be saved, but because we have been Sound apostolic doctrine is to be preserved by the saved! (2) We separate because we have a new Spirit churches while false doctrine is to be avoided. Doctrinal (Ep. 5:9). (3) We separate because we have a new separation can be further divided into two aspects: First, purpose (Ep. 5:10).

we are to separate from those who teach false doctrine.

4. Moral separation involves rebuke of sin (Ep. 5:11).

And secondly, we are to separate from the entire Separation from sin is active as well as passive. God tells apostate last-days Christianity.

the Christian not to fellowship with the unfruitful works Let us consider these forms of separation in more of darkness, but the responsibility does not stop there.

detail.

God even requires that the Christian “reprove them” for We are to separate from those who teach false their sinful ways.

doctrines. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them 5. Moral separation means being different—not which cause divisions and offences contrary to the avoiding sinners, but avoiding sin (Ep. 5:11). The doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Ro.

Christian is not told to avoid the sinner, but the sinner’s 16:17). See also 2 Jn. 8-11; Re. 2:2.

works. See also Ep. 4:17-29; 1 Pe. 4:1-4; 1 Jn. 2:15-17.

In this passage we are plainly commanded to mark 6. There are two aspects of this moral separation—

and avoid those who teach false doctrine. A question negative and positive. We are to SEPARATE FROM all arises here. Which doctrines are to be used as the basis evil (Ep. 5:3-8), and we are to SEPARATE UNTO all for this separation? The answer is that any apostolic righteousness and truth (Ep. 5:9). We must be careful doctrine clearly presented in the Bible is a basis for not to exercise only one part of this separation. It is fellowship and separation. To my knowledge, the N.T.

important, in other words, to separate FROM sin, but it never divides doctrine into “essential” and “nonis equally important to separate UNTO holiness. See essential,” or into “fundamental” and “peripheral.” Men also 1 Ti. 6:11; 1 Th. 1:9; and Tit. 2:15.

do this today, but the Apostles did not. It is true that 7. Moral separation, while negative, is an important some doctrines are more important than others, but testimony to those who are lost (Ep. 5:13). Moral nowhere in Scripture do we read that portions of God’s separation is light to those in darkness. This, of course, Word, rightly divided and properly understood, are of is exactly the opposite of what many are teaching. Many no significance and can therefore be put aside as are saying that the way to win the world to Christ is to peripheral. I realize this is contrary to popular thinking, be more like the world. Hence we have strange things but consider upon the following verses very carefully like “Christian” rock bands, and “Christian” movie stars and I believe you will see that this is correct: Ph. 3:17; who perform in sensual nightclubs, and “Christian”

4:9; 2 Th. 2:15; 2 Ti. 1:13. In these references sports stars who neglect the assembly. God’s Word says Christians are not exhorted to follow only the major that His people are lights to the unbelievers by BEING

apostolic doctrines. All apostolic doctrine and example DIFFERENT, by being separated from the appearance of is to be obeyed (Ac. 2:42).

evil, not by BEING WORLDLY!

Some speak of the “fundamentals of the faith,” and 8. Moral separation is necessary for spiritual growth use four, five, or six doctrines as the basis for unity and and clarity of spiritual understanding (Ep. 5:14).

separation. Others use as their basis for fellowship a 9. Moral separation is necessary for making one’s manmade creed such as the Nicene Creed or the so-Christian life count to the fullest for God (Ep. 5:16-17).

called Apostles Creed, while others use labels such as

“evangelical,” or “renewal.” But nowhere in Scripture 10. Moral separation can only be done in the power are we told that our basis for unity and separation is to of the Holy Spirit (Ep. 5:18). God commands that His be limited only to a few major doctrines and credal people separate from sin, but He does not tell us to do statements, or to any manmade label—particularly this in our own power. We are to conquer evil through labels which have become so watered-down and the power of the blessed indwelling Holy Spirit, the very contaminated they have lost any scriptural meaning same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

they once carried.

Here is the power to overcome every evil habit, to say no to the world’s temptations and to the devil’s How do we know what is major, anyway! Who are enticements. Through this mighty Power we who are we, that we can pick and choose among apostolic born again can say confidently with the Apostle Paul, “I teachings, setting some teachings aside as nonessential can do ALL things through Christ which strengtheneth and exalting others as “major”?

me” (Ph. 4:13).

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1. Doctrine regarding Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and not to speak of the homes, lives, hearts, and minds of Salvation is to be a basis for separation (2 Co. 11:3-4).

professing Christians. Yes, many deny “the doctrine of Note that not only was Paul concerned that the churches godliness.” The Holy Spirit commanded “from such be right in regard to the Gospel and to Jesus Christ, but withdraw thyself.” The doctrine of godliness is an he fought to see that they were right about the Holy essential, a fundamental doctrine according to the Spirit. If this attitude were maintained today, we would teaching of the Word of God.

see more concern about the charismatic errors.

These references show that the true apostolic basis 2. Doctrine regarding prophecy and future things, such for separation is much broader than a few major as the resurrection and death, is to be a basis for doctrines. If you are a Christian worker, you doubtless separation (2 Ti. 2:16-18). The Holy Spirit identified know that it has become popular to select certain Hymenaeus and Philetus as false teachers because they doctrines such as the Trinity, the Deity of Christ, the taught that the resurrection had passed already. This is a inspiration of Scripture, and salvation by grace, and to matter of prophecy, of future events. Here it is clear that make these the primary basis for fellowship and the doctrines of prophecy are fundamental doctrines.

separation. In other words, if a professing Christian How different this is to the thinking that places claims to hold these doctrines, he is to be accepted as a eschatology in the realm of “tertiary” doctrine.

true brother in good standing no matter what unbiblical 3. Doctrine regarding the church is to be a basis for thinking or practices he holds apart from these major separation (1 Ti. 3:15; 6:13-14; 6:20-21). Much of the doctrines.

N.T. Scripture pertains to church doctrine and practice.

This is the philosophy which holds together such a The Apostles gave a great deal of their attention to hodgepodge of doctrinal confusion that we find at training the Christians and early church leaders in the ecumenical meetings. An illustration of this philosophy government, discipline, organization, and function of is found in a book on cults entitled Whom Then Can We the assembly. This is the purpose for the first epistle to Believe? by supposedly evangelical authors Maurice Timothy (1 Ti. 3:15). Paul concluded the epistle with Burrell and J. Stafford Wright. The authors say, “We are the exhortation that these church things are to be kept not concerned about peripheral beliefs but with the in detail until the coming of Christ (1 Ti. 6:13-14). This fundamental issues of the nature of God and His is what the Holy Spirit thinks about church doctrine.

movement to save fallen mankind. OUR POSITION IS

There are more than 100 references to the church in the THAT WHICH ALL THE CHURCHES, CATHOLIC, N.T., and even in those epistles not written directly to ORTHODOX, AND PROTESTANT, INCLUDING THE

the assemblies, the church remains in view (Tit. 1:5; He.

DENOMINATIONAL CHURCHES, HAVE ALWAYS

10:25; 13:7, 17; Ja. 2:2; 5:14; 1 Pe. 5:1-4; 2 Jn. 9). The REGARDED AS TRUTH.” To say that the only essential glorified Christ is standing in the midst of the churches doctrines are those held in common by all Christian (Re. 2-3), and seven times the phrase is used, “He that denominations, including the Roman Catholic and hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Greek Orthodox, is utterly contrary to the type of churches.” I do not understand how men can look at separation taught in the Bible.

such a staggering amount of teaching—more than is Let us follow the apostles’ exhortations, using their given on many other Bible doctrine, and put church basis of separation, rather than that of Protestantism, doctrine in a “nonessential” category.

evangelicalism, popular Christianity, or some man’s 4. Doctrine regarding holy living is to be a basis for systematic theology. The Psalmist said, “Then shall I not separation (1 Ti. 6:3-5). This passage teaches that be ashamed, when I have respect unto ALL thy Christians are to withdraw themselves from those who commandments” (Ps. 119:6).

deny the doctrine according to godliness. What an We are to separate from apostate last-days accurate description of our day! There are multitudes of Christianity. “Having a form of godliness, but denying Christian leaders in practically every sphere of the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Ti. 3:5). See Christianity who literally scoff at those who still preach also He. 13:9-13; Re. 18:4. The Apostles warned that against worldliness and who try to maintain strict conditions within professing Christendom would grow standards of Christian morality. Divorce and adultery increasingly apostate as the time of Christ’s return are rampant in many denominations. Homosexuality is draws nearer. This, of course, is exactly what we observe widely accepted as an alternate lifestyle. Some in church history. This is what we see today. Most denominations have ordained homosexual preachers. In Christian groups do not follow the Word of God. God’s fact, one entire denomination, the Metropolitan command is to separate. Come out! Mark and avoid all Community Churches, is composed of homosexuals. The of the ecumenical, doctrinally-corrupt world councils world’s vile theater, cinema, and music are reviewed in and national councils. Shun the denominations and Christian publications and brought into the churches, organizations that glory in their so-called “unity in Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 583

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diversity,” which is a fancy phrase for rebellion to the This would apply to groups as well as to individual Bible. Have nothing to do with the local clergy Christians. There are many Christian denominations and associations. Touch not those Charismatic and Third-organizations that have determined that they will not wave movements that are joining truth with error.

rebuke sin, that they will not separate from evil and Will we follow the way of man, or will we hear and false teaching, that they will not earnestly contend for heed the cry of God from heaven? “And I heard another the faith, that they will not be concerned about certain voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, portions of apostolic instruction. God has told us what that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive to do toward such rebellion. We are to separate from not of her plagues” (Re. 18:4).

those involved in it. To fellowship with those who have Practical Separation. The Bible commands Christians determined not to obey God’s Word is to sin against to separate even from those who give evidence of God.

having been born again, yet who refuse to follow the How Do We Practice Biblical Separation?

teachings of the Apostles. There is a time when we are l. Be discerning (1 Th. 5:21). Biblical separation to separate even from our own brethren (1 Co. 5:11; 2

begins with spiritual and doctrinal discernment. I Th. 3:6; 1 Ti. 6:5; Mt. 18:15-18).

cannot separate from that which is false if I do not know In all of these passages the writer is speaking of a truth from error. See also Col. 1:9; 3:16; Ph. 1:9; He.

separation from true brethren. This type of separation 5:12-14. This is where separation begins. Each child of refers primarily to discipline within the local church, but God is to study the Scriptures intently and prayerfully the principle goes far beyond this.

that he might know sound doctrine. He is to exercise Take 2 Th. 3:6 for an example. Immediately after careful discernment that he might know truth from giving the command to separate from a disorderly error, good from evil, fidelity from compromise.

brother, the Apostle Paul gives an illustration of this. He 2. Maintain an earnest proclamation and defense of mentions some who were walking “disorderly, working the faith (Jude 3). “Jude exhorts his readers to contend not at all, but are busybodies” (2 Th. 3:11-12). In 2 Th.

for the faith, not because he loved contention, but 3:14, he repeats the command to separate from such. Is because this is necessary to preserve the faith from this command limited only to those who are disobedient corruption. Jude says that he would rather write in the matter of employment? No, the Holy Spirit is concerning the common salvation, but it had become giving a principle regarding fellowship and separation.

necessary to take up the sword. Here is a picture of the We are to separate from any brother who walks well-balanced Christian: he loves to proclaim “positive disorderly and who refuses to repent of his truth,” but when necessary he will take up the sword in disobedience. The issue of employment is one example.

defense of the truth. Jude did not say that the Word of The command would also apply to a brother who is God is its own defense. The believer has to contend for disobedient to any apostolic teaching. Would God tell us the faith in these times. Jude would have had scant to separate from a brother who is disobedient in the sympathy for that type of ministerial self-righteousness matter of employment but not require that we separate which often says, ‘I preach the Gospel and let these from a brother who is disobedient in the matter of issues alone.’ This convinces some people that he is not baptism, or in following the N.T. pattern for church a ‘wicked’ separatist, but it also convinces a government, or any number of other commands which compromising ecclesiasticism that they have nothing to are at least as important as whether or not one is fear from this ex-Gidionite, who has a number of employed? We believe the commands to separate from reasons for not serving in Gideon’s army. The prophets unrepentant, disorderly brethren are principles that contended for the faith within the structure of religious cover disobedience to all apostolic instruction.

Israel, often to their own death. John the Baptist The Bible makes a distinction between conscious, contended for the faith, incurred the enmity of the willful rebellion toward Scripture and the issue of religious leadership and was beheaded for denouncing striving to obey yet falling short because of the old sin by name in high places. Jesus contended for the Adamic nature. It is one thing for a Christian to fail, yet faith, that the Messianic hope and promise was fulfilled to be continually aiming for the mark of perfect in Himself and was murdered. Stephen contended for obedience to God’s commands. It is quite another thing the faith that Christianity was the fulfillment of the Old for a Christian to set his heart against obeying some Testament faith and was stoned to death. The portion of God’s Word. The one who has set his heart in evangelical inclusivists of our day, though, seem to be a conscious, willful way to ignore or disobey some plain alive and doing fairly well! [‘Inclusivist’ refers to those teaching of the Scriptures is to be avoided, separated who promote ecumenical union and disregard doctrinal from.

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would be a vigorous, decisive contention for the faith by unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth every evangelical. The indecisive contention for the faith a canker.” This means the Christian is not to attend a so common with evangelical inclusivists, a contention church in which false doctrine is being proclaimed. We which does not press for a real decision, is not an are not to attend Bible studies, or meetings, or prayer adequate substitution for separation. Real, vigorous, groups in which false doctrine is involved. When those decisive contention for the faith within the liberal involved with false doctrine ask permission to sit with denominations has been reduced to a polite, pious us to “explain their beliefs more clearly,” we must murmur which they love to call ‘witnessing.’ THE NEW

refuse. The only exception is when we try to teach the TESTAMENT NOT ONLY CALLS FOR WITNESSING TO

truth, and this is only when an individual is willing to THE FAITH, BUT CALLS FOR CONTENTION FOR THE

listen with an open heart. See 2 Ti. 2:23-26.

FAITH” (Chester Tulga, The Case For Separation In These 7. Rebuke them openly, publicly, and plainly (Mt.

Times).

23:13-33; Ac. 13:8-10). God’s Word commands us to 3. Mark those who err (Ro. 16:17). Not only are we rebuke false teachers openly, publicly, and plainly, and to know the truth and to be discerning, not only are we the faithful servant of God will do just that. Christians to aggressively contend for the truth, but we are to who dislike biblical separation often protest that we identify false teachers and apostate Christian groups by cannot help the erring person if we separate. This is not name. In this way we protect ourselves and others. This true. One reason for separating is to help those who err was Paul’s custom. Consider the following examples—1

to see the seriousness of their error. Many excuse their Ti. 1:19-20; 2 Ti. 2:16-18; 4:14-15. In these passages refusal to obey biblical separation by saying they are the Apostle warned Timothy of several false teachers ministering to the false and disobedient. The Bible and disobedient men, and he identified these men by warns that a little evil leavens the whole body (1 Co.

name. This was also the custom of the Lord Jesus Christ 5:6; Ga. 5:9). The ecumenist is confused. He apparently (Lk. 20:45-47; 12:1; Re. 2:6, 15, 20). Following the thinks good is a leaven.

example of the Lord Jesus Christ and of His Apostles, we 8. Try to convince them of the truth (2 Ti. 2:24-26).

must identify and label those who are false, apostate, or We are to try to help those who are involved in false disobedient. To fail to do so is rebellion to the Bible’s doctrine, but we are to do this from a separated command. It is also the mark of an unfaithful, careless position. It is our separation that shows them that we do shepherd. A good shepherd protects the sheep from indeed believe false doctrine to be evil. It impresses danger.

them that we take the Word of God seriously. And 4. Avoid fellowship. Once we have discerned false though we must refuse to have close fellowship with doctrine or practice, what then? God’s command at this those involved in false doctrine, and though we must point is very clear—separation. The following not allow them to be members in our churches and expressions are used in the N.T. to describe separation: organizations, we are to try to teach them the truth if

“Avoid” (Ro. 16:17). “Shun” (2 Ti. 2:16). “Turn away they will listen. Notice in 2 Ti. 2:26 that the false from” (2 Ti. 3:5). “Purge oneself from” (2 Ti. 2:21).

teacher’s root problem is revealed. He is in “the snare of

“Come out from among” (2 Co. 6:17; Re. 18:4). “Have the devil.” False doctrine is not a problem of ignorance; no fellowship or communion with” (2 Co. 6:14).

it is a spiritual problem. Only a great miracle can rescue

“Receive them not into your house neither bid them a person out of the grasp of false doctrine once he has Godspeed” (2 Jn. 10).

fallen prey to it.

5. Avoid yoking together in ministry, organization, etc.

9. Maintain a spiritual demeanor (Ja. 3:13-18). Last, (2 Co. 6:14-18). This command does not allow a but not least, we see that the ministry of discernment, Christian to be in the same denomination, Christian judgment, contention for the truth, and separation from organization, association, or church with those who are error are to be carried out in a spiritual, gracious committed to unbelief.

manner.

6. Avoid their doctrine (2 Ti. 2:14-18). In this passage Wrong Separations

Christians are warned to avoid the Words of the false One thing which has confused many people teachers. Let us not be deceived. False teachings have regarding the practice of separation is the fact that been very successful. Christendom is permeated with many divisions among Christians have no biblical basis.

false doctrine. Wherein comes this success? The Bible It is definitely not God’s will that his people be divided reveals to us that there is a supernatural power behind over human traditions, or personality conflicts, or other false teaching. That power is Satan (2 Co. 11:13-15; 1

manmade or sin-made barriers. Sad to say, though, this Ti. 4:1). It is for this reason that Christians are warned has often occurred. Speaking of those who are truly not to become involved in any way with false doctrine.

born again and who love and obey the Scriptures, God’s Rather we are taught to “shun” it, for “they will increase Word says: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 585

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brethren to dwell together in unity” (Ps. 133:1).While Contrary to popular opinion, the practice of biblical we seek to obey God in the matter of separation for the separation brings great blessing. \

purpose of maintaining doctrinal and moral purity, let 1. Separation is obedience to God (Ro. 16:17; Jude 3; us not be guilty of causing unnecessary divisions among 2 Ti. 4:2).

God’s people. Some examples are—

2. Separation is spiritual (Ps. 119:128).

1. Divisions based on personalities of men rather than 3. Separation is fidelity to truth and to God (1 Ti.

truth (1 Co. 1:12). Many, many of the divisions within 6:20). See also 1 Ti. 6:14-15; 2 Ti. 1:13; 2:2; 2 Pe.

Christianity have been caused by the human tendency to 3:1-2. Paul exhorted Timothy that sound doctrine was a exalt one man above another. The Word of God solemn trust from God, which he was to be faithful to.

condemns such divisions.

This is the solemn trust that every Christian has received 2. Divisions in matters of Christian liberty (Ro.

from God and especially Christian leaders. A trust is 14:1-5). If the N.T. gives no clear word on a particular something placed into a person’s hands for safekeeping.

matter, Christians have liberty to follow their own He who betrays a trust is a “traitor.” Those who fail to preference. Two examples given in Romans 14 are in the contend earnestly for the whole counsel of God and who areas of diet and holy days. In such things God has fail to mark, avoid, and reprove those who are given Christians freedom of individual preference. It has disobedient are traitors to God. They have betrayed often been the case, though, that Christians have God’s trust. Is God not our Sovereign? Have we not separated on the basis of personal preferences, refusing vowed allegiance to Him and to His Word?

to allow liberty in such matters. There is no liberty to 4. Separation is honoring to Christ (He. 13:12-13).

ignore or slight clear apostolic teaching, but beyond this we have no right to make our own personal preferences 5. Separation is love for Christ (Jn. 14:23, 24).

and ideas a basis of division. It has been well stated that 6. Separation is pleasing to Christ (Re. 2:2, 6, 14-16).

the church has judicial powers, but it has no lawmaking 7. Separation is the way of protection (2 Ti. 2:16).

powers. Let’s be careful not to take away freedoms God First, separation protects me (1 Co. 15:33). Second, has given.

separation protects the weaker ones who under my 3. Divisions because of human conflicts (Ph. 4:2).

watchcare (Ro. 16:17-18). Third, separation protects a Countless divisions among Christians are caused not by church or group from complete leavening (Ga. 5:9; 1

concern for doctrinal fidelity, but by self-centered Co. 5:6, 7).

human squabbles and confusion. There have always 8. Separation is a qualification for Christian ministry been Euodiases and Syntyches among the brethren, and (Tit. 1:9). See also 1 Ti. 4:1, 6; 2 Ti. 2:21, 22. It is also it is not surprising, considering the fact that God’s the means whereby the man of God prepares himself for people still have the old Adamic nature which is self-God’s service (2 Ti. 2:21-22). According to 1 Ti. 4:6, centered and rebellious. There have always been leaders separation is a mark of a good minister of Jesus Christ.

of churches, organizations, and movements divided 9. Separation is essential for full reward (2 Jn. 8-11).

from others simply because they cannot get along 10. Separation is love for men (Col. 1:28). Paul’s love spiritually with some of God’s people.

for men motivated him to preach the whole counsel of 4. Divisions based on manmade names and God so they could be whole and entire, lacking nothing, terminologies. Another type of division among Christians ready for Christ’s return.

which lacks a proper biblical basis is division based on 11. Separation goes hand-in-hand with the message of names and terminologies which have been devised by salvation (Jude 3). Jude tells us that the ministry of men. Often there is nothing wrong with the name or earnestly contending for the faith is closely connected terminology itself. It is devised in an attempt to identify with the ministry of preaching salvation. The two a certain teaching or trait. The problem lies in exalting cannot be separated.

that name to a place of dogma and infallibility and then 12. Separation is the way of blessing and fruitfulness making it a basis for separation. Manmade terms are not (Ps. 1:1-3). The teaching of separation is woven into the sufficient basis for separation. Bible terms can be very fabric of the Scriptures from beginning to end. It is defined in an absolute, dogmatic way, for the very fact inexcusable for a Christian leader to fail to practice that they are contained in the pages of the unchanging separation.

Word of God. Manmade terms, such as fundamental or evangelical, cannot be so defined. They can often be 13. Separation is wisdom (Pr. 14:15; 22:3). To used with profit, but they cannot be made a permanent, exercise doctrinal discernment, and to avoid error is a absolute basis of fellowship.

mark of wisdom. The prudent Christian tests everything by the Word of God.

Why Practice Separation?

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14. Separation is the way of delight (Pr. 24:24, 25).

righteousness of Christ (Ro. 3:21-22). Jesus Himself Don’t fear man and his threats; don’t follow popular fulfilled the law for us (Mt. 5:18).

philosophies. Obey God’s Word. Fight apostasy, error, 2. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus preached the and compromise. Separate from those who are involved principles of the kingdom of God. These are the principles in these things. God promises to bless you for it just as by which men will live in the kingdom that Christ will he did Phinehas (Nu. 25:5-13). [See Anger, Apostasy, establish upon His return. Many things described Apostate, Church, Doctrine, Fable, False Teaching, False therein have never been fulfilled on earth and will be Prophet, Foolish Questions, God Speed, Heresy, Micaiah, fulfilled during the Millennium when Christ will rule Unity.]

with “a rod of iron” (Ps. 2:8-9; Re. 19:15). Consider SEPHAR (conspicuous). Ge. 10:30.

Matthew 5:21-26. A person who is angry at someone SEPHARAD (separated tract, boundary). Ob. 1:20.

without a just cause will be in danger of the judgment.

SEPHARVAIM (Sephar of the Parvaims, city of the This probably refers to punishment administered by sun). 2 Ki. 17:24.

local authorities. If a person calls another “Raca,” he will be in danger of the council, which probably refers SEPULCHRE. Tomb; burial place (De. 34:6; Ju. 8:32; to a higher level of magistrate. “Raca” is a term that Mt. 27:60-66; 28:1, 8; Ac. 2:29; 7:16; 13:29; Ro. 3:13).

literally means “O empty or worthless one.” It is a term

[See Cremation, Crucifixion.]

of “utter vilification” (Strong). If, on the other hand, a SERAH (redundancy). Ge. 46:17.

person calls someone a fool, he will be in danger of hell SERAIAH (God my prince). 2 Sa. 8:17.

fire. It is not simply the use of the word “fool” itself that SERAPHIM. Angelic beings connected with God’s encompasses this great sin, but the use of the word throne and holiness (Is. 6:2-7). [See Angel, Cherubim,

“fool” as an expression of vicious anger and hurt. It is Michael.]

the verbal expression of a murderous heart. Christ SERED (surviving). Ge. 46:14.

Himself called men fools on occasion (Mt. 23:17, 19; Lk.

SERGIUS (who acts late). Ac. 13:7.

11:40; 24:50), and the apostle Paul called certain ones fools who were questioning the bodily resurrection (1

SERMON ON THE MOUNT. Christ’s sermon Co. 15:36). The point is that during Christ’s earthly recorded in Matthew 5-7. It is so named because Christ millennial reign even sinful actions that are deemed was on a mount when He delivered the sermon (Mt.

relatively harmless in this present time will be dealt 5:1). Christ’s teaching in the Sermon on the Mount has with firmly, even severely. It appears that there will be a fourfold purpose:

the potential, even, for rebels to be cast into hell fire 1. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus established the during the Millennium because of their sinful actions.

law for its intended purpose, which is to reveal sin and Note that Jesus does not say that a person who does lead sinners to Christ (Mt. 5:17-19). The law is not the these things “shall be” judged but that he is “in danger gospel; it prepares the way for the gospel by exposing of” being judged. There will be a place in God’s man’s sin and need for a Saviour (Ro. 3:19-22; Ga.

righteous kingdom for genuine repentance and mercy.

3:10-13, 24-25). Mt. 5:48 gives the requirement of the Consider Matthew 5:25-26. Again, this has never been law. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as you Father which fulfilled in any context on earth. It was not fulfilled in is in heaven is perfect.” This is not the gospel; it is not Israel during Christ’s day and it is not fulfilled in the the way of salvation. Compare De. 10:12-13. Mt. 7:12

church age. New Testament churches have no authority gives the summary of the requirements of the law. Jesus to imprison anyone. These verses look ahead to showed that keeping the law is not merely a matter of conditions that will exist during Christ’s kingdom. If an outward obedience but that it requires inward individual does not quickly reconcile with an adversary obedience. Murder is a heart matter (Mt. 5:21-22).

over an unpaid debt or other obligation he will be put Murder is not merely killing someone but also involves into prison until the obligation is entirely satisfied. This the inner hatred that motivates people to kill. The is rule with a “rod of iron.”

warning is not against the use of the word “fool” itself 3. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus delivered but the use of such language with the purpose of principles by which we are to live in the church age. The hurting someone “without a cause.” Jesus called people following are four examples: Prayer is for today (Mt.

fools (Mt. 23:17, 19; Lk. 24:25), but He was speaking 6:5-15). Fasting is for today (Mt. 6:17-18). Laying up the truth in love. Adultery is a heart matter (Mt.

treasures for heaven is for today (Mt. 6:19-21). Putting 5:27-28). This shows how deep the law of God is and God first is for today (Mt. 6:33).

how impossible it is to be saved by keeping it, because our hearts are so sinful and corrupt (Je. 17:9). Mt. 5:20

4. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus showed the says the righteousness required for salvation is beyond evidence of repentance (compare Mt. 3:2, 8; 4:17). Some that of the most religious man. We must have the very falsely teach that Mt. 5-7 is teaching the way of Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 587

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salvation, but in reality it is the fruit of salvation. To and they are His servants forever (Ro. 6:16-20; 1 Co.

“hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Mt. 5:6) is the 21-23; Ga. 4:7; Re. 22:3). [See Deacon.]

change of life that follows salvation (Ep. 2:8-10). No SERVE THEMSELVES OF. To make use of; employ sinner hungers after righteousness unless he has been (Je. 27:7; 30:8; Eze. 34:27).

regenerated (Titus 3:5). To be “pure in heart” (Mt. 5:8) SERVITOR. A servant; personal attendant (2 Ki.

requires the change that follows salvation (Acts 15:9). It 4:43).

is impossible for the sinner to be pure in heart until he is born again, because the heart is naturally deceitful SET. (1) To put; place; fix; attach to (Ge. 1:17; Mt.

and wicked (Je. 17:9). The “peacemakers” (Mt. 5:9) are 5:14). (2) Fixed (Ge. 17:21; 21:2; Ec. 8:11; Ac. 12:21).

those who have first found peace with God (Ro. 5:1).

(3) Seated (Mt. 5:1). (4) To dim; to darken; to The World Council of Churches ecumenists and others extinguish (1 Ki. 14:4). (5) To be against; to be fixed in who teach that peacemakers in general are the children opposition (Eze. 24:2). (6) To put in a position or estate of God are taking this passage out of context and are (De. 28:1).

ignoring the rest of the Bible. Apart from salvation in SET AT NOUGHT. [See Naught, Set At.]

Jesus Christ, sinners are children of the devil (Jn. 8:44).

SET BY. To value; esteem (1 Sa. 18:30; Ps. 15:4).

The sinner is adopted into God’s family only through SET FORTH. (1) To promote; further; set off to faith in Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:12; Ga. 3:26; Ep. 1:5). There advantage; to publish; declare; put forward prominently is no true peace to the wicked (Isaiah 48:22; 57;21).

(Eze. 27:10; Jude 7). (2) To set out on a journey (Nu.

The peacemakers of this world who are not committed 2:9).

to the Bible are false prophets (1 Th. 5:3). (For more SET FORWARD. To further; promote (1 Ch. 23:4; 2

about the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount see the Ch. 34:12; Ezr. 3:8-9; Job 30:13).

Way of Life Advanced Bible Studies Series course “The SET ON. To attack; instigate; incite; animate to Four Gospels.)

action (Ac. 18:10).

SERPENT. (1) A snake (Ex. 4:3; 7:9-15; De. 8:15; SET THE BATTLE IN ARRAY. Place troops in fighting 32:24; Nu. 21:6-9; Mt. 7:10; Mk. 16:18; 1 Co. 10:9; Ja.

order (1 Sa. 17:2). [See Military.]

3:7). “The Hebrew word most commonly translated serpent is nachash, agreeing with ophis in the N.T., so SET THEM AT ONE. Reconcile (Ac. 7:26).

called because of its ‘hissing’” (Concise). Types of SET TO HIS SEAL. To affix a seal, as a seal of serpents alluded to in Scripture are the “cockatrice” (Is.

authenticity; to have confidence that something is true 11:8), the “adder” (Ge. 49:17; Ps. 58:4; 91:13; 140:3; (Jn. 3:33).

Pr. 23:32), the “asp” (De. 32:33; Job. 20:14, 16; Is.

SETH (substituted). Through Adam’s son Seth, God 11:8; Ro. 3:13), and the “viper” (Is. 30:6; 59:5; Mt. 3:7; continued the godly seed and the genealogy of Jesus 12:34; 23:33; Ac. 28:3). (2) Satan (Ge. 3:1; Re. 12:9; 2

Christ (Ge. 4:25, 26; 5:3-22; Lk. 3:38). [See Genealogy.]

Co. 11:3). (3) The dragon (De. 32:33; Ps. 91:13). In SETHUR (a hiding place). Nu. 13:13.

these passages the dragon is used in poetic parallel to SETTER FORTH. A proclaimer; one who publishes or the adder or asp. (4) Leviathan (Is. 27:1). (5) The propounds; a teacher (Ac. 18:10).

serpent is frequently used to describe some characteristic in man and devils (Ge. 49:17; Ps. 58:4; SETTLE. (1) To fix; establish; place in a permanent 140:3; Pr. 23:32; 30:19; Je. 46:22; Mi. 7:17; Mt. 3:7; position (1 Ch. 17:14). (2) A bench or seat (Eze. 43:14, 10:16; 12:34; 23:33; Ro. 3:13). [See Adder, Asp, Brass 17, 20; 45:19).

Serpent, Dragon, Leviathan, Satan.]

SEVEN SPIRITS. The phrase “the seven Spirits of SERUG (binding). Ge. 11:20.

God” in Revelation 3:1; 4:5; 5:6 is explained by comparing Scripture with Scripture. The figurative SERVANT. The servant in Bible times referred to a language refers to the following things: (1) It refers to hired servant (Ge. 24:2; Le. 25:39-41; De. 24:14-15; Ru.

the omniscience of the Holy Spirit. In Re. 4:5 the seven 2:5; 1 Sa. 9:5) or to a bond servant or slave who had Spirits are likened to lamps of fire, which refers to the been sold into servitude (Ge. 37:28; Ex. 21:1-11; 22:3; Holy Spirit’s impartation of understanding to all of the Le. 25:44-47) or had been captured (2 Ki. 5:2). The creation. We also see this in Isaiah 11:2-3, where the New Testament gives many instructions to servants (Ep.

Spirit of God is the spirit of wisdom, understanding, and 6:5-8; Co. 3:22-25; 1 Ti. 6:1; Tit. 2:9-10; 1 Pe. 2:18).

counsel. Seven is the number of perfection in the Bible, When the Apostles described themselves as a “servant of so the Spirit’s understanding is perfect and infinite. (2) Jesus Christ,” they were referring to themselves as His It refers to the omnipresence of the Spirit. In Re. 5:6 the humble bond servants (Ro. 1:1; Ph. 1:1; Col. 4:12; Tit.

seven Spirits are “sent forth into all the earth.” The Holy 1:1; Ja. 1:1; 2 Pe. 1:1; Jude 1). Christ has purchased His Spirit is everywhere present on the earth. (3) The seven people from the slave market of sin with His own blood, Spirits also refers to the seven characteristics or works 588

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of the Holy Spirit, as described in Is. 11:2. [See Angel, Third, many of my quotations are taken directly from Holy Spirit.]

Ellen White’s writings. The SDA claim that White was an SEVEN STARS. The Pleiades, a cluster of seven stars inspired commentator. If they reject her writings as in the constellation Taurus (Am. 5:8).

undependable, they pull the rug out from under SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISM. The Seventh-day themselves because their doctrinal platform is built Adventist denomination arose from the aftermath of the upon her writings.

adventist movement of the mid-1800s. “Seventh-day”

Fourth, in their own writings they admit that their refers to the focus on sabbath worship. “Adventist”

doctrinal landmarks were settled prior to 1850. “By the refers to their belief that they are the fulfillment of year 1850 the lines of fundamental truth were quite prophecies pertaining to the latter days remnant and the well understood and clearly defined. Looking back in coming of Christ. The name Seventh-day Adventist was 1905, [Ellen White] wrote, ‘The truth for this time God officially adopted in 1860, and the headquarters of the has given us as a foundation for our faith. He Himself denomination was located in Washington D.C. in 1903.

has taught us what is truth. ... We are not to receive the The writings of Ellen G. White (1827-1915) are exalted words of those who come with a message that as prophecy in the Adventist movement. There are 15

contradicts the special points of our faith’” ( The Spirit of million members worldwide in 61,000 SDA churches.

Prophecy Treasure Chest, p. 122). This same Adventist There are more than 799,000 Adventists in the U.S. and publication lists five pillars of their faith: the Second Canada. They are working in 203 countries and 885

advent, sabbath worship, the third angel’s message, languages and dialects. The SDA has a large investment investigative judgment, and “the non-immortality of the in publishing and education. They operate 63 publishing soul.” It is ridiculous for the Adventists to criticize me houses, 748 hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, and for using older documents when they themselves 7,200 schools. They have more than 1,500 weekly radio publicly admit that their doctrinal foundation was fully and television broadcasts in many languages. More than laid in the middle of the 19th century.

one million students are enrolled in Bible Finally, the publications I quote in this study are still correspondence courses.

in print and are distributed as Adventist doctrine. They A word about the documentation for this report. The do not contain any type of disclaimer to warn the reader following study is based directly upon Seventh-day that the contents might not reflect official Adventist Adventist publications. In researching this report, the belief. If the Adventists do not want God’s people to author visited Adventist bookstores, colleges, and judge them by these older books, they should stop churches, and also took some of their correspondence printing them! In my February 9, 1990, reply to the SDA courses. Though many of the books used for our publication Ministry I said:

documentation of Adventist belief were written in the

“I have considered the review you sent by William early 1900s, they are still being produced by Adventist Shea and the statements made in your own letter and publishing houses and distributed to the public must stand behind the contents of my book. I offer the throughout the world.

following reasons for this: (1) The review is superficial, insidious, and does not deal at all with the weighty and In early 1990 I received a letter from the editor of thorough arguments I have given for my positions. (2) the Adventist periodical Ministry, challenging me to The sources for my conclusions about SDA doctrine are base my investigation of their beliefs solely upon one based solidly upon the writings of prophetess Ellen G.

recently published volume entitled Seventh-day White and upon legitimate materials published by Adventists Believe. In a review of my book Avoiding the official Seventh-day Adventist presses. Most of these Snare of Seventh-day Adventism, they claimed that by writings were purchased from the bookstore at your using older sources I was misrepresenting their doctrine.

school in Collegedale, Tennessee. Others were obtained from correspondence courses offered by the Seventh-This is a clever deception. First, Seventh-day day Adventist Church. These materials, at least the vast Adventists Believe, the book they sent to define official majority of them, are still in print and are still Adventism, promotes the same heresies which I expose promulgated. If the materials I purchased from you in the following study. The entire issue is a smokescreen.

and which I quoted in my book are not to be Second, the book Seventh-day Adventists Believe considered reliable statements of Adventist belief, why contains hundreds of citations of exactly the same works do you crusade them before the public? Why are there and authors I cite in the following study. In fact, the vast no disclaimers on these writings, warning people that majority of the footnotes in this volume cite SDA the statements contained therein are not dependable and not to be trusted in forming opinions about publications prior to 1970, which is exactly what they Adventism? (3) I would come to the same conclusions criticized me about. If they can quote these older works about Adventist belief and write virtually the same as authoritative, so can I!

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writings. Are her writings—the ones the Adventist the “Investigative Judgment” doctrine and the “Third church publishes and pushes—not reliable? (4) I Angel’s Message” of Revelation 14:9-12. The doctrine of would come to the same conclusions about Adventist investigative judgment, as taught by the SDA Church, belief and write virtually the same book by using only claims that in 1844 Christ entered into the heavenly the so-called “official Seventh-day Adventist doctrinal holy of holies to begin investigating the records of book,” Seventh-day Adventists Believe. The statements of Adventist doctrine made in Seventh-day Adventists human works. It is supposed that this investigation will Believe are more cleverly presented than in some of the decide the eternal destinies of all men. The “Third other publications, but the same sad old heresies are Angel’s Message,” which is a warning against taking the there. For these reasons I see no need to revise my mark of the beast and speaks of “they that keep the book on the SDA. If the time comes wherein you reject commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Re.

the writings of Ellen G. White and her position as a 14:9, 12), was erroneously taken by the Adventists to prophetess, and you reject the heretical ‘pillars’ of the refer to themselves, since they uphold the sabbath. A Seventh-day Adventist church which were developed SDA publication relates these events as follows: and promoted by White and other early Adventist Near the time of the expected advent in the fall of leaders, I will then be glad to reevaluate your beliefs.”

1844, there was also given to Hazen Foss, a young I repeat, the entire matter is a smokescreen. The Adventist of talent, a revelation of the experience of Adventists are trying to veil some aspects of their the advent people. Shortly after the passing of the doctrine and history in order to gain a wider hearing time, he was bidden to relate the vision to others, but and to obtain proselytes, while holding to very things this he disinclined to do. He was warned of God as to they are trying to veil. Seventh-day Adventism has not the consequences of failing to relate to others what had changed at heart, but it is trying to put on a new face.

been revealed to him, and was told that if he refused, the light would be given to someone else. But he felt The History of Seventh-day Adventism keenly the disappointment of 1844, and ‘said that he Adventism originated with the disappointed Second had been deceived.’ After a severe mental conflict, he Coming movement of the 1800’s. William Miller, a

‘decided he would not relate the visions.’ Then, ‘very Baptist layman, concluded in 1818 that Christ would strange feelings came to him, and a voice said, ‘You return to earth in 1843. When that was proven wrong, have grieved away the Spirit of the Lord’ (E.G. White he changed the date to October 22, 1844. This belief Letter No. 37, 1890).

was based largely on an interpretation of Daniel

‘Horrified at his stubbornness and rebellion,’ he ‘told chapters nine and twelve using the erroneous day/year the Lord that he would relate the vision,’ but when he equation (one prophetic day equals one historical year).

attempted to do so before a company of believers, he Tens of thousands followed Miller’s conclusions, and could not call it to mind. In vain were his attempts to call up the scenes as they had been shown to him; and many diverse, unscriptural adventist (advent refers to then in deep despair he exclaimed, ‘It is gone from me; Christ’s coming) groups sprang up within this excited I can say nothing, and the Spirit of the Lord has left religious atmosphere.

me.’ Eyewitnesses described it as ‘the most terrible Until the end of 1844, Miller held resolutely to his meeting they were ever in.’

conviction that Christ would return to “cleanse the Early in 1845, Foss overheard Ellen Harmon relate her sanctuary,” which he interpreted to mean the earth.

first vision to the company of believers at Portland, After the set dates passed, Miller wisely left off with Maine. He recognized her account as a description of date setting, admitted his mistake, and no longer what was shown him. Upon meeting her the next participated in the adventist movement. He did not morning, he recounted his experience, of which she become a Seventh-day Adventist.

had not before known, and encouraged her to faithfully perform her work, stating: ‘I believe the From the shambles of the confused and unscriptural visions are taken from me and given to you. Do not date-setting movement, there emerged various groups refuse to obey God, for it will be at the peril of your with various doctrinal peculiarities. Some of these soul. I am a lost man. You are chosen of God; be groups were gradually formed into Seventh-day faithful in doing your work, and the crown I might Adventism. The following history from Seventh-day have had, you will receive.’ On comparing dates, they Adventist publications contains the major points in this discovered that it was not until after he had been told formation.

that the visions were taken from him, that Ellen Harmon was given her first revelation. Although Hazen 1. A group of Advent followers in New Hampshire Foss lived till 1893, he never again manifested interest adopted sabbath-keeping in 1844 and began to publish in matters religious (Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White—

their views through pamphlets. Among these were Messenger to the Remnant, revised to 1969, p. 30).

Joseph Bates and James White.

...in the year 1844 ... there was a group of Advent 2. Some of these sabbath-keepers accepted the believers among whom was manifested the gift of visions of Hazen Foss and Ellen Harmon in relation to prophecy. The agent of this gift [Ellen Harmon] was 590

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called to service in 1844. Later those associated with away! The angel that dealt with Hazen Foss was a liar!

this gift came in contact with the Bible teaching He was a deceiving spirit, a fallen angel under the already referred to—the truths of the Sabbath and of command of the father of lies—the devil. The religious the heavenly sanctuary and the judgment hour. Thus movement that has arisen upon the visions of this angel was formed the nucleus of the definite Advent is as deceitful and false as he is.

Movement of the prophecy. We see the various special factors all having their roots in 1844. And from that There is an urgent need to learn from the Adventists’

day to this, the people of the prophecy have been mistakes. To disobey Romans 16:17 is a serious error hastening on toward all nations with the gospel and often leads to spiritual shipwreck. The Adventists message of preparation to meet the Lord (William ignored clear biblical teaching on the second coming Spicer, Gift of Prophecy In the Seventh-day Adventist and followed a movement based upon doctrines Church, p. 13).

contrary to this teaching. Many were then led on to What do these strange roots tell us? The advent other, more serious errors, and this culminated in the movement was unbiblical from its inception. The Lord formation of the Seventh-day Adventist cult.

Jesus plainly warned against setting dates for His When we find teaching in a religious movement that return: “Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour is contrary to plain Bible doctrine, we must avoid that your Lord doth come” (Mt. 24:42). “But of that day and movement in obedience to Romans 16:17. No matter that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are how much supposed good is in the movement, it is in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, dangerous and must be avoided if it promotes teachings watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is” (Mk.

contrary to Scripture. Weakness here—inability and 13:32-33).

unwillingness to separate from heresy—is evidence of Every religious movement, no matter how sincere serious spiritual illness.

and fervent, which has set dates for the second coming A Closer Look at the Role of Ellen G. White’s Visions in of Christ has done so in direct opposition to Jesus’

the Formation of the SDA

warnings. God is not in any date-setting movement.

Ellen White’s father, Robert Harmon, was a follower William Miller was probably sincere in his zeal to of William Miller. As a result of their acceptance of proclaim Jesus’ soon return, but he was sincerely wrong.

adventist theories, the Harmons, Ellen included, were He was deluded, together with those who followed him, dropped from the membership of the Methodist church including those who later became members of Seventh-in Portland, Maine, in 1843 (D.A. Delafield, Ellen G.

day Adventism.

White and the S.D.A. , p. 87). Ellen had made a personal The doctrine of sabbath worship for New Testament commitment to Adventism during a sermon by Miller, believers is a heresy in direct opposition to Bible and at age 17 she began receiving visions concerning teaching. “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in this movement. This began soon after October 1844, the drink, or in respect of an holyday or of the new moon, last date that had been set by Miller, and in these visions or of the sabbath days” (Col. 2:16). Those within the many Adventists saw the leading hand of God in answer advent movement who accepted the sabbath-keeping to their bewilderment and desperation. The teenage girl doctrine were being led a step further from the truth.

was allegedly commanded by the revealing “angel” to First there was the date setting error, then the proclaim the visions to others, and as she did so a sabbath error, then the investigative judgment error. The following of Adventists rallied around her as a latter has no foundation in Scripture whatsoever, yet it prophetess of God.

was accepted as “light from heaven” by many of the Seventh-day Adventism was guided both in its already deceived and straying adventists.

doctrine and practice by this female voice, believed to Finally, the visions of Hazen Foss and Ellen White possess the gift of prophecy and to be an inspired were added to this heretical stew. Hazen Foss was not commentator of Scripture. Note the following quotation dealing with the God of the Bible. The gifts and calling from an SDA publication:

of the true God do not change (Ro. 11:29). Stubborn

“Ellen Harmon married James White on August 30, prophets and ministers are dealt with as rebellious 1846, and became a Sabbath-keeper soon after. The children until brought to repentance, as Jonah was, but Whites had four children—all boys—and they worked their gift and calling remains. Even though poor Hazen together to establish the Adventist movement until Foss repented and heartily agreed to obey the visions, James’ death in October 1881. Often James and Ellen he was rejected by the angel and told that he had would speak at the same meetings. Ellen lived and

“grieved away the Holy Spirit.”

labored for thirty-four years following James’ death.

Eleven of those years were spent in Europe and The Bible says the N.T. believer is sealed by the Holy Australia, helping establish the SDA movement in Spirit “unto the day of redemption” (2 Co. 1:22; Ep.

those continents.

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SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISM

“Mrs. White was involved in an aggressive public right character by God’s grace will never see heaven.

speaking ministry. ‘A much sought-after public speaker, Faith and works are the two oars by which the believer Ellen White was often invited to address those who is propelled to glory.

attended important gatherings of the church. she reached her largest audiences. ... She met literally It is important that we thoroughly document the SDA thousands of speaking appointments’” ( The Spirit of doctrine of salvation, since it is very subtle. Often, in Prophecy Treasure Chest, pp. 176-177; this official their literature produced for the general public, the SDA Seventh-day Adventist publication is distributed with modify what they really believe, including the doctrine an advanced correspondence course which is sent to of salvation, in an attempt to appear orthodox. The those with more than casual interest in the Christian should beware of the deceitfulness of the cults.

denomination; the author took this course in the late They are as ready and able as the chameleon to change 1970s; the book is also sold in Adventist bookstores).

colors according to varying situations. On one hand they During the seventy years between 1844 and 1915, try to appear orthodox. They claim to be persecuted and Mrs. White supposedly received approximately 2,000

misunderstood by other Christians because of their visions and dreams. She said she was commanded to heresies. “We are just like you,” they protest. On the write her visions for preservation, and in fulfilling this other hand they promote all sorts of heretical teachings charge she produced over 100,000 handwritten and speak boldly against orthodox Bible doctrines and manuscript pages from which were published fifty-four attempt to draw converts away from the Bible-believing books.

churches. This should not surprise us. The N.T. refers Throughout her life, Ellen White and her frequently to the deception of false teachers: “come to denomination were guided by these profuse visions, you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening which she received usually at night. Through these she wolves” (Mt. 7:15); “deceive many” (Mt. 24:4-5, 11, was instructed concerning (1) the supposed divine 24); “deceitful workers” (2 Co. 11:13); “false brethren origin of the Adventist movement, (2) the Investigative unawares brought in, who came in privily” (Ga. 2:4); Judgment, (3) the importance of sabbath-worship, (4)

“cunning craftiness” (Ep. 4:14); “seducing spirits” (I Ti.

the SDA health movement, (5) the Adventist literature 4:1); “speaking lies in hypocrisy” (1 Ti. 4:2); “who creep outreach, (6) the Adventist school system, (7) even the into houses” (2 Ti. 3:6); “seducers ... deceiving and financial system and ecclesiastical organization of the being deceived (2 Ti. 3:13); “feigned words” (2 Pe. 2:2); SDA church.

“many deceivers are entered into the world” (2 John 7); Thus, the major guiding influence of the SDA Church

“certain men crept in unawares” (Jude 4); has been, from its inception, the visions and

“seducers” (Re. 2:20).

interpretations of Ellen G. White. While Adventist What Adventism Teaches about Salvation: Consider leaders claim that the Bible is their sole rule for faith carefully the following statements about salvation from and conduct, the fact is that without Ellen White there Adventist publications. While professing to uphold would be no Seventh-day Adventism. Since there are salvation by grace alone through faith alone, they many Bible reasons for believing Mrs. White’s prophetic actually redefine this contrary to apostolic revelation.

ministry was not of God, it follows that the The result is a false gospel which subtly mixes grace and denomination founded upon this ministry was also not law.

of God. We will look more closely at this issue later in From an SDA tract deceptively titled Saved By Grace: these studies.

“Christ says to every man in this world what He said to A Biblical Refutation of Seventh-day Adventism the rich young ruler: ‘If thou wilt enter into life, keep Heresy #1—Redefining the grace of salvation to the commandments,’ Matthew 19:17. In other words, THE STANDARD FOR ADMISSION INTO HEAVEN IS A include the works of the law

CHARACTER BUILT ACCORDING TO THE TEN

Seventh-day Adventism plays the same game in SPECIFICATIONS, OR COMMANDMENTS, OF GOD’S

salvation as every other false movement of LAW. ... He can lift you up to the place where the Christendom. They profess to teach salvation by grace requirements of the law are met in you. ... THE

through faith, but they redefine this in a way that is MASTER BUILDER WILL STAND RIGHT WITH YOU

contrary to the New Testament.

AND IN YOU, AND SEE TO IT PERSONALLY THAT

YOUR LIFE COMES UP TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF

Though they often deny this, the Adventist GOD’S LAW” (Charles T. Everson, Saved By Grace, pp.

denomination teaches that salvation is by grace plus 45-46).

law, faith plus works. Grace, according to Adventist From SDA correspondence courses:

theology, is the power and forgiveness God gives to

“It is not the work of the gospel to weaken the claims enable a sinner to keep the law and to thereby build a of God’s holy law, but to bring men up to where they holy character fit for heaven. He who fails to build the 592

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SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISM

can keep its precepts” ( Prophetic Guidance God and is registered for faithfulness or unfaithfulness.

Correspondence Course, Lesson 10, p. 36).

Opposite each name in the books of heaven is entered

“Do you want to be a Christian? ... The steps to Christ with terrible exactness every wrong word, every selfish are few and plain and easy to understand, and we will act, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with turn to God’s Guidebook now for information. ...

every artful dissembling. ... The law of God is the Believe; that’s the first step toward becoming a standard by which the characters and the lives of men Christian. ... the second step is repentance ...

will be tested in the judgment. ... Every name is repentance is simply being sorry for our sins and mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are putting them away ... the next step in becoming a accepted, names rejected. When any have sins Christian is confession ... real repentance and remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of confession mean not only to stop sinning, but to do and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the everything possible to make past wrongs right ... The book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be next step is baptism, and the proof for that is found in erased from the book of God’s remembrance. ... All Acts 2:38-39 ... Fifth, obedience through Christ in who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed us ... So we have clearly outlined the steps that we the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had need to take in order to become a Christian: to believe pardon entered against their names in the books of in God, to repent of and to confess our sins, to be heaven; as they have become partakers of the baptized, AND TO OBEY ALL THE COMMANDMENTS

righteousness of Christ, and their characters are found OF THE LORD. ... He may stumble and fall, but he gets to be in harmony with the law of God, their sins will be up and presses forward again, determined to overcome blotted out, and they themselves will be accounted by God’s enabling power. Such a fall is not counted worthy of eternal life. ... Sins that have not been against him when he repents and asks forgiveness and repented of and forsaken will not be pardoned and divine help to live the right life” ( New Life Voice of blotted out of the books of record, but will stand to Prophecy Guide, #12).

witness against the sinner in the day of God” (Ellen

“Before Christ comes a second time to take us to His White, The Great Controversy, pp. 424-425, 428).

Father’s house in heaven above, we must allow Him to Adventism labels this doctrine “salvation by grace,”

conquer sin in our lives. ... Because in this life we have but it is a grace foreign to the true gospel of Jesus chosen to accept these lovely graces of Christ as our Christ.

own, the sudden transformation at Jesus’ appearing What the Bible Says

will seal our characters. ... ONLY THOSE WHO LIVE

THE JESUS-LIFE CAN BE FREED FROM SIN. ... Jesus How does the true gospel of the grace of Christ differ counseled the rich man who was seeking eternal life, ‘If from the SDA gospel?

t h o u w i l t e n t e r i n t o l i f e , k e e p t h e 1. Salvation is by grace ALONE through faith ALONE, commandments’” ( New Life Guides, #10).

without the works of the law in any sense whatsoever.

From an SDA catechism:

Contrary to Adventist doctrine, grace and faith, law and

“ ... We were slaves to sin. Jesus came down and works are not mutually sympathetic systems and cannot suffered with us, and for us, and delivered us. As we be mixed. See Romans 3:21-25; 4:4-5; 11:6; 2

behold Him in His word, and in prayer and meditation, Corinthians 5:18-21; Galatians 3:13-14; Ephesians and serve Him in the person of others, WE MAY BE

2:8-10.

CHANGED MORE AND MORE INTO THE GLORY OF

HIS LIKENESS; THEN, IF FAITHFUL, WE SHALL

The Good News of Christ is not that we are saved SOMEDAY SEE HIM FACE TO FACE” ( Bible Footlights, through a grace that produces the works of the law. The 1960, p. 17).

Good News is that we are saved by God’s grace alone From an SDA doctrinal study:

through faith alone WITHOUT THE LAW. All who will

“To whom will God impart immortality? ‘To them who be saved must come on these glorious terms, trusting in by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and the shed blood alone for full salvation.

honour and immortality’ (Ro. 2:7). What shall be their Those who persist in placing themselves under the reward? ‘Eternal life’ (Ro. 2:7). Upon what conditions Mosaic Law in spite of clear New Testament teaching may men obtain this blessing? ‘Fight the good fight of are outside of true salvation. Seventh-day Adventist faith, lay hold on eternal life’ (1 Ti. 6:12). ... Will a teachers who believe the doctrine of their own man’s final destiny be in accordance with the life he denomination as stated in such publications as the New has lived? ‘Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he Life Voice of Prophecy correspondence courses are of this also reap’ (Ga. 6:7)” (C.B. Haynes, When A Man Dies, pp. 46-47).

number; they are Galatian legalizers (Ga. 4:9-11; 4:19-20; Ga. 5:1-5).

From one of Ellen White’s major works: While discussing the doctrine of investigative 2. Salvation is secure upon conversion. The true judgment, Mrs. White presents the following concept gospel of the grace of Jesus Christ offers perfect security, of salvation: “Every man’s work passes in review before and ONLY the true gospel can offer security. [See Eternal Security.]

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Heresy #2—Sabbath-Keeping

to show it is not binding, that Seventh-day Adventism Let us investigate exactly what Seventh-day makes such a big deal over sabbath observance? They Adventism teaches about the sabbath. Following is a have a very different understanding of the sabbath and breakdown of these teachings from their own of the things of God than the apostles did! With one of publications.

their correspondence courses, the SDA sent me a lovely First Adventist Teaching about the Sabbath: The printing of the tablets containing the Ten sabbath is eternally binding upon men from creation.

Commandments. It was printed on expensive gold paper Seventh-day Adventism says the sabbath was made for stock, and the sabbath was highlighted, supposedly as it mankind in general and was given to Adam in the was highlighted in Ellen White’s visions. I assume I was Garden of Eden. Sabbath-keeping, therefore, is a sign of supposed to treasure this. No, my friends, I do not glory loyalty to God, the Creator.

in the sabbath. The apostle Paul said the sabbath is not for me, and I believe him.

“God instituted the Sabbath in Eden; and so long as the fact that He is our Creator continues to be a reason 3. The sabbath was a type of salvation (He. 4:9-10).

why we should worship Him, so long the Sabbath will Adventists admit that Old Testament types and shadows, continue as its sign and memorial. ... The keeping of such as the Levitical offerings, were fulfilled in the life the Sabbath is a sign of loyalty to the true God” (Ellen and death of the Lord Jesus Christ, yet, they maintain White, The Great Controversy, p. 386).

that the sabbath was not so fulfilled. In Hebrews 4,

“The Sabbath was kept by Adam in his innocence in though, the sabbath is presented as a type of salvation.

holy Eden; by Adam, fallen yet repentant, when he was As God rested on the seventh day from His work of driven from his happy estate. It was kept by all the creation, the believer today rests in the completed work patriarchs, from Abel to righteous Noah, to Abraham, of Christ. In order to enter into God’s rest, a person to Jacob.” (Ibid., p. 398).

must quietly accept God’s work and must cease from his What the Bible Says

own work (Jn. 6:28-29). Salvation is God’s gift.

1. The sabbath, though mentioned in Genesis 2:2-3, Third Adventist Teaching about the Sabbath: The was not given to man until it was given to Israel in the sabbath law has been changed, with the harsh demands of wilderness (Ne. 9:13-14).

the Mosaic system no longer binding. Adventists do not 2. The sabbath was given, not to mankind in general, keep the O.T. conditions of the sabbath, but they claim but to Israel alone as a special covenant sign between they do not have to because the conditions pertaining to her and God (Ex. 31:13, 17).

the sabbath have changed in this age. One of Ellen 3. Ellen White added to Scripture in teaching that White’s visions is offered as proof for this.

Adam and the patriarchs kept the sabbath. The Bible

“In the most holy place she saw the ark that contains says nothing about this. In fact, it cannot be true. If the the law, and was amazed to note that ‘the fourth, the sabbath had been kept by mankind in general from the Sabbath commandment, shone above them all; for the creation, it could not have been given as a special sign Sabbath was set apart to be kept in honor of God’s holy to Israel.

name...’ There was also shown her the change of the S a b b a t h , t h e s i g n i f i c a n c e o f S a b b a t h Second Adventist Teaching about the Sabbath: The observance...” (Ellen White, Messenger to the Remnant, sabbath continues to be binding upon N.T. believers.

p. 34).

“...from this it is evident that all Ten Commandments

“The institutions that God has established are for the are binding in the Christian dispensation, and that benefit of mankind. ... The law of Ten Commandments, Christ had no thought of changing any of them. One of of which the Sabbath forms a part, God gave to His these commands is the observance of the seventh day people as a blessing...” (Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, as the Sabbath...” ( Bible Footlights, p. 37).

pp. 245-246).

What the Bible Says

What the Bible Says

1. The N.T. is the only infallible guide to explain the 1. The sabbath law was severe and rigid. The Jews relationship of the N.T. believer to the Law of Moses, could do no work on the sabbath (Ex. 20:10; 31:14-15).

and it plainly teaches the believer is not bound to the They could bear no burden (Je. 17:21). They could light sabbath law (Col. 2:16-17).

no fire (Ex. 35:3). Only in warm climates such as Israel’s 2. According to the N.T. epistles, the sabbath could this be reasonably observed. The law of the question has no relevance to the church. In all the sabbath was so severe that God had an Israelite stoned instruction God gave the churches, there is only one merely for gathering sticks to build a fire (Nu.

mention of the sabbath (Col. 2:16) and that one 15:32-36). The Law of Moses was not given to be a mention was only to show that it is not binding upon blessing. The apostle Peter had lived under it all his life N.T. believers. Is it not strange, in light of the fact that until he was converted in his adult years, and he called the N.T. epistles mention the sabbath only once and that 594

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SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISM

it a yoke of bondage “which neither our fathers nor we to destroy the law, but to fulfill it, which He did. Jesus were able to bear” (Ac. 15:10).

lived under the law that believers need not be.

James 2:10 informs us that the law cannot be 2. It cannot be proven that the apostle Paul and the broken. Thus, anyone desiring to observe the sabbath early churches observed the sabbath. Adventists teach must observe it exactly as God commanded in the Old this as fact, but it is mere conjecture. It is true that Paul Testament, and he must observe every other detail of met in the synagogues on the sabbath in order to preach the law as well. This is what Paul told the Galatian to the Jews assembled there, but this does not mean legalizers. “For I testify again to every man that is that he observed the sabbath law of the Mosaic system.

circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole Rather, Paul testified concerning the sabbath question, law” (Ga. 5:3). The Old Testament law is not the

“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or Christian’s standard; Christ is!

in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or the By reducing the requirements of the sabbath law, the sabbath days” (Co. 2:16).

SDA church destroys the power of the Mosaic Law to The apostle Paul plainly taught that sabbath-keeping reveal the sinner’s need for the Saviour. The Law of is not binding upon New Testament believers. To Moses was never intended as a way of life for the observe or not to observe holy days is a matter of justified man—“knowing this, that the law is not made individual Christian liberty. “One man esteemeth one for a righteous man...” (1 Ti. 1:9). It was intended solely day above another: another esteemeth every day alike.

as a schoolmaster to bring the sinner to Christ (Ga.

Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” (Ro.

3:24-25).

14:5). Surely the apostle did not act contrary to his own 2. There is no Bible authority for a change in the teaching.

sabbath law. The Lord Jesus did not change the law. He According to the Bible, the reason Paul visited simply condemned the traditions that the Pharisees had synagogues on the sabbath was to preach the gospel.

added. Christ said: “Think not that I am come to destroy Paul’s desire after was to preach Christ. He was the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but burdened for his own people, the Jews. So he went to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth where the Jews were to preach Christ to them. Consider pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Acts 13:14-44; 16:13-14; 17:2-4; 18:4. “And Paul, as his law, till all be fulfilled” (Mt. 5:17-18).

manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days 3. This is another instance in which Ellen White reasoned with them out of the scriptures.”

added to the inspired revelation. She saw the sabbath The fact that Paul went to synagogues on sabbaths law as more important than all others; it “shone above does not prove he kept the sabbath law any more than them all.” The inspired apostles, on the other hand, saw his going to the Jewish feasts in Jerusalem proves he no importance in it for the N.T. believer.

believed himself bound to those laws. According to his Fourth Adventist Teaching about the Sabbath: Since own epistles, he felt bound to none of these things. He Jesus and the apostles kept the sabbath, Christians should was free in Christ. He went, rather, as a soul winner to keep it today.

witness to his kinsmen of the freedom in Christ that he

“The example of Jesus is clear and consistent. His himself enjoyed.

custom was a Sabbath-keeping custom. ... Yet in spite 3. There is much evidence in the Bible and in other of this, we find a strange situation in the world today.

historical sources that the early Christians, from the For though we have the same Christ as our example, days of the apostles, met and worshipped on the first the same Bible as our guide,, yet we find two Sabbath day rather than on the sabbath. [See Sunday.]

days kept by Christians...” (George Vandeman, Planet in Rebellion, p. 277).

Fifth Adventist Teaching about the Sabbath: The change of the day of worship from sabbath to Sunday was

“Christ’s followers were careful to keep the Sabbath on which their buried Lord rested from His death struggle done by Rome in the fourth century. Adventists contend with sin” ( New Life Bible Correspondence Course, Guide that the law of the sabbath was kept by Christians until

#16).

the Roman emperor Constantine required all men to What the Bible Says

observe Sunday. Adventist leaders see Constantine as a type of the future Antichrist, whom they believe will 1. Jesus kept the sabbath because He was born under make Sunday worship a law binding upon all men.

the law to fulfill the demands of the law (Ga. 4:4-5).

The Lord Jesus made Himself a servant, born under the

“Constantine was a sun worshiper, but he was also a keen politician. He wanted to please everybody. It was Mosaic law, that He might redeem sinners from the while still a pagan that he decreed that all government curse and bondage of the law into the eternal liberty of offices should be closed upon the first day of the week sonship. In Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus expounded the

—‘the venerable day of the sun.’ The church, which demands of the law, which is perfection. Christ came not had now been established in Rome, had been quick to Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 595

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISM

see the temporal advantage of compromise with proclaim the truth of the sabbath as a test for mankind.

paganism a foothold, the Roman church in the Council This work will culminate in the Great Tribulation, they of Laodicea set aside the clear command of God and believe, and in the second coming of Christ. For Bible decreed the change from the seventh to the first day of proof of this, Adventists point to four major passages: the week” (George Vandeman, Planet in Rebellion, p.

Isaiah 58:12-14; Matthew 24:14; Revelation 14:6-12

290).

and 12:17.

What the Bible Says

“From the very first, Seventh-day Adventists have As we have previously noted, there is much evidence boldly proclaimed the three messages of Revelation in the Bible and in other historical sources that the early 14:6-12 as God’s last appeal to sinners to accept Christ, Christians, from the days of the apostles, met and and have humbly believed their movement to be the worshiped on the first day, rather than on the sabbath.

one here designated as the ‘remnant.’ No other

[See Sunday.] Since those days, the vast majority of religious body is proclaiming this composite message, Christians have met to worship on the Lord’s day. They and none other meets the specifications ... Adventists do this in honor of the resurrection of their Saviour.

have recovered these gems of truth and restored them Christ was in the tomb on the sabbath and rose as the to their rightful setting ... Examples ... the precious Sabbath truth, as opposed to the papal Sunday.

firstborn from the dead on the first day. The sabbath Particularly is the Sabbath commandment to be signifies the last day of the old creation (Ge. 2:2).

restored to its rightful place in the ten-commandment Sunday is the first day of the new creation.

Law of God. Isaiah declared that God’s remnant people Sixth Adventist Teaching about the Sabbath: The would repair ‘the breach’ made in God’s law when the church has changed the sabbath to Sunday without Bible papacy tore the fourth commandment out of the heart authority.

of the decalog...” ( Prophetic Guidance Correspondence Course, p. 46).

“Christians of past generations observed the Sunday, supposing that in so doing they were keeping the Bible What the Bible Says

Sabbath; and there are now true Christians in every 1. The verses used by the SDA to support this church, not excepting the Roman Catholic communion, doctrine are misused. Neither the Old nor the New who honestly believe that Sunday is the Sabbath of Testament speak of a religious group that is to rise in divine appointment” (Ellen White, The Great the last days prior to the second coming of Christ to Controversy, p. 394).

proclaim the sabbath. Though Revelation 14:12 does What the Bible Says

say the Great Tribulation remnant will “keep the Sunday is not the sabbath; it is not even a holy day.

commandments of God,” nothing is said about a special Bible-believing Christians do not observe the sabbath by emphasis upon the sabbath. The interpretation pushed assembling on Sunday. The New Testament believer, upon this verse by Adventist teachers illustrates their redeemed from the obligations of the Mosaic Law, is free fearful habit of twisting Scripture. The remnant of to observe or not to observe holy days as he pleases. (Of Revelation is the Jews. See Revelation 7:1-8.

course no Christian should forsake the assembly, but In Isaiah 56:1-7 and 58:1-13 God is simply every Christian is free to honor or not to honor days.) admonishing the nation Israel to keep her sabbaths, just Romans 14:1-13 and Colossians 2:16 clearly state that as He has done throughout Israel’s history. Isaiah 56 and believers are not to be judged in respect to holy days.

58 speak of national Israel, not the church. “Cry aloud, The Galatians’ respect of holy days caused the apostle spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my Paul to fear that they were not even saved!

people their transgression, and THE HOUSE OF JACOB

“Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I their sins” (Is. 58:1). That Isaiah would point Israel to am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour the sabbath law agrees with other passages that teach in vain. ... I desire to be present with you now, and to that the sabbath was given to national Israel as a special change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you” (Ga.

covenant sign (Is. 66:20-13). Israel will always keep her 4:10-11, 20).

covenant sabbath. The church, though, is not the nation

“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? day Israel, and the church does not fulfill Israel’s prophecies.

alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” (Ro. 14:4-5).

There are three distinct people spoken of in this dispensation—Israel, the Gentiles, and the Church (1

“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of Co. 10:32). God’s plan for national Israel, as foretold in the sabbath days” (Col. 2:16).

the Old Testament will be literally fulfilled in national Seventh Adventist Teaching about the Sabbath: Israel, not in the church.

Adventism claims that it is fulfilling prophecy by 2. The real source of this idea is Ellen White’s visions.

proclaiming the sabbath. Adventists believe that God has

“...seven months after the Whites commenced keeping raised them up as the “last days remnant church” to and teaching the Sabbath, the Lord gave a vision 596

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stressing its importance conducted through the

“...this dispensing with one of the precepts of the heavenly sanctuary. In the most holy place she saw the Decalogue and substituting in its place a day God ark that contains the law, and was amazed to note that never commanded, is claimed by this power as the

‘the fourth, the Sabbath commandment, shone above mark of its authority to bind the consciences of men.

them all; for the Sabbath was set apart to be kept in However appalling the revelation, this establishment of honor of God’s holy name. THE HOLY SABBATH

the first day of the week as a day of worship in spite of LOOKED GLORIOUS—A HALO OF GLORY WAS ALL

God’s clear word that the seventh day is His Sabbath—

AROUND IT...’

this, by overwhelming evidence and unashamed

“THERE WAS ALSO SHOWN HER THE CHANGE OF

a d m i s s i o n , i s t h e m a r k s o s o o n t o b e THE SABBATH, THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SABBATH

imposed!” (George Vandeman, Planet in Rebellion, p.

OBSERVANCE, THE WORK BEFORE THEM IN

386).

P R O C L A I M I N G T H E S A B B AT H T R U T H , t h e What the Bible Says

relationship of Sabbath observance to the troublous The idea that Sunday observance will be the mark of times before the loyal people of God, climaxing in the the beast is certainly not found in, nor supported by, second coming of Christ bringing final deliverance. The relationship of the Sabbath to the third angel’s message Scripture. This is an idea conjured up by Ellen White was also revealed: ‘I was shown its importance and its and accepted as dogma by Seventh-day Adventists. It is place in the third angel’s message’” (E.G. White letter true that the Antichrist will “think to change times and 2, 1874).

laws,” yet nowhere does the Bible say that this will In spite of the Adventist’s denial, it is clear that these involve the sabbath or Sunday. The Bible does not reveal supposed visions of Ellen White are the real authority exactly what laws the Antichrist will change.

for the doctrine that they are the remnant church of the Whence cometh the Seventh-day Adventist ideas, last days raised up by God to proclaim sabbath worship then? On the back cover of an edition of Ellen White’s to all the world. Here again we find a key Adventist The Great Controversy that I have in my library, it is doctrine formed upon the visions of its prophetess.

written of its author that “she is considered to have We repeat, without Ellen White there would be no been inspired of God.” In this book White describes the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Many of their major doctrines she supposedly was taught by angels through doctrines could not have been derived from the Bible several visions. It is here, among other strange doctrines alone, except that one approach the Scriptures with and additions to God’s revelation, that she develops the ideas preconceived from an extraBiblical source. The idea of Sunday observance as the mark of the beast. She SDA, as do other heretical cults, look at the Scriptures wrote:

only through their strangely-tinted heretical spectacles.

“Through the two great errors, the immortality of the Without the Mary Baker Eddy “spectacles” there would soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the be no Christian Science. Without the Joseph Smith people under his deceptions ... the Protestants of the

“spectacles” there would be no Mormonism. Without the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they Charles Taze Russell/Joseph Rutherford “spectacles”

will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the there would be no Jehovah’s Witnesses. These various Roman power

personalities have provided their followers with a set of

“It will be declared that men are offending God by the heretical ideas by which they interpret the Bible. The violation of the Sunday sabbath; that this sin has Seventh-day Adventists obtained their eyeglasses from brought calamities which will not cease until Sunday Ellen White.

observance shall be strictly enforced; and that those Eighth Adventist Teaching about the Sabbath: Sabbath-who present the claims of the fourth commandment, keeping will be the test of obedience during the Great thus destroying reverence for Sunday, are troublers of Tribulation. They believe that during the Great the people. …

Tribulation, Sunday observance will be the mark of the

“Those who honor the Bible Sabbath will be beast. All who observe Sunday worship in the Great denounced as enemies of law and order. ... As Tribulation will be taking the mark of the beast and will, Protestant churches reject the clear Scriptural arguments in defense of God’s law, they will long to therefore, be lost.

silence those whose faith they cannot overthrow by the

“Adventist interpreters understand this mark to be not Bible. ... The dignitaries of church and state will unite a literal brand but some sign of allegiance that to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the identifies the bearer as loyal to the power represented Sunday ... even in free America” ( The Great by the Beast. The controversy at that time will center Controversy, pp. 515, 517-519).

on the law of God, and particularly on the fourth It cannot be denied that Mrs. White had an unusually command. ... Hence, the observance of Sunday will constitute such a sign” ( News From Jesus—part two, p.

vigorous imagination! There is no biblical support for 28, Adult Sabbath School Lessons, third quarter, 1974).

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Heresy #3—Soul Sleep

[For the Bible’s teaching on this see hell.]

A general statement of the Seventh-day Adventist Heresy #5—Ellen White as a Prophetess and Inspired doctrine of death is as follows:

Commentator

“So when a man dies he does not live somewhere else.

What does Seventh-Day Adventism believe about He is not in heaven, not in hell, not in purgatory. He is Ellen White?

not alive at all, anywhere, in any condition whatsoever.

1. Ellen White exercised the divine gift of prophecy and He is dead. And to be dead does not mean to be alive.

To be dead does not mean to go to heaven; it does not that she was raised up by God to guide the development of mean to go to hell; it does not mean to go to purgatory.

the SDA Movement. “...the church leaders from the first Indeed, it does not mean to go anywhere at all. It have accepted this heavenly light that God has caused to means simply an end of life. ... Death is cessation of shine upon their pathway. One reason we have life, an absence of life, the exact opposite of life. So in prospered is that we have had this divine guidance, death there is no life. The man does not live; the body which we have tried to follow faithfully ... Seventh-day does not live; the soul does not live; the spirit does not Adventists believe that Mrs. Ellen G. White exercised the live; the mind does not live. Intelligence ends, true prophetic gift. They believe that God graciously consciousness ends, memory ends, knowledge ends, spoke to her in divine revelations, and that through her thought ends. All that has comprised the man He sent inspired messages to His church” ( Ellen G. White ends” ( Carlyle Haynes, When A Man Dies, p. 20).

and the S.D.A. Church, p. 2).

The idea that man has conscious existence after death is said to be the devil’s first lie”

2. Ellen White received inspired revelation from God.

“Is it not a solemn thought that the Spirit of Prophecy

“And today from pulpits all across the nation we hear books on the shelves of your home contain the the devil’s first lie upheld each time a minister assures us that the soul of man lives on after death—that it revelations of God?” ( Prophetic Guidance, Test Questions cannot die. The devil’s first lie is echoed each time Sheet for Lesson 4). “The divine inspiration [of the Bible someone teaches that at death man’s immortal, and of the writings of White] is the same in both cases.

conscious soul wings its way to heaven, there to bask But the product given by inspiration in each case is to in God’s presence...” ( These Times, Nov. 1976, p. 7).

serve its distinct purpose or function. ... The Holy Spirit That Adventist leaders have hated the Bible’s that inspired Moses, Paul, and John, also inspired Sister doctrine of eternal punishment in hell is illustrated in White. The inspiration of the prophets is one thing” ( The the following quote from Ellen White:

Spirit of Prophecy Treasure Chest, p. 30). “In the

“And how utterly revolting is the belief that as soon as providence of God, Ellen G. White was given the role of the breath leaves the body the soul of the impenitent is prophetic messenger to the Advent people. The visions consigned to the flames of hell! ... the doctrine of given to her at night were prophetic dreams, divinely natural immortality first borrowed from pagan inspired and of similar nature to those that came to the philosophy, and in the darkness of the great apostasy prophets of old” (Ibid., p. 29).

incorporated into the Christian faith, has supplanted 3. Ellen White was an inspired commentator. “Ellen the truth” ( The Great Controversy, pp. 478, 483).

White, as an inspired commentator, was instructed to

[For the Bible’s teaching on this see Death, Immortal, say ... In her published writings are to be found Soul, Spirit.]

thousands of such comments on the Holy Scriptures.

Heresy #4—Annihilation of the Wicked Her writings are regarded by thousands as an inspired In the following excerpts Adventist teachers define commentary. While Ellen Harmon was called to her their idea of the final destiny of the lost. Ellen White work as a mere youth in her teens, she was commanded speaks first.

by her Saviour: ‘Exhort from the word. I will make My

“The theory of eternal torment is one of the false word open to you. It shall not be as a strange language.

doctrines that constitute the wine of the abomination In the true eloquence of simplicity with voice and pen, of Babylon. Pardon, must receive the penalty of the messages that I give shall be heard from one who transgression ... covered with infamy, they sink into has never learned in the schools. My Spirit and My hopeless, eternal oblivion. ... There will then be no lost power shall be with you.’ There is an inexhaustible souls to blaspheme God as they writhe in never-ending treasure of exhibits to illustrate the function of God’s torment; no wretched beings in hell will mingle their modern messenger as an inspired commentator on the shrieks with the songs of the saved” ( The Great Bible ( Ellen G. White and the S.D.A. Church, pp. 37-39).

Controversy, pp. 470,477).

“...sinners will not live forever. The plain doctrine of 4. Ellen White’s writings are immortal. “She wrote in the Bible is that the devil and all his works will be 1906 ... He instructed me ... Never deviate from the destroyed, utterly destroyed” ( When A Man Dies, p.

truth under any circumstances. Give the light I shall give 58).

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books, and shall stand immortalized...” ( Prophetic instruction He has sent to guide and guard His people.

Guidance, Lesson 13, p. 50).

How abundantly the Lord can and does bless those who 5. Ellen White’s writings have universal and timeless wholeheartedly accept the counsels given...” ( Prophetic application. “Through the last half of Mrs. White’s life, Guidance, Lesson 18, p. 17). “To all who have stood in as she delineated the great controversy story in detail in the way of the Testimonies, I would say, God has given a the five volumes of the Conflict of the Ages series, she message to His people and His voice will be heard, was ever mindful that she was writing for the world as whether you hear or forbear. Your opposition has not well as for the church” ( Prophetic Guidance, Lesson 13, injured me; but you must give an account to the God of p. 50). “‘We recognize that the principles set forth in the heaven, who has sent these warnings and instruction to Spirit of Prophecy writings do not change with the keep His people in the right way...” ( Ellen G. White and passage of the years, that time and trial have not made the S.D.A. Church, p. 71).

void the instruction given,’ and ‘the instruction that was 11. All of Ellen White’s writings must be accepted as given in the early days of the message is to be held as authoritative revelation. “Consistency calls for safe instruction to follow in these its closing acceptance of the Spirit of Prophecy writings as a whole.

days’” (Treasure Chest, p. 125).

We cannot justify accepting part and rejecting part. For 6. Ellen White is the lesser light witnessing to the example, to accept one of Mrs. White’s books of a greater light. “Ellen White declared, ‘Little heed is given devotional character while questioning what she has to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead written on doctrine, morals, or health standards, is men and women to the greater light’ ( Colporteur r e a l l y a c c e p t i n g o n e p a r t a n d r e j e c t i n g Ministry, p. 125). ...So it is with the Bible and the Spirit another” ( Prophetic Guidance, Lesson 18, p. 70).

of Prophecy” ( The Spirit of Prophecy Treasure Chest, p.

12. Ellen White alone is a modern prophet. “...in the 30).

providence of God, Ellen G. White was given the role of 7. Ellen White’s writings were “a telescope which prophetic messenger to the Advent people. ... Several enlarges the vision of God’s plan.” “The Ellen G. White other persons in the history of the Seventh-day books have been likened also to a telescope which Adventist Church have claimed prophetic inspiration, greatly enlarges the vision of God’s plans as revealed in but none has given satisfactory evidence that he has His word. A telescope does not put more stars in the sky, received instruction from God” ( The Spirit of Prophecy but merely helps us see more clearly those that are Treasure Chest, p. 29).

already there” ( Ellen G. White and the S.D.A. Church, p.

13. Ellen White’s prophecies and the Adventist Church 34).

stand or fall together. “Our position on the Testimonies is 8. All who truly trust and obey the Bible will accept like the keystone of the arch. Take that out, and there is Mrs. White’s visions as from the Lord. “G.I. Butler, no logical stopping place till all the special truths of the president of the General Conference for twelve years message are gone. ... Nothing is surer that this, that this while Mrs. White was living, correctly expressed the message and the visions belong together and stand and faith of Adventists: ‘Instead of our setting up these fall together” ( Review and Herald, Aug. 14, 1883).

visions above and outside of the Scriptures as another 14. Ellen White’s prophecies are either of God or the rule of authority ... we claim that none can really take devil. “There is no halfway work in the matter. The the Bible and fairly apply its teachings without testimonies are of the Spirit of God or of the accepting these visions as from God. ... Those who stand devil” (Ellen White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p.

on the Bible and the Bible alone, are bound to receive 230).

the Bible teaching on spiritual gifts, including the gift of What Were the Methods by which Ellen White Received prophecy in the remnant church’” ( Ellen G. White and Messages?

the S.D.A. Church, pp. 34-35).

Included in Mrs. White’s biography, Messenger to the 9. All believers should study, revere and obey Ellen Remnant, are six pages of testimonies from various White’s writings. “These messages, we believe, should be people who allegedly witnessed her visions. These are faithfully followed by every believer. Next to the Bible, included in the biography to establish confidence in and in connection with it, they should be read and their supposed divine origin. Some of these testimonies studied. They throw a floodlight upon the Sacred are descriptions of medical examinations that were record” ( Prophetic Guidance, Lesson 16, p. 60).

allegedly conducted during Mrs. White’s visionary 10. God’s blessing follows the proportion of one’s experiences. Such testimonies place a large emphasis loyalty to Ellen White’s writings, and His judgment in upon the supposed fact that Mrs. White did not breathe proportion to disloyalty. “God’s blessing upon you will be during her visionary experiences.

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General Phenomena. “For about four or five seconds that a group holds many true doctrines does not mean she seems to drop down like a person in a swoon, or we are to overlook its heresies. False imitations of one having lost his strength; she then seems to be Christianity have always been characterized by a instantly filled with superhuman strength, sometimes mixture of truth and error. The Galatian heretics were rising at once to her feet and walking about the room.

apparently orthodox in most of their doctrines. We have There are frequent movements of the hands and arms, pointing to the right or left as her head turns. All these no reason to believe they were anything but orthodox movements are made in a most graceful manner. In about the Trinity, Christ’s Deity, the Resurrection, and whatever position the hand or arm may be placed, it is Biblical Inspiration, but the fact that they added to impossible for anyone to move it. Her eyes are always Paul’s revealed gospel brought upon them a divine open, but she does not wink; her head is raised, and curse. In fact, they were all the more dangerous because she is looking upward, not with a vacant stare, but of their seeming orthodoxy. Rat poison is at least 95%

with a pleasant expression, only differing from the harmless. Romans 16:17 warns us to mark and avoid normal in that she appears to be looking intently at those that cause divisions contrary to the doctrine which some distant object” ( Messenger to the Remnant, p. 22).

we have learned. Seventh-day Adventism is guilty of No Breathing. “M. G. Kellogg, M.D. ... I am quite this. They cause divisions contrary to the apostolic certain that she did not breathe at that time while in doctrine of death, of sabbath-keeping, of hell, of the vision, nor in any of several others which she has had ministry of Christ during this present age, of the Mosaic when I was present. ... A lighted candle was held close to her eyes, which were wide open; not a muscle of the Law, of the woman’s place in the church, and of the eye moved. He then examined her in regard to her apostolic doctrine of the last days, and others.

pulse, and also in regard to her breathing, and there 2. Ellen White contradicted herself and was a was no respiration” ( Messenger to the Remnant, pp.

hypocrite. Consider three examples:

22-23).

Abstain from All Jewelry

Holding Heavy Bibles. “As they closed this part of the

“To dress plainly, abstaining from display of jewelry examination, she arose to her feet, still in vision, and ornaments of every kind, is in keeping with our holding a Bible high up, turning from passage to faith” (White, Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 366).

passage, quoting correctly, although her eyes were looking upward and away from the book ... while in

“The ornamentation of the person with jewels and vision, Ellen Harmon stepped over to a bureau upon luxurious things is a species of idolatry. ... Expensive which rested the large volume (18 pound family dress and adornments of jewelry give an incorrect Bible), picked it up, placed it on her left hand, and representation of the truth that should always be then, extending it at arm’s length, held the closed book represented as of the highest value” ( Bible Training with ease for half an hour ... Under ordinary School, May 1, 1908).

circumstances she was unable to pick up this book, for Ellen White did not follow her own teaching. She she was in frail health and at that time weighed only wore jewelry, including broaches, expensive pins with eighty pounds. She was in no way fatigued by the white stones, and chains. In “Did Ellen White Wear experience ( Ellen G. White Messenger to the Remnant, p.

Jewelry?” S. Cleveland and D. Anderson document this 23).

fact (http://www.ellenwhiteexposed.com/contra7.htm).

Even if these testimonies are true, they mean Photography Is Idolatry

nothing. A prophet is not approved by supernatural

“This making and exchanging of photographs is a phenomena but by whether or not his prophecies are species of Idolatry. Satan is doing all he can to eclipse true according to Scripture. The devil can do miracles.

heaven from our view. Let us not help him by making The pagan soothsayers that resisted Moses were even picture-idols. We need to reach a higher standard than able to duplicate two of the divine signs (Exodus 7:22; these human faces suggest. The Lord says, ‘Thou shall 8:7). The Lord Jesus warned that false prophets would have no other gods before me’” (White, Messages to arise that will show great signs and wonders (Mt.

Young People, p. 316).

24:24).

Mrs. White often sat for pictures, contrary to her own D.M. Canright, one of the top leaders in the teaching.

Adventist denomination in its early years, later became The Reformed Dress Fiasco

a Baptist pastor. In his book Seventh-day Adventism The reform dress was a feminist fashion in the Renounced (1898), he exposed the duplicity and error of mid-19th century composed of a knee-length dress over Ellen White’s prophetic ministry.

loose-fitting pants. This was in a day when short dresses Bible Reasons for Rejecting Ellen White’s Prophetic and pants on women were scandalous. In 1863 Ellen Ministry

White said that Adventists should NOT adopt the dress 1. Mrs. White taught doctrines that deviate from New because it was immodest and was associated with the Testament revelation (Ro. 16:17-18; Is. 8:20). The fact women’s rights movement.

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“God would not have his people adopt the so-called church age in no way do so. No one studying these reform dress. It is immodest apparel, wholly unfitted verses alone would arrive at the doctrines that the for the modest, humble followers of Christ. ... Those Adventists build from them. The perversions of who feel called out to join the movement in favor of Scripture were encouraged by Ellen White’s visions and woman's rights and the so-called dress reform, might

“inspired” interpretations. The following quote confirms as well sever all connection with the third angel's message. ... Let them adopt this costume, and their this suspicion:

influence is dead. ... They [the sisters] would destroy

“Many of our people do not realize how firmly the their influence and that of their husbands. They would foundation of our faith has been laid. My husband, become a byword and a derision. ... God would not Elder Joseph Bates, Father Pierce, Elder Edson, and have us take a course to lessen or destroy our influence others who were keen, noble, and true, were among with the world" ( Testimonies for the Church, vol. I, pp.

those who, after the passing of time in 1844, searched 421, 422, June 1863).

for the truth as for hidden treasure. I met with them, She also said that women should wear long dresses and we studied and prayed earnestly. Often we remained together until late at night, and sometimes and should not make themselves stand out as a gazing-through the entire night, praying for light and studying stock.

the Word.

“If women would wear their dresses so as to clear the

“Again and again these brethren came together to filth of the streets an inch or two, their dresses would study the Bible in order that they might know its be modest and they could be kept clean much more meaning, and be prepared to teach it with power.

easily, and would wear longer. Such a dress would be When they came to the point in their study where they in accordance with our faith” (Ibid. p. 424).

said, ‘We can do nothing more,’ the Spirit of the Lord

“Christians should not take pains to make themselves a would come upon me, I would be taken off in vision, gazing-stock by dressing differently from the and a clear explanation of the passages we had been world” (Ibid., p. 458).

studying would be given me, with instruction as to A year later White issued a contradictory prophecy in how we were to labor and teach effectively.

support of the reform dress. This was after she attended

“Thus light was given that helped us to understand the a health clinic and saw one of the “doctors” wearing Scriptures in regard to Christ, His mission, and His such a dress.

priesthood. A line of truth extending from that time to the time when we shall enter the city of God, was

“God would now have His people adopt the reform made plain to me, and I gave to others the instruction dress, not only to distinguish them from the world as that the Lord had given me.

His ‘peculiar people,’ but because a reform in dress is essential to physical and mental health" (Ellen White, During this whole time I could not understand the Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 525, 1864) reasoning of the brethren. My mind was locked, as it were, and I could not comprehend the meaning of the White said that she was speaking by divine revelation Scriptures we were studying. This was one of the and that those who refused to adopt the reform dress greatest sorrows of my life. I was in this condition of were rejecting the light.

mind until all the principal points of our faith were

“I have done my duty; I have borne my testimony, and made clear to our minds, in harmony with the word of those who have heard me and read that which I have God. The brethren knew that when not in vision, I written, must bear the responsibility of receiving or could not understand these matters, and they accepted rejecting the light given” ( Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 523).

as light direct from heaven the revelations A few years later, White simply stopped wearing the given” ( Messenger to the Remnant, pgs. 38-39, quoting reform dress and refused to answer questions about the Ellen G. White Special Testimony, Series B, No. 2, pp.

matter from her confused followers (D.M. Canright, The 56-57).

Life of Mrs. E.G. White, chapter 19).

In this testimony Ellen White admits that the 3. The true prophetic gift guaranteed infallible A d v e n t i s t d o c t r i n e s w e r e e v o l v e d t h r o u g h revelation. Adventists defend Mrs. White’s visions and interpretations derived from the authority of her visions.

writings as revelation, but not as infallible. This is a 5. Women are not to teach nor usurp authority over distinction the Bible does not allow. Divine prophecies men. God calls men, not women, to lead the churches are not partially inspired. Any deviation from truth, any (1 Timothy 2:11-12). There were no female apostles, failure in prediction, marks the prophet as false (De.

and women are not qualified to be pastor-elders (1 Ti.

18:21-22).

3:1-2; Tit. 1:5-6). Ellen White lived in direct opposition 4. Mrs. White’s visions encouraged twisted views of to these commands and examples. Not only did she Scripture to suit SDA doctrine. The verses offered by guide in the development of SDA doctrine, but she was Adventist teachers as proof texts for doctrines such as also a leading figure in the development of the SDA Investigative Judgment or sabbath-keeping in the organization. She maintained a diligent public speaking ministry, addressing large mixed crowds of men and Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 601

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women, frequently even addressing, teaching, and There is no doubt that Ellen White’s visions added to guiding groups composed mostly of men. Surely the the prophecies contained in the Bible. In just one vision Lord would not operate contrary to His revealed will.

tht was published in Early Writings, pages 14-20 she

[See Women Preachers.]

says that Jesus’ hair is curly and shoulder length and 6. The true prophetic gift was to cease when its that His trumpet is silver. She says that it takes seven purposes for this age were fulfilled (1 Co. 13:8-10). The days to ascend to heaven. She describes tree trunks of context of 1 Corinthians 13 pertains to spiritual gifts.

transparent gold, and fruit that looks like gold mixed The entire section from chapter 12 to 14 deals with this with silver, and houses that have the appearance of subject. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 refers to the revelation silver supported by pillars set with pearls, and shelves of gifts of prophecy, knowledge, and tongues, through gold, and fields of flowers, and grass, and “little ones”

which God spoke to the early churches. These gifts were with wings, and tables of stone engraved with the to pass away upon completion of their divine purpose, 144,000, and a silver table many miles in length. These just as many other elements of God’s program for the additions fly in the face of God’s warning in Revelation ages have passed away.

22. To teach that there is still a purpose for the gift of 1 Corinthians 13:8 promises that “prophecies ... shall prophecy and that the Scriptures are not sufficient for fail.” Now, we know that the sure Word of prophecy faith and practice is to open the door to Satanic contained in the Bible will never fail. It was the gift of deception. Those who refuse to accept the Scripture as prophecy that would fail, or pass away. Again, verse the final Word of God for this age tend to receive eight says “knowledge ... shall vanish away.” It is another word through erroneous visions and prophecies.

obvious that knowledge in general shall never vanish. It Seventh-day Adventism is the product of this error.

is the gift of knowledge that vanished with the 8. Ellen White’s prophecies did not come to pass (De.

completion of the New Testament Scriptures. This verse 18:22). In the book Seventh-day Adventism and the also states that “tongues ... shall cease.” It is the gift of Writings of Ellen White, J. Mark Martin documents many tongues that will cease. Since it is clear that at some false prophecies that were published by Mrs. White.

point prophecy will cease, when will this be? The These include the following:

answer is found in Ephesians 2:20. This verse groups Old Jerusalem Never Built Up

the prophets together with the apostles and says that

“I also saw that Old Jerusalem never would be built they laid the foundation for the church. They preached up; and that Satan was doing his utmost to lead the the gospel, established the first churches, and wrote the minds of the children of the Lord into these things New Testament Scriptures under divine inspiration.

now, in the gathering time” ( Early Writings, p. 75).

Their job was then complete. The foundation was firmly In fact, old Jerusalem has been built up extensively laid, and they were no longer needed. Just as there are since the birth of the modern state of Israel in 1948.

no apostles today, in the early church sense, there are Mrs. White to Be Alive When Jesus Returns also no prophets in the sense of receiving and imparting

“Soon our eyes were drawn to the east, for a small revelation. In this sense, “prophecy” has “failed.”

black cloud had appeared, about half as large as a Ellen White did not have the New Testament gift of man’s hand, which we all knew was the sign of the Son prophecy, not only because her supposed gift operated of man. ... Then there was a mighty earthquake. The contrary to divine revelation, but also because that gift graves opened, and the dead came up clothed with ceased with the passing of the apostles and prophets immortality. The 144,000 shouted, ‘Alleluia!’ as they that laid the church’s foundation.

recognized their friends who had been torn from them by death, and in the same moment WE were changed 7. Revelation for this present age is complete and not and caught up together with them to meet the Lord in to be added to. Jude 3 says it was once delivered to the the air” ( Early Writings, pp. 15-16).

saints. See also Revelation 22:18-19.

Other Adventists Living in 1856 Would See Jesus The faith was delivered once for all to the saints. It is Return

not to be added to or tampered with; it is to be In May 1865 Ellen White declared in a meeting in contended for. The Holy Spirit has given everything Battle Creek, Michigan, that some present would needed to make the “man of God perfect, throughly

“remain upon the earth to be translated at the coming of furnished unto all good works” (2 Ti. 3:16, 17). This Jesus” ( Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, pp. 131-132).

refers to the completed Scriptures, and a seal was England Would Attack the United States placed in the last chapter of the Book, warning all men against claiming to have some new or fresh word from

“... when England does declare war, all nations will have an interest of their own to serve, and there will God (Re. 22:18-19).

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United States] will ... be humbled into the all who are shown to be entitled to its benefits ... in the dust” ( Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 259).

great day of final atonement and investigative In fact, England did not declare war and the United judgment the only cases considered are those of the States was not humbled into the dust.

professed people of God. The judgment of the wicked is a distinct and separate work. of men are registered, Enoch on Jupiter or Saturn

are to determine the decisions of the judgment. be

“The Lord has given me a view of other worlds, wings clearly understood by the people of God ... every were given me, and an angel attended me from the city individual has a soul to save or to lose. Each has a case to a place that was bright and glorious. The grass of pending at the bar of God is as essential to the plan of the place was living green, and the birds there warbled salvation as was His death upon the cross” (Ellen a sweet song. The inhabitants of the place were of all White, The Great Controversy, pp. 422-423).

sizes; they were noble, majestic, and lovely. ... Then I 2. The investigative judgment is based on the Mosaic was taken to a world which had seven moons. There I law (particularly the Ten Commandments); the saw good old Enoch, who had been translated” ( Early Writings, pp. 39-40).

character of each person will be tested by the standard of this law.

Ellen White’s husband, James, said that this vision was of the planets Jupiter and Saturn ( A Word to the

“Every man’s work passes in review before God and is registered for faithfulness or unfaithfulness. Opposite Little Flock, p. 22).

each name in the books of heaven is entered with Martin remarks, “To date, excellent satellite pictures terrible exactness every wrong word, every selfish act, of Jupiter and Saturn have not revealed any life every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every forms” ( Seventh-day Adventism and the Writings of Ellen artful dissembling. heavensent warnings or reproofs White, p. 18).

n e g l e c t e d , w a s t e d m o m e n t s , u n i m p r o v e d 9. Ellen White’s writings were plagiarized from other opportunities, the influence exerted for good or for evil, with its far-reaching results, are all chronicled by people (Je. 23:30). That Ellen White plagiarized from the recording angel. The law of God is the standard by other people’s writings has been extensively which the characters and the lives of men will be documented by Walter Rea and others. Initially Rea, tested in the judgment. ... Those who in the judgment author of The White Lie, did not set out to disprove are ‘accounted worthy’ will have a part in the White’s prophetic calling and was anything but an resurrection of the just. ... Every name is mentioned, antagonist. Rather, from a young age he was a dedicated every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, Adventist and he even published some volumes of Ellen names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon White’s commentaries on Bible passages that sold by the the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, thousands through Adventist bookstores. But that was their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and before his discovery of White’s plagiarisms and other the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God’s remembrance. ... All who have truly deceptions ruined his faith in the Adventist system.

repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of Adventists have attempted to answer this charge in Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardon various ways. They have claimed that Mrs. White was entered against their names in the books of heaven; as merely selectively quoting from other writings as God they have become partakers of the righteousness of led her. They have also concluded that she did not Christ, and their characters are found to be in harmony practice plagiarism by eighteenth century standards, but with the law of God, their sins will be blotted out, and the fact that she claimed divine inspiration for her they themselves will be accounted worthy of eternal

“testimonies” refutes these attempted justifications.

life. ... Sins that have not been repented of and Further, she quoted other writers without giving them forsaken will not be pardoned and blotted out of the any credit, which is dishonest.

books of record, but will stand to witness against the sinner in the day of God” ( The Great Controversy, pp.

Heresy #6—Investigative Judgment

424-425, 428).

The major tenets of the Adventist doctrine of 3. This judgment determines the eternal destiny of Investigative Judgment are as follows: every professing believer. No one can be sure of eternal 1. In October 1844, Jesus Christ entered the life until this judgment is complete.

heavenly holy of holies to begin an investigative

“The righteous dead will not be raised until after the judgment of the records (deeds, thoughts, attitudes, judgment at which they are accounted worthy of ‘the etc.) of those who have professed salvation.

resurrection of life.’ Hence they will not be present in

“Attended by heavenly angels, our great High Priest person at the tribunal when their records are examined enters the holy of holies and there appears in the and their cases decided. ... Every name is mentioned, presence of God to engage in the last acts of His every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, ministration in behalf of man—to perform the work of names rejected ... all who would have their names investigative judgment and to make an atonement for retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 603

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before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance. in which indeed destroyed the Babylonian empire.

groups. The purity and devotion of one will not offset In the vision it is therefore stated, verse 4, that the ram the want of these qualities in another. ... Everyone pushed westward and northward, and southward: i.e., must be tested and found without spot or wrinkle or the Medo-Persian empire conquered Lydia (north, 564

any such thing. ... When the work of the investigative B.C.), Babylon (west, c.a. 554) and Egypt (south, judgment closes, the destiny of all will have been another ten years later).

decided for life or death” ( The Great Controversy, pp.

“Then came the strong he-goat, verse 5, who is the 425, 431-432).

king of Greece, verse 21. Greece defeated Persia in 490

4. During this heavenly judgment, God has raised up and 480 B.C. When Alexander the Great ‘magnified the Seventh-day Adventist Church to proclaim the himself exceedingly,’ verse 8, he suddenly died at the

‘eternal gospel’ to all the world. This work began in age of 33. His empire was divided into four parts, and 1844 and will continue until Christ’s return to earth.

out of one of these divisions came ‘a little horn,’ verse

“The picture of the whole prophecy is clear. In the last 8, ‘in the latter time of their kingdom,’ verse 23; that days, as the closing judgment work began in heaven is, when the four divisions of Alexander’s empire were above, a special movement was to arise on earth, going down one by one, before the power of Rome.

through which the great threefold message of This little horn is Antiochus Epiphanes, who marched Revelation 14 was to be borne to every nation, and against ‘the glorious land’ (Palestine, Dan. 11:16, 41).

tongue, and people. ... It was following the great He massacred 40,000 Jews in three days, entered the Advent awakening of the early decades of the holy of holies of the Jerusalem temple, and offered a nineteenth century, reaching a climax in the years large sow on the altar of burnt offering in the temple preceding 1844, that the Adventist Church arose. It has court. This put a stop to the regular Mosaic burnt spread to all lands with the definite message of the offering. Now Daniel 8:14 states that this burnt judgment hour, calling men to the standard of the offering, which was rendered each evening and each commandments of God” (Ellen White, The Gift of morning, was to be omitted 2,300 times, in the Prophecy, pp. 9,12).

evening and morning. That is to say, 1,150 days.

5. When the judgment is finished, Christ will return This prophecy was literally fulfilled: the first heathen sacrifice was offered on December 25, 168 B.C. On to the earth, destroy the wicked, resurrect the saved December 25, 165 B.C. the holy sacrifice was again (who have been sleeping in the grave), and place all offered on a newly erected altar. This is to say, the sins upon Satan—the O.T. scapegoat antitype.

sanctuary was cleansed (1 Maccabees 1:59; 4:53).

“When the investigative judgment closes, Christ will That makes exactly three years. Three years, however, come, and His reward will be with Him to give every equal 2,190 evenings and mornings. However, the man as his work shall be. ... Christ will place all these divinely ordained regular burnt offerings had been sins upon Satan, the originator and instigator of sin.

ordered stopped some time prior to the offering of the The scapegoat, bearing the sins of Israel, was sent heathen sacrifices in their stead, which accounts for away ‘unto a land not inhabited’ (Lev. 16:22); so 2,300 evenings and mornings as stated in the text (J.K.

Satan, bearing the guilt of all the sins which he has Van Baalen, The Chaos of Cults, p. 233).

caused God’s people to commit, will be for a thousand 2. The believer will not be judged by the Ten years confined to the earth, which will then be Commandments, and will not lose his salvation if his desolate, without inhabitant, and he will at last suffer service is unacceptable. The believer has passed from the full penalty of sin in the fires that shall destroy all the wicked” (Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p.

death unto life. He is safe in Christ and stands and 427).

rejoices in hope of the glory of God. He has no fear of What the Bible Says

future wrath, for he is complete in Christ. All punishment for his sin fell on Christ, and he is forever 1. The vision of Daniel 8:14 has nothing to do with a free. The believer’s judgment is an examination of his heavenly investigative judgment. Consider the following service to Christ to determine whether he will be excellent commentary on Daniel chapter 8: rewarded or suffer loss of reward.

Both William Miller and Ellen G. White were wrong.

“For other foundation can no may lay than that is laid, Miller’s assertion that 2,300 days meant 2,300 years, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this these being ‘prophetic days’ of one year each, is just as foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, much gratuitous speculation as his statement that stubble; every man’s work shall be made manifest: for these ‘days’ were to be reckoned from Artaxerxes’

the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by decree (Ezra’s return to Palestine).

fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what Verse 19 states that ‘ the time of the end’ refers to ‘the sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built latter time of the indignation,’ God’s indignation thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s revealed in the Babylonian captivity. The vision work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he therefore begins where the Babylonian captivity ends.

Hence verse 20 speaks of the Medo-Persian power, 604

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himself shall be saved: yet so as by fire” (1 Co.

wilderness—represent the Lord Jesus Christ. The slain 3:11-15). See also 2 Corinthians 5:5,9-10.

goat pictures the act of Christ’s atonement: it is a bloody Consider some important differences between the sacrifice. The released goat pictures the sufficiency of judgment described in these passages and the Christ’s atonement: it is accomplished once for all and is Investigative Judgment of Seventh-day Adventism: (1) forever complete. To interpret the scapegoat as a Christ’s judgment of believers does not determine their reference to Satan is blasphemous. Adventism finds salvation. Those who stand at the judgment of 1

confirmation of this doctrine, not in Scripture rightly Corinthians 3 will be there because they have already divided, but in the visions of Ellen White, which is yet been saved, not in order to determine whether or not another example of how they have added to the Bible’s they will be saved. The ones judged in 1 Corinthians 3

revelation.

are those that have established their lives upon the solid Heresy #7—Misuse of the Mosaic Law foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Co. 3:11-12). (2) The According to Adventist doctrine, the law works believer’s judgment will not result in damnation, torment, together with grace to justify the believer. Adventism or separation from God. Believers whose works fail the teaches that God, through Jesus, gives a sinner grace to test will suffer shame and loss of reward, but not loss of build a holy life according to the standard of the law.

salvation. “If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall Salvation is determined by how successfully this life is suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by built. While Adventists profess to believe in salvation by fire” (1 Co. 3:15). Words could not be plainer. (3) grace alone, they redefine grace so that it actually Notice, too, that the believer shall appear personally includes the law. The following study proves this: before his Lord. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Co. 5:10). According to Adventist Errors about the Law

Adventist theology, the believer’s judgment occurs in the 1. According to Adventism, law and grace are not heavenly holy of holies between 1844 and the Second opposing systems, but both work together for man’s Coming, while the believer himself is supposedly on salvation.

earth or sleeping in the grave. This is not what the

“The fact that all who are redeemed are saved by grace apostle Paul taught.

does not dispense with the law of God any more in the one dispensation than in the other. The law is not 3. The Adventist distinction between forgiveness of against grace, and grace is not against the law ... Grace and blotting out of sin is not taught in the New is not something that exists apart from the law, but by Testament.

reason of the law. It is, therefore, foolishness to talk of

“... the thought that Christ did not blot out sins one age as the dispensation of the law, and the other as previous to 1844 is without one shred of Scriptural the dispensation of grace, as if each existed at a support. ... In fact, the entire distinction between the different period of time from the other. Law and grace forgiveness of sins, and the blotting out of sins—which have existed side by side from the time man first is basic to Seventh-day Adventist theology—is foreign sinned, and will stand together until man’s probation to the Scriptures. Does David suggest that there is any closes” (Charles T. Everson, Saved By Grace, pp. 11, such distinction when he prays in Psalm 51:1, ‘Have 17).

mercy upon me, O God, according to thy

“Christ says to every man in this world what He said to lovingkindness; according to the multitude of thy the rich young ruler: ‘If thou wilt enter into life, keep tender mercies blot out my transgressions’? In the New the commandments.’ Matthew 18:17. In other words, Testament the word commonly used for forgive is the standard for admission into heaven is a character aphieemi. The root meaning of this word is to let go or built according to the ten specifications, or to send away; hence it has acquired the additional commandments, of God’s law. ... The Master Builder meaning: to cancel, remit, or pardon sins. Is there, will stand right with you, and see to it personally that now, any justification for the view that one’s sin can be your life comes up to the requirements of God’s canceled without being blotted out? When Jesus, for law” (Everson, Saved By Grace, pp. 45-46).

example, said to the paralytic, ‘Son, be of good cheer,

“The question that decides destinies for eternity is, thy sins are forgiven’ (Mt. 9:2), did He mean: ‘Your

‘Have you by the grace of Christ done the will of the sins are now forgiven, but not yet blotted out; if you do Father—have you kept His word?’” (J.L. Shuler, The not continue to live up to all my commandments, these Great Judgment Day, p. 114).

sins may still be held against you?’ Why should the paralytic have been of good cheer, if this was the 2. The Law of Moses is the standard by which God meaning of these words?” (Anthony Hoekema, shall judge believers.

Seventh-day Adventism, pp. 78-79).

“The Ten Commandments are heaven’s balances of 4. It is unscriptural to identify Satan with the justice and righteousness, in which the great Judge will scapegoat of Leviticus 16. Both goats of the Day of weigh the life of each person ... nine points of Atonement—the one slain and the one released into the obedience in our lives will not meet the ten requirements in God’s law. The law of Ten Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 605

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISM

Commandments is the standard by which the man has everything in Christ. The believer is forever characters and the lives of men will be tested in the freed from any condemnation of the law, since he has judgment. It is important, therefore, that we obey it. In been made perfect in Christ, identified positionally with order to be prepared for the judgment, it is necessary Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. The believer that men be obedient to God’s holy law” (Shuler, The has been forever removed from the realm of sin and Great Judgment Day, p. 114).

death because God has put away his sin and declared

“So in the great day of final atonement and him righteous. The law is not the believer’s rule of life.

investigative judgment the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God. ... The law of The believer has a higher calling and higher law—to put God is the standard by which the characters and the on Christ Jesus and to follow the Spirit of God. This is lives of men will be tested in the judgment. ... Those the law of the Spirit. The New Testament does not point who in the judgment are ‘accounted worthy’ will have back to the law as the believer’s way of life—although a part in the resurrection of the just” (Ellen White, The the basic underlying moral principles of the law are Great Controversy, pp. 423-425).

eternal. The law, including the Ten Commandments 3. The Law of Moses is the believer’s rule of life.

“written and graven in stone,” was a “ministration of

“Instead of being free to ignore and break the law death” that has been abolished in Christ.

because he is saved by grace, he is now doubly 1. The Law of Moses has one chief work, to lead men obligated to keep it. ... In other words, the one who to Jesus Christ. A man is justified by faith ALONE

forsakes, or gives up, sinning, or breaking God’s law, to through grace ALONE, entirely and forever apart from him will be given mercy, or grace. ... And if we make the law. Because of man’s fallen condition, the law can the effort to walk in the commandments of God, Christ only condemn him. The law is indeed holy and good, will supply us with the power needed. ... In other words, if you fully surrender to Christ, He not only but it can do nothing for sinful man except to reveal his pardons your past transgression of the law, but comes wicked condition and to lead him to Christ. The law into your life as you go forward with Him. ... It is very requires perfect obedience in all points, and to break evident, then, that in the new covenant we do not see even one point results in God’s curse (Ga. 3:10; Ja.

the law a thing of no consequence, but we find it 2:9-11). Since the sinner is incapable of doing what the occupying the center of the covenant” (Everson, Saved law requires, it can only condemn him. See Romans By Grace, pp. 23, 26-27, 30-31, 36).

3:19-20; 5:20; 7:7-13; 1 Corinthians 15:56; 2

“Upon these two ‘tables,’ or tablets, of stone were Ten Corinthians 5:5-13; Galatians 2:16; 3:9-24; 1 Timothy Commandments, divinely designed for man’s well-1:6-11; James 2:9-11.

being, to direct him in paths of righteousness and

“The law demands strength from one that has none, preserve him from evil” (Arthur S. Maxwell, Your Bible and curses him if he cannot display it. The Gospel gives and You, p. 95).

strength to one that has none, and blesses him in the

“The Ten Commandments are the only perfect rule of exhibition of it. The law proposes life as the end of conduct in this world today. God gave man the obedience, the Gospel gives life as the only proper Decalogue as a rule of life” (Shuler, The Great ground of obedience” (C.H. Mackintosh, Notes on the Judgment Day, pp. 113-114).

Pentateuch, pp. 232-233).

What the Bible Says

2. The law can no more bring condemnation to the The following is a summary of every major New believer than it can to Christ Himself, since the believer Testament passage dealing with the law. The major has been made perfect in Christ. The law has no more truths emphasized by the apostles are given, followed power over the believer than the dead husband has over by the Scripture quotations. The reader is encouraged to a living wife. The apostles did not teach the Adventist look up and study each one of the passages. We are doctrine that the believer is to conform his life to the confident the Lord will encourage you in the glorious standard of the law by the power of the resurrected eternal liberty the believer has in Christ Jesus.

Christ, and that if he fails to do so the law will condemn We can summarize the New Testament’s teaching on him in the day of judgment. See Romans 5:1-2, 6-11; the law in this way: The apostles’ doctrine of the law 6:3-7; 7:4; 8:8-10; 10:4; Galatians 3:24-29.

compliments their doctrine of grace, resulting in a 3. The Ten Commandments were a covenant of gospel that is truly good news for sinners. The apostles death. Adventist teachers protest that the moral law, taught that the Law of Moses was given by God for one represented in the Ten Commandments, was not done main reason: to lead men to Christ. It does this by away at the cross of Christ, that only the ceremonial law revealing man’s sin and thus showing his need for was done away there. But the New Testament describes salvation and by pointing to Christ through types and even the Ten Commandments as a covenant of death!

prophecies. Once the law has brought the sinner to the The Mosaic Law as a whole had one chief purpose. It Saviour, it has no more work to do for him. The justified was given by God to fallen man in order to show him 606

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his sin and his need of the Saviour. See 2 Corinthians epistles, never once names the Sabbath—except in a 3:6-13. Observe that the apostle said the Ten single passage where, classing it with the entire law, he Commandments—the law written in stone—were a part declares it has been totally abolished. So the early of the Mosaic Law that is done away with in Christ. Two church held” (William C. Irvine, Heresies Exposed, p.

times in this key passage the apostle tells us that the Ten 165).

Commandments are abolished. Two times he tells us 6. Law and Grace are two different systems that are that the Ten Commandments were a ministration of not to be mixed in salvation. See Acts 15:8-11; Romans death and condemnation! The Ten Commandments 4:4-5, 12-16; 11:5-6.

reveal man’s sin and declare God’s judgment—for the 7. To point believers back to the Law of Moses as a wages of sin is death (Ro. 6:23).

rule of life is to place them back under legalistic 4. The Law of Moses has been done away with in bondage, bringing a curse upon the one who teaches Christ. We have already seen this in 2 Corinthians 3.

this heresy as well as upon the one who follows it. The Paul tells us that the law has been done away, abolished.

apostles condemned in the strongest language those Words could not be plainer. For the Adventist teacher to who tried to get believers to return to the Law of Moses come along after Paul and point the believer back to the as a rule of life. This refutes the Seventh-day Adventist Law of Moses as a rule of life is a great evil.

doctrine that the law is a blessing to the justified man.

5. The Law of Moses is not the believer’s rule of life.

See Acts 15:10,24; Galatians 1:7-9; 2:4; 3:1-9; The believer is told to put on Christ, not the law, to 4:9-11,19-21; 5:1-9. Christ came to redeem men from follow the Spirit of God, not the law. The believer’s aim bondage to the law, to remove their condemnation by is not to be conformed to the law, but to be conformed paying the price the law demanded for man’s sin. Those to the image of Christ (Ro. 8:29). The Holy Spirit molds who try to bring believers back under the law are and transforms the believer’s life into the image of the deceiving men and pointing them away from the Lord Jesus. See Romans 8:11-14; 13:13-14; 2

finished work of Christ and true Bible freedom in Him.

Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 4:20-24; They themselves are cursed because of their false Colossians 3:9-11.

gospel, and they are leading others away from the truth.

The goal of salvation is not to bring the believer to the If the Law of Moses is the believer’s rule of life, where law, but to present him perfect in Christ!

are we to find it so presented in the New Testament?

The apostle had no thought of its being the rule when SEVENTY YEAR CAPTIVITY. The period of time he penned the following words: ‘For in Christ neither Israel was in captivity in Babylon (2 Ch. 36:20-23; Je.

circumcision availeth any thing nor uncircumcision, 25:11-14; 19:10). [See Captivity.]

but a new creation. And as many as walk according to SEVENTY WEEKS. The period of time referred to in this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and on the Da. 9:24-27. The 70 weeks are weeks of years, or 490

Israel of God’ (Ga. 6:15-16).

years. This is evident by the fulfillment. During the 70

“What ‘rule’? The law of Moses? No; the ‘new creation.’

week period, God’s judgments upon Israel will be Where shall we find this in Exodus 20? It says not a completed and Christ will return to establish the word about ‘new creation.’ On the contrary, it addresses itself to man as he is—in his natural or old-kingdom. The angel tells Daniel that the prophecy creation state—and puts him to the test as to what he pertains to his own people, the Jews, and to the holy is really able to do. Now if the law were the rule by city, which is Jerusalem (Da. 9:24). The first 69 weeks which believers are to walk, why does the apostle (483 years) lasted from the time that the commandment pronounce his benediction on those who walk by was given to “restore and build Jerusalem” after the another rule altogether? Why does he not say, as many Babylonian captivity to the time of Christ’s “cutting off.”

as walk according to rule of the Ten Commandments?

There were two commandments by Persian kings Is it not evident, from this one passage, that the pertaining to the rebuilding of Jerusalem. First, there Church of God has a higher rule by which to walk?

was the commandment in 536 BC by Cyrus for (C.H. Mackintosh, Notes on the Pentateuch, pp.

Zerubbabel to build the temple (Ezr. 1:1-3). Second, 232-233).

there was the commandment in 444 BC by Artaxerxes

“I, as a Christian, obey all law that is moral in the for Nehemiah to rebuild the walls and the city (Ne.

Decalogue, not because it is in the Law, but because it is in the Gospel. Worship of God only is enjoined fifty 2:1-8). Since Daniel 9:25 speaks particularly of the times in the New Testament; idolatry is forbidden rebuilding of the city streets and wall, it appears that twelve times; profanity four times; honor of father and Artaxerxes’ commandment is the one that began the 69

mother is commanded six times; adultery is forbidden weeks. From our perspective 2,500 years later, it is twelve; theft six; false witness four; and covetousness, difficult to know the exact dates of the prophecy, but the nine times. ‘The Ten Commandments,’ as Luther says, important thing is that the Jews of that day knew how

‘do not apply to us Gentiles and Christians, but only to to figure these dates, and they had no excuse for not the Jews.’ So therefore, Paul, in all his fourteen Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 607

SEVER - SHAMELESSLY

knowing exactly when Messiah the prince would come SEVER. To separate (Ex. 9:4).

or what would happen when He came. Four Great

SEVERAL. Single; particular; separately; individually

Events: Daniel’s prophecy describes four great events (2 Ch. 28:25; Mt. 25:15; 1 Co. 12:11).

that occurred after the commandment to rebuild SEX. [See Benevolence, Divorce, Home, Immoral.]

Jerusalem. First, the street and walls were rebuilt. This was completed in 7 weeks or 49 years (Da. 9:25). The SHAALABBIN (cunning foxes). Jos. 19:42.

commandment to rebuild Jerusalem was given in 444

SHAALBIM (cunning foxes). Ju. 1:35.

BC. The walls were completed the next year, and work SHAALBONITE (the way of understanding). 2 Sa.

apparently continued on the rebuilding of the city for 23:32.

another 48 years. This was accomplished “in troublous SHAAPH (Balsam). 1 Ch. 2:47.

times,” as we see in Nehemiah. The 49 years might SHAARAIM (doors). 1 Sa. 17:52.

coincide with the final prophetic message delivered by SHAASHGAZ (keeper of the treasure). Es. 2:14.

Malachi to end the Old Testament revelation and to begin the “400 Silent Years” until the coming of Christ.

SHABBETHAI (sabbath of the Lord). Ezr. 10:15.

Second, 69 weeks after the commandment, Messiah the SHACHIA (refuge, protection of God). 1 Ch. 8:10.

Prince came and was “cut off, but not for himself,”

SHADOW. (1) Darkness; shade (Jud. 9:15; 2 Ki.

meaning that He died on the cross for man’s sins (Da.

20:9). (2) An imperfect and faint representation; 9:25-26). His death was substitutionary. The 69 weeks opposed to substance (He. 8:5; 10:1).

(483 years by Jewish calendar and 476 years by Roman SHADRACH. The Babylonian name given to Daniel’s calendar) ended when Messiah came as prince. This was friend (Da. 1:7). His Hebrew name was Hananiah, when Christ entered Jerusalem on the donkey a few meaning “the Lord has graciously given.” He was days before the crucifixion and was acclaimed as “the thrown in the fiery furnace (Da. 3).

King that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Ze. 9:9; Lk.

SHAGE (I wander, erring). 1 Ch. 11:34.

19:37-38). Third, the city and temple were destroyed (Da.

9:26). This occurred in A.D. 70 at the hands of the SHAHARAIM (it dawns). 1 Ch. 8:8.

Roman armies under the generalship of Titus. Fourth, SHAHAZIMAH (abundance of lions). Jos. 19:22.

there are wars and desolations until the time of the end.

SHAKED. Shook (Ps. 109:25).

This is a perfect description of the last 2,000 years of SHALEM (peace). Ge. 33:18.

Israel’s history, and it also describes what will happen to SHALIM (cunning foxes). 1 Sa. 9:4.

Israel just before the return of Christ. Even today, SHALISHA (three). 1 Sa. 9:4.

though Israel is back in the land, she has no peace, and she will have no peace until she repents and receives SHALLECHETH (to be cast down). 1 Ch. 26:16.

her Messiah, Jesus. The final week, or seven years, of SHALLUM (reward). 2 Ki. 15:10.

Daniel’s prophecy remains to be fulfilled (Da. 9:27), and SHALMAI (reward of God). Ezr. 2:46.

it is this period that Jesus describes in Matthew 24.

SHALMAN (great perfection). Ho. 10:14.

Between the 69th and 70th weeks (between Daniel 9:26

SHALMANESER, SHALMAN (perfection of a prince; and Daniel 9:27) is the church age, which is called a a peaceable prince; reverential). An Assyrian king (2 Ki.

“mystery” because it was not revealed to the Old 17:3). Shalman is an abbreviation for Shalmaneser (Ho.

Testament prophets (Ep. 3:3-6). The church age is like a 10:14) (Potts).

valley that the Old Testament prophets did not see between the peaks of the first and second coming of SHAMA (he heard). 1 Ch. 11:44.

Christ. Paul describes the church age as the time of SHAMBLES. Meat market (1 Co. 10:25).

Israel’s blindness in Romans 11:25-27. The final week SHAME. To be ashamed; reproach; disgrace; (seven years) of Daniel’s prophecy is divided into two dishonor (Ex. 32:25; 2 Ch. 32:21; Ps. 4:2; 35:26; Is.

parts (Da. 9:27). At the beginning of the seven years, 20:4; Lk. 14:9; 1 Co. 11:6; 14:35; Ep. 5:12; Ph. 3:9; He.

the Antichrist will make a false peace covenant with 12:2; Jude 13; Re. 3:18).

Israel. It is probably at this time that the Jewish Temple SHAMED (of keeping). 1 Ch. 8:12.

will be rebuilt in Jerusalem. Mid-way through the seven SHAMEFACEDNESS. To have a sense of shame; a years the Antichrist will break this covenant and exalt sense of modesty; bashfulness (1 Ti. 2:9). [See himself as God. Compare 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. This Modesty.]

event marks the beginning of the 3.5 years of the Great SHAMEFULLY. Dishonorably; disgracefully (Hos.

Tribulation. Jesus calls this event “the abomination of 2:5; Mk. 12:4; Lk. 20:11).

desolation” (Mt. 24:15). [See Antichrist, Great Tribulation.]

SHAMELESSLY. Without modesty; disgracefully (2

Sa. 6:20).

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SHAMER - SHERAH

SHAMER (who is kept). 1 Ch. 6:46.

SHEKEL. [See Money.]

SHAMGAR (most careful keeping). Ju. 3:31.

SHELAH (petition). Ge. 38:5.

SHAMHUTH (astonishment). 1 Ch. 27:8.

SHELEMIAH (reward of God). 1 Ch. 26:14.

SHAMIR (kept). 1 Ch. 24:24.

SHELEPH (to draw out). Ge. 10:26.

SHAMMA (amazement). 1 Ch. 7:37.

SHELESH (third). 1 Ch. 7:35.

SHAMMAH (amazement). 1 Sa. 16:9.

SHELOMI (reward, peaceable). Nu. 34:27.

SHAMMOTH (astonishments). 1 Ch. 11:27.

SHELOMITH (reward, love of peace). Le. 24:11.

SHAMMUA (hearing). Nu. 13:4.

SHELOMOTH (rewards, peacemaking). 1 Ch. 24:22.

SHAMSHERAI (safe watchfulness of God). 1 Ch.

SHELUMIEL (reward of God). Nu. 1:6.

8:26.

SHEM (name, renown). One of Noah’s three sons SHAPEN. Shaped; formed; fashioned (Ps. 51:5).

(Ge. 11:10). The genealogy of Jesus Christ passed SHAPHAM (universal contrition). 1 Ch. 5:12.

through Shem (Ge. 11:10-32; Lk. 3:36). “Shem signifies SHAPHAN (a rabbit). 2 Ki. 22:3.

name or renown; and his, indeed, was great both in a temporal and spiritual sense, inasmuch as he was SHAPHAT (he judged). 1 Ch. 3:22.

destined to be the lineal ancestor of the promised Seed SHAPHER (fair, lovely). Nu. 33:23.

of the woman, to which Noah might allude in his pious SHARAI (my prince). Ezr. 10:40.

ejaculation (Ge. 9:26)” (Treasury). The descendants of SHARAR (settlement). 2 Sa. 23:33.

Shem formed the nation Israel through Abraham, Isaac, SHAREZER (splendor of the shining). 2 Ki. 19:37.

and Jacob. [See Canaan, Ham, Japheth, Noah.]

SHARON (great plain, his song). Is. 35:2.

SHEMA (fame, rumor). Jos. 15:26.

SHARUHEN (free). Jos. 19:6.

SHEMAAH (hearing). 1 Ch. 12:3.

SHASHAI (habitation of God). Ezr. 10:40.

SHEMAIAH (hearing). 1 Ch. 9:16

SHASHAK (vehement desire). 1 Ch. 8:14.

SHEMARIAH (safe keeping of the Lord). 1 Ch. 12:5.

SHAUL (desire). Ge. 46:10.

SHEMEBER (name of a wing). Ge. 14:2.

SHAVEH (plain). Ge. 14:17.

SHEMER (a guardian, kept). 1 Ki. 16:24.

SHAVEHKIRIATHAIM. [See Shaveh, Kiraithaim.]

SHEMIDAH (invocation of the name). 1 Ch. 7:19.

SHAVSHA (habitation). 1 Ch. 18:16.

SHEMINITH (to excel). 1 Ch. 15:21. Also in the title SHEAL (petition). Ezr. 10:29.

to Ps. 6 and 12. [See Music.]

SHEALTIEL (asked of God). Ha. 1:1.

SHEMIRAMOTH (exaltation of the names). 1 Ch.

15:18.

SHEARIAH (God opened).

SHEMUEL (hearing of God). Nu. 34:20.

SHEARJASHUB (the residue shall return). Is. 7:3.

SHEN (a sharp rock). 1 Ch. 7:12.

SHEBA (amethyst). 1 Ki. 10:1.

SHENAZAR (light of brightness). 1 Ch. 3:18.

SHEBAH (seven). Ge. 26:33.

SHENIR (coast of mail). De. 3:9.

SHEBAM (sweetness, kindness). Nu. 32:3.

SHEOL. The Hebrew word commonly translated SHEBANIAH (God has drawn near). 1 Ch. 15:24.

“hell.” Sometimes sheol refers to the grave (Ec. 9:10; Is.

SHEBARIM (fractures, ruins). Jos. 7:5.

38:18, 19), but usually it refers to the place of the SHEBER (fraction, breaking). 1 Ch. 2:48.

departed spirits of men (Ge. 37:35; Ps. 9:17; 16:10; SHEBNA (an approach). 2 Ki. 18:18.

30:3; 55:15; Pr. 15:24; 23:14). The common Hebrew SHEBUEL (the returning of God). 1 Ch. 23:16.

word for the grave is not sheol, but geburah. This word is used in such passages as Ge. 35:20; 50:5; Nu. 19:16; SHECANIAH (the abode of God). 1 Ch. 24:11.

2 Sa. 3:32; 1 Ki. 13:30. [See Death, Gehenna, Hell, SHECHANIAH (habitation of God). 1 Ch. 3:22.

Judgment.]

SHECHEM (a portion). Ge. 33:18.

SHEPHAM (greatest declivity, cold). Nu. 34:10.

SHEDEUR (casting of fire). Nu. 1:5.

SHEPHATIAH (the Lord judged). 1 Ch. 9:8.

SHEEP. [See Lamb, Offerings, Jesus Christ, Type.]

SHEPHO (excellent). Ge. 36:23.

SHEEP GATE. [See Gate.]

SHEPHUPHAN (great trouble). 1 Ch. 8:5.

SHEEPCOTE. Enclosure for sheep (2 Sa. 7:8; 1 Ch.

SHERAH (flesh). 1 Ch. 7:24.

17:7).

SHEHARIAH (the Lord has inquired). 1 Ch. 8:26.

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SHERD - SHITTIM

SHERD. A piece of broken earthenware (Is. 30:14; SHIHON (great size). Jos. 19:19.

Eze. 23:34).

SHIHORLIBNATH (blackness of Libnath). Jos. 19:26.

SHEREBIAH (delivered by God). Ezr. 8:18.

SHILHI (planted by deity). 1 Ki. 22:42.

SHERESH (a root). 1 Ch. 7:16.

SHILHIM (gifts). Jos. 15:32.

SHERIFFS. Judges; prefects (Da. 3:2-3).

SHILLEM (reward). Ge. 46:24.

SHESHACH (secure habitation, bag of linen). Je.

SHILOAH (pouring forth). Is. 8:6.

25:26.

SHILOH (peace). A name for the Messiah (Ge.

SHESHAI (six). Nu. 13:22.

49:10). He is the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6). Through faith SHESHAN (a lily, princely). 1 Ch. 2:31.

in Him we have peace with God (Ro. 5:1). He is our SHESHBAZZAR

peace (Ep. 2:14). He made peace through the blood of (setting free of splendor). Ezr. 1:8.

his cross (Co. 1:20). He speaks peace to His people (Jn.

20:19, 21, 26). He preaches peace to sinners by the SHETH (replacing). Nu. 24:17.

gospel of peace (Ep. 2:17; 6:15). [See Jesus Christ, SHETHAR (a star). Es. 1:14.

Peace.]

SHETHARBOZNAI (a star of brightness). Ezr. 5:3.

SHILSHAH (the third). 1 Ch. 7:37.

SHEVA (an habitation, vanity, guile). 2 Sa. 20:25.

SHIMEA (hearing, amazement). 1 Ch. 3:5.

SHEW. To show; to reveal (Ge. 41:25; 1 Sa. 20:2).

SHIMEAH (amazement). 2 Sa. 21:21.

SHEWBREAD. The bread placed on the table in the SHIMEAM (great admiration). 1 Ch. 9:38.

Tabernacle (Ex. 25:30; 35:13; 1 Ch. 9:39; Ne. 10:33; SHIMEATH (hearing). 2 Ki. 12:21.

He. 9:2). Shewbread literally means “bread of the presence.” Frankincense was put on the bread and it SHIMEI (my fame). 2 Sa. 16:5.

remained before the Lord seven days (Le. 24:5-8). After SHIMEON (gracious hearing). Ezr. 10:31.

this the bread was eaten by the priests (Le. 24:9). The SHIMMA (hearing). 1 Ch. 2:13.

bread depicts Jesus Christ as the One who satisfies and SHIMON (astonishment). 1 Ch. 4:20.

delights God the Father and who nourishes and satisfies SHIMRATH (watchings). 1 Ch. 8:21.

God’s children. Both have their part in the Son of God.

[See Offerings, Tabernacle.]

SHIMRI (keeping of God, watchful). 1 Ch. 4:37.

SHIBBOLETH (ears of corn). A pass word (Ju. 12:6).

SHIMRITH (keepings). 2 Ch. 24:26.

[See Sibboleth.]

SHIMRON (careful guardianship). 1 Ch. 7:1.

SHIBMAH (sweetness). Nu. 32:38.

SHIMRONMERON (most careful watching). Jos.

SHICRON (great drunkenness). Jos. 15:11.

12:20.

SHIELD. Military equipment used to protect from SHIMSHAI (sun of the Lord). Ezr. 4:8.

and ward off blows by arrow and sword (Jud. 5:18; 1

SHINAB (light of the father). Ge. 14:2.

Sa. 17:7). There were two basic types of shields used by SHINAR (country of the two rivers). The land the Hebrews. The large shield which was big enough to between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers where the first cover the whole body (1 Sa. 17:7, 41), and the smaller city states were built after the Flood (Ge. 10:10; 11:1).

shield which was also called a buckler or a target (2 Ch.

It is also called Mesopotamia. [See Babel, Babylon.]

25:5). The two are mentioned together in 1 Ch. 12:8.

SHIP, WENT BEFORE TO. Went on board ship; took The difference in size between the two is evident from 1

ship (Ac. 20:13).

Ki. 10:16-17; 2 Ch. 9:15-16, where twice as much gold SHIPHI (troop of God). 1 Ch. 4:37.

was used for the target as for the large shield. The SHIPHRAH (fair, beauty). Ex. 1:15.

ordinary shield among the Hebrews consisted of a wooden frame covered with leather. Some shields were SHIPHTAN (most just judgment). Nu. 34:24.

covered with brass, or copper. People’s Bible Dictionary SHIPMASTER. Ship captain (Jon. 1:6; Re. 18:17).

notes: “The shield is illustrative of God’s protection (Ge.

SHIPMEN. Sailors (1 Ki. 9:27; Ac. 27:27,30).

15:1; De. 33:29; 2 Sa. 22:3; Ps. 3:3; 5:12; 28:7; 33:20; SHIPPING, TO TAKE. To embark; to go on board 59:11; 84:9, 11; 115:9-11; 119:114; 144:2); truth of ship (Jn. 6:24).

God (Ps. 91:4); salvation of God (2 Sa. 22:36; Ps.

SHISHA (an habitation). 1 Ki. 4:3.

18:35); of faith (Ep. 6:16).” [See Buckler, Military, Target.]

SHISHAK (like to a river). 1 Ki. 11:40.

SHIGGAION (wanderings). Ps. 7: Title. [See Music.]

SHITRAI (the Lord reigns). 1 Ch. 27:29.

SHIGIONOTH. In the title of Hab. 3:1. [See Music.]

SHITTIM (turning away from). Nu. 25:1.

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SHITTIM WOOD - SIGNET

SHITTIM WOOD. The wood used for the Tabernacle SIBBECHAI (the troubling of God). 1 Ch. 11:29.

(Ex. 25:5, 10, 13, 23, 28; 26:15, 26, 32, 37; 27:1, 6). It S I B B O L E T H ( g r e a t c a p t i v i t y ) . E p h r a m i t e was from a common tree in the desert area where the pronunciation of the world Shibboleth (Ju. 12:6).

Tabernacle was built. Thus the shittim wood is a fitting SIBMAH (ears of corn). Is. 16:8.

symbol of Christ’s humanity. He was a common man to look upon (Is. 53:2). The shittim wood speaks of SIBRAIM (hope). Eze. 47:16.

Christ’s incarnation (Lk. 2:6-52; 1 Ti. 2:5). [See SICHEM (a portion). Ge. 12:6.

Tabernacle.]

SICKNESS. [See Healing, Ill, Suffering, Trials.]

SHIZA (lifting up). 1 Ch. 11:42.

SIDON (abundant prey). Greek form of Zidon (Mt.

SHOA (rich). Eze. 23:23.

11:21). [For fulfillment of prophecies concerning this SHOBAB (repaid). 1 Ch. 2:18.

city see Zidon.]

SHOBACH (copious extension). 2 Sa. 10:16.

SIGHT. (1) Vision; seeing (Ge. 2:9). (2) Appearance (Re. 4:3).

SHOBAI (returning of God). Ezr. 2:42.

SIGN. (1) A token; a representation; a witness (Ge.

SHOBEK (he keeps). Ne. 10:24.

1:14). “The lights in the firmament of the heaven are SHOBI (returning of God). 2 Sa. 17:27.

said to be for ‘signs’ ... A false application has been SHOCO (a hedge). 2 Ch. 28:18.

made of this passage in using the varied positions of the SHOELATCHET. The lace or thong of a shoe (Ge.

sun, moon, and planets as a means to foretell events. Of 14:23).

what then are they signs? it may be asked. This is SHOHAM (onyx). 1 Ch. 24:27.

perhaps answered in Ps. 19:1-6. The stupendous distance and marvelous regularity in the movements of SHOMER (he keeps). 2 Ki. 12:21.

the heavenly bodies are a sign of the glory of the One SHOPHACH (effusion). 1 Ch. 19:16.

that created them, as is stated of God in Ro.

SHOPHAN (great sorrow). Nu. 32:35.

1:20” (Concise). (2) A miracle performed as evidence of SHOSHANNIM. This possibly denotes a lily-shaped the truth of God’s Word (Ex. 4:8, 17, 28, 30; 7:3; De.

musical instrument (Ps. 45, 60, 69, 80: Title). [See 6:22; Jos. 24:17; Ju. 6:17; 1 Sa. 2:34; 10:7; 14:10; 1 Ki.

Music.]

13:3-5; 2 Ki. 19:29; 20:8, 9; Is. 7:14; Mt. 12:38, 39; Jn.

SHOSHANNIMEDUTH. This possibly denotes the 20:30; Ac. 2:22). [See Apostle, Charismatic Movement, melody of or manner of singing the Psalm on the Healing, Inspiration, Jesus Christ, Miracle.]

Shoshannim instrument (Ps. 80: Title). [See Music.]

SIGNET. An official seal on a ring (Ge. 38:18, 25; Ex.

SHROUD. Cover; garment (Eze. 31:3).

28:36; 39:6; Hag. 2:23). The seal was impressed into SHUA (crying). 1 Ch. 2:3.

clay. The following is from the People’s Bible Encyclopedia: “The Phoenicians, from a very early SHUAH (depression, dell). Ge. 25:2.

period, took up the business of manufacturing seals on a SHUAL (a fox). 1 Ch. 7:36.

large scale, and their products are found very widely SHUBAEL (return of God). 1 Ch. 24:20.

distributed through the ancient world, including SHUHAM (great astonishment). Nu. 26:42.

Palestine. They did not much adopt the cylinder form, SHUHITE (descendant of Shuah). Job 2:11.

but rather the scarab and the conoid; carved with much skill, but no originality, copying and sometimes mingling SHULAMITE (peaceful, perfect). Song 6:13.

Egyptian and Chaldean designs, and putting on SHUHAMMITE (peaceful, perfect). 1 Ki. 1:3.

hieroglyphics of Egyptian form, but of no meaning—as SHUNEM (the tranquility of rest). Jos. 19:18.

modern imitators may embellish their wares with SHUNI (tranquility). Ge. 46:16.

Chinese or Arabic characters, merely for effect. [The SHUPHAM (complete sorrow). Nu. 26:39.

scarab signets were elliptical pieces of stone with the SHUPPIM (attritions). 1 Ch. 7:12.

image of the scarabeus beetle carved on the upper convex surface and the personalized inscription carved SHUR (a wall). Ge. 16:7.

on the lower flat side. The conoid were conical to SHUSHAN (a lily, rose). Da. 8:2.

hemispherical stones with the design cut on the flat base SHUSHANEDUTH. Probably an abbreviation of and drilled for suspension across the pointed or rounded shoshannimeduth (title of Ps. 60). [See Music.]

end.] The fixing of such seals in a ring is believed by SHUT TO. To shut, to close (Ge. 19:10; Lk. 13:25).

some to be a Phoenician device, afterward taken up by SHUTHELAH (planting of offspring). 1 Ch. 7:21.

the Greeks, and lasting to our own day. Such a seal ring we have, bearing the name of Abibal, the father of King SIAHA (troops, congregation). Ezr. 2:44.

Hiram; and if the mounting be contemporaneous with Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 611

SIHON - SIN

the stone, this carries the seal ring back to the 11th SIMPLE. (1) Undiscerning. A simple person by century B.C. But the passage (Ge. 41:42) is much older; modern definition is one who is somewhat slow it is true that this and some similar passages may refer mentally, but this is not what the Bible means by the to seals that were hung on the hand or wrist by a cord.

term. In Bible usage, “the simple” is one who is not But the seal ring, or signet, clearly alluded to (Es. 3:12; careful and discerning; someone easily influenced. “The 8:8; Je. 22:24) is probably very ancient and widespread.

simple believeth every word: but the prudent man The use of clay in sealing is noticed in the book of Job looketh well to his going” (Pr. 14:15). See also Ps. 19:7; (38:14), and the signet ring as an ordinary part of a 119:30; Pr. 1:4; 1:22; 7:7; 8:5; 9:16; 18; 19:25; 22:3; man’s equipment in the case of Judah (Ge. 38:18), who 27:12; Ro. 16:17-18. It refers not to weak mental probably, like many modern Arabs, wore it suspended capacity, but to a careless spiritual and moral condition.

by a string from his neck or arm (Song 8:6). The ring or (2) Innocent; not involved in evil things (Ro. 16:19).

the seal, as an emblem of authority both in Egypt and The same Greek word translated “simple” in Ro. 16:19

Persia, and elsewhere, is mentioned in the cases of ( akeraios) is translated “harmless” in Mt. 10:16 and Ph.

Pharaoh with Joseph (Ge. 41:42), of Ahab (1 Ki. 21:8), 2:15. [See Separation, Silly.]

of Ahasuerus (Es. 3:10, 12; 8:2), of Darius (Da. 6:17), SIMPLICITY. Sincerity; without dissimulation or self-and as an evidence of a covenant in Je. 32:10, 14; Ne.

seeking. “Artlessness of mind; freedom from a 9:38; 10:1; Hag. 2:23. Engraved signets were in use propensity to cunning or stratagem; freedom from among the Hebrews in early times, as is evident in the duplicity; sincerity; plainness; freedom from artificial description of the high priest’s breastplate (Ex. 28:11, ornament” (Webster) (2 Sa. 15:11; Ro. 12:8; 2 Co. 1:12; 36; 39:6). The importance of the signet ring in the eyes 11:3). The Greek word translated “simplicity” ( haplotes) of the oriental is evident from the phrase in Hag.

is also translated “singleness” of heart (Ep. 6:5; Col.

2:23--‘I will make thee as a signet.’ It is obvious from 3:22). [See Sincere.]

this that the signet was carried continually and was SIN. Breaking God’s law; missing the mark of moral considered a very valuable possession. The same is purity; falling short of God’s righteousness. The term evident from Je. 22:24” ( People’s Bible Encyclopedia).

“sin” is one of the most common Bible words describing SIHON (pleasure greatly desired). Nu. 21:21.

the fallen condition of man. All men have sinned (1 Ki.

SIHOR (very black). Jos. 13:3.

8:46; Ec. 7:20; Ro. 3:23; 5:12). Man’s sin began with SILAS (considering, third, marking). Ac. 15:22, 27, Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (Ge. 3; Ro. 5:12).

32, 34, 40; 16:19, 25, 29; 17:4, 10, 14, 15; 18:5.

The penalty of sin is death (Ro. 6:23). The forgiveness SILENCE, KEEP. To be silent (Job 29:21; Ec. 3:7; 1

of sin requires the shedding of blood (He. 9:22). Jesus Co. 14:28).

Christ paid the full penalty for sin when He died and shed His blood on the cross (Ep. 1:7; He. 1:3; Ro.

SILLA (a way heaped up). 2 Ki. 12:20.

5:9-10). Is. 53 describes how Jesus bore man’s sin. Man SILLY. Simple; gullible; easily led astray; lacking receives complete and eternal forgiveness for sin by wisdom and discernment (Job 5:2; 2 Ti. 3:6). The exercising personal faith in Jesus Christ (Ro. 6:23; Ep.

Hebrew word translated “silly” is also translated 5:5-6; Eze. 18:4). [See Salvation.]

“deceive” (2 Sa. 3:25), “flatter” (Ps. 78:36), and The key Greek word translated sin, HAMARTANO,

“entice” (Ex. 22:16). [See Simple.]

means to err or miss the mark (Lk. 15:18; Jn. 5:14; SILOAH (pouring forth). Ne. 3:15.

8:11; 9:2; Ro. 2:12; 3:23; 5:12; 1 Co. 6:18; 15:34; Ep.

SILOAM (one sent). Jn. 9:7.

4:26; 1 Ti. 5:20; Tit. 3:11; He. 3:17; 10:26; 2 Pe. 2:4; 1

SILVANUS (born in a wood). 2 Co. 1:19.

Jn. 1:10; 2:1; 3:6, 8, 9; 5:16, 18).

SILVERLING. Silver coin (Is. 7:23). “Found only in Is.

The key Hebrew word translated sin, CHATA, also 7:23, and the Hebrew is the same as ‘silver,’ and ‘pieces means to err or miss the mark (Ge. 20:6; 39:9; Ex. 9:27; of silver,’ as money” (Concise). [See Money.]

20:20; 32:30-33; Le. 4:2; 5:1; 6:2; Nu. 15:27; 16:22; SIMEON (hearing). A son of Jacob (Ge. 29:33; De. 1:41; 9:16; 19:15; 20:18; Ju. 10:10, 15; 1 Sa.

34:34-39; 49:5). Simeon’s children formed the tribe of 12:10; 2 Sa. 12:13; 19:20; 24:10; 1 Ki. 8:46-50; 2 Ch.

Israel which carries his name (Nu. 1:6-23; 2:12; De.

6:22; 6:37-39; Ne. 1:6; 9:29; Job 1:5, 22; 2:10; 7:20; 27:12; Jos. 19:1-9; 21:4-9; Ju. 1:3,17; Eze. 48:23-33; 10:14; 31:30; Ps. 4:4; 39:1; 41:4; 51:4; 78:17; 119:11; Re. 7:7).

Pr. 8:36; 14:21; 19:2; 20:2; Ec. 7:20; Is. 42:24; 64:5; Je.

SIMILITUDE. Likeness; pattern (Nu. 12:8; De.

2:35; 14:7; 33:8; 40:3; Eze. 18:4; Da. 9:5-15).

4:12-16; 2 Ch. 4:3; Ps. 106:20; Da. 10:16; Ja. 3:9).

Other O.T. Hebrew Words for Sin: ASHAM, meaning to SIMON (hearing). Simon Peter. [See Peter.]

be guilty (Je. 51:5; Is. 53:10); AVON, to pervert, to make crooked (1 Ki. 17:18); SHAGAH, to stray (Le.

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SIN OFFERING - SISERA 4:13), and PASHA, to break away, to rebel against vs. Ro. 8:12-13.

authority (Pr. 10:19) (Strong).

How Is the Flesh Overcome? 1. The flesh is subdued by Key Bible Passages Dealing with Sin: Ge. 3; 6:5; Ex.

yielding to and walking with the indwelling Spirit (Ga.

20; Is. 53:6; Eze. 18:4, 20; Mk. 7:20-23; Ro. 1:9-32; 5:16). 2. The flesh is subdued by not minding it but by 3:9-23; 1 Co. 6:9-10; Ga. 5:19-20; Ep. 5:3-6; Col.

minding the things of the Spirit (Ro. 8:5). 3. The flesh is 3:5-10; 1 Ti. 1:9-11; Re. 21:8.

subdued by not sowing to it but by sowing to the Spirit The Origin of Sin. (1) Sin originated with Satan’s (Ga. 6:8). 4. The flesh is subdued by not making pride (Is. 14:12-14; 1 Ti. 3:6). (2) Sin entered the world provision for it (Ro. 13:14). [See Adam, Carnal, through Adam’s disobedience (Ge. 3; Ro. 5:12). Even Concupiscence, Fall, Fault, Filthiness, Flesh, Froward, though Eve sinned first, Adam was responsible before Gospel, Grace, Heart, Heaven, Impenitence, Impudent, God. (3) Sin spread throughout the world (Ro.

Iniquity, Jesting, Natural Man, Old Man, Perverse, 1:19-32).

Presumptuous, Pride, Rebellion, Repentance, What Is Sin? (1) The transgression of the law (1 Jn.

Stiffhearted, Stubborn, Transgression, Trespass, 3:4; Ja. 2:9-10). (2) To come short of God’s glory (Ro.

Unclean, Ungodly, Superfluity of Naughtiness, 3:23). (3) To turn to one’s own way (Is. 53:6). (4) To Unrighteous, Vile, Winketh, World.]

forsake the Lord (Ju. 10:10; 1 Sa. 12:10). (5) To do that SIN OFFERING. [See Offerings.]

which is wicked in the sight of God (De. 9:18). (6) To SINAI (rock-fissures). The mount on which God met do that which is amiss, wrong (2 Ch. 6:37). (7) Lack of Moses and gave the law to Israel (Ex. 19-40). [See Law.]

righteousness (Ro. 3:10).

SINAITICUS - CODEX. [See Bible Versions.]

Other Bible Words for Sin. Evil (Ge. 2:9). Wickedness SINCERE. Guileless, pure; honest; genuine (Jos.

(Ge. 6:5). Iniquity (2 Pe. 2:16). Rebellion (Pr. 17:11).

24:14; Ju. 9:16, 19; 1 Co. 5:8; 2 Co. 1:12; 2:17; 8:8; Ep.

Froward (De. 32:20). Unrighteous (1 Co. 6:9). Unholy 6:24; Ph. 1:16; Tit. 2:7; 1 Pe. 2:2). To be sincere is the (Le. 10:10). Ungodly (Ro. 5:6). Works of darkness (Ep.

opposite of pretence and hypocrisy. The Christian is to 5:11). Error (Ro. 1:27). Transgression (Ro. 4:15; 2 Jn.

be (1) sincere in his love to God (Jos. 24:14; Ep. 6:24); 9). Trespass (Mt. 18:15). Offence (Ro. 4:25).

(2) sincere in doctrine (Tit. 2:7); (3) sincere in ministry Man’s Sinful Nature Described. “only evil (Ph. 1:16); (4) sincere in his relationships with the continually” (Ge. 6:5); “desperately wicked” (Je. 17:9); brethren (1 Co. 5:8); (5) sincere in love (2 Co. 8:8); (6)

“shapen in iniquity” (Ps. 51:5); “estranged from the sincere in everything (Ph. 1:10). [See Beguile, Craft, womb” (Ps. 58:3); “foolishness is bound in the Cunning, Cunning Craftiness, Deceit, Dissemble, heart” (Pr. 22:15); “righteousness is as filthy rags” (Is.

Dissimulation, Doubletongued, Feign, Flattery, Flattering 64:6); “gone astray ... turned to his own way” (Is. 53:6).

Titles, Honest, Hypocrisy, Lie, Pure Conscience, Purloin, The Flesh. This word is used in four ways in the N.T.: Simplicity, Sleight, Subtil, Unfeigned.]

(1) The body of man and animal (Lk. 24:39; 1 Co.

SINIM. Sinim refers to the far east, particularly China 15:39). (2) A reference to man in general (Mt. 24:22; 1

(Is. 49:12). There has been a civilization in China since Co. 1:29). (3) The weakness of human nature (Mt.

not long after the dispersion of men at Babel. “Sinae 26:41). (4) The fallen, sinful nature of man (Ro. 7:18; was the name of the ‘Chinese traders.’ Their town was 8:12-13; Ga. 5:16-24; Col. 2:11). The flesh is also called Thinae, one of the great emporiums in western China, the old man (Ep. 4:22; Col. 3:9).

now Thsiu or Tin in the province of Schensi. In the Lessons about the Flesh in the Christian Life (Ga.

eighth century B.C. the Sinae became independent in 5:16-24): 1. The flesh is still present after salvation. The western China, their princes reigning there for 650 years Christian has two natures: flesh and Spirit (Ga. 5:16). 2.

before they attained dominion over the whole land; in The flesh is an enemy within (Ga. 5:17). God leaves the the third century B.C. the dynasty of Tsin ( from whence flesh within the Christian to teach us to walk by faith c a m e ‘ C h i n a ’ ) b e c a m e s u p r e m e o v e r t h e not by sight. 3. The flesh is not eradicated in this empire” ( Fausset’s Bible Dictionary).

present life. There is no sinless perfection in the SIPHMOTH (declivities). 1 Sa. 30:28.

Christian life (1 Jn. 1:8-10). An experience of spirit SIPPAI (long). 1 Ch. 20:4.

baptism or “entire sanctification” is never given as the SIRAH (going back). 2 Sa. 3:26.

solution to the problem of sin (1 Pe. 2:1-2). 4. The Christian can choose to walk either in the flesh or the SIRION (large and splendid coat of mail). De. 3:9.

Spirit (Ga. 5:16). 5. There are two aspects of the flesh: SISAMAI (dissolution of the Lord). 1 Ch. 2:40.

positionally it has been crucified with Christ (Ga. 5:24) SISERA (crane, crow, battle-array). Heathen captain but practically it must be subdued day by day (Ga.

defeated by Deborah and Barak (Ju. 4).

5:25). See also Col. 3:9-10 vs. Ep. 4:22-24; and Ro. 8:9

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 613

SIT AT MEAT - SLING

SIT AT MEAT. To sit down to the table; to prepare to SLING. We know that David smote Goliath with a eat (Mt. 9:10; 14:9; Lk. 14:10; 1 Co. 8:10).

sling (1 Sa. 17:40, 50), but many Bible readers probably SITH. If; since (Eze. 35:6).

think of the ancient sling more as a boy’s plaything or a SITNAH (opposition). Ge. 26:21.

shepherd’s pasttime than a serious weapon. The sling was typically formed of a piece of leather with a small SITUATE. Situated (1 Sa. 14:5).

hole in the center with two strong strings or small ropes SIVAN (a thorn, month, moon). The third month of attached. A stone being placed in the hole, the sling was the Jewish sacred year, beginning with the new moon of swung around forcibly then released expertly so that the June (Es. 8:9). Harvest time (Potts). [See Calendar.]

stone flew away. It was a powerful military weapon (Ju.

SIXTH HOUR. About noon (Mt. 20:5; 27:45).

20:16; 2 Ki. 3:25; 2 Ch. 26:14). “In Old Testament SKILL. Understanding; knowledge; ability; dexterity times, slingers were regular components of an army and in performance (1 Ki. 5:6; 2 Ch. 2:7; 34:12; Da. 1:17; were often used together with archers; during siege 9:22).

warfare their role was to pick off the enemy from the SLACK. Negligent; hesitant; restrained; not diligent besieged city’s ramparts. Such slingers were capable of or eager (De. 7:10; Jos. 10:6; 18:3; 2 Ki. 4:24; Pr. 10:4; hurling a projectile at over one hundred miles an hour 2 Pe. 3:9). [See Slothful, Sluggard.]

and their effective range was well in excess of one SLACKNESS. Negligence (2 Pe. 3:9). [See Slothful, hundred yards” (Alfred Hoerth, Archaeology and the Old Sluggard.]

Testament).

SLAIN IN THE SPIRIT. [See Charismatic.]

The Victory of Utu-hegal, which dates to about 2100

BC, describes ancient warfare as follows: “From the city SLANDER. To defame; to harm the reputation of it rained missiles as from the clouds; slingstones like the someone by false tales (Nu. 14:36-37; 2 Sa. 19:27; Ps.

rain falling in a [whole] year whizzed loudly down from 31:13; 50:20; Pr. 10:18; Je. 9:4-6; Ro. 3:8; 1 Ti. 3:11).

the walls of Aratta” ( Reading Sumerian Poetry, p. 130).

For something to be slanderous, it must involve falsehood and an injurious motive. To tell someone that Consider the following description of sling warfare a certain pastor is divorced or adulterous or a thief is which describes the potential power of this weapon: “A not slander if that information is true, but it is slander sling works by increasing the effective length of a stone-to say such things when they are not true. [See thrower’s arm. Modern cricket bowlers or baseball Backbite, Busybody, Evil Speaking, Gossip, Talebearer, pitchers can achieve maximum ball velocities of over Tattler, Whisperer.]

150 kilometres per hour. A slingshot as long again as the thrower’s arm will double the projectile’s speed, making SLAVE. [See Servant.]

the velocity of the bullet when it leaves the sling nearly SLAYER. [See Capital Punishment, Cities of Refuge, 100 metres per second. This is already considerably Kill.]

greater than that of a longbow arrow, at only about 60

SLEEP. [See Labor, Sluggard.]

mps. Intensively trained from childhood onward, there SLEEP, ON. Asleep (Ac. 13:36).

is no reason to believe that a professional slinger could SLEIGHT. Deception; cunning; an artful trick; sly not beat 100 mps (meters per second) fairly easily and artifice (Ep. 4:14). The Greek term ( kubeia) refers to a perhaps even begin to approach the muzzle velocity of cube for playing dice, and signifies the mischievous a .45 calibre pistol round: about 150 mps. What is more, subtlety of seducers (Matthew Henry). It also could a smooth slingshot projectile has a far greater range refer to the chance aspect of gambling. “It seems to than an arrow, as much as half a kilometre, because an denote a man’s forming his religious opinions by the arrow’s flight feather’s produce so much drag. The throw of a die; in other words, it describes a man whose modern world-record distance for a stone cast with a opinions seem to be the result of mere chance. ... [any sling was achieved by Larry Bray in 1981, who managed means of determining a point of duty or doctrine apart 437 metres, and thought in retrospect that he could from] the calm examination of the Bible, and by surpass the 600-metre mark with a better sling and lead prayer” (Barnes). This word is used only one time in the projectiles” (Paul Kriwaczek, Babylon: Mesopotamia and Bible and it refers to the deceitfulness of false teachers.

the Birth of Civilization, Kindle location 1633).

[See Beguile, Cunning Craftiness, Deceit, Dissemble, Ancient projectiles discovered at Hamoukar (in Dissimulation, Doubletongued, Entice, False Teaching, northeastern Syria near the Iraqi border) were actually Feign, Flattery, Sincere, Subtil, Unfeigned, Wind of egg-shaped, but more pointed, and made out of clay.

Doctrine, Winketh.]

More than 2,000 of these sling bullets were found in SLIME. Bitumen; when mixed with tar it forms a 2005 in excavations co-sponsored by the Oriental hard surface impervious to water (Ge. 11:3; 14:10; Ex.

Institute and the Syrian Department of Antiquities. One 2:3).

of the stones had pierced into a mud brick wall 614

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

SLOTHFUL - SMYRNA (“Evidence of battle at Hamoukar,” University of Chicago about how he is going to serve God one day, but he Chronicle, Jan. 18, 2007). Excavators found a room in never follows through on his plans. (5) He is satisfied which new sling bullets were made and two dozen of with the merest basics of Christian responsibility. He the projectiles were found lined up ready to use; gets baptized and joins the church and comes when it is apparently the city fell before they could be fielded.

convenient, but can’t be counted on for much more. The

“[The pointed shape of the Hamoukar projectiles] tells Product of Sluggardism. (1) Poverty and want (Pr.

us two things: that they could be armour-piercing; and 6:9-11; 10:4; 20:31; 24:33, 34). (2) Disappointment that the slingers must have had a technique for sending and frustration (Pr. 13:4; 15:19; 20:4). (3) Deep sleep them off with a spin, like a rifle bullet, so as to keep (Pr. 19:15). (4) Loss (Mt. 25:26-28). (5) Decay (Ec.

them properly oriented during their flight to the 10:18). (6) Servitude (Pr. 12:24). (7) Shame; disgrace target” (Kriwaczek, Kindle location 1633).

(Pr. 10:5). (8) Suffering (Pr. 10:26; 15:19; 19:15). The The Greeks and Romans used lead sling projectiles Wickedness of Sluggardism. (1) It is as evil as active made in molds. “Writers tell of the terrible wounds that destruction (Pr. 18:9). (2) Jesus hates it more than slings would inflict, especially [lead] bullets. The complete deadness (Re. 3:15). [See Diligence, Romans developed a special pair of tongs designed for Employment, Industrious, Labor, Poverty, Slack, getting bullets out of people. ... Pompey in the civil wars Slothful, Slow Bellies, Zeal.]

favoured the use of very large units of slingers. They SMITE. To strike; to afflict (Ge. 8:21; Ex. 7:17; De.

were used beside archers, at sea, and in sieges. Scipio 7:2; Mt. 5:39; Ac. 23:2).

used them against elephants, and Caesar comments that SMITH. Blacksmith; worker in metal (1 Sa. 13:19; 2

the sling was particularly effective against Ki. 24:14, 16).

them” (“Great Weapons of the ancient World: The SMOKE, ON A. Smoking; on fire (Ex. 19:18).

Sling”). [See Military.]

SMOKING FLAX. [See Flax.]

SLOTHFUL. Lazy; unconcerned; half-hearted; careless (Pr. 12:24, 27; 18:9; 21:25; 22:13; 24:30; SMYRNA. The location of one of the seven churches 26:13-15; Mt. 25:26; Ro. 12:11; He. 6:12). Slothful and in Asia Minor that was addressed by the risen Christ in sluggard are used interchangeably in Proverbs (Pr.

Revelation 2-3. See Revelation 2:8-17. It was located 26:13-16). [See Diligence, Employment, Labor, Poor, about 50 miles north of Ephesus on the Aegean sea in a Slack, Sluggard.]

pleasant location with a prevailing gentle west wind. It had an excellent harbor that could be closed to SLOW BELLIES. A description of the Cretians (Tit.

shipping. The city was built at the head of a gulf that 1:12). The belly refers to bodily appetites. “Slow” refers reached 30 miles inland. “The harbor was double in to carelessness, laziness. “Two vices seem here to be fact. The outer harbor was a portion of the gulf and was attributed to them, which indeed commonly go together used as a place for the mooring of ships and the inner

—gluttony and sloth” (Barnes). [See Belly, Diligence, harbor, now silted in, was small enough that it could be Sluggard.]

closed to the seagoing boats of that age by a chain” (J.

SLUGGARD. Slothful; lazy; unconcerned; half-T. Marlin, The Seven Churches of Asia Minor).

hearted; careless (Pr. 12:24, 27; 18:9; 21:25; 22:13; It was one of the finest cities in the province of Asia.

24:30; 26:13-15; Mt. 25:26; Ro. 12:11; He. 6:12).

It was beautifully and advantageously situated. “From Slothful and sluggard are used interchangeably in the sea it spread to the foothills and to Mt. Pagos that Proverbs (Pr. 26:13-16). The Characteristics of was covered with temples and lovely buildings. These Sluggardism. (1) Lack of zeal, foresight, and vision (Pr.

have been referred to as the ‘crown of Smyrna.’ Aristides 6:6-8; 10:4; 12:24). (2) Unfaithful; undependable (Pr.

said that Smyrna was the most beautiful city in the 10:26). (3) Putting off duties; excuse-making (Pr. 20:4; world, ‘a flower of beauty such as earth and sun had 22:13). (4) Desires and plans without follow-through never showed to mankind’” (Marlin). “The streets were (Pr. 21:25-26). (5) Satisfied with fulfilling only the most handsome, well paved, and drawn at right angles, and basic responsibilities (Pr. 19:24). The Christian Sluggard.

the city contained several squares, porticos, a public (1) He lacks a vision and zeal for the things and plan of library, and numerous temples and other public God (2 Pe. 1:8-9). (2) He is unfaithful in the things of buildings” (McClintock and Strong). The “golden street”

God (Mt. 25:14-26; 1 Co. 4:2). (3) He makes excuses that connected the temples of Zeus and Cybele is said to for his carelessness and unfaithfulness. “I’m too busy to have been the best in the world ( International Standard study the Bible; I’m too tired to go to church on Bible Encyclopedia).

Wednesday night; I can’t read that well; I don’t want to be a religious fanatic; I don’t know how to talk to It was a place of great commerce, science, and strangers about Christ; I can’t meet my budget now—

medicine, and was also famous for its rhetoric and how do you expect me to tithe?” (4) He has lots of plans philosophy.

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 615

SNARE - SODOMY

It had many pagan temples dedicated to gods and SOCIALISM. [See Private Ownership of Property.]

goddesses, including Zeus, Dionysius, and a goddess SOD. To boil; cook (Ge. 25:29; Ex. 12:9; Le. 6:28; 1

called the Mother of the Gods, who was said to be both Sa. 2:15).

the mother and wife of Zeus and the mother of all SODOM (to scorch, burning). One of the cities things. From the time of Tiberius there was a temple in destroyed by God because of its wickedness (Ge.

Smyrna dedicated to Roman emperor worship.

19:1-25). Lot lived in Sodom (Ge. 13:8-13). Sodom is Olympic games dedicated to Zeus were held here and used as a symbol of wickedness and a warning to a magnificent 20,000-seat stadium was built for this sinners that God judges evil (De. 29:23; Is. 1:9-10; 3:9; purpose. It was in this stadium that the Christian Je. 23:14; 49:18; 50:40; Eze. 16:46-56; Am. 4:11; Zep.

preacher Polycarp was martyred in 155 A.D. “It was 2:9; 2 Pe. 2:6; Jude 7). [See Gomorrah, Sodomy.]

exactly on such occasions that what the pagans SODOMA. The Greek form of “Sodom” (Ro. 9:29).

regarded as the unpatriotic and anti-social spirit of the

[See Sodom, Sodomy.]

early Christians became most apparent; and it was to the violent demands of the people assembled in the SODOMITE. [See Sodomy.]

stadium that the Roman proconsul yielded up the SODOMY. The sodomite of the O.T. refers to male martyr” (McClintock and Strong).

prostitution and homosexual moral perversion practiced The city was famous for its wine and drunkenness. It in connection with idolatry (De. 23:17; 1 Ki. 14:24; was devoted to the worship of Dionysus, the god of 15:12; 22:46; 2 Ki. 23:7). The same Hebrew word is wine and moral debauchery. A statue “representing an translated “unclean” (Job 36:14). The term is connected old woman intoxicated illustrates the prevalent habits of with the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah and has come to the population.”

be identified with homosexuality. The 1828 Webster dictionary defined “sodomy” as “a crime against nature.”

Today Smyrna is called Izmir, and the population is The Webster’s Deluxe Unabridged Dictionary of 1983

two million. The modern city is built over the ancient defines sodomy as “any sexual intercourse regarded as one, and there are no archaeological excavations of any abnormal, as between persons of the same sex, significance. The harbor is very beautiful and is visited especially males, or between a person and an animal.”

by many large cruise ships.

The term is descriptive of the moral perversion of the SNARE. A trap (Ps. 91:3; 124:7; 141:9).

city of Sodom (Ge. 19; Jude 7). Other Bible Terms for SNUFF. (1) To inhale eagerly (Je. 2:24; 14:6). (2) To Sodomy. Some contend that the Bible only condemns puff at; to treat scornfully, with a gesture of contempt or prostitution and forced immorality, and that sodomy, or dislike (Mal. 1:13).

homosexuality, in general, is not addressed in the Word SNUFFDISH, SNUFFER. A pair of tongs used for of God. That this is not true is evident by the snuffing out a flame (Ex. 25:36; Nu. 4:9; 1 Ki. 7:49; 2

terminology used in the following passages of Scripture.

Ki. 12:13).

The language the Holy Spirit uses in the N.T. to describe SO AS. (1) As (Ex. 7:10; Nu. 17:11). (2) So that (Re.

same-sex relations prove that God considers this a great 8:12).

wickedness, whether or not it is done with consent:

“uncleanness” (Ro. 1:24); “dishonour their own bodies SO MANY. As many (De. 1:11; He. 11:12).

between themselves” (Ro. 1:24); “vile affections” (Ro.

SOBER. The N.T. term “sober” means to be in control 1:26); “that which is against nature” (Ro. 1:26); “that of one’s mind and life to the end of obeying the Lord in which is unseemly” (Ro. 1:27); “reprobate mind” (Ro.

all things. It refers to spiritual alertness and seriousness 1:28); “effeminate” (1 Co. 6:9); “abusers of themselves of purpose; prudence; temperance (1 Th. 5:6, 8; 1 Pe.

with mankind” (1 Co. 6:9); “inordinate affection” (Col.

1:13; 5:8). This is to characterize every Christian, from 3:5); “them that defile themselves with mankind” (1 Ti.

the young to the old (Tit. 2:4, 6, 12). It is a qualification 1:10); “filthy conversation” (2 Pe. 2:7); “going after for Christian service (1 Ti. 3:2, 11; Tit. 1:8). [See strange flesh” (Jude 7). Under the Mosaic law, Drunkenness, Grave, Temperance, Wine.]

homosexuality required the death penalty (Le.

SOBRIETY. Spiritual alertness; self-control (1 Ti.

18:22-29; 20:13). The terminology used in the passages 2:9,15). The Greek word translated “sobriety” is also in Leviticus describe and condemn homosexuality in translated “soberness” (Ac. 26:25). [See Modesty, general—man lying with man, and woman lying with Separation, Sober.]

woman. What Does God Think of Sodomy? (1) It is an SOCKET. The holders for the boards which formed abomination (Le. 18:22). (2) It bore the death penalty the sides of the Tabernacle (Ex. 26:19-27).

in the O.T. dispensation (Le. 20:13; Ro. 1:32). (3) It SOCHO (a hedge). 1 Ch. 4:18.

defiles the land (Le. 18:25). (4) It is the product of a SOCHOH (a hedge). 1 Ki. 4:10.

morally reprobate mind (Ro. 1:26-28). (5) It is worthy of the judgment of eternal fire (Jude 7). (6) It can be 616

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

SOFTLY - SON OF MAN

forgiven and cleansed in the name of the Lord Jesus Reprobate, Vile.]

Christ and by the Spirit of God (1 Co. 6:9-11). Is SOFTLY. Gently; cautiously; quietly (Ge. 33:14; Jud.

Sodomy A Greater Sin? While it is true that there are 4:21; Ru. 3:7; Is. 8:6; Ac. 27:13).

many sins other than homosexuality and all sin is SOJOURN. To dwell for a time; temporary residence; wicked before God, and while it is true that any sin can a traveler in a foreign land (Ge. 12:10; 19:9; Ac. 7:6).

be forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ, the Bible does not say that all sin is the same in its effect in this SOLACE. Delight; pleasure (Pr. 7:18).

world. God did not pour out fire and brimstone upon SOLOMON (peaceful). David’s son by Bathsheba Sodom because of its jealousy or covetousness or lack of who inherited the throne (2 Sa. 5:14; 1 Ki. 1:10-53).

hospitality. It was judged specifically because of its The kingdom under Solomon’s rule became exceedingly homosexuality (Jude 7). Though all moral sins are evil rich, peaceful, and renowned (1 Ki. 4, 10). Solomon in God’s eye, homosexuality is especially corrupt built the first Jewish temple in Jerusalem (1 Ki. 5-8). In because it is a sin against nature itself. It destroys the his youth, Solomon loved and obeyed the Lord (1 Ki. 3), very fabric of society, which is the family as defined but later he married many foreign wives in disobedience biblically—a man and a woman united in holy to God and even served their false gods (1 Ki. 11).

matrimony rearing children to fear God and to be Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon productive citizens. Homosexuality is to “change the and most of the book of Proverbs. Solomon’s glorious natural use into that which is against nature” (Ro.

reign fore views Christ’s future earthly kingdom: Christ 1:26). The NIV Translation of Sodomy: Some modern will rule the world from Jerusalem (Mt. 19:28; 25:31; translations, such as the New International Version, Ze. 14:9-11). All the nations will come to see and hear replace the word “sodomite” with “male temple and worship Christ (Ps. 72:8-11; Ze. 14:16-19). The prostitutes.” This rendering is an interpretation as is the kingdom of Christ will be exceedingly wealthy (Is.

rendering “sodomite.” According to Strong’s, the 60:5-17; Ps. 72:15, 16). Christ’s kingdom will dwell in Hebrew term is “qadesh, kaw-dashe’; from H6942; a peace without threat of war (Ps. 72:7-8; Is. 9:6, 7). [See (quasi) sacred person, i.e. (techn.) a (male) devotee (by Covenant, Glory, Kingdom of God, Millennium, prostitution) to licentious idolatry.” In the Authorized Prophecy.]

Version this Hebrew word is translated “sodomite” and SOLOMON’S PORCH. Mentioned in Ac. 5:12.

“unclean.” The term “sodomite” was brought over from

“Josephus informs us that Solomon, when he built the the Geneva Bible. Many older Bible dictionaries connect temple, finding the area of Mount Moriah too small to sodomy with homosexuality. Eadie (1872) defines answer his magnificent plan, filled up a part of the Sodomite as “not dwellers in Sodom, but practisers of adjacent valley, and built an outward portion over it unnatural lust—the sin of Sodom. This sin was toward the east. This is what was called Solomon’s consecrated in many Eastern kingdoms.” The People’s porch: it was a most noble structure, supported by a Bible Encyclopedia by Charles Randall Barnes (1903) wall 400 cubits high, and consisting of stones of a vast says: “The sodomites were not inhabitants of Sodom, bulk, being 20 cubits long, and 6 cubits high. It was nor their descendants, but men consecrated to the probably left standing because of its grandeur and unnatural vice of Sodom (Ge. 19:5; comp. Ro. 1:27) as beauty; and Josephus speaks of it as continuing even to a religious rite.” Note that Barnes connects the sin of the time of Albinus and Agrippa” (Treasury).

sodomy with the homosexuality described in Romans SOLOMON’S TEMPLE. [See Temple.]

1:27. Hastings (1898) says: “The term ‘Sodomite’ is SOMETIME, SOMETIMES. Once; once upon a time; used in Scripture to describe offences against the laws in time past (Co. 3:7; 1 Pe. 3:20).

of nature which were FREQUENTLY connected with SON OF MAN. A title Jesus frequently used for idolatrous practices” (emphasis ours). Note that himself (Mt. 9:6; 10:23; 12:8, 40; 13:37; 16:13; 17:9; Hastings did not claim that the offences against the laws 18:11). This title refers to the name the prophet Daniel of nature were restricted solely to idolatrous temple gave the coming Messiah (Da. 7:13; Mt. 26:64). The worship. The term “sodomy” in these passages doubtless name reminds us of several truths: (1) God’s Son did refer, at least in part, to homosexuality connected became a man (Jn. 1:14; Mt. 1:23; He. 2:14). The title with immoral pagan religions. The problem with the

“Son of man” signifies Christ’s humility in leaving His NIV translation is that it LIMITS this sin to that heavenly glory and taking the form of a man (Ph.

particular connection rather than allowing the larger 2:5-8). It also signifies Christ’s love in His willingness to meaning of homosexuality in general. It also creates the take sinful man’s place in judgment (2 Co. 5:21; 1 Pe.

confusion that the practice of sodomy in the Old 2:24). (2) All authority and judgment has been given to Testament and the sin of Sodom itself was limited to this Man (Jn. 5:22; Ac. 17:31). (3) The rule of the male prostitution. [See Abusers of Themselves With Mankind, Adultery, Dog, Effeminate, Fornication, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 617

SON OF GOD - SOUL

kingdom of God has been given to this Man (Da. 7:13, SOUL. The word soul has various meanings in 14; Ep. 1:20-23; 1 Ti. 6:14-16). (4) All salvation is Scripture. (Every Bible word must be defined by its through this Man (1 Ti. 2:5-6). [See Branch, Jesus context.) Sometimes soul refers to biological life in Christ, Messiah, Son of God.]

general. In this sense, the Hebrew word translated soul SON OF GOD. This name of Jesus refers to His deity ( nephesh) is used for animals (Ge. 1:20-24). But animals and equality with the Father (Jn. 5:18; 10:31-33; Ph.

are never said to have a soul like man has a soul.

2:5-6). “Son of God” is a reference to the Trinity—God Sometimes soul refers to the whole man (Ge. 2:7; Le.

the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Mt. 28:19; 2 Co.

17:12). Often, though, it refers to the immaterial part of 13:14). The Lord Jesus Christ is the unique Son of God, man that exists beyond death.

meaning He is alone in His special relationship to the The Soul Is the Immaterial Part of Man that Exists Father. He is not like those who become children of God after Death. O.T. examples of the soul as an immaterial through adoption. He is eternal, without beginning (Mi.

part of the man are seen in Ge. 35:18 and 1 Ki.

5:2; Is. 9:6; Jn. 1:1). He created all things, and without 17:21-22. In Ge. 35:18, Rachel’s soul departed when she Him was not anything made that was made, meaning died. In 1 Ki. 17:21-22, the boy’s soul departed when he He Himself was not created (Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:16). He died and returned when he was raised from the dead. In reveals God to men (Jn. 1:18). Christians become sons the N.T., the word “soul” is also used to describe a of God through faith in Christ, but Jesus is forever spiritual part of man distinct from his body (Mt. 10:28; higher and distinct from the believer (1 Ti. 6:14-16; He.

1 Th. 5:23; Re. 6:9).

7:25, 26). Even in eternity, He is on the throne, and His The Characteristics of the Soul. The soul thinks (Ge.

people serve Him (Re. 22:3). [See Branch, Jesus Christ, 49:6); it can sin (Le. 4:2); it can love God and keep His Messiah, Only Begotten, Son of Man.]

commandments (De. 6:5; 10:12; 11:13); it can meditate SOOTHSAYER. One who claims to be able to foretell upon God’s words (De. 11:18); it can love a friend (1

the future; fortune telling; divination (Jos. 13:22; Is.

Sa. 18:1-3); it can trust in God (Ps. 57:1; 63:1); it can 2:6; Da. 5:11; Mi. 5:12; Ac. 16:16). [See Witchcraft.]

be chastened with fasting (Ps. 69:10). The soul is SOPATER (savior of his father). Ac. 20:4.

particularly associated with man’s feelings and desires.

SOP. A morsel (Jn. 13:26-30).

The soul can be hungry (Is. 29:8), can experience romantic love and friendship (Ge. 34:3; 1 Sa. 18:1-3), SOPHERETH (female scribe). Ne. 7:57.

can be discouraged because of difficulty (Nu. 21:4). The SOPHIA. [See World Council of Churches.]

soul can be “anguished” (Ge. 42:21), “dried out” (Nu.

SORCERY. The practice of witchcraft; wizardry; 11:6), “grieved” (Ju. 10:16; Job 30:25), “cast magic; divination; enchanting; fortune telling (Ex. 7:11; down” (Ps. 43:5). The soul can “lust” (De. 12:15), Is. 47:9, 12; 57:3; Je. 27:9; Da. 2:2; Mal. 3:5; Ac. 8:9,

“long” (De. 12:20), and “thirst for God” (Ps. 42:2).

11; 13:6, 8; Re. 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; 22:15). [See What is the Difference between Soul and Spirit? The Astrologer, Devils, Witchcraft.]

“soul” is used in close association with the “spirit.” Job SORE. (1) Intensely; severely; mightily; powerfully; was anguished in spirit and soul (Job 7:11). So in some deeply; persistently (Ge. 20:8; 43:1; Ex. 14:10; Jud.

cases the “soul” might be a synonym for the “spirit,” but 15:18; Lk. 2:9; Ac. 20:37). (2) Pain; hurt (Ge. 34:25).

the N.T. makes a plain distinction between the two. It SORE UPON. Heavily; intensely; severely; urgently; says that man has both a soul and a spirit (1 Th. 5:23), mightily; persistently; aggressively (Ge. 19:9; Jud.

and the soul can be divided from the spirit (He. 4:12). It 14:17).

appears from Hebrews 4:12 that the the spirit can be SOREK (generous vine). Ju. 16:4.

conceived of as “inside” the soul as the marrow is inside SORER. More sore; more severe (He. 10:29).

the joints or bones. The soul is the “outer part” of the inner, immaterial man. As we have seen, the soul is the SORROW. [See Believe, Godly Sorrow, Happy, part of man that relates to the world. It lusts, hungers, Heaven, Joy, Merry, Repentance, Suffering, Trials, loves, joys, fears, sorrows. It is emotional and affected Tribulation.]

by the environment and therefore unstable. The spirit of SORT. Kind; manner (Ge. 6:19; 2 Ki. 24:14; Ac.

man is also affected by emotions (2 Co. 2:13), but the 17:5; 2 Co. 7:11; 2 Ti. 3:6; 3 Jn. 6).

spirit of man is the deepest part of man; it is that which SOSIPATER (savior of his father). R. 16:21.

communes with God. The spirit is where the Lord dwells SOSTHENES (secure in strength). Ac. 18:17.

in the believer and where He communes with us (Ro.

SOTAI (the Lord has departed). Ezr. 2:55.

8:16; 1 Co. 6:17; 2 Ti. 4:22). It is with the spirit that we seek God (Is. 26:9). It is by the spirit that we search the SOTTISH. Thick headed (Je. 4:22).

heart (Ps. 77:6). The spirit is the candle of the Lord that searches all the inward parts, which would include the 618

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SOUND DOCTRINE - SPIRITUAL SONG

heart and soul (Pr. 20:27). The spirit is the wellspring of SPECTACLE. A show; something exhibited to view (1

man’s being. “We may use the illustration of three Co. 4:9). The Greek word ( theatron) means “a place for concentric circles: The outer circle refers to our body. Our public show (‘theatre’), i.e. general audience-room; by body is our outer part containing our five senses with implication a show itself” (Strong). This word is also which we contact all the things of the physical, material translated “theatre” (Ac. 19:29, 31).

realm. The middle circle refers to our soul. Our soul is our SPED. Succeeded; prospered (Jud. 5:30).

inner part containing our mind, emotion and will with SPEED. Quickness; haste; diligence (1 Sa. 20:38; 2

which we contact all the things of the psychological Sa. 15:14; Ac. 17:15).

realm. The inner circle refers to our spirit. Our spirit is our innermost part with which we contact God and SPEED, GOOD. [See Good Speed.]

substantiate all the things of the spiritual realm” (Tom SPENDETH IT UP. To use up; consume (Pr. 21:20).

Smith, What Is the Difference between the Soul and Spirit SPEWING. Vomiting (Hab. 2:16).

of Man? holdingtotruth.com).

SPICERY. Spices; aromatics (Ge. 37:25).

There are two important applications to this SPIKENARD. A plant from which a fragrant ointment teaching. First, God intends for man to walk in the spirit was made (Song 4:13, 14). The Greek word is nardos so that man’s spirit, surrendered to God’s Spirit, controls (Mk. 14:3). The plant grows in the Himalaya Mountains his soul and body. The heart and the soul affect the at a great elevation (Analytical).

spirit (Pr. 15:13), but the spirit should control the heart SPIRIT. The word spirit has various meanings in and the soul. See Ps. 42:5; Pr. 23:19. Consider the Scripture according to the context. (1) Sometimes example of Mary’s praise (Lk. 1:46-47). It could be said (rarely) it refers to man’s breath (Job 27:3). (2) that Mary’s rejoicing spirit moved her soul to praise Sometimes it refers to intelligence and skill (Ex. 28:3; God. “Mary lived and acted in her spirit, which directed De. 34:9). (3) Sometimes it refers to the emotions (Ex.

her soul” (“What Is the Difference between the Soul and 6:9; 1 Sa. 1:15). (4) Sometimes it refers to demons (Le.

the Spirit?” Bibles for America, Feb. 2, 2014). Second, 20:27; Ju. 9:23; Job 4:15; Mt. 12:43; Mk. 1:23; 3:30; the Word of God can cut through man’s being, through 5:2; 7:25; 9:20-26; Ac. 5:16; 8:7; 16:18; 19:12, 13; 1

the turmoil of the soul, to bring peace by His presence Ti. 4:1). [See Devils.] (5) Sometimes it refers to angels in the spirit (2 Ti. 4:22).

(He. 1:7, 14). [See Angel.] (6) Sometimes it refers to It also appears that soul and spirit point to a major the Holy Spirit (Ge. 1:2; 6:3; Ze. 4:6; Mt. 3:16; Ac. 2:4; difference between the natural body and the 5:9; Ro. 8:9). [See Holy Spirit.] (7) Spirit also refers to resurrection body. The natural body is largely soulish, the immaterial part of man, the inner man that is whereas the resurrection body is spiritual (1 Co. 15:45).

distinct from the body and that passes into eternity at This means that the resurrection body is totally oriented death. The spirit can faint (Ge. 45:26), can be willing to the spirit. The natural body has a spirit within the (Ex. 35:21), can be hardened (De. 2:30), can be sad (1

soul, but the spirit is often overwhelmed by and Ki. 21:5), can be troubled (Jn. 13:21), can rejoice (Lk.

controlled by the soul. The resurrection body will be 10:21), can be refreshed (1 Co. 16:18). Ec. 12:7 says oriented in an entirely different manner so as to be the spirit returns to God at death. The N.T. says there completely dominated by the spiritual realm. [See also are three parts to man: spirit, soul, and body (1 Th.

Death, Heart, Hell, Immortal, Mind, Spirit.]

5:23). Jesus dismissed His spirit from His body when He SOUND DOCTRINE. Healthy, correct doctrine (2 Ti.

died on the cross (Lk. 23:46). The Christian is to be holy 1:13; 4:3; Tit. 1:9, 13; 2:1-2). [See Doctrine, False in body and in spirit (1 Co. 7:34; 2 Co. 7:1). Death is Teaching, Inspiration, Separation.]

separation of the spirit from the body (Ja. 2:26). [For a SOVEREIGN WILL. God acts according to His own study on the difference between soul and spirit, see will and pleasure (Ep. 1:11). [See Predestination, Soul.] [See also Death, Heart, Hell, Immortal, Mind, Presbyterian.]

Seventh-day Adventism.]

SOWER - PARABLE OF. [For commentary on the SPIRIT BAPTISM. [See Charismatic, Holy Spirit.]

Parable of the Sower in Mt. 13:3-9 see Parables, SPIRIT FILLING. [See Holy Spirit.]

Prophecy. Tares.]

SPIRIT SEALING. [See Holy Spirit.]

SPACE. An interval of time (Ezr. 9:8; Ac. 5:34; Re.

SPIRIT SLAYING. [See Charismatic, Holy Spirit.]

2:21; 17:10).

SPIRITUAL ROCK. A reference to Jesus Christ as a SPAN. [See Weights and Measures.]

fulfillment of the Old Testament type of the Rock (1 Co.

SPEAK. [See Backbiting, Blaspheme, Busybody, 10:4). [See Rock.]

Curse, Evil Speaking, Intermeddle, Slander, Talebearer, SPIRITUAL SONG. [See Hymn.]

Tattler, Whisperer.]

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 619

SPIRITULITY - STAR

SPIRITUALITY. [See Holy, Righteousness, STAGGER. Hesitate; falter (Ro. 4:20).

Sanctification, Upright.]

STANCH. To stop; to cease to flow (Lk. 8:44).

SPIRITUALIST. [See Witchcraft.]

STAND TO. To agree to; abide by (De. 25:8; 2 Ki.

SPIRITUALIZE. An allegorical method of Bible 23:3; 2 Ch. 34:32).

interpretation. [See Allegorical, Prophecy.]

STANDING. A person’s position before God. Prior to SPITEFULLY. Shamefully; disgracefully (Mt. 22:6; salvation, all men stand in a position of condemnation Lk. 18:32).

(Ro. 3:9-18). When a person trusts Jesus Christ, his SPITTED ON. To be spit upon (Lk. 18:32).

standing changes. In Christ he has a new standing of SPOIL. (1) Plunder taken in war (Ge. 49:27; Nu.

eternal blessing (Ro. 5:1-2; 1 Co. 15:1). [See 31:9; De. 2:35; Jos. 8:2; 11:14). (2) To ruin; to lead Justification, Sanctification.]

astray (Col. 2:8).

STAR. (1) Heavenly bodies. Any of the various types SPOKEN FOR. Asked in marriage (Song 8:8).

of hot, gaseous, self-luminous celestial bodies, as the sun or Polaris, whose energy is derived from nuclear-SPORT. To make merry; play; also used in the sense fusion reactions; any celestial body, except the moon, of mocking and jesting (Jud. 16:25; Pr. 10:23; 26:19; Is.

that appears as a fixed point of light in the night sky 57:4).

(Random House Webster’s College Dictionary). God SPORTING. To play; to laugh; to have pleasure (Ge.

made the stars on the fourth day of creation (Ge.

26:7). In 2 Pe. 2:13, the term describes false teachers.

1:14-19) for the purpose of giving light, and for “signs, The root Greek word, truphao, is translated “lived in and for seasons, and for days, and years.” God also pleasure” in Ja. 5:5 and “riot” in 2 Pe. 2:13. It speaks of made the stars to declare His glory (Ps. 19:1). Man is the following: (1) the casual attitude of certain false not controlled by the stars, but he gauges the passing of teachers regarding the Word of God and eternal truth; time by them. He is forbidden to use the stars (2) the mocking attitude of certain false teachers astrologically (Is. 47:13). The stars are not to be regarding those who stand in the old paths, the “faith worshiped (De. 4:19). God promised to multiply once delivered to the saints”; (3) the worldly attitude of Abraham’s seed as the stars of heaven (Ge. 15:5; 22:17; certain false teachers in rejecting biblical soberness and 26:4; Ex. 32:13; De. 1:10; 10:22; 28:26; 1 Ch. 27:23; holiness and loving carnal pleasures (2 Pe. 2:14). [See Ne. 9:23; He. 11:12. A star guided the wise men to the False Teaching.]

infant Jesus (Mt. 2:2,9-10).

SPOUSE. A marriage partner (Hos. 4:13-14). [See Everything the Bible says about the stars has proven Home.]

to be scientifically accurate. Of the references to stars in SPRING. (1) To come forth; to break forth; to arise the book of Job, Henry Morris, head of the Institute for out of; to proceed from; to leap (Nu. 21:17; De. 8:7; Job Creation Research, testifies, “... of even greater 5:6; Mk. 4:27). (2) The dawn (Jud. 19:25; 1 Sa. 9:26).

significance is the fact that in a 4,000-year-old book (3) Fountain; an issue of water (2 Ki. 2:21).

filled with numerous references to natural phenomena, SPRINKLING. (1) The blood was sprinkled in the there are no scientific mistakes or fallacies.” Some of the O.T. economy to typify the atonement of Jesus Christ facts about stars mentioned in Scripture and confirmed (Ex. 24:6, 8; 29:16, 20; Le. 1:5, 11; 3:2, 8, 13; 7:2, 14; by modern science—(a) The stars are innumerable (Ge.

8:19; 9:12, 18; 17:6; Nu. 18:17; 2 Ki. 16:13, 15; He.

15:5). Long before the development of the telescope 9:19, 21; 12:24; 1 Pe. 1:2). (2) Water was sprinkled in God’s Word said the stars are as innumerable as the the O.T. economy to typify purification (Nu. 8:6-7; sand of the shore (compare Ge. 13:16 and 15:5). The 19:19-21). (3) God uses the sprinkling of water to naked eye can count only about 3,000 stars, but modern symbolize His New Covenant with Israel (Eze.

science confirms that “the stars and the sand are of 36:24-25). (4) Some denominations use sprinkling as a about the same order of magnitude in number [and] it mode of baptism, also called affusion. The candidate is constitutes one of the many remarkable examples of sprinkled with a small amount of water. Such a practice modern scientific truth found in the pages of the Bible is not taught in the N.T. and is contrary to the apostolic long before scientists could have learned them by the method of baptism [See Baptism - Immersion, Baptism scientific method” (The Genesis Record). (b) The stars Infant, Covenant.]

have courses (Ju. 5:20). (c) The stars are VERY high SPUE. To vomit; to spit (Le. 18:28; Re. 3:16).

(Job 22:12). One of the distant stars which has been STABLISH. Establish; make firm or stable (2 Sa.

identified by scientists, Abel 2029, is one billion light 7:13; 1 Ch. 17:12; Ro. 16:25; 1 Th. 3:13).

years away. (One light year is 5.9 trillion miles!) (d) The stars are governed by set ordinances (Je. 31:35). The STACHYS (ear of corn). Ro. 16:9.

movement of the heavenly bodies is so precise that man STACTE. An aromatic gum (Ex. 30:34).

can navigate by them, and is able to determine exactly 620

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STAR GAZER - STEAL

where a planet will be years ahead of time. (e) The stars messengers are repeatedly said to be the pastors. (e) differ in glory. “J. Bayer, in 1603, devised a method or

“The personal words of warning (Re. 2:4), reproof (2:5), system to indicate their brightness or magnitude. No censure (3:1), and encouragement (2:10) best fit the astronomer today will deny this fact. Stars are now pastor of each local church rather than an holy known to differ in size, color, light emitted, density, and angel.” [See also Church, Covenant, Daystar, False heat. Our sun, which is a star, is over 1,000,000 times Teachers, Heaven, Star.]

the size of our earth, yet there are some stars at least a STAR GAZER. Astrologers (Is. 47:13). [See million times as large as our sun, and some smaller than Astrologer, Witchcraft.]

the planet Mercury” (World’s Bible Handbook).

STATE. Condition; station (Ps. 39:5; Pr. 27:23; 28:2; (2) Star refers to Jesus Christ. He is the “star out of Is. 22:19; Ph. 2:19-20). [For difference between Jacob” (Nu. 24:17), the “Daystar” (2 Pe. 1:19), and the

“standing and state” in the Christian life see

“bright and morning star” (Re. 22:16). “He is the Justification.]

fountain of all light, the bright and the morning star, STATUTE. Decree; legislation; charge (Ex. 15:25; and as such has given to his churches this morning light 18:16; De. 4:1; Ps. 119:5). [See Law.]

of prophecy, to assure them of the light of that perfect day which is approaching” (Matthew Henry).

STAY. (1) To remain in one place (Ge. 32:4; Ex.

10:24). (2) To wait for (Ru. 1:13). (3) Support; (3) The angels are called the “morning stars” (Job foundation (2 Sa. 22:19; Is. 3:1). (4) Chief (Is. 19:13).

38:7), and are called “stars” in Re. 12:4 in conjunction The word “stay” in this verse is translated “cornerstone”

with the fall of Satan. (Lucifer is called “son of the in Is. 28:16. (5) To be stopped; restrained (Le. 13:5; Job morning” in Is. 14:12.) “These mighty angels—the same 38:11; Eze. 31:15; Ha. 1:10). (6) To cause to stand up; ones mentioned twice in the prologue to the Book of to uphold (Ex. 17:12; 1 Ki. 22:35). (7) To meditate Job—were fascinated observers when God provided upon; to depend on; to rest on (Is. 26:3; 48:2).

firm foundations for the earth, and they rejoiced when it was done, evidently knowing that the earth would be STAY UPON. To wait upon; to trust in (Is. 10:20; their primary sphere of ministry when God completed 50:10).

his creation. These angels were the ‘morning stars’ in STEAD. In the place of; in behalf of (Ge. 4:25; 2 Co.

the Hebrew poetic parallel format used here” (Henry 5:20; Phile. 13).

Morris).

STEAL. To steal is to break one of the Ten (4) A false god worshiped by Israel is called “the star of Commandments by taking that which belongs to your god Remphan” (Ac. 7:43). [See Idolatry, Moloch.]

another (Ex. 20:15). Stealing is closely connected with (5) False teachers are called “wandering stars,” in lying and dealing falsely (Le. 19:11). The punishment referring to their destiny of eternal damnation (Jude for theft was restitution. If the stolen item was sold or 13).

eaten, the thief was to pay back five times (Ex. 22:1). If the money or item was found in his possession, he was (6) The messengers to the seven churches of Asia were to pay back double (Ex. 22:4). The one who stole typified by seven stars (Re. 1:16, 20; 2:1). For the through deception was to restore the principal plus 20

following reasons we believe these “angels” are not percent (Le. 6:2-5). If he had nothing to pay, he was to heavenly beings, but the leaders, the pastors, of the be sold as a slave (Ex. 22:3). Stealing was a sin which seven churches referred to in these chapters. The had to be cleansed by the blood (Le. 6:6-7). To kill a following is from “The Case for the Singularity of thief who was caught committing a crime was justifiable Pastors,” Baptist Bulletin, June 1982: (a) Angel means (Ex. 22:2). Stealing is associated with, and easily leads

“messenger,” but not necessarily heavenly messenger. In to, violence (Pr. 1:10-19). Stealing is a sin that the following passages the same Greek word translated originates in the fallen heart (Mt. 15:19; Mk. 7:22).

“angel” is used to refer to men: John the Baptist (Mt.

Stealing brings shame and disgrace (Je. 2:26) and 11:10; Mk. 1:2); John’s disciples (Lk. 7:24); Jesus’

destruction (Pr. 21:7). Stealing was punishable by disciples (Lk. 9:52); and the Israelite spies (Ja. 2:25).

crucifixion in the Roman Empire (Mk. 15:27). The thief Thus it would not be wrong to interpret the angels of will not go to heaven unless he is born again (1 Co.

the churches in Revelation to be men as well. (b) John 6:9-11). The Christian is to stop stealing and rather to wrote to these messengers. In no other case in the Bible do work with his own hands to support himself and others we find men writing to heavenly angels. Men write to (Ep. 4:18). The Christian must not steal from his men! (c) Jesus gave the Revelation by His angel (Re.

employer, but must be completely faithful to his masters 22:16). Are we to think that the angel wrote through (Tit. 2:10). Stealing is a crime men will be guilty of in the Apostle to other angels? (d) No other passage teaches the Tribulation period and which they will not repent of that each church has a special heavenly angel through (Re. 9:21). [See Capital Punishment, Covet, Defraud, which God sends messages. Rather, the church Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 621

STEPHANAS - STRANGE

Employment, Extortion, Gold, Kill, Labor, Money, frequently translated “throne” (Ge. 41:40; 2 Sa. 3:10; 1

Possessions, Private Ownership of Property, Purloin, Ki. 1:13; etc.).

Tithe.]

STORE. Plenty; abundance (Ge. 26:14).

STEPHANAS (crown). 1 Co. 1:16; 16:15, 17.

STOREHOUSE. A place for keeping treasures, STEPHEN (a crown). The first Christian martyr (Ac.

supplies, etc. (De. 28:8; 1 Ch. 29:16). The temple was 6:5 - 7:59).

the storehouse for Israel’s tithes (Mal. 3:10). The church STEWARDSHIP. To be in charge of another’s is the storehouse for the tithes and offerings of God’s property (Ge. 15:2; 43:19; 1 Ch. 28:1; Mt. 20:8; Lk.

people today (1 Co. 9:13-14; 16:1, 2). [See Tithe.]

16:1-8). Christians are stewards of the Gospel (1 Co.

STORY. History (2 Ch. 13:22; 24:27).

4:1-2), spiritual gifts and ministries (1 Pe. 4:10, 11), STOUT. Proud; haughty; stubborn; strong (Job 4:11; and all that they own (1 Ti. 6:17-19). The steward is Is. 9:9; 10:12; Da. 7:20; Mal. 3:13).

responsible for his sphere of service and will give STRAIGHTWAY. At once; directly; immediately (1

account to his master. [See Employment, Judgment, Sa. 9:13; Mt. 3:16; Mk. 1:10). “Straightway” is one of Labor, Money, Offerings, Possessions, Private Ownership the key words of the Gospel of Mark, signifying the of Property, Tithe.]

servant aspect of the life of Christ (Mk. 1:10, 18, 20, 21; STIFFHEARTED, STIFFNECKED. Hardness of heart; 2:2; 3:6; 5:29, 42; 6:25, 45, 54; 7:35; 8:10; 9:15, 20, proud; rebellious (Ex. 32:9; 33:3, 5; 34:9; De. 9:6, 13; 24; 11:3; 14:45; 15:1). The Greek word translated 10:16; 31:27; 2 Ch. 30:8; 36:13; Ps. 35:5; Je. 17:23;

“ s t r a i g h t w a y ” ( u t h e o s ) i s a l s o t r a n s l a t e d Eze. 2:3; Ac. 7:51). [See Humble, Impenitence,

“forthwith” (Mk. 1:29, 43; 5:13), “immediately” (Mk.

Impudent, Presumptuous, Pride, Rebellion, Repentance, 1:31, 42; 2:8, 12; 4:5, 15, 16, 17, 29; 5:2, 30; 6:27; Sin, Stubborn.]

10:52; 14:43), “anon” (Mk. 1:30), “as soon as” (Mk.

STIR. Commotion; tumult (Is. 22:2; Ac. 12:18; 5:36; 11:2), “by and by” (Lk. 17:7), and “shortly” (3 Jn.

19:23).

14).

STOICKS. A sect of Greek philosophers, followers of STRAIN AT. To strain out (Mt. 23:24).

Zeno who taught at Athens from 299-263 BC (Ac.

STRAIT. (1) Constricted; restricted; distressed; 17:18). They exalted human reason as supreme. They narrow; restrained (Pr. 4:12; Mi. 2:7; Mt. 7:13-14; Lk.

were fatalists, believing that all things are 12:50). (2) Urgently; forcefully (Ge. 43:7; Mk. 3:12; Ac.

predestinated, and they tried to be indifferent to all 4:17).

circumstances, whether joyful or sorrowful. They STRAITLY. Strictly; closely (Ge. 43:7; Jos. 6:1; Mt.

conceived of God as pantheistic, as the originator of all 9:30).

things and as all things, but not a personal, knowable Creator.

STRAITNESS. Narrowness (De. 28:53, 55,57; Job 36:16; Je. 19:9).

STOMACHER. An article of women’s dress (Is. 3:24).

T h e r e i s c o n s i d e r a b l e d i s a g r e e m e n t a m o n g STRANGE. Foreign; unusual; unacquainted; exciting commentators as to the exact nature of the stomacher, curiosity (Lk. 5:26; Ac. 17:20; 1 Pe. 4:4). A Hebrew some saying it covered the breast and the pit of the word translated “strange” 23 times is zuwr, and it is also stomach; others, that it was a type of girdle. The latter translated “stranger” (Ex. 29:33), “estranged” (Job would appear to fit the context of Isaiah 3:24 most 19:13), “another” (Je. 18:14), and “gone away” (Is.

precisely, for the stomacher was to be exchanged for a 1:4). Another Hebrew word translated “strange” is

“girding of sackcloth.”

nekar (17 times) (Ge. 35:4). It is translated “stranger”

17 times (Ge. 17:12) and “alien” one time (Is. 61:5).

STONE. [See Cornerstone, Rock, Stumbling Block,

“Strange” is oftentimes used in the sense of foreign, as Stumblingstone.]

in “strange gods” (Ge. 35:2; De. 32:16; Jos. 24:23), STONING. A method of capital punishment called for

“strange land” (Ex. 2:22), “strange language” (Ps.

in the Law of Moses (Ex. 19:13; 21:28, 29, 32; Le. 20:2, 114:1), “strange nation” (Ex. 18:3), “strange waters” (2

27; 24:14, 16, 23; Nu. 15:35, 36; De. 13:10; 17:5; Ki. 19:24), “strange wives” (Ezr. 10:2), “strange children 21:21; 22:21, 24; Jos. 7:25). It also was a common form (Ps. 144:7), “strange speech” (Eze. 3:6), “strange of murder among the Jews (Ex. 17:4; 1 Sa. 30:6; 1 Ki.

cities” (Ac. 26:11). In addition to the sense of 12:18; 21:13-15; 2 Co. 11:25; He. 11:37). [See Kill.]

foreignness and uncommonness, the biblical usage of STOOL. (1) Birthing stool (Ex. 1:16). (2) A chair (2

“strange” refers to that which is contrary to God’s law Ki. 4:10). The stool which was made for Elijah’s guest and pleasure. The “strange woman” speaks not merely room was not necessarily a small backless seat as the of the fact that the woman is a foreigner, but that she is word is commonly used today. The Hebrew word a woman who rejects God’s moral commandments (Pr.

translated “stool” in 2 Ki. 4:10 is the word most 23:27). The “strange fire” is fire offered in God’s service 622

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

STRANGE FIRE - STRONG DRINK

contrary to His express instructions (Le. 10:1-7). The Tabernacle.]

“strange doctrines” (He. 13:9) refer to doctrine contrary STRANGE WOMAN. The immoral woman; any to Apostolic revelation. The “strange flesh” (Jude 1:7) woman with whom a man would be tempted to have refers to homosexual acts contrary to the natural order sexual improprieties other than his own wife (Pr. 2:16; which God established for sexual relationships. [See 5:3, 10, 17, 20; 7:5; 22:14; 23:33). Characteristics of the Abomination, Strange Fire, Strange Woman.]

Strange Woman: (1) Improperly clothed (Pr. 7:10); STRANGE FIRE. Strange fire is God’s description of contrast 1 Ti. 2:9; 1 Pe. 3:2. (2) Subtil of heart (Pr.

the sin of Nadab and Abihu (Le. 10:1-11). Chiefly, their 7:10); contrast Tit. 2:4. (3) Loud (Pr. 7:11); contrast 1

sin was presumption and disorder in the service of God.

Pe. 3:4. (4) Stubborn (Pr. 7:11); contrast 1 Ti. 2:11; (5) The exact nature of their sin had to do with the Not content to stay at home (Pr. 7:11-12); contrast Tit.

following: (1) They used censers and incense apart from 2:5. (6) Intrigued by immorality (Pr. 7:12); contrast Tit.

God’s commandment. The occasion of this sin was the 2:4-5. (7) Façade of religion (Pr. 7:14); contrast 1 Pe.

setting up of the Tabernacle. The preceding passage 3:5. (8) Unfaithful to her marriage vows (Pr. 7:19); emphasizes that everything had been done “as the Lord contrast Pr. 31:11. The Protection from the Strange commanded.” This expression is repeated at least 12

Woman (Pr. 7:24-27): (1) Learn wisdom and obedience times in Leviticus chapters 8 and 9. Moses and Aaron in childhood and youth (v. 24). (2) Guard the heart (v.

did everything precisely “according to the manner” of 25; Job 31:1; Pr. 4:23-27). (3) Guard the footsteps (v.

God’s prescribed order (Le. 9:15). God had not told 25). (4) Remember immorality’s power (v. 26). (5) them to offer incense at this time nor in this manner.

Remember immorality’s wages (v. 27). [See Adultery, The only divine instructions God had given about Fornication, Guide of Her Youth, Modesty, Precious Life, incense in the Tabernacle service to that point pertained Prostitution.]

to the golden incense altar (Ex. 30:1-8). God had STRAW. (1) Grass (Ge. 24:25; Ex. 5:7). (2) Scatter prescribed that Aaron, the high priest, was to burn (Mt. 21:8).

incense thereon. Nothing had been written to give STREW. To scatter; sprinkle (Ex. 32:20; Mt. 25:24).

permission for other priests to burn incense. Thus Nadab and Abihu were acting out of presumption, and STRICKEN. (1) Advanced in years (Ge. 18:11; 24:1; God used this solemn occasion to fortify the importance Jos. 13:1; 1 Ki. 1:1; Lk. 1:7). (2) Past participle of strike of obeying His Word in matters of religious duty. (2) It is (Ju. 5:26; Is. 1:5; 53:4).

possible that this offense was connected with the source STRIFE. Contention; quarreling; fighting (Ge. 13:7; of the fire Nadab and Abihu offered. Just previous to Pr. 15:18; 17:1; 20:3; 26:17; 30:33; Ro. 13:13; 1 Co.

this God had consumed the offering on the altar of 3:3; 2 Co. 12:20; Ga. 5:20; Ph. 1:15; 2:3; 1 Ti. 6:3; Ja.

sacrifice (Le. 9:24). The incense offered on the Day of 3:14, 16). [See Anger, Dissension, Variance.]

Atonement was to be laid on coals taken from the fire STRIKE HANDS. To become surety for someone; to burning on the altar of sacrifice (Le. 16:11-12). This fire conclude a contract by striking hands together (Job pointed to the wrath which would be poured out upon 17:3; Pr. 17:18; 22:26). [See Surety.]

Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who would take away the STRIKER. Quarrelsome; contentious; a fighter; sin of the world. The divine fire burning on the altar pugnacious; a smiter (1 Ti. 3:3; Tit. 1:7). [See Anger, that day solemnly represented the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Gentle, Patience, Strife.]

For Nadab and Abihu to bring fire into the Tabernacle at STRIPLING. A youth in the state of adolescence, or this time from a common source would have been just passing from boyhood to manhood; a lad (Webster) abominable to God in that they thereby ignored the (1 Sa. 17:56).

importance of the fire which symbolized the ONE and STRONG DRINK. Intoxicating alcoholic beverage ONLY sacrifice and altar acceptable to God. (3) It is (Le. 10:9; Nu. 6:3; 1 Sa. 1:15; Pr. 20:1; 31:4; Is. 24:9; possible that Nadab and Abihu had entered into the very 28:7; 56:12; Mi. 2:11). Some identifying characteristics holy of holies (compare 16:1, 2). Entrance into God’s of strong drink are these: (1) It inflames (Is. 5:11). Any very presence, of course, was barred except for the high alcoholic beverage that has the potential to inflame the priest, who could enter once a year to make the human passions is forbidden by Scripture. (2) It Atonement. All of this signified “that the way into the

“moveth itself aright” (Pr. 23:31), referring to the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the fermentation process, and is a warning against all first tabernacle was yet standing” (He. 9:7-9). (4) It is alcoholic wine. (3) It is “mixed wine” (Pr. 23:30), also possible that Nadab and Abihu were intoxicated.

referring to the mingling of grape juice with stimulants.

The account of their sin is immediately followed by a

[See Drunkenness, Wine.]

proscription against priests drinking alcoholic beverages (Le. 10:8-11). [See Abomination, Censer, Incense, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 623

STROW - SUFFERING

STROW. To scatter; disburse; broadcast (Ex. 32:20; 2

SUDDEN. Any instant; unexpected (Nu. 6:9; 35:22; Ch. 34:4; Mt. 25:24; Mk. 11:8).

Jos. 10:9; Is. 30:13; Mk. 13:36; Lk. 2:13; 9:39; Ac. 9:3; STUBBORN. Selfwilled; obstinate in one’s own way 22:6; 1 Th. 5:3). (2) Hastily; speedily (1 Ti. 5:22). [For and opinion; inflexible even in the face of the truth (De.

the imminency of Christ’s return see Rapture.]

21:18; Ju. 2:19; 1 Sa. 15:23; Ps. 78:8; Pr. 7:11). [See SUFFER. (1) To allow (Ge. 20:6; Ex. 12:23; Mt.

Humility, Impenitence, Impudent, Presumptuous, Pride, 3:15; 19:14; Ac. 27:7). (2) To endure; to bear pain (Mt.

Rebellion, Repentance, Sin, Stiffhearted.]

16:21; 17:17; 1 Co. 9:12; 2 Th. 2:14). (3) Trouble; STUDY. To give diligence to; to endeavor with much pain; sorrow. [See Comfort, Suffering, Trial, effort (1 Th. 4:11; 2 Ti. 2:15).

Tribulation.]

STUFF. Baggage (1 Sa. 10:22; 25:13; 30:24).

SUFFER HUNGER. To be hungry (Ps. 34:10; Pr.

STUMBLING BLOCK. Something which causes a 19:15).

person to stumble (Le. 19:14). The term “stumbling SUFFERING. Trouble; pain; persecution; sorrow; block” refers to anything a Christian does to hinder the distress; injury; loss.

spiritual progress of another person (Ro. 14:13; 1 Co.

The Fact of Suffering. The Bible says that every child 8 : 9 ; R e . 2 : 1 4 ) . [ S e e C o r n e r s t o n e , R o c k , of Adam will suffer (Job 5:7). The Christian is subject to Stumblingstone.]

the normal afflictions of this sinful world, plus he will STUMBLINGSTONE. Christ is the stumblingstone to also suffer for his faith (Ac. 14:22; Ro. 8:18; 2 Ti. 3:12; those who reject His salvation (Is. 8:14; 1 Pe. 2:8). Free 1 Pe. 4:12).

redemption through faith in Christ’s blood is a The Extent of the Christian’s Suffering. What types of stumblingstone to those who desire to justify themselves suffering can the Christian expect? (1) Financial lack (1

through good works and religion (Ro. 9:32, 33; 1 Co.

Ti. 6:6-8). God does not promise financial prosperity to 1:23). [See Cornerstone, Grace, Jesus Christ, Rock, His people in this life. He has often required that His Stumbling Block.]

children be relatively poor. He promises to meet our SUAH (speaking, entreating). 1 Ch. 7:36.

needs (Ps. 37:25; He. 13:5), not necessarily our wants.

SUBSTANCE. Possessions (De. 11:6; He. 10:34).

The widow’s meal barrel did not fail, but it is also true that she had to scrape the bottom every day (1 Ki.

SUBTIL. Deceitful; crafty; cunning; with guile. The 17:12-16)! God uses our want to teach us manifold word is used both in a bad sense (Ge. 3:1; 27:35; 2 Sa.

lessons and to keep us humble and dependent upon 13:3; Pr. 7:10; Mt. 26:4; Ac. 13:10; 2 Co. 11:3) and Him. (2) Sickness (2 Co. 12:7-10; Ph. 2:25-27; 1 Ti.

(rarely) in a good sense (Pr. 1:4). [See Beguile, Deceit, 5:23; 2 Ti. 4:20). (3) Emotional sufferings (2 Co. 1:8; Dissimulation, Entice, False Teaching, Feign, Flattery, 7:5; Ps. 119:25, 28, 82-83,143). (4) Persecution (Mk.

Satan, Sincere, Sleight, Wilily, Winketh.]

10:30; Ac. 14:22; 2 Co. 11:23-27; 2 Ti. 3:12; 1 Pe.

SUBURBS. The parts of a city which lie without the 4:1-4). (5) Spiritual and moral imperfection. The walls; the area surrounding a city (Le. 25:34; Nu. 35:2; Christian suffers because of his imperfect condition. The Jos. 14:4; 1 Ch. 6:55; Eze. 45:2).

indwelling Spirit yearns for perfect holiness, but in SUBVERT. To overturn; to overthrow; to turn out of practice we are far from that. One of the greatest the way (La. 3:36; Ac. 15:24; 2 Ti. 2:14; Tit. 1:11; sufferings for the child of God is his fallen condition. In 3:11).

this present world, we live in a “body of this death” (Ro.

SUCCESS. The favorable or prosperous termination 7:24). (6) The curse of the fallen world. The believer of any thing attempted; a termination which answers must endure pain and hardship in the storms, famines, the purpose intended (Webster) (Jos. 1:8).

pestilences, wars, and other tragedies of life (Ro.

SUCCOTH (booths, huts, tents). Ge. 33:17.

8:22-23). (7) Lack of visible success. God’s people are SUCCOTHBENOTH (2 Ki. 17:30). [See Idolatry.]

not promised any certain standard of visible success in this life. Many of God’s choicest saints labored with very SUCCOUR. Help; protection; assistance (2 Sa. 8:5; little evident success. Noah preached for 120 years and 21:17; Ro. 16:2; 2 Co. 6:2; He. 2:18).

saved only his immediate family. Jeremiah saw almost SUCCOURER. A helper (Ro. 16:2).

no visible results from his preaching. The crowds turned SUCH LIKE. Such; the like (Eze. 18:14; Mk. 7:8; Ga.

away from the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 6). Adoniram 5:21).

Judson labored in Burma for 12 years before he had his SUCKING CHILD. Nursing infant (Nu. 11:12; Is.

first Burmese convert.

11:8; 49:15).

The Purpose of the Christian’s Suffering. (1) Sin’s SUCKLING. Nursing infant (De. 32:25; 1 Sa. 15:3; curse. This present world is under God’s curse because Je. 44:7).

of sin, and the Christian participates in the normal 624

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SUFFICE - SUNDAY

afflictions of life (Ge. 3:17-19; Ro. 8:19-23). (2) Sowing SUFFICIENCY. Power; ability; capacity (Job 20:22; 2

and reaping. The Christian is subject to the law of Co. 3:5; 9:8).

sowing and reaping (Ro. 8:12, 13; Ga. 6:7-8; 1 Ti. 6:9; SUKKIMS (anointing, covered). 2 Ch. 12:3.

Ja. 1:14). Many of our troubles are the fruit of our sin SUMPTUOUSLY. Richly; costly; expensively (Lk.

and foolishness (Pr. 19:3), our lack of wisdom (Pr. 19:3; 16:19).

25:19; 26:17; 27:12), our slothfulness (Pr. 6:9-11; 15:19; 19:15; 20:4, 13; 24:30-34). (3) Testing faith; SUNDAY. The first day of the week. Christians producing fruit. God uses suffering to test the Christian’s worship the Lord on this day because of the following faith and to produce spiritual growth and reward (Ja.

Bible facts:

1:3, 4; 1 Pe. 1:6, 7; 4:12, 13). (4) Comforting others (2

Biblical Evidence that Early Christians Worshipped on Co. 1:4). (5) Producing obedience (He. 5:8). (6) Sunday

Producing godliness (Ro. 5:3-5). (7) Chastening. God (1) On the first day Jesus rose from the dead (Mk.

uses suffering to correct the Christian (Ps. 119:67, 71, 16:9). (2) On the first day Jesus first appeared to his 75; He. 12:5-11; 1 Co. 5:5; 11:28-32; Ja. 1:13-15; 1 Ti.

disciples (Mk. 16:9). (3). On the first day Jesus met 1:20). (8) Humility and power. God uses suffering to with the disciples at different places and repeatedly humble the Christian and to manifest His power (Mk. 16:9-11; Mt. 28:8-10; Lk. 24:34; Mk. 16:12-13; Jn.

through the Christian’s life (2 Co. 1:8-9; 4:7-12; 20:19-23). (4) On the first day Jesus blessed the 12:7-10). (9) God’s sovereignty. God uses suffering to disciples (Jn. 20:19). (5) On the first day Jesus accomplish His sovereign purposes (Jn. 9:2, 3; Ro. 8:28; imparted to the disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit (Jn.

1 Pe. 4:19). It is well to remember that God is God, and 20:22). (6) On the first day Jesus commissioned the He has a right to do what He pleases. It is crucial that disciples to preach the gospel to all the world (Jn.

we trust Him regardless of whether or not we 20:21; with Mk. 16:9-15). (7) On the first day Jesus understand His purposes with us. If we require that God ascended to heaven, was seated at the right hand of the reveal to us every purpose for His actions, He ceases to Father and was made Head of all (Jn. 20:17; Ep. 1:20).

be the sovereign God of the Bible. (10) Reward. God (8) On the first day many of the dead saints arose from uses suffering to perfect the future reward of the the grave (Mt. 27:52-53). (9) The first day became the Christian (Ro. 8:35-37; 1 Pe. 1:7; 2 Co. 4:17).

day of joy and rejoicing to the disciples (Jn. 20:20; Lk.

The Length of the Christian’s Suffering. “awhile” (1 Pe.

24:41). (10) On the first day the gospel of the risen 5:10); “a season” (1 Pe. 1:6); “this present time” (Ro.

Christ was first preached (Lk. 24:34). (11) On the first 8:18). The Bible promises no time limit to suffering, day Jesus explained the Scriptures to the disciples (Lk.

except that it is limited to this present life. God promises 24:27, 45). (12) On the first day the purchase of our to be with us in our suffering, but does not promise to redemption was completed (Ro. 4:25). (13) On the first remove the suffering. Consider Psalm 88. From day the Holy Spirit descended (Ac. 2:1). Pentecost was beginning to end, the Psalmist complains of his troubles on the 50th day after the sabbath following the wave and nowhere in the Psalm does he say there is relief.

offering (Le. 23:15, 16). Thus Pentecost was always on There are circumstances in life like this. The Christian is a Sunday. (14) The Christians met to worship on the sometimes faced with lifelong trials of various sorts. He first day (Ac. 20:6, 7; 1 Co. 16:2). Sunday is “the Lord’s cries often to God for relief, but no relief is given. He Day” (Re. 1:10) (D.M. Canright, Seventh-day Adventism must trust his loving God and by God’s grace endure the Renounced).

suffering as long as it lasts, even if it lasts a full lifetime.

Since those days, the vast majority of Christians have Possible Responses to Suffering. The following is from met to worship on the Lord’s day. They do this in honor 100 Bible Lessons: “(1) We may despise it, rebelling of Christ’s resurrection. He was in the tomb during the instead of submitting; this leads to hardness. (2) We sabbath and rose as the firstborn from the dead on the may faint under it (He. 12:12, 13). (3) We may first day. The sabbath signifies the last day of the old acquiesce and bear it, but not joyfully; this is the lowest creation (Ge. 2:2). Sunday is the first day of the new form of victory. (4) We may happily yield to the will of creation.

God; this is the highest form of victory.” [See Adversity, Historical Evidence that Early Christians Worshiped on Affliction, Believe, Calamity, Chasten, Comfort, Sunday

Consolation, Distress, Endure, Evil, Grief, Grieve, The Epistle of Barnabas (about A.D. 100).

Healing, Heaven, Hope, Mourn, Overcome, Patience,

“Wherefore, also we keep the eighth day with Perseverance, Temptation, Trials, Tribulation.]

joyfulness, the day also on which Jesus rose again from SUFFICE. To satisfy; to be sufficient for (Nu. 11:22; the dead.” The Epistle of Ignatius (about A.D. 107). “Be Ru. 2:14, 18; Jn. 14:8).

not deceived with strange doctrines, nor with old fables, which are unprofitable. For if we still live according to Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 625

SUNDER - SUPPER

the Jewish Law, we acknowledge that we have not the different ways in which God thought fit to received grace ... If, therefore, those who were brought communicate his mind to his prophets; sometimes by up in the ancient order of things have come to the the illapses [an immission or entrance of one thing into possession of a new hope, no longer observing the another] of his Spirit, sometimes by dreams, sometimes sabbath, but living in the observance of the Lord’s Day, by visions, sometimes by an audible voice, sometimes by on which also our life has sprung up again by Him and legible characters under his own hand, as when he by His death.” Justin Martyr (about A.D. 140). “And on wrote the ten commandments on tables of the day called Sunday all who live in cities or in the stone” (Matthew Henry). [See Bible.]

country gather together in one place, and the memoirs SUP. To eat; to fellowship (Lk. 17:8; 1 Co. 11:25; Re.

of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are 3:20). [See Lord’s Supper.]

read. ... But Sunday is the day on which we all hold a SUPERFLUITY OF NAUGHTINESS. Overflowing or common assembly, because it is the First day of the abundance of evil (Ja. 1:21). The word translated week on which God ... made the world; and Jesus Christ

“superfluity” is also translated “abundance” (Ro. 5:18; 2

our Saviour on the same day rose from the dead.”

Co. 8:2). The Greek word translated “naughtiness” is Bardesanes, Edessa (A.D. 180). “On one day the first of translated “evil” (Mt. 6:34), “malice” (1 Co. 5:8), the week, we assemble ourselves together.” Clement of

“wickedness” (Ac. 8:22), and “maliciousness” (Ro.

Alexandria (A.D. 194). “He, in fulfillment of the precept, 1:29). Lessons from this passage: (1) Evil continues to according to the gospel, keeps the Lord’s Day ...

be present in the Christian’s life. There is no eradication glorifying the Lord’s resurrection in himself.” Tertullian of sin when one is born again (1 Jn. 1:8-10). The sin (A.D. 200). “We solemnize the day after Saturday in nature still remains and expresses itself in an abundance contradiction to those who call this day their sabbath.”

of evil. (2) It is God’s will that the Christian lay apart Irenaeus (about A.D. 155-202). “The Mystery of the the evil from his life. The process is that of dying to self, Lord’s Resurrection may not be celebrated on any other of resisting sin, of growing in Christ. (3) The Word of day than the Lord’s Day, and on this alone should we God has the power to sanctify the Christian’s earthly observe the breaking off of the Paschal Feast.” Cyprian life. “...receive with meekness the engrafted word, (A.D. 250). “The eighth day, that is, the first day after which is able to save your souls.” [See Justification, the sabbath, and the Lord’s Day.” Apostolic Constitutions Sanctification, Sin.]

(A.D. 250). “On the day of the resurrection of the Lord

—that is, the Lord’s Day—assemble yourselves together SUPERFLUOUS. More than is wanted; unnecessary; without fail, giving thanks to God and praising Him for useless; abundant (Le. 21:18; 22:23; 2 Co. 9:1).

those mercies God has bestowed upon you through SUPERSCRIPTION. A writing or inscription (Mt.

Christ.” Anatolius (A.D. 270). “Our regard for the Lord’s 22:20; Mk. 15:26).

resurrection which took place on the Lord’s Day will SUPERSTITION. False religion; reverence of spirits; lead us to celebrate it.” Peter, Bishop of Alexandria (A.D.

belief without evidence (Ac. 17:22; 25:19). [See 306). “But the Lord’s Day we celebrate as a day of joy, Idolatry, Witchcraft.]

because on it, he rose again.” [See Sabbath, Seventh-SUPPLANT. To deceive; to remove or displace by day Adventism.]

stratagem. From the Latin supplant, meaning to trip up SUNDER. To part; to separate; to divide (Ps.

by the heels (Webster) (Ge. 27:36; Je. 9:4).

107:14).

SUPPLIANT. Entreating; beseeching; supplicating; SUNDIAL. [See Dial.]

asking earnestly and submissively (Zep. 3:10).

SUNDRY. Several; more than one or two. This word, SUPPLE. For cleansing (Eze. 16:4).

like several, is indefinite; but it usually signifies a small SUPPLICATION. Prayer; request (1 Sa. 13:12; 1 Ki.

number, sometimes many (Webster) (He. 1:1). “At 8:28-59; Job 8:5; Ps. 6:9; 30:8; Is. 45:14; Je. 36:7; Da.

sundry times, or by several parts, as the word signifies, 6:11; Ac. 1:14; Ep. 6:18; Ph. 4:6). The term which may refer either to the several ages of the O.T.

supplication, while used in a general sense for prayer, dispensation—the patriarchal, the Mosaic, and the has the prime meaning of approaching God in a humble, prophetic; or to the several gradual openings of his needy manner and beseeching Him for favor. The mind concerning the Redeemer: to Adam, that the Hebrew word ( tachanuwn), which is usually translated Messiah should come of the seed of the woman—to supplication, is translated “intreaties” in Pr. 18:23, Abraham, that he should spring from his loins—to referring to the manner in which the poor intreat favor Jacob, that he should be of the tribe of Judah—to from the rich. [See Intercession, Intreat, Prayer.]

David, that he should be of his house—to Micah, that he SUPPER. The Bible name for the meal Christ ate with should be born at Bethlehem—to Isaiah, that he should His disciples before His crucifixion (Lk. 22:20; Jn. 13:2, be born of a virgin. ... In divers manners, according to 4; 21:20). [See Lord’s Supper.]

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SUR (recession, departure). 2 Ki. 11:6.

SWORD. (1) As a weapon (Ge. 27:40; 34:25). “Two SURE (1) To know confidently (Ex. 3:19; Nu. 32:23; types of swords were used in the Middle East. One was 1 Sa. 20:7; 2 Sa. 1:10; Lk. 10:11; Jn. 6:69; Ro. 2:2). (2) straight, with a triangular blade sharpened on both To seal; to make secure; strong (Mt. 27:64-66). (3) sides and at the point. This was the type used in Israel.

Certain; faithful; dependable; safe (1 Sa. 2:35; 1 Ki.

The weapon was primarily used for thrusting. The other 11:38; Pr. 11:15, 18; Da. 4:26). God’s Word is sure (Ps.

type of sword was curved. It was sharpened only on one 19:7; 93:5). God’s promises are sure (2 Sa. 23:5; Ro.

edge, with the other edge thickened to add weight. With 4:16). God’s mercies are sure (Is. 55:3; Ac. 13:34).

t h i s s w o r d , a w a r r i o r w o u l d s l a s h a t a n God’s prophecies are sure (Da. 2:45; 2 Pe. 1:19). God’s opponent” (Revell). (2) As a symbol for the Word of foundation is sure (Is. 28:16; 2 Ti. 2:19). God’s hope is God (Ep. 6:7; He. 4:12; Re. 1:16; 2:12, 16; 19:15, 21).

sure (He. 6:19). [See Eternal Security.]

(3) As an instrument of capital punishment (Ro. 13:4).

SURELY. Securely (Pr. 10:9).

[See Bible, Military.]

SURETISHIP. The office of surety; holding security SYCHAR (a conclusion). Jn. 4:5.

against a loan (Pr. 11:15). [See Surety.]

SYCHEM (a gift). Ac. 7:16.

SURETY. Guarantee; security for payment (Ge.

SYENE (remotest dwelling). Eze. 29:10.

44:32; Pr. 6:1; 11:15; 17:18; 20:16; 27:13; He. 7:22).

SYMBOL, SYMBOLICAL. Type; picture; image;

[See Borrower, Eternal Security, Holy Spirit, Hope.]

illustration. [See Allegorical, Parable, Prophecy, Type.]

SURETY, OF A. Surely; certainly; for certain (Ge.

SYNAGOGUE. Jewish religious meeting places (Mt.

15:13; 18:13; 26:9; Ac. 12:11).

12:9; 13:54; Ac. 6:9; 13:14, 15). Synagogues were built SURFEITING. Drunkenness; rioting; gluttony (Lk.

after the First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians 21:34). [See Drunkenness, Strong Drink.]

in 586 BC and the Jews were dispersed during the 70

SURMISING. Questioning; suspicions (1 Ti. 6:4).

Year Captivity. Though the temple was rebuilt during the days of Ezra, most of the Jews remained in Babylon.

SUSANCHITES. Inhabitants of Susa or Susi (Ez. 4:9).

After the destruction of the second temple by the SUSANNA (lily). Lk. 8:3.

Romans in 70 AD and the destruction of Jerusalem in SUSI (joy, my house). Nu. 13:11.

135 AD, most Jews were forced out of the land of Israel.

SWADDLE. To wrap; to bind around, as with a Many were taken captive, and many fled the Roman bandage or blanket (Job 38:9; Lk. 2:7, 12).

armies. They spread throughout the nations during the SWADDLINGBAND. A bandage used for infants (Job time of the Persian Empire, the Greek Empire, the 38:9).

Roman Empire, and into modern times. Everywhere SWEET SAVOUR OFFERINGS. The sweet savour they went they built synagogues for worship.

offerings depict Christ offering Himself to God the The synagogue was the place of teaching and the Father (Eph. 5:2). “The sweet savour offerings (Le. 1-3) performance of religious duties. The synagogue was one are so called because they typify Christ in His own of the ways that God kept the Jews from being dissolved perfections, and in His affectionate devotion to the into the nations. The synagogues preserved the Jewish Father’s will. The non-sweet savour offerings typify Scripture and way of life. Jews had contact with fellow Christ as bearing the whole demerit of the sinner. Both Jews, practiced circumcision, held Jewish weddings, are substitutional. In our place Christ, in the burnt-kept the passover and other feasts, and taught the law offering, makes good our lack of devotedness, and, in and the traditions. The synagogues helped keep the the sin and trespass offerings, suffers because of our Jews separated from their Gentile neighbors.

disobedience” (Scofield). [See Offerings.]

The synagogues were study centers where the rabbis SWELLING. (1) To swell out; to overflow (Ps. 46:3; preserved the Scriptures. After Jerusalem was destroyed Je. 12:5). (2) Proud; inflated (2 Pe. 2:18; Jude 16).

by the Romans in AD 135, the Masoretic scribes began

[See Pride.]

painstakingly copying the Scriptures in order to preserve SWERVE. To go aside out of the way; to miss the them. They counted each letter of the Hebrew Bible, mark (1 Ti. 1:6).

and if a mistake was made they destroyed the manuscript. The most famous Masoretic Hebrew Bible is SWINE. The pig. The Jews were forbidden to eat the Aleppo Codex of AD 900. The Protestant Reformers pork under the Mosaic law (Le. 11:7; De. 14:8). All such used the Masoretic Hebrew text as the basis for the dietary restrictions have been removed in the N.T.

Protestant Bibles such as the German Luther and the church dispensation (1 Tim. 4:4-5). [See Beast, English King James. At that time it was not possible to Vegetarian.]

know what the Hebrew Bible looked like prior to AD

900, because no manuscripts existed that were older Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 627

SYNCRETISM - SYROPHENICIAN

than this. Bible believers trusted God’s promises that He Today the Jews are returning to their land, and many would preserve His Word. But in the 1950s, scrolls of synagogues have closed. A report in the New York Times the Hebrew Bible were found in caves near the Dead for Oct. 24, 2013, was entitled “The Last Jews of Sea. They date to 100-200 years BC, a full millennium Calcutta.” It described the closing of the synagogue at earlier than the Masoretic Aleppo Codex, yet they were Calcutta, India, which was once bustling. Where are the found to be nearly word-for-word the same as the Jews going? They are going home in preparation for the Masoretic Hebrew Bible of the 10th century AD! For final fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

example, when Isaiah 53 is compared between the SYNCRETISM. The attempt to reconcile different nearly complete Great Isaiah Scroll from the Dead Sea religious and philosophical beliefs. It has become Caves and the Aleppo Codex, there are only three letters commonplace for ecumenical Christians to join hands that differ. This means that the Hebrew Bible was with non-Christian religions in prayer and worship. This successfully preserved until the time of printing, in spite is not surprising in light of the Bible’s prophecies about of the fact that the Jews were dispersed among the the formation of a one-world apostate religion (Re. 17).

nations and bitterly persecuted.

[See Church, Prophecy, Universalism, World Council of The synagogues were also instrumental in preserving Churches.]

the Hebrew language over the past 2,000 years. After SYNOPTIC. Pertaining to the first three gospels—

Israel was evicted from her land by the Romans and Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Synoptic means to present a scattered through the nations, her language was in view of the whole through a collection of smaller parts.

danger of dying. The preservation of the Hebrew The gospels present a combined portrait of Jesus Christ.

Scriptures in the synagogues by the rabbis preserved the SYNTYCHE (an accident). Ph. 4:2.

language, and it is the official language today in modern Israel.

SYRACUSE (Tyre hidden). Ac. 28:12.

Over the past 2,000 years countless synagogues have SYRIA (high, descending). Is. 7:8.

been destroyed during persecutions against the Jews.

SYRIACK. Ancient language of Syria (Da. 2:4). “The For example, during Kristallnacht (crystal night) in word means Aramean, and the reference is to that 1938, the German Nazis under Hitler destroyed more language which is known as East Aramean--a general than 1,000 synagogues and rounded up 200,000 Jews term embracing the Chaldee, the Syriac, and the to send to death camps.

l a n g u a g e s w h i c h w e r e s p o k e n i n Mesopotamia” (Barnes).

SYROPHENICIAN (redness, purple). Mk. 7:26.

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TAANACH (breaking asunder). Jos. 17:11.

illustrating the absolute purity demanded in God’s law.

TAANATH-SHILOH (who produces figs). Jos. 16:6.

The spotless white walls of the court remind us that God TABBAOTH (rings). Ne. 7:46.

will accept no impure thing into His holy presence. The law demands perfection (Ga. 3:10) and reveals man’s TABBATH (fame, celebrated). Ju. 7:22.

guilt and condemnation (Ro. 3:9-20, 23). The walls of TABEAL (God showed himself good). Is. 7:6.

the court were set in brass sockets (Ex. 27:10, 11, 17).

TABEEL (God showed himself gracious). Ezr. 4:7.

Brass symbolizes judgment, and reminds us that the TABER. To drum; to play as on the tambourine (Na.

believer can only come into the presence of God when 2:7).

sin is fully judged. This requires a Saviour—depicted by TABERAH (its burning). Nu. 11:3.

the sacrifice altar.

TABERNACLE (tent). (1) The body (2 Co. 5:1, 4; 2

The Entrance into the Tabernacle. The only Pe. 1:13, 14). [See Death.] (2) Feast of Tabernacles (Le.

entrance to the court was through a curtain in the front 23:34; De. 16:13, 16; 31:10). “This fell on the fifteenth called the gate. The curtained gate represents Jesus day of the seventh month and continued seven days, Christ as the only door to God (Jn. 14:6; 10:7-9; Ac.

with a holy convocation on the eighth day. Israel dwelt 4:12; 1 Ti. 2:5-6). Any man who would draw near to the in booths during the feast, in remembrance of their tent of God’s presence had to enter through that one having lived in tents when brought out of Egypt (Le.

beautifully woven gate. There was no other way. The 23:34; Nu. 29:12; De. 16:13; 2 Ch. 8:13; Ezr. 3:4; Jn.

curtain was made of the same white linen as the walls, 7:2). It was at the end of their harvest and vintage, signifying Christ’s sinless purity. It also had threads of when they enjoyed the fruits of God’s goodness. The three other colors woven therein (Ex. 27:16-18). The feast prefigures the Millennium, when the people will blue thread signifies Christ’s heavenly origin. The scarlet enter into full blessing, and the eighth day, the great signifies His blood atonement. The purple thread day, the communion of the heavenly and the earthly signifies His position as King. He is the Lord from (Ze. 14:6) (Concise).

heaven (1 Co. 15:47), the Saviour (1 Ti. 1:15), and the

The O.T. Tabernacle (Ex. 25-27) is a detailed King of kings (1 Ti. 6:14-16). How much even the illustration of Christ and of His salvation. The writer of appearance of a colored thread means in God’s Word!

Hebrews plainly says the Tabernacle was a foreview of The same type of curtain formed the entrance to the heavenly truths and realities (He. 9).

holy place and to the holy of holies in the Tabernacle

The Court Area. The Tabernacle was a tent situated itself. Jesus Christ is the one and only door to God and in a rectangular court formed by a wall of curtains. The salvation. He is the entrance into all true life. To reach court was 100 cubits long by 50 cubits wide, and the the altar of sacrifice, representing cleansing of sin, the curtain walls were five cubits high (Ex. 27:9, 12, 18).

Israelite had to pass through the four-colored curtain. To Using a cubit of 18 inches, the court was 150 feet by 75

reach the candlestick, representing spiritual feet, and the walls were 7.5 feet high. The court had enlightenment, or the table of shewbread, representing only one entrance. Near this entrance was situated the fellowship with God, or the altar of incense, altar of sacrifice where the bodies of the animals were representing communion with God in prayer, the priest burnt. Before the entrance to the Tabernacle itself was a had to pass through the same kind of curtain. To enter laver of water the priests used for washing.

into the very presence of God in the holy of holies, one, again, had to pass through the same mysterious four-

The Tabernacle Itself. The Tabernacle was set up colored curtain. Jesus Christ is the key to all of life.

toward the back of the court. The Tabernacle was a tent divided into two compartments—the holy place in the It was the curtain to the holy of holies that was rent front, and the holy of holies in the rear. The when Jesus Christ died on the cross (Mt. 27:50-51), compartments were separated by a curtain. The holy showing that the way to God has been opened by place contained the golden candlestick, the table of Christ’s blood. The believer can truly say, “There is shewbread, and the golden incense altar. The holy of nothing between my soul and my God.” The curtain was holies contained the ark of the covenant overshadowed torn from top to bottom, depicting the fact that by the cherubim. The Tabernacle represented God’s salvation is entirely of God. The religions of this world presence, and the outer court represented the fact that are man’s attempts to work his way to God. True men are shut out from God because of sin. The walls of salvation is God working salvation for man (2 Co.

the court were made of fine white linen (Ex. 27:9-15), 5:18-21).

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The only sections not held up in silver sockets were and the old creation by the blood of Christ (Ro. 6:7; 2

the curtains into the main court and the holy place.

Co. 5:17; Ga. 6:14). The boards were made of shittim These were set in brass sockets instead of silver (Ex.

wood and covered with gold, representing the humanity 26:36-38), showing the truth that God’s judgment lies and deity of Christ. The shittim wood was a common between Him and man. The penalty for sin must be wood which grew in the desert, a fitting type of Jesus’

paid. God’s judgment must fall. And praise God! It has humanity. The gold, on the other hand, pictures deity.

already fallen upon Jesus, so the believing sinner can The first layer of curtains were linen intertwined now freely draw near to God through Him.

with blue, purple, and scarlet thread, representing Jesus The Altar of Sacrifice. The approach from outside the Christ in the various ways already mentioned. Over this court to the holy of holies represents a sinner’s approach was a covering made of goats’ hair. Upon this was a to God through Jesus Christ. The first thing one covering of rams’ skins dyed red, and a final covering of encountered at the door of the court was the brazen black badgers’ skins. These coverings symbolized the altar, the place of sacrifice representing the necessity of truth that Jesus’ glory as the eternal Son of God was the blood and death of Jesus Christ for sin. No one can hidden during His earthly sojourn. He took upon be reconciled to God or enjoy His fellowship without Himself the form of a servant and was made in the first being forgiven through the blood of Christ. Even likeness of man (Ph. 2:5-8). The beauty of the linen the size of the objects in the tabernacle were important curtains was hidden under the covering of goats’ hair, and teach spiritual truth. The brazen altar, for example, rams’ and badgers’ skins, as the glory of Christ’s deity was two times the size of the ark of the covenant that was hidden by His humanity. To look at Christ one saw contained the law. This signifies that Jesus’ blood and nothing extraordinary in the physical sense (Is. 53:2).

death are more than sufficient to meet all of God’s Only those who saw Him through the eye of faith could demands and man’s need (Ro. 5:20).

see His glory (Jn. 1:14). Those standing outside looking The Laver for Washing. The next object one toward the Tabernacle could see only an ordinary encountered was the laver containing water for covering of black skins, but those who entered by means cleansing. This depicted the demand of God that His of the one door and the altar of sacrifice and the laver of people put away evil from their lives following cleansing enjoyed the beauty of the interior, the gold-redemption. First, the altar of sacrifice; then the laver of covered boards and the lovely woven linen curtains held cleansing. First, justification by grace through faith in together by taches of pure gold.

Christ’s blood (Ro. 3:21-28); then obedience to God’s The Holy Place. Once a person was inside the commands through the power of His Spirit (Ep. 2:8-10).

Tabernacle he could enjoy the various objects therein, The laver depicts the same thing Jesus signified when such as the light from the candlestick, the altar of He washed the disciples’ feet. He told them they did not incense, and the table of shewbread, and, of course, the need to be bathed again; they needed only footwashing beautiful interior itself. All of the articles of the (Jn. 13:10). In other words, the Christian needs only Tabernacle picture Jesus Christ in various ways. The one bath of salvation to establish his eternal relationship light signifies Jesus giving understanding to men. The with God, but he needs the daily cleansing of the Word bread signifies communion with Christ. The altar of to maintain fellowship. The laver pictures the two-way incense signifies prayer. Jesus Christ is everything to the action of God’s Word in cleansing sin from believer’s believer (1 Co. 1:30-31; Ep. 1:3; Col. 1:19).

lives. It reveals sin, and it cleanses sin. The laver was The Holy of Holies. The rear compartment of the made of brass looking glasses (Ex. 38:8), representing Tabernacle, the holy of holies, contained the cherubim the fact that the Bible reveals sin (He. 4:12; Ja.

and the ark of testimony. The ark contained the table of 1:22-25). The water of the laver represents the washing the law and was covered by the mercy seat, of sin through confession and obedience (1 Jn. 1). [See representing the salvation of Jesus which fulfills the Footwashing, Sanctification.]

demands of God’s holy law. The High Priest entered the The Tabernacle. The tabernacle had a wooden frame Holy of Holies once a year and sprinkled blood seven overlaid with four layers of curtains (Ex. 26:1-14). The times upon and before the mercy seat (Le. 16:11-16).

walls of the tabernacle were composed of boards placed This signified the perfect atonement that was in silver sockets (Ex. 26:15-30). The silver represents accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. The the price of redemption (30:11-16), and taught that the Greek word for “mercy seat” in the N.T. is also entire structure of God’s salvation is upheld by Christ’s translated “propitiation” (Ro. 3:25; 1 Jn. 2:2), and atonement. Every spiritual blessing the believer has is means satisfaction or covering. Jesus Christ wholly founded upon Christ’s redemption (Ep. 1:3). Just as the satisfied the demands of God’s law. The fact that the Tabernacle was separated from the ground by the silver mercy seat perfectly fit the ark and fully covered the law sockets, the believer is forever separated from the world contained therein signifies the sufficiency of Christ’s 630

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

TABITHA - TALITHA CUMI atonement. No one can add to the salvation God offers 15, 59; De. 4:13; 5:22; 9:9, 11, 15; 2 Co. 3:3; He. 9:4).

freely through Jesus Christ. It is perfect and eternally

[See Law.]

complete (He. 10:10, 14). In every generation since the TABLET. A locket on a necklace, perhaps for holding days of the apostles, false teachers have been troubling perfume (Ex. 35:22; Nu. 31:50; Is. 3:20).

the churches with the doctrine that to be right with God TABOR (separated, broken). Ju. 4:6.

one must have faith in Christ PLUS obedience in some way to the works of the law. The wonderful presence of TABRET. A timbrel; a small tambourine-like musical the mercy seat upon the ark of testimony reminds us instrument (Ge. 31:27; Ex. 15:20; 1 Sa. 10:5). [See that the grace of Christ ALONE and faith in His blood Music, Timbrel.]

ALONE is utterly sufficient for salvation. [See TABRIMON (Rimmon showed himself good). 1 Ki.

Footwashing, Gospel, High Priest, Justification, Laver, 15:18.

Mercy Seat, Offerings, Priest, Strange Fire, Temple, TACHE. A clasp; a fastening or catch (Ex. 26:6, 11; Types.]

36:13, 18).

TABITHA (gazelle). Ac. 9:36-42. Also called TACKLING. On a sailing ship, the ropes (rigging) that

“Dorcas.”

control the sails (Is. 33:23; Ac. 27:19).

TABLE. A writing tablet (Ha. 2:2; Lk. 1:63; 2 Co.

TADMOR (palm tree, palm city). 2 Ch. 8:4.

3:3). Some writing tablets were made of moistened clay.

TAHAN (earnest prayer). 1 Ch. 7:25.

The cuneiform style of writing, with its wedges, was TAHAPANES (gift of the serpent, temptation). Je.

perhaps designed specifically for this purpose, as it is 2:16.

difficult to draw lines and curves in clay. The clay was TAHATH (descent, depression). Nu. 33:26.

carefully prepared. “This clay was ... sometimes ground to an exceeding fineness, moistened, and moulded into TAHPENES (gift of the serpent, temptation). 1 Ki.

various forms, ordinarily into a tablet whose average 11:18.

size is about six by two and one-half inches in TAHREA (delay of rejoicing). 1 Ch. 9:41.

superficial area by one inch in thickness, its sides TAHTIMHODSHI (nether land newly inhabited, curving slightly outwards. On the surface thus prepared under the new moon). 2 Sa. 24:6.

the characters were impressed with a stylus, the writing TAKE THOUGHT FOR. To be anxious for, to be often standing in columns, and carried over upon the worried and fretful (1 Sa. 9:5; Mt. 6:25). To “take no back and sides of the tablet. The clay was frequently thought” does not mean we are not to plan and prepare; moulded into cones and barrel-shaped cylinders, having it means we are not to worry about the things of life so six to ten sides on which writing could be inscribed.

that we are not trusting the Lord [See Anxious, These tablets were then dried in the sun or baked in a Careful.]

furnace” (George Goodspeed, A History of the TAKE YOUR JOURNEY. Travel (De. 2:24).

Babylonians and Assyrians, Kindle Locations 382-385).

Other writing tables used a wax surface that could be TAKE WRONG. To endure wrong (1 Co. 6:7).

inscribed. The Assyrians mixed a sulphur compound TAKEN WITH THE MANNER. [See Manner, Taken with beeswax to render it more plastic, resulting in a With.]

yellow surface. The Romans added carbon to obtain a TALE. (1) Number (Ex. 5:8; 1 Ch. 9:28). (2) A story green or black writing surface (Oates, Nimrud, p. 220).

(Ps. 90:9).

Fragments of wood and ivory writing boards were found TALEBEARER. Slander; evil speaking; spreading lies in a well in the northwest palace of the Assyrian king (Le. 19:16; Pr. 11:13; 18:8; 20:19; 26:20, 22). Also Ashurnasirpal II (883-859 BC). One panel was inscribed called a “whisperer” (Pr. 16:28), “busybody” (2 Th.

with “Palace of Sargon,” the king who ruled from 3:11; 1 Ti. 5:13; 1 Pe. 4:15), and a “tattler” (1 Ti. 5:13).

722-705 BC and conquered Samaria. The reason this

[See Backbite, Busybody, Evil Speaking, Gossip, Tattler, discovery was so important is that ancient writing Whisperer.]

boards have rarely survived. In this case, the fragments TALENT. [See Money.]

survived because of the damp sludge. The boards found TALITHA CUMI. Latinized Syriac words signifying in the well in Ashurnasirpal’s palace were written in

“Little lamb, arise” (Mk. 5:41). Together with Hebrew, cuneiform, but the notations on the hinges that Aramaic was spoken in Israel after the Babylonian provided a guide to assembling the boards were written Captivity. “There are several Aramaic words and phrases in alphabetic script, possibly in Aramaic (Oates, p. 220).

in the New Testament, among them Talitha koum (Mk.

TABLES OF STONE, TABLES OF TESTIMONY, 5:41), Ephphatha (Mk. 7:34), Eloi, Eloi, Lama TABLES OF THE COVENANT. The stones upon which sabachthani (Mk. 15:34), Maranatha (1 Co. 16:22), and God wrote the Ten Commandments (Ex. 24:12; 34:1, Abba (Mk. 14:36)” ( Archaeological Study Bible Notes).

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TALKING, FOOLISH. [See Foolish Talking.]

rejected. This is exactly what has happened in church TALMAI (a furrow). Nu. 13:22.

history.

TALMON (violent oppression). 1 Ch. 9:17.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mt. 13:31,32) TALMUD. “A collection of Jewish writings of the early depicts the growth of an abnormal and unwanted Christian centuries. There is a Palestinian Talmud, and a product of the sowing process. The mustard seed is later, more authoritative, much longer Babylonian planted and produces a tree instead of a mustard plant.

Talmud” (Compact). The Talmud contains Jewish The mustard seed typifies the true churches of Jesus traditions and explanations of the O.T. Scriptures, many Christ which, in the eyes of the world, were small, of which are false. It also contains blasphemies against common, and of little value. The glory of the true the Lord Jesus Christ. [See Judaism.]

church is hidden from the eyes of unsaved men. All they see is a motley band of ordinary people who are zealous TAMAR (palm tree). Ge. 38:6.

for Jesus Christ and the Bible and who have strange TAMMUZ (Eze. 8:14). [See Idolatry.]

habits and beliefs. This is what God intended the church TANACH (progress in traveling). Jos. 21:25.

to be, but it was made into a magnificent apostate TANHUMETH (his comfort). 2 Ki. 25:23.

religion by heretics. The lowly mustard plant became a TAPHATH (oil of myrrh, drop). 1 Ki. 4:11.

proud tree. Apostate religion has reared its magnificent TAPPUAH (an apple tree). 1 Ch. 2:43.

cathedrals, adorned itself in glorious robes, collected gold and silver and precious stones, developed men-TARAH (a wretch, a banished man). Nu. 33:27.

pleasing humanistic philosophies, and otherwise made TARALAH (his increase). Jos. 18:27.

itself into something the unsaved man can appreciate.

TAREA (delay of joy). 1 Ch. 8:35.

The Parable of the Leaven (Mt. 13:33) depicts the TAPESTRY. A woven blanket, carpet, or hanging (Pr.

rapid spread of error throughout professing 7:15).

Christendom. How perfectly this parable has been TARES. “A weed, or bearded darnel, that in the blade fulfilled. Even during the days of the Apostles, apostasy state could not be distinguished from wheat but in the was beginning to blossom. It quickly spread throughout ear state was quite dissimilar and could then be easily a majority of the churches. The prophecies of these separated” (Mt. 13:25-30) (Analytical). The parable of amazing parables have been fulfilled precisely in church the wheat and tares has been incorrectly interpreted as history.

teaching that God does not want believers to exercise The Parable of the Wheat And Tares (Mt. 13:24-30, judgment against sin and error. That this is not the 36-43) depicts exactly the same thing. As the Gospel has meaning Christ intended is obvious by the many been proclaimed throughout the world, the devil has commands in the N.T. regarding church discipline and sown tares in the midst of it. The kingdom of heaven in separation from error. The Lord Jesus Christ was its mystery form is all of professing Christendom, lost describing the conditions in the world during His and saved, apostate and true. It includes the Roman absence in heaven. The kingdom of God will assume a Catholic Church, the Protestant denominations, the mystery form, meaning a form not revealed in O.T.

cults, as well as the sound apostolic congregations.

prophecy (Mt. 13:11). Mystery means the revelation of When Jesus says that the tares must not be rooted out truth hidden in prior ages. It refers to N.T. church truth until the end of the age, He is referring to the fact that which was hidden from the O.T. prophets.

apostasy cannot be destroyed until that time. The The O.T. describes the coming kingdom of God on churches are not to put heretics to death or burn down earth, but it did not foresee this present interlude the apostate cathedrals! God will take care of error as between the first and second comings of Christ, the far as rooting it out of His kingdom when Christ returns church age during which Christ is calling out a people in power and glory. The field is not the true churches; for His name from among the nations. In the parables in

“the field is the world” (Mt. 13:38). To interpret the Matthew 13, the Lord taught that the conditions in this Parable of the Wheat and the Tares as applying to the church age will be that of increasing apostasy and N.T. church is a great error and contradicts the rest of wickedness.

the N.T. Scriptures. [See Apostasy, Church Discipline, The Parable of the Sower (Mt. 13:3-9) depicts the Covenant, Ecumenical Movement, False Teaching, spread of the Gospel and the fact that only a small Heresy, Kingdom of God, Mystery, Nicolaitan, Parables, fraction of the seed sown will produce good fruit. The Prophecy, Revelation, Separation, Timothy, Unity.]

scattering of the seed will not fill the world with fruit, TARGET. (1) A shield (1 Ki. 10:16; 2 Ch. 9:15; but will result in a fruitful crop here and there as it is 14:8). (2) Small spear (1 Sa. 17:6). [See Military, received in good hearts. According to this parable, for Shield.]

the most part the Seed of the Word of God will be TARPELITES (ravishers). Ezr. 4:9.

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TARRY - TEMPLE

TARRY. To stay; remain; abide; wait for (Ge. 19:2; TEDIOUS. Wearisome (Ac. 24:4).

Mt. 26:38).

TEHAPHNEHES (the gift of the serpent, temptation).

TARSHISH (battering). (1) Son of Javan (Ge. 10:4).

Eze. 30:18.

(2) A Persian prince (Es. 1:14). (3) A city in Spain TEHINNAH (earnest prayer, merciful). 1 Ch. 4:12.

established by the Phoenicians which was an emporium TEKEL. Part of the words which were written on the of commerce (Is. 23:6, 10; 66:19; Je. 10:9; Eze. 27:12; wall before God judged Babylon (Da. 5:25-28). [See 38:13; Jon. 1:3; 4:2). “There can be little doubt that this Mene.]

is the name of a Phoenician port in Spain, between the two mouths of the Guadalquivir ... It was founded by a TEKOA (fixing of a tent). 1 Ch. 2:24.

Carthaginian colony, and was the farthest western TEKOAH (pitching of a tent). 2 Sa. 14:2.

harbour of Tyrian sailors. It was to this port Jonah's ship TELABIB (a mound of green, grain heap). Eze. 3:15.

was about to sail from Joppa” ( Easton Bible Dictionary).

TELAH (rupture, fracture). 1 Ch. 7:25.

(4) “Ships of Tarshish” also seems to be a general term TELAIM (prey taken by force). 1 Sa. 15:4.

for long-distance Phoenician shipping (1 Ki. 10:22; TELEM (a lamb). Ezr. 10:24.

22:49). “‘Ships of Tarshish’ is an expression sometimes denoting simply ships intended for a long voyage, ships TELHARESHA (plowed mound, forest hill, hill of the of a large size (seagoing ships), whatever might be the magus). Ne. 7:61.

port to which they sailed. Solomon's ships were so TELL. (1) To count (Ps. 22:17). (2) A mound or heap styled” (Easton).

of ruins which marks the site of an ancient city and is TARSUS (joy, pleasantness). The birthplace of Paul composed of accumulated occupational debris, usually the Apostle and the capital of Cilicia in Asia Minor on covering a number of archaeological or historical the river Cydnus (Ac. 9:11, 30; 11:25; 21:39; 22:3). It periods and showing numerous building levels or strata was a noted seat of philosophy and literature, ranking (Compact).

with Athens and Alexandria. Was made a free city by TELL ON. To inform against (1 Sa. 27:11).

Augustus, being said to have been founded by TEMA (great fear). Ge. 25:15.

Sardanapalus B.C. 820; in 401 it was taken and TEMAN (noonday, south, perfect). Ge. 36:11.

plundered by the younger Cyrus; in 333 it was taken by TEMANI (the south, moist). Ge. 36:34.

Alexander the Great; in 47 it sided with Caesar against Pompey, and took the name of Juliopolis. It was seized TEMELAH (heap of salt). Ezr. 2:59.

by the Saracens in the early days of their empire, was TEMENI (The south, moist). 1 Ch. 4:6.

taken from them in the second half of the tenth century, TEMPER. To mix with; to compound; to mollify; to but restored; councils were held here in A.D. 431, 435, unite in due proportion (Ex. 29:2; 1 Co. 12:24).

and 1177 (Young).

TEMPERANCE. Self-control; self-restraint; TARTAK. [See Idolatry.]

moderation (Ac. 24:25; Ga. 5:23; 2 Pe. 1:6). “The TARTAN (the greatest extension). 2 Ki. 18:17.

various powers bestowed by God upon man are capable TATNAI (gift, rewarding). Ezr. 5:3.

of abuse; the right use demands the controlling power of the will under the operation of the Spirit of God. In TATTLER. Empty, foolish talk; gossiping; revealing Ac. 24:25, ‘temperance’ follows ‘righteousness,’ which secrets; spreading lies (1 Ti. 5:13). [See Backbite, represents God’s claims, self-control being man’s Busybody, Evil Speaking, Gossip, Talebearer, Whisperer.]

response thereto. In 2 Pe. 1:6, ‘temperance’ follows TAUNT. Revile; reproach; upbraid (Je. 24:9; Eze.

‘knowledge,’ suggesting that what is learned requires to 5:15).

be put into practice” (Vine). Ga. 5:23 shows that TAX. [See Government, Publican, Tribute.]

temperance is produced by the Holy Spirit, and 2 Pe. 1

TEACH. [See Doctrine, False Teaching, Pastor.]

shows us that it is a product of the Christian growth TEARS. [See Believe, Happy, Heaven, Hope, Joy, experience. [See Drunkenness, Incontinency, Merry, Suffering, Trials, Tribulation.]

Righteousness, Sanctification, Sober, Unrighteous.]

TEAT. Breast (Is. 32:12; Eze. 23:3). [See Breast.]

TEMPESTUOUS. To be tossed about; stormy; turbulent (Jon. 1:11, 13; Ps. 50:3; Ac. 27:14).

TEBAH (confidence). Ge. 22:24.

TEMPLE. The Bible refers to four temples in relation TEBALIAH (the Lord dipped, purified). 1 Ch. 26:11.

to Israel: (1) Solomon’s temple (1 Ki. 5-8). (2) The TEBETH (good, goodness). The tenth month of the temple built by Zerubbabel and Ezra. This temple was Jewish sacred year, commencing with the new moon in expanded and beautified by Herod the Great (Mt. 24:1; January (Es. 2:16). The winter season (Potts). [See Jn. 2:19-21). It is referred to as the second temple, Calendar.]

because it was not an entirely new temple. It was Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 633

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destroyed by the Roman armies in 70 AD. (3) The TENON. Socket; connection. In building and cabinet temple the returned Jews will rebuild and which work, the end of a piece of timber, which is fitted to a Antichrist will desecrate (Da. 8:11, 12; 9:27; 11:31; mortise for insertion, or inserted, for fastening two 12:11; Mt. 24:15; 2 Th. 2:4, 5; Re. 11:1, 2). This will be pieces of timber together. The form of a tenon is the third temple. (4) The millennial temple (Is. 2:3; various, as square, dove-tailed, etc. (Webster) (Ex.

60:13; Eze. 40-48; Hag. 2:7-9). The Bible says there will 26:17, 19; 36:22, 24). [See Tabernacle.]

be a restoration of Israel’s sacrifices and priesthood (Ps.

TENT OF CONGREGATION, TENT OF TESTIMONY.

51:18, 19; Is. 66:21; Je. 33:17-18; Eze. 40:38-43; Ze.

Names for the O.T. Tabernacle (Ex. 39:32, 40; Nu.

1:16; Hag. 2:9). In the New Jerusalem, there will be no 9:15). [See Tabernacle.]

temple (Re. 21:22). The term “temple” also refers to the TERAH. The father of Abraham (Ge. 11:25-32). He Christian’s body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit worshipped idols (Jos. 24:2). [See Ur.]

(1 Co. 6:19, 20), and temple refers to the church (1 Co.

3:16-17), which is the house of God (1 Ti. 3:15). [See TERAPHIM. [See Idolatry.]

Church, Tabernacle.]

TERESH (severe, driving away). Es. 2:21.

TEMPTATION. (1) The act of tempting; enticement TERMED. Said to be; called; known as (Is. 62:4).

to evil by arguments, by flattery, or by the offer of some TERRESTRIAL. Pertaining to the earth (1 Co. 15:40).

real or apparent good; That which is presented to the TERRIBLE. Fearful; powerful; awe-inspiring. The mind as an inducement to evil (Webster) (Mt. 6:13; Hebrew word commonly translated “terrible” in O.T.

26:41; Lk. 4:13). (2) Testing and trial (Ja. 1:2; 1 Pe.

prophecy is GAHREETZ, meaning fearful, powerful (Eze.

1:6). [See Entice, Suffering, Trial, Tribulation.].

28:7). It is also translated “mighty” (Job 6:23), TEN COMMANDMENTS. The commandments

“oppressor” (Job 15:20), “power” (Ps. 37:35), recorded in Ex. 20:1-17. God revealed these to Moses

“strong” (Pr. 11:16), and “violent” (Ps. 86:14). Another and wrote them on tablets of stone (Ex. 34:4, 28; De.

word commonly translated “terrible” is YARE (Ex.

4:13; 10:1-4). The stones were placed in the ark located 34:10), which has the same basic meaning—to cause to in the holy of holies in the Tabernacle (Ex. 25:21; De.

fear—and is translated “afraid” (Ge. 18:15), 10:4-5). The N.T. says the law of Moses, including the

“dreadful” (Da. 9:4), “fear” (Ex. 1:21; Ju. 6:27), and law written on stone on Mt. Sinai, is done away in

“reverence” (Le. 26:2). Another Hebrew word translated Christ (2 Co. 3:1-18). The rule of life for the Christian is

“terrible” is EHMAH (Job 39:20; 41:14). It is also not the Ten Commandments, but the Lord Jesus Christ translated “horror” (Ge. 15:12), “fear” (Ex. 15:16), Himself. We are to put on Christ (Ro. 13:14; 2 Co. 3:17,

“dread” (Job. 13:21), and “terror” (Jos. 2:9; Job 20:25).

18; Ga. 5:16-26). [See Gospel, Law, Tabernacle.]

TERTIUS (third). Ro. 16:22.

TENDER. (1) Of young age; soft; delicate (Ge. 18:7; TERTULLUS (a liar, an impostor). Ac. 24:1.

33:13; De. 28:56; 2 Sa. 23:4; 1 Ch. 22:5; Job 38:27; Is.

TESTAMENT. Covenant; promise. [See Bible, 53:2). (2) Very sensible to impression and pain; Covenant.]

susceptible of the softer passions, as love, compassion, TESTIMONY. (1) Witness (Ac. 13:22; 14:3; 22:18; 1

kindness; compassionate; pitiful; easily affected by the Co. 1:6). (2) The ark of the covenant in the Tabernacle distresses of another, or anxious for another’s good; (Ex. 16:34; 27:21). (3) The Ten Commandments (Ex.

easily excited to pity, forgiveness or favor; exciting kind 25:16, 21). [See Law, Tabernacle, Ten Commandments.]

concern (Webster) (2 Ki. 22:19; Pr. 4:3; Da. 1:9). The mercies of the Lord are tender (Ps. 25:6; 40:11; 51:1; TESTING. Trial; temptation. [See Suffering, 69:16; 77:9; 79:8; 103:4; 119:77, 156; Lk. 1:78; Ja.

Temptation, Trial, Tribulation.]

5:11). [See Compassion, Gentle, Love, Mercy, TETRARCH. A ruler of the fourth part of a kingdom Tenderhearted, Tender Eyed.]

(Mt. 14:1; Lk. 3:1, 19; 9:7; Ac. 13:1). Herod the TENDER EYED. This expression in Ge. 29:17 refers tetrarch (Herod Antipas) was the son of Herod the to Leah’s plain appearance as contrasted with Rachel’s Great. Upon Herod’s death, the kingdom was divided beauty. Perhaps Leah had an eye affliction that detracted among his sons, and Antipas ruled over Galilee.

from her appearance.

THADDUS (praising, confessing, courageous). One TENDERHEARTED. (1) Susceptible of impressions or of the 12 Apostles (Mt. 10:3; Lk. 6:16; Jn. 14:22; Ac.

influence (2 Ch. 13:7). (2) Compassionate; sympathetic; 1:13). [See Apostle.]

full of kindness and mercy and tenderness (Ep. 4:32).

THAHASH (a yew tree, friction). Ge. 22:24.

The Greek word here ( usplanknos) is translated “pitiful”

THAMAR (palm tree). Mt. 1:3.

in 1 Pe. 3:8). [See Love, Pitiful.]

THAMMUZ (consumed, concealed). The fourth month of the Jewish sacred year, corresponding to parts 634

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THAN - THYATIRA of June and July (Ze. 8:19). Also called Tammuz. The and where some brethren met him (Young) (Ac. 28:15).

hot season (Potts). [See Calendar.]

The Three Taverns was 10 miles nearer to Rome than THAN BOTH THEY. Than either of them (Ec. 4:3).

the Appii forum, another station on the same road.

THANKWORTHY. Deserving thanks (1 Pe. 2:19).

THRICE. Three times (Ex. 34:23; 2 Ki. 13:18; Mt.

THARA (delayed, late). Lk. 3:34.

26:34; Ac. 10:16; 2 Co. 11:25; 12:8).

THARSHISH. [See Tarshish.]

THRONE. God’s Throne: (1) It is in heaven (Ps.

11:4). Heaven is also called paradise; a beautiful place; THEBEZ (he shone, brightness, prominent). Ju. 9:50.

a place of happiness (Lk. 23:43; 2 Co. 12:4; Re. 2:7).

THEFT. [See Steal.]

God’s throne is in the temple in heaven (Re. 7:15; THELASAR (the oath of the prince). 2 Ki. 19:12.

16:17). (2) It is eternal (Ps. 45:6). In contrast we see THEOLOGY. The study of God. The terms are from a man’s thrones, which are of such brief duration. (3) It combination of two Greek words— theos (God) and logos rules over all (Ps. 103:19). (4) It is glorious (Eze.

(word)—meaning to speak about God. A true 1:26-28). (5) It is holy (Ps. 47:8). No sin can enter theologian is humbly committed to the perfect Word of there. The tabernacle illustrates this. It was divided into God. Sadly, it is more common today for “theologians”

two compartments. The first was the holy place, to be haughty critics of God’s Word. [See Bible, containing the lampstand, the table of shewbread, and Inspiration, Scholar.]

the altar of incense. The priests could come daily into THEOPHANY. An appearance of God in visible form this place; but the second compartment was the holy of in O.T. times before the birth of Christ (Ge. 3:8; holies, where God’s presence dwelt. No man could come 18:1-33).

into this place, except the high priest once a year on the THEOPHILUS (loving God, beloved of God). Lk. 1:3.

Day of Atonement, with blood. The holy place was separated from the holy of holies by a thick curtain, thus THESSALONICA (victory of God). A city of signifying that men are shut out of the presence of God Macedonia where Paul established a church (Ac. 17:11, because of sin and only through the mediation of a 13; 27: 2; Ph. 4:16; 1 Th. 1:1; 2 Th. 1:1; 2 Ti. 4:10).

great high priest can he come into God’s presence. (6) It Thessalonica was a seaport at the north end of the is a throne of grace for the believer (He. 4:16). Through Aegean Sea. It was originally called Therma, from the the blood of Jesus Christ, the great high priest, the way fact that it was located at the head of the Thermaic Gulf.

has been opened for sinners into the very throne room Cassander renamed it Thessalonica after his wife, the of Almighty God. This is the good news that is to be sister of Alexander the Great. In Paul’s day, it was the preached in this church age to all men; the lowliest, principal city of Macedonia. It was Paul’s custom to go poorest person can be a child of the great King and can to the major cities. In this way he could establish come unto His very throne through the blood of God’s churches that would spread the gospel throughout their Son. [See Heaven, Tabernacle.]

areas (1 Th. 1:8).

THRONG. To crowd (Mk. 3:9; Lk. 8:45).

THEUDAS (praise, gift of God, acknowledgement).

Ac. 5:36).

THROUGHLY. Thoroughly; completely (Mt. 3:12; 2

Ti. 3:17). [See Perfect.]

THIEF. [See Steal.]

THUMMIM. [See Urim and Thummim.]

THIMNATHAH (a great portion, portion assigned).

Jos. 19:43.

THYATIRA (sacrifice of love or labor, perfume, burning incense). The location of one of the seven THIRD HOUR. About 9 am (Mk. 15:25).

churches in Asia Minor that was addressed by the risen THIRD WAVE. [See Charismatic.]

Christ in Revelation 2-3. See Revelation 2:18-29.

THITHERWARD. In that direction (Jud. 18:15; Ro.

Thyatira, located about 100 miles southeast of 15:24).

Pergamos, was a wealthy town in the region of Lydia in THOMAS (twin, depth without bottom). An Apostle the Roman province of Asia. It was situated in a valley whose name in Greek was Didymus (Mt. 10:3; Mk.

near the river Lycus.

3:18; Lk. 6:15; Jn. 11:16; 14:5; 20:24-29; 21:2; Ac.

The city was famous for its dyeing processes. The dye 1:13). [See Apostle.]

was made of the madder-root, the color of which is now THOUGHT. In Mt. 6:25-34 the Lord Jesus Christ is called Turkish Red. “With this guild there can be no referring to anxious thought. [See Anxious, Careful.]

doubt that Lydia, the seller of purple stuffs, from whom THOUSAND YEAR. [See Allegorical, Millennium, Paul met with so favorable a reception at Philippi (Acts Prophecy.]

16:14), was connected. ... The waters here are said to be so well adapted for dyeing that in no place can the THREE TAVERNS. A station 32 miles S. of Rome, on scarlet cloth out of which fezzes are made be so the road which Paul traveled after he landed at Puteoli, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 635

THYINE - TIMES OF REFRESHING

brilliantly or so permanently dyed as here” (McClintock

“the land between the rivers” (Ge. 2:14; Da. 10:4). [See and Strong). “A small quantity of this expensive dye Euphrates.]

would cost the equivalent of a workman’s wages for a TILL. (1) To cultivate (Ge. 2:5; 3:23). (2) Until (Ge.

year” (J. T. Marlin, The Seven Churches of Asia Minor).

3:19; Mt. 1:25).

The city’s trade guilds were very advanced. There TILLAGE. Ploughing; farming (Pr. 13:23; 1 Ch.

was a separate guild for each trade and each artisan 27:26).

belonged to his particular guild. Through their unity TILLER. A cultivator; farmer (Ge. 4:2).

they wielded great influence. “These guilds were a source of great problems for the Christians. There were TILON (distinguished gift, suspension). 1 Ch. 4:20.

guilds for the workers in the various trades like leather, TIMBREL. A musical instrument that makes a wool and linen, metal, pottery, dyeing, dress making, jingling sound and is often used in dancing (Ex. 15:20; baking, etc. At their various meetings they would have a 1 Sa. 10:5; Ps. 81:2; Is. 5:12). The Hebrew word is meal and oftentimes the meat served had been offered TOPH. “The toph is the most ancient of this type to an idol or they met in an idol temple and Christians instrument [percussion]. Gesenius says that in the East could not engage in these practices. ... To refuse to it was constructed of a thin wooden rim covered with a belong to a guild in that day and age would be like a membrane and hung around with brass bells or rattles.

carpenter, a plumber or a coal miner refusing to belong In Ge. 31:27, it is called a ‘tabret.’ It is somewhat similar to his union today. Commercial existence was dependent to the tambourine. It was generally played on festive upon one’s belonging to a guild” (Marlin).

occasions, but is never mentioned in connection with The principal deity of Thyatira was Tyrimnos, who the services of the Temple” (Paul McCommon, Music in was worshipped as the sun-god. There were also cults the Bible). Though it is a percussion instrument, the dedicated to the worship of Artemis (Diana), Hercules, timbrel cannot be likened to a modern rock & roll drum.

Bacchus, and Athena, among others. The temple of The piano is also a percussion instrument, but it, too, is Sambethe featured a prophetess who acted as an oracle not a drum. [See Music.]

of the god.

TIME. (1) In its normal usage, time means a definite Ancient Tyratira is located in modern-day Turkey and period of minutes, hours, or days (Ge. 4:3). (2) A period is called Akhisar, with a population of 60,000. The of time during which God is working out His purposes modern city is built over the ancient city and the (1 Ch. 12:32; Ac. 1:7). The Bible speaks of the “times of archaeological excavation is limited to one small area.

the Gentiles” (Lk. 21:24) and the “times of the They recovered part of an old Greek orthodox basilica restitution of all things” (Ac. 3:21). (3) A measure of and below that are the remnants of the ancient Roman events—second time, third time, etc. (Mt. 26:42, 44; street. It was lined with 100 pillars decorated with 25

Mk. 14:72). (4) A reference to astrology (De. 18:10-14; statues of Eros.

2 Ki. 21:6). [See Observer of Times, Witchcraft.] (5) In prophecy, the word “time” can refer to a year. Da. 4:16

THYINE. The thyine tree; a commercial product from uses “time” in this way, speaking of the 7 years a tree of the cypress order (Re. 18:12).

Nebuchadnezzar was to be judged. The phrase “time, TIBERIAS (good vision, observance, breaking times, and dividing of times” (Da. 7:25; 12:7; Re. 12:4), asunder). Jn. 6:1.

describing the time element of the Great Tribulation, TIBERIUS (good vision, watching). Lk. 3:1.

refers to 3.5 years. The same period is said to be 42

TIBHATH (confidence, slaughter). 1 Ch. 18:8.

months (Re. 11:2; 13:5) and 2060 days (Re. 11:2). The TIBNI (a structure, pattern). 1 Ki. 16:21.

events of the Great Tribulation are divided into two periods of 3.5 years. The first 3.5 years are the TIDAL (fear, veneration). Ge. 14:1.

beginning troubles during which the two witnesses shall TIDINGS. Good news; report; declaration (Ge.

prophesy in Jerusalem (Re. 11:2). The second 3.5 years 29:13; Ex. 33:4; 1 Sa. 11:4; 2 Sa. 4:10; 18:20; Ps.

is the period during which the Antichrist will rule the 112:7; Is. 40:9; 41:27; 52:7; 61:1; Na. 1:15; Je. 37:5; world after slaying the two witnesses (compare Re. 11:7

49:23; Ac. 11:22; 21:31). The “Glad Tidings” is the with 13:5). [See Antichrist, Daniel, Day, Great good news of Jesus Christ (Lk. 1:19; 2:10; 8:1; Ac.

Tribulation, Prophecy.]

13:32; Ro. 10:15).

TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE. [See Jacob’s Trouble.]

TIGLATH-PILESER (majesty of the great prince). 2

TIMES OF REFRESHING. The blessing that shall Ki. 15:29). Also Tilgath-pilneser (1 Ch. 5:26).

accompany the establishment of Christ’s kingdom (Ac.

TIKVAH (his assembling, hope). 2 Ki. 22:14.

3:19-21). There will be blessings for the Christian (Jn.

TIGRIS RIVER. Together with the Euphrates, the 14:1-3; Col. 3:4; 2 Th. 1:7-10) as well as for Israel (Ps.

Tigris forms the region of Mesopotamia, which means 72:1-19). Also called the “consolation of Israel” (Lk.

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TIMES OF RESTITUTION - TIMOTHY

2:25) and the “times of restitution of all things” (Ac.

and it is therefore not surprising that apostates would 3:21). [See Millennium, Prophecy, Times of Restitution.]

question the authority of these books!

TIMES OF RESTITUTION. The fulfillment of Bible What the Modernists Say. “New archaeological prophecy at the coming of Jesus Christ (Ac. 3:21).

research has changed many views about the Apostle Compare Ps. 14:7; 72:1-19; 98:1-9; Is. 2:1-4; 4:2-6; Paul. Feminist theologians argue that while his 11:5-9; 27:2-6; 28:5; 29:17-24; 30:18-26; 35:4-10; paternalistic language has been used over the 40:1-2, 10-11; 43:5-6, 25, 26; 44:21-23; 51:3-11; 52:9; generations to keep women out of power within the 54:1-17; 55:12-13; 59:20-21; 60:1-22; 62:8-12; church, they are now beginning to recognize that many 65:17-25; Je. 30:10, 18-22; 31:1-40; 32:37-44; 33:6-26; of the most damaging passages are not genuine letters 46:27-28; 50:17-20; Eze. 11:17-21; 28:25-26; 34:11-31; from Paul. Most scholars [editor: it is only the apostate 36:8-12, 23-38; 37:12-14, 21-28; 39:25-29; Da. 12:2-3; scholars who deny the authorship of the Pauline Ho. 1:9-11; 2:14-23; 14:4-9; Joel 3:16-21; Am. 9:11-15; epistles] agree that he did not write five of the 13 books Ob. 17-21; Mi. 4:1-8,13; 5:3-15; 7:12-20; Zep. 3:8-20; in the Bible traditionally attributed to him. ‘First Hag. 2:6-9; Ze. 1:16-17; 2:1-13; 3:8-10; 6:12, 13; 8:3-8, Timothy is the worst offender, and no one says he wrote 11-15; 9:7-17; 10:3-12; 12:6-14; 13:1-9; 14:4-21; Mal.

that,’ said the Re. Calvin Roetzel, professor of theology 1:11; 3:1-5; 4:1-6; Mt. 19:28-29; 24:29-30; Lk. 2:25; at Macalester College in St. Paul, an expert on Paul. The Ro. 11:25-27; 2 Th. 1:7-10; Re. 19-22. [See First Book of Timothy was written at least a generation Millennium, Prophecy.]

after Paul (Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minn., Sept. 19, TIMUS (honored, perfect, admirable). Mk. 10:46.

1993).

TIMNA (restraining himself, inaccessible). Ge. 36:12.

What the Bible Says. We always have a clear choice TIMNAH (restraining himself, restraint). Ge. 36:40.

between believing the Bible or the false teachers. The book of 1 Timothy itself claims to have been written by TIMNATH (separation of one from another, portion the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit assigned). Ge. 38:12.

(1 Ti. 1:1; 6:13-14, 20-21). It was written “by TIMNATH-HERES (redundant portion, image of the commandment of God our Saviour.” If Paul did not write sun). Ju. 2:9.

1 Timothy, it is a forgery and a deception, and it has no TIMNATH-SERAH (portion of abundance, fruitful authority whatsoever. If, on the other hand, it is what it portion). Jos. 19:50.

claims to be, anyone who questions it is denying the TIMON (honoring, precious, valuable). Ac. 6:5.

very Word of God. There is no middle ground here. The TIMOTHEUS. [See Timothy.]

Pastoral Epistles have been accepted as canonical TIMOTHY (honoring God, dear to God). Timothy Scripture by Christians down through the centuries. The was one of Paul’s closest co-laborers and the recipient of Pastoral epistles were accepted as Scripture by the two of Paul’s epistles which carry his name.

“church fathers” of the 2nd to the 4th centuries. This includes Polycarp, Irenaeus, Theophilus, Diognetus, Timothy the Man. Timothy was saved and called Clement of Alexandria, Cyprian, and Eusebius. In A.D.

under Paul’s ministry (1 Ti. 1:2; Ac. 14:19-21; 16:1-3).

367 Athanasius, a well-known defender of the Faith, Timothy’s mother and grandmother were believers, and published a list of Old and New Testament books which they had taught him the Word of God (2 Ti. 1:5; 3:15).

he said were “handed down and believed to be divine.”

Timothy accompanied Paul on his travels and was left in This list contained all of the 27 books which are in our charge of certain of the churches they started (Ac.

N.T. today. The Pastoral Epistles were identified as 17:14, 15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Ro. 16:21; 1 Co. 4:17; inspired Scripture by the Council of Laodicea (A.D.

16:10; Ph. 2:19; 1 Th. 3:2, 6; He. 13:23). Timothy’s 363), the Council of Hippo (A.D. 393), and the Council position of authority in the early churches is seen in the of Carthage (A.D. 397). By the 4th century the canon of fact that he is mentioned as co-author of some of Paul’s Scripture was settled and the inspiration and authorship epistles (2 Co. 1:1; 1 Th. 1:1; 2 Th. 1:1; Phile. 1). The of the Pastoral Epistles was not questioned until the postscripts to 1 Corinthians and Hebrews also mention modern era. All of the Reformation confessions upheld Timothy.

the Pastoral Epistles as divine Scripture, including the The Author of and Authority of the Epistles to Timothy.

Reformed Confessions of 1534, the Helvetic Confession In recent years certain modernistic scholars have of 1536, the Belgic Confession of 1561, and the questioned the fact that Paul wrote the Pastoral Epistles.

Westminster Confession of 1643. The Philadelphia We are not surprised at this, because the Bible warns Confession of Faith, 1742, says of the 27 books of the that many false teachers will arise in the last days. The N.T., “being immediately inspired by God, and, by his teachings of first and second Timothy are a sharp singular care and providence, kept pure in all ages, are rebuke to the apostate Christianity of this present hour, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 637

TIPHSAH - TITHE

therefore authentical; so as in all controversies of relegated to a secondary role to the parachurch ministry, religion the church is finally to appeal unto them.”

the Pastoral Epistles are a sharp rebuke.

Why 1 and 2 Timothy Are Hated by Theological 8. They expose the apostasy of the last days (2 Ti.

Modernists and Ecumenists

3:1-9). No wonder the devil has tried to cast aspersion 1. These epistles exalt doctrine. “Doctrine” and upon the Pastoral Epistles! They plainly expose his

“truth” are mentioned 59 times in the Pastoral Epistles schemes.

(1:3; 2:7; 3:9,15; 4:1,6, 13, 16; 5:17; 6:3). The 9. They exalt the Bible as the perfect Word of God (2

Apostolic love of sound doctrine goes against the grain Ti. 3:16-17; 4:3-4). In an age in which the Bible is of this rebellious, ecumenical generation.

considered to be a book containing myth and error, the 2. They demand exposure of and separation from testimony of the Pastoral Epistles is a breath of fresh air false teaching. Ten times false teachers are exposed by

—or a sharp rebuke—depending on what side of the name—1 Ti. 1:20; 2 Ti. 1:15; 2:17; 3:8; 4:10, 14. They battle you are on. [See Apostasy, Apostate, Church, identify false doctrine as demonic (1 Ti. 4:1-5). The Doctrine, Fable, False Prophet, False Teaching, Heresy, Pastoral Epistles instruct the churches to deal with Inspiration, Pastor, Rebuke, Separation, Unity, Women.]

heresy in no uncertain terms (1 Ti. 6:3-5,20; 2 Ti.

TIPHSAH (passing over, halting). 2 Ki. 15:16.

2:21-22; 3:5; Tit. 3:9-11).

TIRAS (desire, longing). Ge. 10:2.

3. They correct the misuse of the law. 1 Timothy TIRE. (1) Head dress; hair dressing (2 Ki. 9:30; Eze.

contains a plain warning about misuse of the law, and 24:17, 23). This might have referred to piling the hair in reaffirms the law’s intended purpose—to lead to and tiers, or to some sort of head dress which was tierical.

exalt the grace of Jesus Christ (1 Ti. 1:3-11). The gospel The same Hebrew word is translated “bonnet” (Is. 3:20; is being corrupted on every hand today. False teachers Eze. 44:18) and “ornament” (Is. 61:10). (2) Moon misuse the law and attempt to mix law and grace. The shaped ornaments (Is. 3:18). (3) To attire; to adorn (2

Pastoral Epistles correct this error.

Ki. 9:30).

4. They establish Christ’s deity. Two of the clearest TIRHAKAH (exalted, inquirer). 2 Ki. 19:9.

testimonies to Christ’s deity in the Bible are found in 1

TIRHANAH (permanent dwelling, condescension). 1

Timothy. 1 Ti. 1:17 says Jesus Christ is the “only wise Ch. 2:48.

God.” 1 Ti. 3:16 says Jesus Christ was “God manifest in the flesh.”

TIRIA (fear, searching out). 1 Ch. 4:16.

5. They restrict the woman’s role in the ministry. The TIRSHATHA (who overturns the foundation, stern).

inspired teaching of the Pastoral Epistles regarding the A title Cyrus, King of Persia, gave to Zerubbabel and woman’s role in Christian ministry is far more restrictive Nehemiah, as governors of Jerusalem (Ezr. 2:63; Ne.

than modern thinking allows. The first epistle to 8:9; 10:1; 12:47).

Timothy forbids women from teaching or taking TIRZAH (his delight, well pleasing). Nu. 26:33.

authority over men (1 Ti. 2:11-14). Paul said this TISHBITE (to take captive, turning back). A restriction was because of the divine order of creation designation for Elisha (1 Ki. 17:1; 21:17,28; 2 Ki. 1:3, 8; (1 Ti. 2:13) and because of the created nature of the 9:36). [See Elisha.]

woman (1 Ti. 2:14). One of the qualifications for TITHE. The tithe means ten percent. Compare Ge.

pastors and deacons is that they be the “husband of one 14:20 with He. 7:2.

wife.” This obviously restricts the leadership of the Tithing before the Law of Moses. Abraham was the church to men. Some believe these restrictions do not first man who tithed (Ge. 14:18-20). He did not tithe apply today, but the Bible says they are to be kept until out of obligation to the Law; he tithed to honor God Christ’s returns (1 Ti. 6:13-14).

through God’s representative king/priest Melchizedek.

6. They maintain high standards for Christian Jacob continued the practice of tithing (Ge. 28:20-22).

leadership (1 Ti. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:14-11). Not only is the We see, then, that tithing is not something that leadership ministry restricted to men, but it is restricted originated with the Law. It was a principle that has been to a very special type of men (1 Ti. 3:1-12). The man understood by God’s people from the beginning.

must have the right call (3:1), the right personal life Tithing under the Law. Under the Law of Moses, there (3:2-3), the right family life (3:2, 4), the right was actually a double tithe. The first tithe was given to experience (3:6), the right reputation (3:7), and the sustain the priests (Nu. 18:21-24; De. 12:19; Ne.

right training (Tit. 1:9). Such high standards go against 10:38). The second tithe was eaten before the Lord by the grain of a morally loose generation.

the offerers (De. 12:17-18; 14:22-27). This second tithe 7. They exalt the local church (1 Ti. 3:15; Tit. 1:5).

was taken out of that which remained after the Levites In a day when the church is despised and neglected and were satisfied, and was given every third year (De.

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TITHE

14:28-29). The Israelites also gave the following matter how small, the parent teaches him to give 10%

offerings to God in addition to the tithe: (1) to God. When tithing becomes a habit from childhood it Redemption money (Le. 27:3-7). (2) The firstborn is easy to continue in adulthood. (2) The tithe should be animals were not to be worked or sheared, but given from “all thine increase.” This means that sacrificed before the Lord (De. 15:19-20). (3) Firstfruits whenever we earn or receive money we should give a (Ex. 23:19; De. 26:1-4).(4) Sacrificial offerings (Le.

tithe unto the Lord from it. (3) God promises to bless 1-6). (5) Corners of their fields for the poor (Ex. 23:11; those who tithe. This promise is repeated in Scripture Le. 19:9-10; De. 24:19). (6) Freewill offerings and vows because God wants to emphasize that it is certain. We (Le. 22:17-19; 27:1-29; Nu. 6:13-21; De. 12:6, 11; can trust God’s Word!

23:21-23). (7) Sabbath of the land every seventh year New Testament Passages on Giving: Luke 6:38. Here (Le. 25:1-7). (8) Year of Jubilee every fifty years (Le.

Jesus stated a wonderful promise about giving. He is not 25:8-34).

talking about tithing in particular, but about giving in Lessons from Malachi 3:8-12: (1) God says that those general. God loves a cheerful giver. It is something that who keep the tithe are robbing Him. This is because He takes note of and abundantly blesses. 1 Corinthians under the Law of Moses God commanded the tithe and 16:1-2. In this passage we see that the believers in the it belonged to Him. Whether or not one considers the first churches took up collections when they assembled exact tithe an obligation on the New Testament believer, on the first day of the week. This particular offering was it is sure that the believer does have many financial a special offering that Paul was collecting for the obligations in the church and to fail to fulfill them is to Christians in Jerusalem that were suffering because of rob God. (2) God promises to bless those who tithe. The famine (Ro. 15:26). Even in this case Paul taught them believer can get by in life far better by giving tithes and to give “as God hath prospered.” This means the giving offerings and living on what is left than he can by not was to be proportionate. That is the same principle as giving to God and trying to live on 100% of his income.

the tithe. Those who earn more give more. 2

This is because it is better to live with God’s blessing on Corinthians 9:6-7. This passage refers again to the my life than to live without it. Thousands of believers special offering that Paul was collecting for the believers have learned that God does indeed bless those who at Jerusalem. We see that such offerings are freewill, tithe. When God says He will rebuke the devourer, it meaning that each believer makes his own decision means that He will not allow things to happen to us that about how much to give (2 Co. 9:7). Paul promises that can rob us of our money. This does not mean that those God will bless their giving.

who tithe will never have trouble, that their roof will Tithing and Faith: The only way to practice tithing never leak or their equipment will never break down or effectively is to practice it by faith. We must believe their children will never get sick. It means that many God’s promises even during times of difficulties. And we things that would otherwise happen will be stopped must remember that God tests faith to see if it is real because of God’s blessing. (3) The tithe should be and to make it grow stronger (Ja. 1:2-4). Many times if brought into the storehouse. In the Old Testament, the a Christian decides to begin tithing, he will have some storehouse was the temple in Jerusalem. Today the financial problem to test his decision. John R. Rice told church is the house of God (1 Ti. 3:15). In the first about an evangelist named Kuykendahl in Texas in the church, the people brought their gifts and laid them at early 20th century. He had a circuit riding ministry and the feet of the leaders (Ac. 4:34-35). That is the his offerings were very small, so much so that his large example for us today. The church has much more work family had a difficult time. One year a wealthy than the Old Testament temple had. The church has businessman visited the area to share his testimony in been commanded to preach the gospel to the ends of several churches, and evangelist Kuykendahl was his the earth (Mt. 28:18-20). This is a very expensive host, transporting him from meeting to meeting in his endeavor, and the expenses are to be borne by God’s buggy. Among other things, the businessman challenged people. The preachers of the gospel are to be supported the people to tithe. As they were traveling along one by the churches (1 Co. 9:14; Tit. 3:13-14; 3 Jn. 5-8).

day, the businessman asked the evangelist if he believed Lessons from Proverbs 3:9-10: (1) Parents are to teach in tithing. He replied, “Yes, I would love to tithe, but I their children how to tithe. Consider verse 1, where we am very poor and must take care of my large family.”

see that this chapter contains the instruction of a father The businessman responded, “I will make you an offer.

to his son. Parents can’t teach their children to tithe If you will tithe for an entire year, I will guarantee you.

unless they have first learned to tithe themselves. When If at any time during the year you find that you can’t the parent teaches a child to tithe, he first gives him a meet your obligations and don’t know where to turn, small amount of money to put into the offering each just contact me and I will send you the necessary money.

week. When the child starts earning his own money, no I am a wealthy man, and I am a man of my word.”

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 639

TITLE - TOLA

Kuykendahl enthusiastically replied, “I will gladly take the church financially so it can fulfill its God-given you up on this offer.” The evangelist kept his word and function in this needy world. [See Covet, Gold, Labor, tithed faithfully, but he never had to contact the Money, Offerings, Stewardship.]

businessman. At the end of the 12 months, the TITLE. A sign, inscription, or inscribed tablet; such evangelist was meditating on what had happened. God especially as used to be carried, according to the custom had richly blessed him that year and had met every of the Romans, to whom we owe the word (Lat. titulus), need. People gave him more than ever, and the family before those who were condemned to death, or was experienced many special blessings. As he contemplated affixed to the instrument of their punishment (The Bible these things, his heart was suddenly smitten, when he Word-Book) (2 Ki. 23:17; Jn. 19:19-20).

realized that he had trusted the word of a businessman TITTLE. Tiny marks used to distinguish between but he had not been willing to trust the Word of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet (Mt. 5:18). The Lord Living God, who had made even greater promises!

Jesus Christ was saying that even the smallest detail of Is Tithing a Law for New Testament Believers? (1) the Word of God is authoritative and will be preserved Remember that tithing predated the Law of Moses. It by God. [See Bible, Inspiration.]

was not because he was under the Law that Abraham TITUS (honorable). A Greek convert who was a co-tithed; he tithed because he wanted to honor God and laborer with the Apostle Paul (2 Co. 2:13; 7:6, 13, 14; support God’s work as represented by Melchizedek. This 8:6, 16, 23; 12:18; Ga. 2:1, 3; 2 Ti. 4:10. The epistle of is a good example for New Testament believers, because Titus was addressed to him to instruct him in his we are children of Abraham by faith (Ro. 4:16-17). (2) church-planting work in Crete (Tit. 1:5). [For the The Old Testament was given for our example (Ro.

canonicity of the book of Titus see Timothy.]

15:4; 1 Co. 10:11). Paul used the Mosaic system of giving as authority for his teaching that New Testament TO GOD-WARD. Toward God (Ex. 18:19; 2 Co. 3:4; believers are obligated to support preachers (1 Co.

1 Th. 1:8).

9:8-14). (3) It is the express will of Christ that His TO THE END. In order that (Ex. 8:22; De. 17:16; Ps.

people be giving people (Lk. 6:38). Many people I have 30:12; Ac. 7:19; Ro. 4:16).

met who “do not believe in tithing” are stingy. They do TO US-WARD. Toward us (Ps. 40:5; Ep. 1:19; 2 Pe.

not bear their rightful load in the church. Stinginess and 3:9).

tightfistedness should never characterize the child of TO YOU-WARD. Toward you (2 Co. 1:12; 13:3; Ep.

God. Even if you do not believe that the tithe is a matter 3:2).

of law, you should be ashamed to keep more than 90%

TOAH (declension, prostration, humble). 1 Ch. 6:34.

of your income for yourself in light of the great needs of TOB (good, goodness). Ju. 11:3.

God’s work in this present world. I hasten to add that not all people who do not consider the tithe a matter of TOBADONIJAH (the goodness of the Lord God). 2

law today are stingy. In fact, I know some who give Ch. 17:8.

30%, 40%, even 50% of their income to the Lord. (4) TOBIAH (the Lord is good, pleasing to the Lord). Ezr.

The believer has many financial obligations. The Great 2:60.

Commission is an obligation. We are commanded to TOCHEN (portion measured out, fixed quantity). 1

carry the gospel to every person in every nation (Mk.

Ch. 4:32.

16:18; Ac. 1:8). This is called Christ’s “Great TOGARMAH. A son of Gomer, son of Japheth (Ge.

Commission” because it is repeated five times in the 10:3). The descendants settled in the N. of Armenia New Testament, thus emphasizing its importance. The (Youngs). “Armenia ... a former kingdom of N.E. Asia worldwide preaching of the gospel is intimately Minor, generally understood to include eastern Turkey associated with Christ’s death in that Christ’s suffering and the Armenian S.S.R.—a constituent republic of the for man’s sin is ineffective if the gospel is not

[former] Soviet Union” ( Funk & Wagnalls Standard proclaimed (Lk. 24:46-47). World missions is a very College Dictionary). In reference to Ezekiel 38-39, we expensive enterprise. Every believer is obligated to do see that Togarmah points to the southern republics what he can to further this work, and this includes which formed an integral part of the old Soviet empire.

preaching the gospel himself, praying, and giving.

[See Gog.]

Supporting preachers and missionaries is an obligation (1

TOIL. [See Employment, Labor, Sluggard.]

Co. 9:14; Ph. 4:15-17; Ti 3:13-14; 3 Jn. 5-8). The church is also an obligation. It is the house of God and the pillar TOHU (declension, abasement). 1 Sa. 1:1.

and ground of the truth in this age (1 Ti. 3:15). It is the TOI (laughter, wandering). 2 Sa. 8:9.

headquarters for world evangelism (Ac. 14:1-4). Thus, TOIL. [See Employment, Labor, Sluggard.]

every believer has an obligation to support the work of TOLA (worm, very red). Ge. 46:13.

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Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

TOLL - TORMENTORS

TOLL. Tax; tribute (Ezr. 4:13 ,20; 7:24).

instructed to covet the best gifts (1 Co. 14:31).

TOMB. A burying place (Job 21:32; Mt. 8:28; 23:29; (7) Biblical tongues were not spoken by all Christians 27:60). [See Cremation, Crucifixion, Death.]

even in the first century (1 Co. 12:4, 7-12, 28-30).

TONGUE. (1) The tongue; the instrument of taste (8) Biblical tongues were not to be exercised by and speech in man’s mouth (Ex. 4:10; Mk. 7:33). (2) women in the churches (1 Co. 14:34-35). In direct Speech; words (Job 15:5; Pr. 6:24; 15:4). (3) Language disobedience to this, women are at the forefront of (Ge 10:20; De. 28:49; Is. 66:18; Jn. 5:2; Ac. 21:40). (4)

“tongues speaking” in the Pentecostal-Charismatic The spiritual gift of tongues speaking, which was the movements.

supernatural ability to use languages unknown to the (9) The Pentecostal/Charismatic method of speaker (Ac. 2:4, 8, 11; 19:6; 1 Co. 12:28, 30; 13:8;

“speaking in tongues” is unscriptural and dangerous.

14:2-39). [See Tongues Speaking.]

When a person accepts the idea that tongues speaking is TONGUES SPEAKING. Since its inception, the needed for the spiritual life, he then wants to know how Pentecostal movement has taught that the gift of tongues can be received. The Pentecostal preacher tongues continues to be exercised today. Tongues typically instructs the individual to open his mouth and speaking is commonly divided into two categories: start muttering words but without using normal personal prayer tongues and public tongues. Consider language, and God is supposed to take control of the the following biblical truths which refute this doctrine: tongue. There is not a hint of such a practice in the N.T.

(1) Biblical tongues were a sign to Israel regarding The Bible warns Christians that there are deceiving the founding of the church and biblical tongues ceased spirits that can appear as angels of light and ministers of when the foundation of the church was completed (1

God (2 Co. 11:13-15; Mt. 24:24). Paul warned the Co. 13:8-9; 14:20-22; Ep. 2:20). God plainly tells us Corinthians that they were in danger of receiving false that this was the purpose for tongues. Paul tells us that spirits because of their carnal condition and lack of tongues was a fulfillment of the prophecy about Israel in spiritual discernment (2 Co. 11:3-4). The true believer Isaiah 28:11-12.

cannot be possessed by evil spirits, but he can certainly (2) The first mention of tongues proves that biblical be influenced by them. Thus the Bible warns us to be tongues were real earthly languages (Ac. 2:6-10).

sober and vigilant (1 Pe. 4:7; 5:8). [See also According to 1 Co. 14:2, tongues speakers spoke Charismatic.]

mysteries, which refers to divine revelation. The term TOPAZ. A precious stone found mainly in Ethiopia

“mysteries” in the N.T. refers to things that were hidden (Job 28:19). It was in the first row of the breastplate of in O.T. times but are now brought to light (Ro. 16:25, the high priest (Ex. 28:17) (Analytical). “The topaz is a 26; 1 Co. 2:7, 10; Ep. 3:3-5; Col. 1:26). This is what we precious stone, of a pale, dead green, with a mixture of see on the day of Pentecost. Those who heard the yellow, sometimes of a fine yellow; and hence called disciples speak in tongues on that day said, “We do hear c h r y s o l y t e b y t h e m o d e r n s , f r o m i t s g o l d them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of color” (Treasury).

God” (Ac. 2:11). Biblical tongues were languages, not TOPHEL (a murmuring, ruin). De. 1:1.

some sort of unintelligible mutterings.

TOPHET, TOPHETH (detestation, execration). A (3) Biblical tongues were bound by apostolic place in the valley of Hinnom where Israel sacrificed commandments. These included the following: no children to Molech (2 Ki. 23:10; Je. 7:31; 19:1-6; women could speak; tongue speaking had to be done by 32:35). It became a garbage dump, a place to burn course; tongues had to be interpreted; there could be no refuse, and in the N.T. is used to symbolize hell. [See confusion (1 Co. 14). The practice of “tongues” in Gehenna, Idolatry, Hell.]

modern times is not operated under the biblical TORMENT. Extreme pain; anguish; the utmost restrictions.

degree of misery, either of body or mind (Webster) (Mt.

(4) Biblical tongues were not sought by individuals 8:6; He. 11:37; Re. 9:5; 11:10). It is often used to but were sovereignly given by God (1 Co. 12:11). The describe the horrors of hell (Mt. 8:29; Lk. 8:28; 16:24, disciples did not seek to speak in tongues.

25; Re. 14:10; 20:10). [See Hell, Judgment, Perdition.]

(5) Biblical tongues were a divine miracle, not TORMENTORS. A torturer (Mt. 18:34). The Greek something that could be learned. Nowhere is instruction word translated “tormentors” is derived from the word given by the apostles about how to speak in tongues, which means to torture and is translated “pained” (Re.

and nowhere do we see believers trying to speak in 12:2) and “vex” (2 Pe. 2:8).

tongues.

(6) Biblical tongues were the least important spiritual gift (1 Co. 12:28-30), but Christians are Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 641

TORAH - TREACHEROUS

TORAH. Torah is the common Hebrew word for the caterpillar transformed into a butterfly; to change one law. Sometimes “the law” refers to the first five books of substance into another (Webster) (Ro. 12:2; 2 Co.

the Bible, the books of Moses. Sometimes the word is 11:13, 14, 15). The Greek word metamorphoomai is used for the entire O.T. Scriptures. In Jn. 10:34, for translated “transformed” in Ro. 12:2. The English word example, Jesus quoted from the Psalms and called it the

“metamorphose” derives from this word. The same law. [See Inspiration, Law, Pentateuch.]

Greek word is also translated “transfigured” (Mt. 17:2) TOU (laughter, declaring). 1 Ch. 18:9.

and “changed” (2 Co. 3:18). The Greek word translated TOUCHING. Concerning; with regard to (Nu. 8:26;

“transform” in 2 Co. 11:13-15 ( metaskeematizo) in Mt. 18:19).

reference to false teachers and the devil means “to transfigure or disguise” (Strong). This word is also TOW. Flax (Ju. 16:9; Is. 1:31; 43:17). Flax was translated “in a figure transferred” (1 Co. 4:6) and derived from the plant of the genus Linum, the skin of

“change” (Ph. 3:21).

which was used for making thread and cloth. The skin consists of fine fibers which may be so separated as to TRANSGRESS, TRANSGRESSION. To trespass; to go be spun into threads as fine as silk (Webster). Thus the beyond the bounds; to step over the line (Ro. 4:15; 1 Jn.

Bible uses the flax to depict that which is easily broken 3:4). See also Ex. 23:21; 34:7; Le. 16:16, 21; Nu. 14:18, or destroyed.

41; De. 17:2; Jos. 7:11; 22:22; Ju. 2:20; 1 Sa. 15:24; Es.

3:3; Ps. 17:3; 37:38; 51:13; 119:158; Pr. 2:22; 11:3, 6; TOWER OF BABEL. [See Babel, Tower of.]

13:2, 15; 21:18; 22:12; 23:28; 26:10; Is. 24:5; 53:12; TRACHONITIS (rough, stony place). Lk. 3:1.

59:13; 66:24; Je. 34:18; Eze. 2:3; Da. 8:23; 9:11; Ho.

TRADITION. The act of delivering into the hands of 7:14; Mt. 15:2, 3; Mk. 15:28; Lk. 15:29; Ro. 2:27; 4:15; another; that which is handed down from generation to 1 Ti. 2:14; Ja. 2:11; 2 Jn. 9). [See Sin.]

generation. The Latin root of this word is trado, to TRANSLATION. To be moved from one place to deliver. The delivery of opinions, doctrines, practices, another. The Latin term transfero, from which the rites and customs from father to son, or from ancestors English word translation is derived, means “to bear to posterity (Webster). This word is used in two over.” In the Bible the term is used in the following distinctly different ways in the N.T., and the chief ways: (1) Translation of kingdoms from one king to difference between the two meanings is the authority another (2 Sa. 3:10). (2) The translation of the believer upon which the tradition is based. (1) The vain from the power of darkness into the kingdom of Christ traditions of false religion (Mt. 15:2, 3, 6; Mk. 7:3, 5, 8, (Col. 1:13). (3) The Rapture of the saints at the coming 9, 13; Ga. 1:14; Col. 2:8). This involves any uninspired of Christ. They will be translated from mortality to teaching of man that is placed on the same level of immortality in a twinkling of an eye (1 Th. 4:13-17; 1

authority as the inspired Word of God. The Roman Co. 15:51-57). The translation of Enoch was a foreview Catholic Church has brazenly exalted its traditions to a of the Rapture (He. 11:5). There is also the process of level equal with Holy Scripture. [See Roman Catholic Bible translation, which is to bear over the meaning of Church.] Many other denominations are also guilty of the words of the Bible into another language. [See King founding their doctrine and practice on the uninspired James Bible, Rapture.]

traditions of man rather than solely upon the infallible TRANSUBSTANTIATION. This means “change of and all-sufficient Word of God. [See Bible, Inspiration.]

substance” and describes the Roman Catholic dogma of (2) The authoritative teachings and practices of the N.T.

the Mass, in which they believe the bread and wine as delivered to the Apostles by inspiration of the Holy become the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ. [See Spirit (2 Th. 2:15; 3:6). In this passage of Scripture the Lord’s Supper, Mass, Roman Catholic Church.]

term tradition is used in a positive sense, referring to that which has been handed down from the Lord’s TRAVAIL. Labor with pain; severe toil (Ge. 35:16; Apostles by inspired doctrine. [See Corban, Custom.]

38:27; Ec. 1:13; 2:23, 26; 3:10; 4:8; 5:14; 4:4, 6; Is.

53:11; Ro. 8:22; Ga. 4:19; Re. 12:2). [See Labor, TRAITOR. One who violates his allegiance; one Suffering.]

guilty of treason; breach of trust; aiding and abetting the enemy (Lk. 6:16; 2 Ti. 3:4). History’s most infamous TRAVEL. (1) To journey (2 Sa. 12:4; Mt. 25:14; Ac.

traitor was Judas [See Judas Iscariot.]

11:19; 19:29; 2 Co. 8:19). (2) Travail; trouble; pain (Nu. 20:14; La. 3:5). [See Travail.]

TRANSFIGURATION. Transfigure means to be changed, transformed. Jesus Christ was glorified on the TRAVERSING. Anything laid or built across; criss mount before John, James, and Peter (Mt. 12:2; Mk.

crossing (Je. 2:23).

9:2; 2 Pe. 1:16-18).

TREACHEROUS. Violating allegiance or faith TRANSFORMED. To change the form of; to change pledged; faithless; traitorous; betrayal of confidence the shape or appearance; to metamorphose; as a 642

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

TREASON - TRINITY

(Ju. 9:23; 2 Ki. 9:23; Is. 21:2; Je. 3:7-11, 20; 5:11; Modesty.]

12:1, 6; 9:2; Zep. 3:4; Mal. 2:10-16).

TRINITY. The Bible’s teaching that God is one God TREASON. The offense of attempting to overthrow revealed in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, the government of the state to which the offender owes and the Holy Spirit. The word “Trinity” is not in the allegiance, or of betraying the state into the hands of a Bible, but the doctrine is there. There are three verses in foreign power; in monarchies, the killing of the king, or which the Trinity is plainly declared: Matthew 28:29; 2

an attempt to take his life (Webster) (1 Ki. 16:20; 2 Ki.

Corinthians 13:14; and 1 John 5:7. Webster’s 1828

11:14; 2 Ch. 23:13). [See Ahithophel, Judas.]

dictionary defined the Trinity as “the union of three TREATISE. Discourse (Ac. 1:1).

persons (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) in one TREE OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL. The Godhead, so that all the three are one God as to tree in the Garden of Eden that Adam and Eve were substance, but three persons as to individuality.” The forbidden to eat from (Ge. 2:9, 17). The tree of the Philadelphia Confession of Faith (1742) stated: “In this knowledge of good and evil no longer exists on earth.

Divine and Infinite Being there are three subsistences, The fruit was not an apple or a type of fruit that we the Father, the Word (or Son), and Holy Spirit, of one know today. [See Adam, Sin.]

substance, power, and eternity, each having the whole divine essence, yet the essence undivided; the Father is TRESPASS. To go beyond the boundaries; to deviate of none neither begotten, nor proceeding; the Son is from the truth; to violate the rights of another (Ge.

eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Spirit 50:17; Ex. 22:9; Le. 5:6, 7; Mt. 18:5). To trespass on proceeding from the Father and the Son, all infinite, someone’s property means to go beyond the legal without beginning, therefore but one God, who is not to bounds of their property line. To trespass against God is be divided in nature and being, but distinguished by to go beyond the legal bounds of His law. [See several peculiar relative properties and personal Offerings, Sin.]

relations; which doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation TRESPASS OFFERING. [See Offerings.]

of all our communion with God, and our comfortable TRIAL. Examination by a test; suffering that puts dependence on him.” This is the profession of faith that strength, patience or faith to the test; afflictions or is held by most Christians. The popular hymn “Holy, temptations that exercise and prove the graces or Holy, Holy” is a hymn of praise to the Trinitarian God. It virtues of men (Webster); a time of suffering during proclaims, “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!

which one’s faith in God is tested (2 Co. 8:2; He. 11:36; Merciful and Mighty! God in Three Persons, blessed 1 Pe. 1:7; 4:12). [See Affliction, Believe, Endure, Entice, Trinity!”

Healing, Hope, Overcome, Patience, Perseverance, The doctrine of the Trinity involves the following Suffering, Temptation, Tribulation.]

truths: (1) There is one God (Deut. 6:4; 1 Co. 8:4). (2) TRIBULATION. (1) Severe affliction; distresses of This God is a unity of Persons in one Godhead (Acts life; trouble and suffering (Mt. 13:21; Ro. 8:35). The 17:29; Ro. 1:20; Col. 2:9). The Father, Son, and Holy Latin root tribulo means to thrash, to beat (Webster).

Spirit are all recognized as God. The Father is God (Jn.

[See Suffering.] (2) The Great Tribulation which will 6:27). The Son is God (He. 1:8; Tit. 2:13; Jn. 20:28).

come upon the world just prior to Christ’s return (Mt.

The Spirit is God (Ac. 5:1-4). Yet the Father, Son, and 24:21-31). [See Believe, Daniel, Endure, Great Spirit are described as distinct Persons (Jn. 14:16-17).

Tribulation, Hope, Overcome, Perseverance, Prophecy,

“Each person of this Divine Being is God, and each of Suffering, Trial.]

them is all that God is. Each one of these persons is TRIBUTE. Custom; tax; fine (Ge. 49:15; De. 20:11; entirely God, but the three persons are not in any sense Jos. 16:10; Ju. 1:28, 30, 33, 35; Es. 10:1; Pr. 12:24).

three Gods. Not one of them can be God without the God levied tributes from His people in O.T. times (Nu.

other two. The Father cannot be God without the Son 31:28, 37, 41; De. 16:10). The tithe can be called a and the Spirit. The Son cannot be God without the tribute. The Bible plainly instructs the Christian to pay Father and the Spirit. The Spirit cannot be God without the taxes charged by civil government (Mt. 17:24-25; the Father and the Son. Each is God only as each is in 22:17, 19; Lk. 20:22; 23:2; Ro. 13:6-7). [See the one Being of the Godhead. As this Godhead cannot Government, Publican, Tithe.]

be divided, there cannot be three Gods. As this TRIM. (1) To cut; set in order (2 Sa. 19:24; Mt.

indivisible Being constitutes One God and no one of the 25:7). (2) To prepare oneself for a certain purpose (Je.

persons can take any degree of Being from the other, 2:33). In this passage God is rebuking Israel for then, the Three, being in and of the one substance, prostituting against Him by “alluding to the practice of constitute one indivisible Being, or God. Therefore, God lewd women who strive to recommend themselves by is a Triunity of Being in One Godhead. He is three their ogling looks and gay dress” (Matthew Henry). [See Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 643

TRINITY

Persons in a unity of Being” (I.M. Haldeman, The Spirit descending upon Him in the form of a dove, and Trinity).

the Father speaking from heaven. The Father was The evidence for the doctrine of the Trinity: (1) The pleased with the Son in every way. (11) The Trinity is Trinity is seen before creation. The Son was with the seen in Jesus’ atonement (He. 9:14). The Son offered Father in glory (Jn. 1:1-2; 17:5). He is in the bosom of Himself to the Father by the Spirit. The offering was the Father (Jn. 1:18). This refers to the Son dwelling in made by the Son who was holy and perfectly acceptable the deepest affections of the Father. (2) The Trinity is to the Father. It was the Son’s free will offering. He seen in creation. The Bible teaches that the three delighted to do God’s will (He. 10:5-7). The offering members of the Godhead acted in Creation. The Father was made to the Father, because it is Jehovah God’s law created (Gen. 1:1; Ac. 17:24). The Spirit created (Ge.

that man has broken and His holy Person that man has 1:2; Job 26:13; Ec. 12:7). The Son created (Ep. 3:9; offended. The offering was made by the eternal Spirit.

Col. 1:15-16; Jn. 1:1-3). (3) The Trinity is seen in Genesis This refers to the fact that Christ was anointed by and 1:26. The Hebrew word for God is elohim. This is a empowered by the Spirit so that His entire life was plural noun, but the verb is singular, teaching that there under the Spirit’s influence and control. “it was the most is one God in a plurality. (4) The Trinity is seen in Genesis trying time of his own life; it was the period when there 11:6-8, where God is spoken of in the plural and in the would be the most strong temptation to abandon his singular at the same time. (5) The Trinity is seen in work; and, as the redemption of the whole world was Deuteronomy 6:4. This verse could be translated, dependent on that act, it is reasonable to suppose that

“Jehovah our elohim is a united Jehovah.” The word the richest heavenly grace would be there imparted to

“one” refers to a unity. The same word for one is used in him, and that he would then be eminently under the Genesis 2:24, speaking of the oneness of a husband and influence of that Spirit which was granted not ‘by wife. This verse summarizes the Bible’s teaching about measure unto him’ (Jn. 3:34)” (Barnes). (12) The Trinity God. He is one but exists in three Persons. (6) The is seen in Jesus’ resurrection. The Bible teaches that Trinity is seen in Psalm 45:6-7. According to Hebrews Christ was raised by God the Father (Ac. 2:24), by the 1:8-9, God the Father is speaking in Psalm 45, and He is Spirit (1 Pet. 3:18), and by Himself (Jn. 2:19, 21). (13) referring to the Son as God. Sometimes people ask, “If The Trinity is seen in the baptismal formula (Mt. 28:19).

Jesus Himself was God, why did He address the Father Observe that believers are to be baptized in the name of, as God?” The answer is that Jesus addressed the Father singular, not in the names of, plural. God is one and He as God for the same reason that the Father addressed is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (14) The the Son as God--because they are both God! In Psalm Trinity is seen in 2 Corinthians 13:14. (15) The Trinity is 45, the Father is declaring His delight in the Son. He is seen in prayer. We are taught to pray to the Father stating His intention to place the Son over the eternal through the enablement of the Spirit by the name of kingdom of God (Ps. 45:4-6). He describes the Son’s joy Jesus Christ, because it is Jesus and His atonement that and pleasure in that kingdom (Ps. 45:7-8). He describes has given us access to God. See Mt. 6:9; Ro. 1:8; 8:26.

the church at Christ’s right hand clothed in gold (Ps.

We are never taught to pray to the Holy Spirit. (16) The 45:9-11). He describes the nations bringing gifts (Ps.

Trinity is seen in the Holy Spirit’s Personality. Some Bible 45:12). He describes the governors that Christ will passages speak of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of God or appoint to rule over His kingdom (Ps. 45:16). He the Spirit of Christ. By this, some conclude that the Holy describes Christ as the object of eternal praise (Ps.

Spirit is only an indistinct part of the Father and Son, 45:13). (7) The Trinity is seen in Proverbs 30:4. This something like man’s spirit is of man. This is not the verse teaches that the Creator God has a Son. (8) The Bible’s teaching, though. The Holy Spirit is one with the Trinity is seen in Isaiah 48:16. Here the Lord Jesus, the Father and Son, yet He is also a distinct member of the Son of God, is speaking and refers to God the Father and Trinity (Mt. 28:19; 2 Co. 13:14; 1 Jn. 5:7; Ep. 2:18; the Holy Spirit. Compare Jn. 18:20. (9) The Trinity is 4:4-6). The Spirit is called the Lord in 2 Co. 3:17. The seen in Jesus’ birth (Lk. 1:35). There we see the Son Holy Spirit is described as a person (“He,” Jn. 14:17, 26; being conceived by the Holy Spirit and the Father. The 15:26; 16:7-15). The Holy Spirit has feelings (Ep. 4:30).

incarnation is the mystery of the Trinity. It is described The Holy Spirit has a will (Acts 13:2; 15:28; 1 Co.

in Philippians 2:5-8. The eternal Son of God, who was 12:11). The Holy Spirit has a mind (Ro. 8:26-27). The in the form of God and equal with God, was made in the Holy Spirit regenerates (Jm. 3:5), comforts and teaches likeness of man, but without sin. In the incarnation, He (Jn. 14:26), testifies (Jn. 15:26), convicts (Jn. 16:8-11), laid aside His glory. He was God but He made himself of guides into truth (Jn. 16:13), speaks (Ac. 13:2; Rev.

no reputation and was in the form of a servant. (10) The 2:7), directs (Ac. 16:6-7), intercedes (Ro. 8:26), Trinity is seen at Jesus’ baptism (Mt. 3:16-17). At this sanctifies (1 Pet. 1:2), bestows gifts (1 Co. 12:4-6). He dramatic event we see the Son being baptized, the Holy can be tempted (Acts 5:9), lied to (Acts 5:3), grieved (Ep. 4:30), resisted (Ac. 7:51), insulted (He. 10:29), 644

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blasphemed (Mt. 12:31). The Holy Spirit is not merely a The two trumpets depict the Holy Spirit and the Word of power or influence (Acts 10:38). The Holy Spirit is not God, which always agree in one. The fact that the merely the spirit of God as man’s spirit is the spirit of trumpets were silver reminds us that God’s guidance is man (1 Co. 2:11-16). If verse 11 stood alone, it could predicated upon His redemption. He guides us because mean that the Spirit is merely the spirit of God as man’s He has redeemed us. Silver spoke of the price of spirit is the spirit of man, but the rest of the passage redemption (Ex. 30:11-16). As the priests determined makes it clear that the Spirit of God is a Person in His God’s mind and communicated it to the camp, the own right. He is a teacher (v. 13). [See God, Holy Spirit, churches are guided by God-called pastors who sound Jehovah Witnesses, Jesus Christ.]

out the mind of God to the assembly. The church, in TRIUNE. A reference to the Trinity. Triune means turn, is to respond immediately. (2) Trumpets were three-in-one. [See Trinity.]

sounded at the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai (Ex.

TROAS (bored through, penetrated). Ac. 16:8.

19:13-19; 20:18; He. 12:19). (3) Trumpets were sounded at the feast of trumpets (Le. 23:24-25). This points to the TRODDEN. Treaded; beaten down (Is. 5:5; 18:2, 7; coming of Christ. The feast of trumpets came between 28:18; Da. 8:13).

the feast of Pentecost and the day of atonement. The TROGYLLIUM (a cavern). Ac. 20:15.

day of atonement in connection with Israel points to the TROOP. A band; a force; a company (Ge. 30:11; fulfillment of the New Covenant at Christ’s return, when 49:19; 1 Sa. 30:8; 2 Sa. 23:11; Ps. 18:29; Ho. 6:9).

Israel will be regenerated and cleansed. The feast of TROPHIMUS (fit for nourishing, well educated). Ac.

trumpets preceded this (Mt. 24:31). (4) Trumpets were 20:4.

sounded at the beginning of Jubilee (Le. 25:9). (5) The TROUBLE. [See Healing, Suffering, Trial, trumpet was sounded when Israel went to war (Jos. 6:5, Tribulation.]

20; Ju. 3:27; 6:34; 7:16-18; 1 Sa. 13:3; 2 Sa. 2:28). (6) TROUGH. Gutter; water trough (Ge. 20:20; 30:38; The trumpet was sounded when the king was coronated Ex. 2:16).

(1 Ki. 1:39, 41). (7 ) Trumpets were sounded at the dedication of the temple (2 Ch. 5:12). (8) The trumpet TROW. Think (Lk. 17:9).

was frequently used by Israel in praise of God (2 Ki.

TRUMP, TRUMPET. There are three Hebrew words 11:14; 1 Ch. 13:8; 15:24, 28; 16:6, 42; Ezr. 3:10; Ne.

translated “trumpet” in the O.T. (1) SHOPHAR is the 12:35, 41; Ps. 98:6; 150:8). (9) The trumpet will sound most commonly used word for trumpet. The shophar at Christ’s coming for His own (1 Co. 15:52; 1 Th. 4:16).

was made of rams’ horns and perhaps of the horns of (10) The last judgments will be preceded by the sounding other animals and was later made of metal. It was used of the seven trumpets (Re. 8:2 - 9:14. [See Cornet, on joyful occasions, for calling assemblies, and for Feasts, Jubilee, Music, Rapture, Second Coming.]

making war (Ex. 19:16; Le. 25:9; Nu. 10:4; Jos. 6:5; Ju.

TRUST. [See Believe.]

3:27; 6:34; 7:16; 1 Sa. 13:3; 2 Sa. 2:28; 6:15; 15:10; 18:16; 20:1). (2) The CHATSOTSERAH is also frequently TRUTH. [See Bible, Doctrine, Honest, Jesus Christ, translated “trumpet” (Nu. 10:2, 8, 10; 29:1; 31:6; 2 Ki.

Sincere, Upright.]

11:14; 12:13; 1 Ch. 13:8; 15:24; 2 Ch. 5:13; Ezr. 3:10; TRUTH, OF A. Truly; surely (1 Sa. 21:5; Mt. 14:33).

Ne. 12:35; Ps. 98:6; Ho. 5:8). “It was a straight trumpet TRYPHENA (delicate, tender). Ro. 16:12.

and in this it differed from the shophar and the keren TRYPHOSA (delicate, tender.) Ro. 16:12.

[translated ‘Cornet’] which were curved. The two TUBAL (flowing forth, confusion, carried or led). Son trumpets which Moses had made for the priests of the of Japheth (Ge. 10:2). The Tibarenes, south of the Black Tabernacle were of silver. Their range and tonality, like sea, and west of Colchis (Young). Some commentators that of the shophar or keren, were probably greatly such as Henry Halley, identify the Tubal of Eze. 38:2-3; limited” (Paul McCommon, Music in the Bible). (3) The 39:1 with the Russian city of Tobolsk, a city in Siberia, YOBEL is translated “trumpet” only in Ex. 19:13. It is while the same commentators identify Meshech with derived from “the blast of a horn (from its continuous Moscow, the capital of Russia. It is interesting to note sound)” and specifically refers to “the signal of the silver that Russia is divided into two major sections—

trumpets; hence the instrument itself and the festival European and Asian. The natural boundary is formed by thus introduced” (Strong). This word is translated the Ural Mountains (Funk & Wagnalls). Moscow lies in

“jubilee” (Le. 25:10-54; 27:17-24; Nu. 36:4) and “ram’s the European side of Russia, while Tobolsk lies in the horn” (Jos. 6:5).

Asian side. By selecting these two cities of “the land of Trumpets in the Bible: (1) Israel was guided by silver Magog,” God has covered the entire region which today trumpets (Nu. 10:1-10). The priests used these trumpets constitutes the great military power of the former USSR.

to call the assembly and to sound the alarm for war.

[See Gog.]

These symbolize the guidance of God in the churches.

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TUBAL-CAIN (flowing forth of Cain). Ge. 4:22. [See ivory and ebony; jewelry, and dyes of all kinds” (Young).

Cain.]

2 Sa. 5:11; 24:7; 1 Ki. 5:1; 7:13; 9:11, 12; Ezr. 3:7; Ne.

TURN AGAIN. Return (Jud. 11:8; Ru. 1:11; 1 Sa.

13:16; Ps. 45:12; 83:7; 87:4; Is. 23:1-17; Je. 25:22; 15:25; Lk. 17:4).

27:3; 47:4; Eze. 26:2-15; 27:2-8; 28:2, 12; 29:18; Ho.

TURTLE. An old English word for turtle dove (Ge.

9:13; Joel 3:3; Am. 1:9; Ze. 9:2, 3; Mt. 11:21, 22; 15:9; Le. 1:14; 15:29; Nu. 6:10; Ps. 74:19; Song 2:12; 15:21; Mk. 3:8; 7:24, 31; Lk. 6:17; 10:13, 14; Ac.

Je. 8:7). The old English word is from the Latin “turtur,”

12:20; 21:3, 7.

which is imitative of the bird’s soft purring call.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy concerning Tyre. The TUTOR. A guardian (Ga. 4:2).

following is from The Wonders of Prophecy by John Urquhart:

TWAIN. Two (1 Sa. 18:21; Mt. 5:21).

“Tyre’s doom is predicted in the twenty-sixth chapter of TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS. The 24 elders of Ezekiel. A graphic picture is drawn of its siege and Revelation 7. [See Elder.]

capture by Nebuchadnezzar (vv. 7-11). The powerful TWINKLING. The flickering gleam or sparkle of the fleet of Tyre swept the sea, and prevented the complete eye; an instant (1 Co. 15:52). [See Rapture.]

investment of the city; but, after a siege of thirteen TYPE. Symbol; illustration; picture. There is a solid years, it was at last taken by the Chaldean army. With this part of the prophecy, however, we do not concern N.T. basis for viewing many of the O.T. people and ourselves. ...

events as pictures of Jesus Christ and of spiritual truth.

“More, however, was predicted. After describing the He. 9:1-9 and 8:5 speaks of the Tabernacle and its vengeance which the king of Babylon will inflict, the articles as types. In He. 3:5 the Lord Jesus is spoken of prophecy proceeds: “And THEY shall lay thy stones, as the fulfillment of the O.T. priesthood. The ark of and thy timber, and thy dust in the midst of the Noah is mentioned as a type of salvation in 1 Pe.

waters” (verse 12). Let the change of person be noted.

3:20-21. In 1 Co. 10:1-11 we see that the things that Having spoken of what Nebuchadnezzar will do, it is happened to Israel in the wilderness were typical of added, “And they shall,” etc., as if others were to be spiritual truth. In 1 Co. 5:7-8 the O.T. Passover and feast joined with him in the work of destruction. Light is of unleavened bread are used as types. In Jn. 3:14-15

thrown upon this distinction in the third and fourth Jesus uses the brazen serpent as a type. Paul’s usage of verses. God will cause many nations to come up the O.T. also illustrates that there is much underlying against Tyre, “as the sea causes his waves to come up” (v. 3). Shock will succeed shock, till she is utterly spiritual typology and application (1 Co. 9:10; Ga.

desolate; “and they shall destroy the walls of Tyrus, 4:22-31, etc.). These are only a few examples of how and break down her towers; I will also scrape her dust the O.T. contains pictures of N.T. truth. Interpreting from her, and make her like the top of a rock” (v. 4).

Scripture typographically is not to be confused with

“Previous to the fall of their ancient city, the Tyrians spiritualizing its literal meaning. [See Adam, Allegorical, had removed the bulk of their treasure to an island in Ark, Boaz, Brass Serpent, Cain, Coat, Feasts, High Priest, their possession, half a mile from the shore. Taught Jesus Christ, Offerings, Parables, Prophecy, Tabernacle, now by bitter experience, they resolved to trust Trumpet.]

themselves no more within walls, which had not round TYRANNUS (prince ruling). Ac. 19:9.

them the defense of a watery girdle. Tyre was mistress of the sea, and could defend herself there. The old city TYRE, TYRUS (a rock, strength). “A city in the center was therefore deserted, and no attempt was made to of Phoenicia, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

rebuild it after the Babylonia army had retired. So far Said to have been founded B.C. 2750; in 1443 it was the prophecy had been fulfilled, but only so far. Tyre assigned to the tribe of Asher, but was never occupied was overthrown and spoiled; the noise of her songs by them; in 1210 it received many fugitives from Sidon; had ceased; the sound of her harps was no more heard in 1014 Hiram its king helped Solomon in his great (v. 13); the great and joyous city was abased and works; in 721-716 it successfully resisted Shalmaneser desolate. But the ruins still stood. The words which king of Assyria; in 585-572 it did the same to declared that the stones and the timber should be cast Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, when the inhabitants into the sea, and the very dust be scraped from the city’s site, had not been fulfilled; and it seemed most founded insular Tyre, which in 332 was taken by improbable that they ever would be. What could the Alexander the Great (after a siege of seven months), by words mean? Nebuchadnezzar had taken a full his constructing a mole connecting it with the mainland.

vengeance, but he had never thought of this. Even in Eze. 27:1-32 contains a glowing account of its ancient his case, furious though he might be at the long-riches and extensive traffic, from Spain to India, continued resistance, it would have been the very including Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Palestine, Syria, frenzy of revenge. Who then would be found to wreak Arabia, and Persia, in gold, silver, iron, lead, tin, copper; such unheard of vengeance upon the unoffending wheat, cereals, honey, oil, balm; wools and linen fabrics; ruins?

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“More than 240 years rolled on, and there was no

“We shall therefore limit the present inquiry to those answer. For two and a half centuries those words of prophecies, regarding whose preexistence to the Scripture seemed a vain menace. Then the fame of events of which they speak, there can, in no mind, be Alexander’s swift and all-conquering career sent a thrill any doubt whatever. I enter into no argument as to the of alarm through the East. The Tyrian ambassadors, age of the O.T. Scriptures. I ask no admission to be who hastened to meet him, were favourably received.

made in regard to the antiquity of any one of the It seemed as if this storm cloud were about to pass prophetical books.

harmlessly over them, but suddenly the conqueror

“We shall come down to a time later than any that has expressed a desire to worship within their city. They been named for their origin, and our argument shall knew only too well what that request meant.

stand or fall by the prophecies which have been Alexander would not enter alone; and, once there, fulfilled since then. Everyone is satisfied that all the those who came as worshipers would remain as Books of the O.T. were in existence before the time of masters. The Tyrians resolved to abide the issue of war, our Lord. It is also known, that since that time, the O.T.

rather than tamely hand over their city to the has been in a twofold custody.

Macedonian king. Alexander’s army marched to the

“It has been in the hands of both the Jews and seashore, and there, with half a mile of blue waters Christians, between whom there could be no collusion.

between them and it, stood the city they had come to There is therefore absolute certainty that the attack. How could it be taken? Alexander’s plan was prophecies are as old as the coming of Christ, and that, speedily formed. He determined to construct a solid as they existed then, we possess them now. If then we causeway through the sea, over which his forces might take only such predictions as have been fulfilled at, or advance to the assault. And now this word, which had since, the beginning of the Christian era, every doubt waited so long, was at last LITERALLY FULFILLED.

will be removed and every cavil prevented in regard to

“The walls, and the towers, and the ruined houses, and the interval between the prophecy and the event; and palaces, and temples, of the ancient city were pulled within these limits we shall confine our present down, and the stones and the timber of Tyre were laid argument.

“in the midst of the water.” Her mounds of ruins were

“We have spoken of Tyre. There is one part of the cleared away; and so great was the demand for prophecy which falls within the limits we have now set material in this vast undertaking, that the very dust ourselves. We read Eze. 26:13-14: “I will cause the seems to have scraped from the site and laid in the sea.

noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps Though centuries had passed after the word was shall be no more heard . . . Thou shalt be BUILT NO

spoken, and had seen no fulfillment, it was not MORE.”

forgotten; and the event declared that it was His word whose judgments, though they may linger long, come

“This sentence of the divine judgment stands as a surely, and fall at last with resistless might.

challenge to all time. It has been unanswered, save by the silence of generations. It is unanswered still. Palae-

“I have dwelt upon this instance simply as an example Tyrus, the continental Tyre, which was captured by of the kind of evidence we are able to bring forward.

Nebuchadnezzar, and the ruins of which were cleared Indubitable though the prophecy is, I press for no away by Alexander, has NEVER BEEN REBUILT. The conclusion from its fulfillment. It is of the utmost site remains today without even a mound to mark it, importance, in this inquiry, to place it beyond the and has to be determined solely by the notices in possibility of doubt that we are dealing with veritable ancient writers which give its distance from the island prophecies, and that the prediction is separated from Tyre” (John Urquhart, The Wonders of Prophecy).

the event by such an interval as must exclude the possibility of human foresight. It could be proved The statistician Peter Stoner, using the principle of satisfactorily to most minds that the book of Ezekiel probability, assigns this prophecy a one-in-seventy-five was in existence long before the time of Alexander; but million chance of fulfillment.

still doubt might creep in. The suggestion might be The modern city of Sur is located near the ancient made that this particular prediction was added, or city of Tyre, but Tyre itself has indeed never been amended, by a later hand.

rebuilt. [See Bible, Inspiration, Prophecy, Zidon.]

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-U-

UCAL (he became chief, mighty). Pr. 30:1.

UNCORRUPTNESS. Soundness; purity (Tit. 2:7).

UEL (the strength of God). Ezr. 10:34.

UNCTION. Anointing. The word “unction” appears ULAI (muddy water, strength). Da. 8:2.

one time in 1 Jn. 2:20, but the same Greek word ULAM (first of all, the porch). 1 Ch. 7:16.

( krisma) is translated “anointing” in verse 27. It refers to the anointing of the Holy Spirit. A similar Greek ULLA (yoke, burden). 1 Ch. 7:39.

word, krio, is translated “anoint” five places in the N.T.

UMMAH (roof, darkened, covered). Jos. 19:30.

The anointing refers to Jesus Christ, the Anointed One UNACCUSTOMED. Not accustomed; not used (Je.

in Lk. 4:18; Ac. 4:27; 10:38; and He. 1:9. In 2 Co. 1:21

31:18).

the anointing refers again to Christians. [See Anoint, UNADVISEDLY. Without forethought; imprudently; Extreme Unction, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ.]

rashly; without due consideration (Ps. 106:33).

UNDEFILED. Perfect; unpolluted (Song 5:2; 6:9; Ps.

UNAWARES. Without knowledge; unforeseen; 119:1; He. 7:26; 13:4; Ja. 1:27; 1 Pe. 1:4).

unexpected (Nu. 35:11,15; Ps. 35:8; Lk. 21:34; He.

UNDER THE HAND OF. Under the charge of; under 13:2).

the care of (Ge. 41:35; Ex. 21:20; Jud. 9:29; 1 Sa.

UNBLAMEABLE. Blameless; unblemished; 21:3).

unreproachable (Col. 1:22; 1 Th. 2:10; 3:13).

UNDERSETTER. A prop; a pedestal; a support (1 Ki.

UNCHANGEABLE. Certain; continuous; immutable 7:30, 34).

(He. 7:24).

UNFEIGNED. Undisguised; honest; not hypocritical; UNCIRCUMCISION. (1) The Gentiles (Ac. 11:3; Ga.

sincere (2 Co. 6:6; 1 Ti. 1:5; 2 Ti. 1:5; 1 Pe. 1:22). [See 2:7; Ep. 2:11; Col. 3:11). (2) The unregenerate (Eze.

Deceit, Dissemble, Dissimulation, Feign, Hypocrisy, 44:7, 9; Ac. 7:5). [See Gentile, Heathen, Israel, Nations, Sincere.]

Pagan.]

UNGIRD. To unloose; to unbind; to release (Ge.

UNCLEAN. (1) Ceremonial cleanliness in the Mosaic 24:32).

law (Le. 5:2, 3; 7:19, 21; 10:10; 11:4; De. 12:15; etc).

UNGODLY. Evil; sinful; impious; acting contrary to These conditions of cleanness or uncleanness depended the nature of God; neglecting the fear and worship of upon obedience to the laws and ordinances of God and God (Ro. 4:5; 2 Pe. 2:5-6; Jude 4). [See Sin.]

were shadows pointing to the cleanness which is UNHOLY. Unrighteous; ungodly; sinful; unspiritual; purchased for us in Jesus Christ. They had a twofold profane (2 Ti. 3:2; He. 10:29). [See Holy, Sin.]

purpose: (a) to separate Israel from the other nations to UNICORN. There is much speculation as to what the keep them pure for God, and (b) to prepare the way for biblical unicorn might refer to. Some say it is the wild Christ by showing man that God is holy and that man is ox, the rhinoceros, or the oryx. It is probable that the sinful and that God requires perfect cleansing. (2) The unicorn is currently extinct. He is mentioned in Job sinful condition of man (Ezr. 9:11; Is. 6:5; 64:6; Eze.

which is possibly the oldest book of the Bible (Job 36:29; 39:24; Ze. 13:1; Mt. 23:27; Ro. 1:24; 6:19; 2 Co.

39:9-12). This passage, and others, mention the 12:21; Ga. 5:19; Ep. 4:19; 5:3, 5; Col. 3:5; 1 Th. 2:3; unicorn’s strength and independence of spirit. Compare 4:7; 2 Pe. 2:10). (3) Evil spirits (Ze. 13:2; Mt. 10:1; Nu. 23:22; 24:8. In mythology the unicorn is a horse-12:43; Mk. 1:2, 26, 27; 3:11, 30; 5:2,8,13; 7:25; Lk.

like creature with a single horn in the center of its 4:33,36; 6:18; 8:29; 9:42; 11:24; Ac. 5:16; 8:7; Re.

forehead, but there is no indication that such a creature 16:13; 18:2). (4) Sanctification (1 Co. 7:14). The has anything to do with the Bible’s references. [See children of believing parents are not saved because of Behemoth, Dragon.]

their parents’ faith, but are set apart in a special sense in that they experience God’s manifold blessing and they UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST. The Unitarian-have the privilege of growing up with the knowledge of Universalist Association of Congregations in North the Gospel. [See Abomination, Devils, Law, America (with churches in the U.S. and Canada) is one Sanctification, Sin.]

of the most liberal of the denominations, being more akin to a society of free thinkers than a traditional UNCOMELY. (1) Unbecoming (1 Co. 7:36). (2) Lack Christian denomination. The present denomination was of beauty; lack of elegance (1 Co. 12:23).

formed from a merger of the American Unitarian UNCORRUPTIBLE. That which cannot be corrupted; Association and the Universalist Church of America in pure; undefiled (Ro. 1:23).

May 1961.

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The Universalists, which were formed in the late unity of the world and unity of religion, but that is the 1700s, denied the miraculous element in Scripture, and false unity of the Antichrist (Re. 17-18) and should be rejected such important Bible doctrines as total resisted by God’s people. Ecumenism means the whole depravity of man, the Trinity, and eternal punishment in world, and it is the spirit of the end times apostasy. (2) hell.

A biblical unity based on apostolic truth. True Christian The modern roots of the Unitarians can be traced to unity is the believers of a sound New Testament church the rationalism and mysticism of the 17th and 18th united together in mind and faith and purpose to serve centuries, though they claim to have roots as far back as Jesus Christ and fulfill the Great Commission under the the Gnostics of the 2nd and 3rd centuries. In the second direction of their duly ordained leaders (Ro. 15:6; 1 Co.

half of the 18th century, many of the Congregational 1:10; 2 Co. 13:11; Ep. 4:1-13; Ph. 1:27).

churches which had become apostate moved toward In Ephesians 4:1-13 we see true biblical unity. It is far Unitarianism. They denied the deity of Jesus Christ and removed from the ecumenical philosophy! (a) It is a the perfect inspiration of the Scriptures. These Unitarian unity of the Holy Spirit (v. 3). It is not a unity which congregations increased in number throughout the man must make, but which man is merely to keep. The 1800s. The American Unitarian Association was formed Holy Spirit must make this unity, because it is a unity of in 1925.

those who are truly born of the Spirit. Contrast this with The chief feature of the ministry of the Apostles was the ecumenical concept of bringing together all who their exaltation of Jesus Christ as only Lord and Saviour, name the name of Christ regardless of whether or not and their commitment to a body of absolute truth which they are regenerate Christians. (b) It is a unity of the they termed “the Faith Once Delivered to the one faith (v. 5). Biblical unity is impossible apart from Saints” (Jude 3). The chief feature of the Unitarian-the one true and settled faith taught by the Apostles.

Universalist Association, though, is its rejection of God’s people are called upon to “earnestly contend for Christ’s deity and sole saviorship, and their denial of the faith once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). There biblical absolutes. According to the Unitarianis no unity whatsoever between those who believe and Universalist 1985 revised statement, no minister, follow the Bible and those who do not. (c) It is a unity member, or congregation “shall be required to subscribe which has as its basic unit the local church. This to any particular interpretation of religion, or to any command in Ephesians 4:3 is addressed to the church at particular religious belief or creed.” Four of their seven Ephesus (Ep. 1:1). It was not addressed to some Principles and Purposes are these: The inherent worth worldwide body of believers. It is possible to practice and dignity of every person; a free and responsible biblical unity within the local church because doctrine search for truth; the goal of world community with and righteousness can be preserved in the church.

peace, liberty, and justice for all; respect for the Outside of the church there is no biblical discipline, interdependent web of all existence of which we are a oversight, or leadership. When Christians attempt to part. According to the Associated Press (June 25, 1996), practice interdenominational and parachurch unity, there are 1,040 Unitarian-Universalist congregations there is always compromise and disobedience. I am not with 205,000 members.

responsible to attempt to maintain a unity of spirit with The Unitarian-Universalist Association of every professing believer in the world, but with the Congregations became the first denomination to call for believers in my assembly, in my local body. The Bible the legal recognition of same-sex marriages. The says “with one mind and one mouth” we are to glorify resolution was passed at its annual meeting at the end God (Ro. 15:6). One mind and one mouth? That of June 1996. “With the vote, support of same-sex certainly is not a description of ecumenism! This is only marriage becomes official policy of the church. Each possible in the local church. In the assembly believers congregation decides for itself whether to endorse the can truly be united together in doctrine and spirit and marriage of gays and whether to host such purpose in a way that is absolutely impossible apart weddings” (Associated Press, June 25, 1996).

from a N.T. assembly. (d) It is a unity maintained by God-given leaders (vv. 11-16). Biblical unity is possible As early as 1970, the Unitarians called for an end to only inasmuch as Christians are willing to submit discrimination against homosexuals and bisexuals. In themselves to God-ordained leadership. The Bible says 1980 Unitarians resolved that homosexuals should be submit yourselves to those that have the rule over you ordained. [See Denomination.]

(He. 13:7, 17). God has chosen that the churches have UNITY. Together; at one; united. The Bible speaks of rulers, and that all the believers willingly submit unity in two different ways. (1) A false unity based themselves to the direction and oversight of these godly upon man’s desires and goals independent of God (Ge.

men. The church that has God-called men in a position 11:1-9). The Bible condemns any proposed unity which of leadership and which humbly follows that leadership is not founded in God’s truth. The cry of the hour is Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 649

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in doctrine and practice will have a biblical unity. True condition of man, the necessity of the new birth, the Christian unity is the believers of a sound N.T. church atonement, and the unique saviorhood of Christ.

united together in mind and faith and purpose to serve UNIVERSALISM DENIES WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES

Jesus Christ, to uphold the Word of God, and to fulfill ABOUT: (1) Man’s lost condition (Ro. 3:10-18). (2) The the Great Commission under the direction of their duly necessity of the new birth (Jn. 3:16). (3) The reality of ordained leaders.

hell (Mk. 9:43-48). (4) The Great White Throne We see a similar teaching in Philippians 2:17. (a) Judgment (Re. 20:11-15). (5) The necessity of Gospel Biblical unity is in the New Testament assembly. This preaching (Mk. 16:15, 16). [See Gospel, Heathen, Hell, instruction was addressed to the church at Philippi.

Jesus Christ, Judgment, Sin.]

Unity is not parachurch or interdenominational. (b) UNKNOWN GOD. [See Idolatry.]

Biblical unity means having one mind, not “unity in UNLADE. To unload a cargo (Ac. 21:3).

diversity.” (c) Biblical unity means total commitment to UNLEARNED. Uneducated; untaught. The term is the one faith. The New Testament faith is not many used in three different ways in the N.T. (1) It is used in separate doctrines, but is one unified body of truth into a mocking, degrading manner, in the sense of calling which all doctrines fit. It is unscriptural to think that someone ignorant (Ac. 4:13). (2) It is also used in a only a few “cardinal” Bible doctrines are crucial while non-mocking manner simply to describe the educational other New Testament teachings and practices are level of a person (1 Co. 14:16) (3) It is further used to tertiary and can be ignored for the sake of unity. The describe a condition of spiritual blindness without Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to keep every aspect of reference to one’s actual educational level (2 Pe. 3:16).

biblical truth “without spot” (1 Timothy 6:14). The focus of 1 Timothy is church practice (1 Timothy 3:15).

UNLEARNED QUESTIONS. [See Foolish Questions.]

Thus, according to the Apostle, even ecclesiology is UNLEAVENED. Without leaven (Ex. 12:8-39).

“crucial” doctrine which must be kept until Christ Leaven is an agent of fermentation or change which returns. It is impossible to stand unequivocally for New spreads throughout a lump of dough or other substance Testament truth in all its aspects and be ecumenical. As and influences the entire lump or body. In the Bible one wise pastor observed, we will have a limited leaven symbolizes sin or error (1 Co. 5:7-8; Ga. 5:9).

fellowship or we will have a limited message. A choice The feast of unleavened bread signified that sin is to be must be made. According to the Bible, we cannot limit put out of the Christian life following conversion. The the message.

feast of unleavened bread following the Passover, which What about John 17:11 ? The modern ecumenical typified salvation through Christ’s atonement. [See False movement has taken John 17:11 as one of its theme Teaching, Leaven, Passover, Salvation, Sanctification, verses, claiming that the unity for which Christ prayed is Sin.]

an ecumenical unity of professing Christians which UNMOVEABLE. Immoveable; that which cannot be disregards biblical doctrine. The context of John 17

moved or shaken; firm; fixed (Ac. 27:41; 1 Co. 15:58).

destroys this myth. In John 17 verses 6, 8, 14, 17, and UNNI (afflicted, depressed). 1 Ch. 15:18.

19 the Lord plainly emphasizes that the unity He desires UNPARDONABLE SIN. The phrase “unpardonable is one based on salvation and Truth. It is not a unity of sin” is not used in the Bible, but is frequently used to true Christians with the false. It is not a unity which describe the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit spoken ignores doctrinal differences for the sake of an enlarged of in Mt. 12:31-32; Mk. 3:28-29; and Lk. 12:10. This fellowship. In fact, there is nothing in Christ’s prayer to was the sin of the Jewish leaders in rejecting Jesus indicate that man is to do anything whatsoever in an Christ. All sin can be forgiven through the blood of attempt to create the unity described herein. John 17 is Christ, but if one rejects Christ, there is no forgiveness a prayer addressed to God the Father, not to men. The for such a one’s sin.

prayer was answered almost 2,000 years ago. It is a UNPERFECT. Imperfect (Ps. 139:16).

spiritual reality which was created by God among UNPROFITABLE. Without profit; without value; genuine believers who are committed to the Scriptures, useless; serving no purpose (Job 15:3; Mt. 25:30; Lk.

not a possibility which must be organized by man. [See 17:10; Ro. 3:12; Tit. 3:9; He. 13:17).

Church, Ecumenical Movement, Separation.]

UNREBUKEABLE. Undeserving of rebuke; blameless UNIVERSALISM. The belief that all men are children (1 Ti. 6:14).

of God and do not need a personal salvation from sin.

The doctrine of universalism is widespread today. Many UNREPROVEABLE. Irreproachable; that cannot be supposed Christian denominations hold this view, as justly censured (Col. 1:22).

well as non-Christians. Universalism denies many UNRIGHTEOUS. Unjust; sinful; ungodly (Le. 19:15; important doctrines of the Word of God, such as the lost De. 25:16; Is. 10:1; Ps. 92:15; Je. 22:13; Jn. 7:18; Ro.

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1:18, 29; 2:8; 3:5; 6:13; 9:14; 2 Th. 2:10, 12; He. 8:12; imaginative works, like the ‘Arabian Nights’ and similar 2 Pe. 2:13, 15; 1 Jn. 1:9; 5:17). [See Holy, Justification, Oriental tales of fiction” (Edwin Rice, Our Sixty-six Righteousness, Sin.]

Sacred Books, pp. 135, 136). These vain imaginings UNRULY. Unrestrained; disobedient; out of order; were silenced by archaeological discoveries. “The uncontrolled (1 Th. 5:14; Tit. 1:6,10; Ja. 3:8).

explorers, Rich, 1811, Layard and Rawlinson, 1846, and UNSATIABLE. Insatiable; that which cannot be their companions and followers, Botta, Oppert, Hicks, satisfied (Eze. 16:28).

George Smith, Rassam, and more recently Naville and Petrie in Egypt, and Hilprecht in Assyria, have UNSAVOURY. Unpleasing; disgusting (2 Sa. 22:27; uncovered great groups of cities peopling the valleys of Job 6:6).

the Euphrates and Tigris and the Nile, so that we see UNSEEMLY. Improper; unbecoming; indecent; not only Nineveh and Babylon and Ur, but scores of impropriety (Ro. 1:27).

other ancient cities named in Scripture and remarkable UNTOWARD. Crooked; perverse; not easily guided for their size and their civilization, uncovered by the or taught (Ac. 2:40).

spade and caused to stand forth like an exceeding great UNWASHEN. Not washed (Mt. 15:20; Mk. 7:2, 5).

army of cities springing out of the ground to prove the UNWITTINGLY. Without knowledge (Le. 22:14; Jos.

Scriptural records. Thus the skeptics and the rationalists 20:3, 5).

who questioned the existence of these ancient cities and UPBRAID. Reproach; correct; chastise (Ju. 8:15; Mt.

disputed the biblical records are silenced and put to 11:20; Mk. 16:14; Ja. 1:5).

shame. ... Prof. Hilprecht and others have actually found libraries consisting of upward of 30,000 tablets (and UPHARSIN. Part of the words which were written on believe that over 100,000 more exist), in every form of the wall to announce God’s judgment of Babylon (Da.

literature relating to medicine, law, society and the 5:25-28). [See Mene.]

liberal arts, and reaching back full two millenniums UPHAZ (island of gold). Je. 10:9; Da. 10:5.

before the period of Abraham” (Ibid.). “The city was UPON A DAY. On a day (1 Sa. 14:1).

enclosed by oval walls some 30 feet high, which UPON HEAPS. [See Heaps, Upon.]

protected not only the city but two harbors. Streets were UPRIGHT. Integrity; truthful; honest; sincere (De.

carefully laid out. House walls faced the streets, and 9:5; 1 Sa. 29:6; 2 Sa. 22:24, 26; Job 1:1, 8; 2:3; 8:6; homes featured an inner courtyard onto which their 12:4; 17:8; Ps. 7:10; 11:2, 7; Pr. 2:13; Is. 33:15; Mi.

rooms faced. Among the more spectacular finds from 2:7; Ga. 2:14). The Hebrew word translated “upright” in Ur’s early period are beautifully worked gold jewelry 2 Sa. 22:24 ( tahmeem) is also translated “perfect” (Ge.

and objects, gold-inlaid musical instruments, and 6:9), “without blemish” (Ex. 12:5), “full” (Le. 25:30); colorful mosaics illustrating civil and military life. In

“without spot (Nu. 19:2); “whole” (Jos. 10:13), addition, a number of clay tablets were recovered,

“sincerity” (Jos. 24:14), “undefiled” (Ps. 119:1), and including a Sumerian dictionary and a mathematical

“sound” (Ps. 119:80). In these translations we can see text recording cube roots. There were also business the meaning of the term. [See Holy, Honest, records, which show that the people of Ur were actively Justification, Righteousness, Sincere.]

involved in international trade” (Revell). [See Abraham.]

UPRISING. Rising up (Ps. 139:2). This Psalm reveals that God knows and cares about every detail of our URBANE (of a city, refined). Ro. 16:9.

daily lives.

URI (light of the Lord, my light). Ex. 31:2.

UR (light, brightness). The home of Abraham from URIAH, URIJAH (light of the Lord, fire of the Lord).

which God called him to journey to the land of Canaan 2 Sa. 11:3; Je. 26:20.

(Ge. 11:28, 31; 15:7; Ne. 9:7). Abraham’s family had URIAS (flame of the Lord). Mt. 1:6.

served false gods in Ur (Jos. 24:2). The idolatrous URIEL (the light of God, the fire of God). 1 Ch. 15:5.

nature of Ur has been confirmed by archaeological URIM AND THUMMIM (lights and perfections).

discoveries. “Ur was dominated by a giant three-stage These objects were placed in the breastplate (Ex.

ziggurat, reaching some 70 feet above the flat plain 28:30). Exodus 28:16 says the breastplate was doubled, below. On it were shrines to Nannar, the city’s so it might have formed a pouch or pocket for the urim god” (Revell). In the 1800s it was popular in and thummim. Some believe that the urim and modernistic circles to doubt the authenticity of the thummin were the same as the stones on the biblical account of Ur. “...skeptics and rationalists boldly breastplate. A video published by the Temple Institute in asserted that no such cities as Babylon, Nineveh, Jerusalem presents this view, but Leviticus 8:8 states Lachish and Ur were historic places, or ever existed. The that they were separate items. The appearance of these biblical descriptions of them were classed with highly Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 651

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objects is not described in Scripture, nor was the USURY. Charging interest on money loaned (Ex.

manner in which they were used. Obviously, then, we 22:25; De. 23:19; Mt. 25:27; Lk. 19:23).

do not need to know these things (De. 29:29). (1) The UTHAI (seasonableness of God, whom the Lord urim and thummim were used to discern God’s will (Nu.

succors). 1 Ch. 9:4.

27:21; De. 33:8). The words “urim and thummim”

UTMOST. The most; the greatest; the extreme (Ge.

mean “lights and perfections” and point to the 49:26; Nu. 22:36; Lk 11:31).

perfection of revelation in Jesus Christ. The high priest’s Urim and Thummim represent Christ as the Revelation UTTER. (1) To speak; disclose (Le. 5:1; Ps. 19:2; Pr.

of God (Heb. 1:1-2). He is the Word of God. He is the 1:21; Job 15:5; Is. 59:13; Mt. 13:35; Ro. 8:26; 2 Co.

light and the truth. Those who desire to know the truth 12:4; He. 5:11; Re. 10:3-4). (2) Complete (1 Ki. 20:42; about God and life must hear Jesus Christ as recorded in Ze. 14:11). (3) Outer (Eze. 10:5; 42:1).

divine Scripture. (2) The urim and thummin represent UTTERLY. Entirely; extremely; to the utmost (Ex.

Christ’s omniscience. The Hebrew word “urim” is the 17:14; 22:20; 2 Pe. 2:12).

plural of “ore,” which means fire. It reminds us of UTTERMOST. Utmost; furthest; extreme (Ex. 26:4; Christ’s eyes which appear as a flame of fire in John’s Nu. 11:1; Ps. 2:8; Mt. 5:26; Ac. 1:8).

vision (Re. 1:14; 19:12). He knows all things and sees UZ (counsel, consultation). Ge. 10:23.

all things. He reminded the churches of this fact (“hath UZZAH (strength, a goat). The Israelite who was his eyes like unto a flame of fire ... I know thy works,”

killed for wrongly touching the ark as it was being Re. 2:18-19). The judgment seat of Christ will be a carried to Jerusalem (2 Sa. 6; 1 Ch. 13). Uzzah was manifestation of the believer’s life as seen through the struck down because they had failed to transport the ark eyes of the omniscient Son of God (1 Co. 3:13). The in the manner prescribed in the Law of God (Nu. 4:15, urim and thummin within the breastplate remind us 19, 20; 1 Ch. 15:12, 13).

that Christ’s great love for His people does not mean UZAI (hast of God, strong). Ne. 3:25.

that He overlooks their sin. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Re. 3:19). Christ not only loves the UZAL (constant progress). Ge. 10:27.

church, He sanctifies and cleanses it (Eph. 5:25-27). He UZZENSHERAH (provision of Sherah). 1 Ch. 7:24.

chastens every one of His sons (Heb. 12:6). [See High UZZIAH (strength of God). King of Judah (2 Ki.

Priest, Tabernacle.]

14:21, 22; 15:1-7, 13; 2 Ch. 26). Uzziah was lifted up in USE. (1) To be accustomed (Ex. 21:36). (2) To pride in his latter days and attempted to usurp the place practice, as in the phrases “use divination” (Eze. 21:21) of the priest; God struck him with leprosy (2 Ch.

and “use enchantment” (Le. 19:26).

26:16-21). He is also called “Azariah” in 2 Ki. 14:21-22.

UZZIEL (strength of God). Ex. 6:18.

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VAGABOND. One who wanders; without permanent babbling and vain jangling: (1) twisting and misusing residence (Ge. 4:12; Ps. 109:10; Ac. 19:13).

the law (1 Ti. 1:6-7); (2) spiritualizing the resurrection VAIL. (1) The dividing curtains in the Tabernacle (2 Ti. 2:16-18); (3) Judaizers (Tit. 1:10-14). Actually, (Ex. 26:31, 33, 35; 27:21; 30:6; 35:12; 36:35; 38:27; every form of false teaching would come under this 39:34; 40:3, 21, 22, 26; Le. 4:6, 17; 16:2, 12, 15; description. [See False Teaching, Foolish Questions, 21:23; 24:3; 2 Ch. 3:14; Mt. 27:51; Mk. 15:38; Lk.

Jangling, Profane, Profane and Vain Babbling, Vain.]

23:45; He. 6:19; 9:3). [See Tabernacle.] (2) A covering VAJEZATHA (bright, pure). Es. 9:9.

vail for women (Ge. 24:65; 38:14, 19; Song 5:7; Is.

VALIANTLY. The phrases “do valiantly” (Nu. 24:18; 3:23). (3) The darkness of the unbelieving heart (2 Co.

Ps. 60:12; 108:13; 118:15, 16) and “behave 3:13-16). (4) The crucifixion of Jesus Christ whereby valiantly” (1 Ch. 19:13) mean to be courageous; to the believer is brought into the very presence of God behave gallantly; to be strong and brave.

(He. 10:20). (5) The satanic vail of darkness covering VALLEY GATE. [See Gate.]

the world (Is. 25:7; compare 2 Co. 4:4).

VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT. [See Jehoshaphat -

VAIN. (1) Empty; without meaning or purpose; Valley of.]

without effect (Ex. 20:7; Le. 26:16; 1 Sa. 25:21; Ec.

6:12; Ps. 60:11; 108:12; 127:1, 2; Pr. 1:17; 31:30; Is.

VALLEY OF MEGIDDO. 2 Ch. 35:22; Ze. 12:11. [See 45:18; Je. 50:9; Ro. 13:4; 1 Co. 15:2, 17; Ga. 2:21; 3:4; Megiddo.]

4:11; Ja. 4:5). (2) Men empty of moral values; wicked VANIAH (oppression, weapons of the Lord). Ezr.

(Ju. 9:4; 11:3; 2 Sa. 6:20; 2 Ch. 13:7; Pr. 12:11; 28:19).

10:36.

(3) Pride; vanity (1 Co. 3:20; Ga. 5:26; Ph. 2:3; Col.

VANITIES. That which is empty; worthless; of no 2:18; Ja. 2:20). (4) Manmade teaching which does not value (De. 32:21; Ec. 1:2). The term most frequently line up with the Bible and which does not edify (1 Ti.

describes God’s attitude toward idols (De. 32:21; 1 Ki.

6:20; 2 Ti. 2:16). (5) Without benefit (Mt. 15:9; Mk.

16:13, 26; Je. 10:8; 14:22; Jon. 2:7; Ac. 14:15). [See 7:7). (6) To “take the name of God in vain” refers to Idolatry, Vanity.]

using God’s name lightly without actually addressing VANITIES, LYING. Empty falsehoods (Ps. 31:6). Idols God, using his name in a cursing or blasphemous way, are a deception which have no value for those who or using His name in an empty, repetitious manner (Ex.

worship them. [See Idolatry.]

20:7; Pr. 30:9; Mt. 6:5-8). [See Blaspheme, Hallow, Vain VANITY. (1) Empty; worthless; futile (Job 7:16; Ps.

Babbling, Vanity.]

12:2). This is a key word in the book of Ecclesiastes VAINGLORY. Exclusive vanity excited by one’s own because the subject is man’s condition as viewed “under performances; empty pride; undue elation of mind the sun,” apart from divine revelation (Ec. 1:2,14; 2:1, (Webster); groundless self esteem (Ph. 2:3). This word 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26; 3:19; 4:4,7-8, 16; 5:6, 10; is contrasted with lowliness of mind and esteeming 6:2, 4, 9, 11, 12; 7:6, 15; 8:10, 14; 9:9; 12:8). If life is others better than oneself. It is connected with striving not viewed in light of God and eternity, it is ultimately for one’s own self pleasure and will. [See Humble, empty and without purpose. (2) Pride (Ep. 4:17; 2 Pe.

Pride.]

2:18). (3) Idols (2 Ki. 17:15; Is. 41:29; 44:9). Vanity is VAIN BABBLING, VAIN JANGLING. The “vain associated with lying (Ps. 144:8, 11; 12:2; 4:2), the babbling” of 1 Ti. 6:20 and 2 Ti. 2:16 and the “vain brevity of life (Ps. 144:4), idolatry (2 Ki. 17:15), getting jangling” of 1 Ti. 1:6 and the “vain talkers” of Tit. 1:10

wealth improperly (Pr. 21:6). Some things which are have essentially the same meaning. These expressions vain: man’s natural thoughts (Ps. 94:11), man at his refer to the useless and unedifying teaching and best state (Ps. 39:5), man’s birth and death (Ec. 6:4), disputations of false teachers. “Vain” means empty, pleasure (Ec. 2:1), the work of man’s hands (Ec. 2:11, worthless, without value, and refers to the fact that false 17). [See Idolatry, Vain.]

teaching does not edify, but rather results in spiritual VARIABLENESS. Change (Ja. 1:17).

injury (2 Ti. 2:16-17). The Greek word translated VARIANCE. (1) Difference that produces dispute or

“vain” ( kenos) is also translated “empty” (Mk. 12:3; Lk.

controversy; to alienate; disagreement; dissension; 1:53; 20:10-11). The Greek word underlying (Webster) (Mt. 10:35). (2) Wrangling; contention;

“babbling” ( phone) is also translated “voice” (Mt. 2:18; strife; discord; quarreling (Ga. 5:20). [See Anger, 3:3,17; 12:19; 17:5; 27:46,50) and “noise” (Re. 6:1).

Dissension, Strife.]

The Apostle gives a number of examples of vain VASHNI (gift). 1 Ch. 6:28.

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VASHTI (lovely). The woman who was queen of Vatican II also opened the door for ecumenical overtures Persia before Esther (Es. 1-2).

to the non-Catholic world. While there were many other VATICAN. The headquarters of the Roman Catholic peripheral changes made, Vatican II reaffirmed in the Church. “Vatican” is from the Latin word vaticanus, plainest possible language the dogmas of Roman signifying one of the seven hills of ancient Rome, on the Catholicism. The heart of this apostate religious system west bank of the Tiber River ( Webster’s Unabridged). The

—the papacy, the priesthood, and the sacraments—

Vatican refers both to the papal palace and the papal remain unchanged. [See Roman Catholic Church.]

government. Consider the following description of the VAUNT. To boast; to brag; to make a vain display Vatican state which exchanges ambassadors with most (Jud. 7:2; 1 Co. 13:4). [See Pride.]

of the nations of the world and wields tremendous VEGETARIAN. It is probable that men were power over presidents and kings.

vegetarians prior to the Flood (Ge. 1:29; 2:9). After the

“The Vatican cannot sign the United Nations Flood God instructed Noah and his family that they Declaration on Human Rights because within its could eat meat (Ge. 9:3-4). Abraham served meat to the boundaries there is no freedom of religion. The pope’s Lord and the angels (Ge. 18:5-8). The patriarchs ate area of temporal domain is no larger than 109 acres, meat (Ge. 25:27, 28; 27:1-4, 17, 19, 31, 33). The Jews with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. It has a full civil ate meat (Ex. 12:8-9; Le. 7:6, 15; 10:14; 11:1-3, 9-10, government with a flag, a police force, courts and postage stamps. It even issues currency in the form of 21-22). The Lord Jesus Christ ate meat; He ate the gold and silver with the effigy of the pope.

Passover lamb (Mt. 26:17-19), and He ate fish (Lk.

“It has a very large and active diplomatic corp, the 24:41-43). The apostles warned that false teachers finest in the world, headed by a secretary of state with would promote dietary restrictions (Ro. 14:15-20; 1 Co.

100 ambassadors called nuncios. These Vatican 8:8-13; Col. 2:16). To forbid eating meat is a doctrine of ambassadors in most capitals outrank even the devils (1 Ti. 4:1-3). [See Beast.]

representatives of the United States.

VEHEMENT. Intense; ardent; powerful (Jon. 4:8; 2

“The pope, however, is not just a temporal ruler in that Co. 7:11).

small area in Rome, he is ruler of an international VEIL. [See Vail.]

power, claiming authority from God, and demanding adherence from all Catholics in all nations, including VENGEANCE. The terms “revenge” and “vengeance”

the United States. The sovereign power of the pope are translated from the same Hebrew and Greek words.

extends his jurisdiction to 800 million Catholics in They incorporate the following meanings: (1) every country where there are Catholics. In more than Repayment for ill treatment or injury; punishment for 60 countries the majority of the population is Catholic, wrong doing (De. 32:42; Je. 15:15; Na. 1:2). When and in half of those, more than 90 percent are used in this sense, the term “vengeance” does not Catholic.

necessarily carry a sense of spite or maliciousness as it

“The pope is considered a supreme ruler because when normally does in modern usage. God avenges sin, not he is crowned, he is charged as follows: ‘Receive the out of spite or meanness, but because of His holiness threefold crown of the Tiara, and know that thou art and justice. The Greek word EKDIKEESIS is translated the Father of princes and Kings, the Ruler of the round

“avenge” (Lk. 18:7; Ac. 7:24), “vengeance” (Lk. 21:22; earth, and here below the viceroy of Jesus Christ, to whom be Honor and Glory forever, Amen.’

Ro. 12:19; 2 Th. 1:8; He. 10:30), “punishment” (1 Pe.

2:14), and “revenge” (2 Co. 7:11). The Greek word

“This man crowned ‘ruler of the round earth’ is one of the few remaining absolute monarchs in the world. He DIKEE is translated “judgment” (Ac. 25:15) and lives in an atmosphere of continuous adulation. His

“vengeance” (Ac. 28:4; 2 Th. 1:9; Jude 7). (2) Justice; Vatican palace has thousands of rooms. He is too retribution. Vengeance is also used in the sense of legal exalted to eat a meal with any other human” (Ron punishment of evil by civil and ecclesiastical authorities Maggard, Behind the Purple Curtain).

(Lk. 18:3-5; Ro. 13:4; 2 Co. 7:11; 10:6; 1 Pe. 2:14). (3)

[See also Pope, Roman Catholic Church.]

The O.T. “revenger of blood” was a relative or friend VATICAN II. A Roman Catholic Church council who avenged the death of a loved one (Nu. 35:19-27; conducted between October 11, 1962, to December 9, De. 19:6,12; Jos. 20:3-9; 2 Sa. 14:5-11). The cities of 1965. It was convened by Pope John XXIII, and after his refuge provided a safe haven for the one who killed death in June 1963, was completed by Pope Paul VI.

without evil intent. [See Cities of Refuge, Kill.] In the The council was attended by more than 2,400 Roman sense of paying back ill treatment, the Bible says the Catholic bishops. A number of important changes were Christian is to leave vengeance to God (Ro. 12:19; He.

made in the practice of Catholicism. Before Vatican II, 10:30). [See Anger, Judgment, Pacifism.] (4) The Great the mass was performed in the Latin language. Vatican Tribulation is called the “days of vengeance” (Lk. 21:22) II allowed for it to be conducted in the vernacular.

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VENISON - VISION

upon this wicked world (Is. 2:10-22; 2 Th. 1:8; Re.

VEXATION. Destruction; trouble; confusion; tumult; 19:2). [See Great Tribulation, Prophecy.]

irritation; distress (De. 28:20; Ec. 1:14; Is. 9:1; 65:14).

VENISON. The flesh of beasts of game, or of such

“Like ‘vex’ this word was formerly used in a much wild animals as are taken in the chase. It is however, in stronger and more physical sense than at present, and the United States, applied exclusively to the flesh of the the Hebrew of which it is the rendering is elsewhere deer or cervine genus of animals (Webster) (Ge. 25:28; translated ‘discomfiture’ (1 Sa. 14:20) and 27:3).

‘destruction’ (De. 7:23; 1 Sa. 5:9, 11)” (The Bible Word-VENTURE, AT A. At random; with no definite Book).

objective (1 Ki. 22:34; 2 Ch. 18:33).

VIAL. A bowl (Re. 5:8; 15:7).

VERBAL-PLENARY INSPIRATION. The doctrine that VICTUALS. Food (Ge. 14:11; Le. 25:37; De. 23:19; the Bible is given by inspiration of God in every detail.

Mt. 14:15).

Verbal means words, and refers to the fact that every VIEW. To observe; spy out; survey (Jos. 7:2; Ezr.

word of the Bible is from God. Plenary means full and 8:15).

refers to the fact that the entire Bible is from God, from VIGILANT. On guard; watchful; careful (1 Ti. 3:2; 1

Genesis to Revelation. [See Bible, Inspiration, Pe. 5:8). The Greek word translated “vigilant” is also Preservation.]

translated “sober” (1 Ti. 3:11). [See Sober.]

VERILY. Truly; surely (Ge. 42:21; Ex. 31:13; Jn.

VILE. (1) Wicked (Ps. 12:8; Da. 11:21; Ro. 1:26). (2) 3:16; 1 Jn. 2:5).

To be without repute; dishonorable; uncivilized; VERITY. Truth (Ps. 111:7; 1 Ti. 2:7).

worthless; contemptible (2 Sa. 6:22; Ja. 2:2). (3) The VERMILLION. Red color (Je. 22:14; Eze. 23:14).

“vile affections” mentioned in Ro. 1:26 refers to moral VERSES. The smallest division of the Bible. Chapter perversions, particularly unnatural wickedness such as divisions had been made as early as the 13th century, homosexuality, which is a judgment of God upon those but the verse divisions were not made until the 15th who reject Him. (4) Low estate; humiliated (Ph. 3:21).

and 16th centuries. The verse divisions of the O.T. were The word translated “vile” here is elsewhere translated made by Rabbi Nathan in 1448 and was first printed in

“low estate” (Lk. 1:48), “humiliation” (Ac. 8:33), and a Venice edition of 1524. The verse divisions for the N.T.

“made low” (Ja. 1:10). Our “vile body” which has been first appeared in Stephanus’ Graeco-Latin N.T. of 1551.

humiliated by the fall will be glorified at the The first appearance of verse divisions throughout the resurrection

whole Scriptures was Stephanus’ Latin Bible of 1555

VILLANY. Depravity; criminal; empty (Is. 32:6; Je.

(Kenyon, p. 226). The first English Bible to incorporate 29:23).

this system was the popular Geneva English Bible of VINTAGE. The produce of the vine for the season 1557. [See Bible, Chapters.]

(Webster) (Le. 26:5; Ju. 8:2; Is. 24:13).

VERSIONS - BIBLE. [See Bible Versions, Dynamic VIOL. A stringed instrument used to accompany the Equivalency, Erasmus, Masoretic Text, Preservation.]

voice (Is. 5:12; 14:11; Am. 5:23; 6:5). The same VERY. (1) As an adverb, or modifier of adjectives Hebrew word, nebel, is often translated “psaltery.” [See and adverbs, very denotes in a great degree, an eminent Music.]

or high degree, but not generally the highest (Webster) VIPER. A poisonous snake (Job 20:16; Is. 30:6; 59:5; (Ge. 1:31; 4:5; Ps. 104:1; Mt. 18:31). (2) True; real (Pr.

Mt. 3:7; 12:34; 23:33; Lk. 3:7; Ac. 28:3). [See Serpent.]

17:9; Jn. 7:26). (3) Same; own (Ps. 146:4; Eze. 2:3; Mt.

VIRGIN. A girl or woman who has never known a 15:28). The term “very” in expressions such as “very man sexually. [For the virgin birth of Christ see Jesus elect” (Mt. 24:24), “very heads” (Mt. 10:30), “very Christ.]

dust” (Lk. 9:5), and “very last mite” (Lk. 12:59) is used VIRTUE. (1) Godliness; moral excellence (Ru. 3:11; for emphasis. (4) Abundance (Ze. 8:4).

Pr. 12:4; Ph. 4:8; 2 Pe. 1:3-5). (2) Power (Mk. 5:30; Lk.

VESTMENT. Clothing; cloak; garment (Ge. 41:42; 6:19; 8:46). [See Righteousness, Sanctification, De. 22:12; Ps. 22:18; Mt. 27:35; He. 1:12). [See Coat, Unrighteous.]

Modesty.]

VISAGE. Form; appearance; face (Lam. 4:8; Is.

VESTURE. Dress; clothing (De. 22:12; Ps. 22:18; 52:14; Da. 3:19).

102:26; Mt. 27:35; Jn. 19:24; He. 1:2; Re. 19:13, 16).

VISION. (1) Revelations from God (Ge. 15:1; 46:2; 1

VEX. Trouble; cause to be distressed; irritate; Sa. 3:1, 15; 2 Sa. 7:17; Eze. 1:1; 7:13, 26; 8:3; 12:22, torment (Ex. 22:21; Ju. 10:8; Ps. 6:2; Is. 63:10; Mt.

23, 24, 27; 40:2; 43:3; Da. 1:17; Ob. 1; Na. 1:1; Hab.

15:22; 17:15; Lk. 6:18; Ac. 12:1; 2 Pe. 2:8; 2:2, 3; 2 Co. 12:1; Re. 9:17). (2) False visions (Is. 28:7; Je. 14:14; 23:16; Eze. 13:7; Ze. 13:4). [See Bible, False Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 655

VISITATION - VOW

Prophet, Inspiration, Revelation, Seventh-day VOLUME. A roll, referring to a rolled manuscript or Adventism, Tongues.]

scroll (Ps. 40:7; He. 10:7). [See Roll.]

VISITATION. (1) A time of judgment (Is. 10:3; Je.

VOPHSI (addition of God). Nu. 13:14.

8:12; 10:15). (2) An occasion of special opportunity VOW. A pledge; promise; oath (Ge. 28:20; 31:13; Le.

(Lk. 19:44).

7:16; 22:18, 21-23; 23:38; 27:2; De. 12:6, 11, 17, 26; VOCATION. Invitation; calling (Ep. 4:1).

23:18; 23:21; Ju. 11:30, 39; 1 Sa. 1:11, 21; 2 Sa.

VOID. (1) Empty; destitute; lacking (Ge. 1:2; De.

15:7-8; Job 22:27; Ps. 22:25; 50:14; 56:12; 61:5, 8; 32:28; 1 Ki. 22:10; Na. 2:10); Pr. 17:18. (2) To 65:1; 116:14; Pr. 31:2; Ec. 5:4; Is. 19:21; Jon. 1:16; Na.

disannul; to dissolve; to break (Nu. 30:12; Ps. 89:39; 1:15; Ac. 18:18; 21:23). [See Nazarite.]

119:126; Ro. 3:31; 4:14).

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-W-

WAG. Shake; move (Je. 18:16; Lam. 2:15; Zep. 2:15; WASTENESS. Devastation; desolation; destruction Mt. 27:39; Mk. 15:29).

(Zep. 1:15).

WAGES. Earnings; hire (Ge. 29:15; 30:28; 31:7; Ex.

WASTER. One who destroys, lays waste, spoils, 2:9; Le. 19:13; Je. 22:13; Hag. 1:6; Lk. 3:14; Jn. 4:36).

causes ruin (Pr. 18:9; Is. 54:16).

The support of a missionary or preacher is called WATCH. (1) A night guard; the division of the night

“wages” (2 Co. 11:8). The wages of sin is death (Ro.

into watches (Ex. 14:24; Ju. 7:19; 1 Sa. 11:11; Mt.

6:23; 2 Pe. 2:15). [See Employment, Labor.]

24:43; Lk. 12:38). Before the Babylonian Captivity, the WAIT UPON. (1) To watch after; attend to; serve Jews divided the night into three watches: The first (Nu. 8:24; 2 Ch. 13:10). (2) To have patience; to look watch was from sunset to midnight (La. 2:19); the to; to trust (Ps. 37:9; 123:2; 145:15; Is. 8:17; 40:31; middle watch was from midnight to cock crowing (Ju.

51:5; Je. 14:22).

7:19); the morning watch was from cock crowing to WALK. (1) To step; to proceed (Ge. 24:65; Ex. 2:5).

sunrise (Ex. 14:24). At the time of Christ, the Jews (2) Way of life; manner of living (2 Co. 10:2; Ga. 2:14; followed the Roman plan by dividing the night into four Ep. 2:2; Col. 3:7; 1 Pe. 4:3; 1 Jn. 2:6).

watches (Mt. 14:25; Lk. 12:38). The first was from 6 pm WALLOW. Roll (Je. 6:26).

till 9 pm. The second watch was from 9 pm to midnight.

The third watch was from midnight till 3 am,. The WANT. To Lack (Jn. 2:3).

fourth watch was from 3 am till 6 am (Mt. 14:25). (2) WANTON. Lewd; sensual; licentious (Is. 3:16; Ro.

Spiritual alertness (Mt. 26:38-41; Ac. 20:31; 1 Co.

13:13; 1 Ti. 5:11; 2 Pe. 2:18). The Greek word 16:13; Col. 4:2; 2 Ti. 4:5; He. 13:17; 1 Pe. 4:7; Re. 3:3).

translated “wanton” in Ro. 13:13 is also translated (3) Watching for the return of Christ; this refers to the

“lascivious” (Mk. 7:22) and “filthy” (2 Pe. 2:7). [See imminency of His coming (Mt. 24:42, 43; 25:1; Mk.

Concupiscence, Fornication, Harlot, Lascivious, Modesty, 13:33-37; Lk. 21:36; 1 Th. 5:6). [See Rapture.]

Nakedness, Sodomy.]

WATER. Water is used symbolically in the Bible in WAR. [See Kill, Military, Pacifism.]

the following ways: (1) Regeneration (Is. 12:3; 44:3; WARD. (1) Prison; jail (Ge. 40:3-4; 42:17; Le. 24:12; Eze. 36:25; Jn. 3:5; Ep. 5:26). (2) The Holy Spirit (Jn.

Nu. 15:34; 2 Sa. 20:3). [See Prison.] (2) Post; watch; 7:38,39). (3) Training and nurturing Christians (1 Co.

guard (1 Ch. 25:8; 26:16; Is. 21:8; Ac. 12:10). (3) 3:6-8). (4) The nations of the world (Re. 17:1,15). (5) Toward (2 Co. 1:12; 3:4; 13:3; Ep. 1:19; 3:2; 2 Pe. 3:9).

One’s wife (Pr. 5:15, 16). (6) Adultery (Pr. 9:17). [See WARE. (1) Ware; to be conscious of; to be aware of Adultery, Born Again, Holy Spirit.]

(Ac. 14:6). (2) Vessels; utensils (Ne. 13:16; Je. 10:17; WATER GATE. [See Gate.]

Eze. 27:16; Jon. 1:5). (3) To be alert for (2 Ti. 4:15).

WAVE. (1) Waves of the sea (Job 9:8; 38:11; Ps.

(4) Merchandise (Ne. 10:31; 13:16).

107:25). (2) The wave offering (Ex. 29:24, 26; Le. 7:30; WARFARE, GOETH A. To go to war; to be in the 8:27, 29; 9:21; 10:15; 14:12, 24; 23:11, 12, 20; Nu.

military (1 Co. 9:7). [See Kill, Military, Pacifism.]

5:25; 6:20). [See Offerings.]

WARP. The threads which are extended lengthwise WAX. (1) A thick, moldable substance produced by in the loom and crossed by the woof (Webster) (Le.

bees and certain plants, used in the making of candles 13:48-59).

and other products and which melts in a fire (Ps. 22:14; WASH. (1) Ceremonial washings under the Mosaic 68:2; 97:5; Mi. 1:4). (2) Grow; proceed; become (Ex.

law (Le. 6:27; 11:25, 28, 40; 13:6, 34, 54, 58; 14:8, 9, 19:19; Nu. 11:23; 2 Sa. 3:1; Jos. 23:1; Job 14:8; Lk.

47; 15:5-8, 10, 11, 13, 21, 22, 27; 16:26, 28; 17:15, 16; 1:80; 2:40; 13:19; 2 Ti. 3:13; He. 8:13).

Nu. 8:7, 21; 19:7-8, 10, 19, 21; 31:24). These typified WAXEN. Grown; become (Ge. 19:13; Je. 5:27).

the fact of sin and the necessity of cleansing before God WAY NOT CAST UP. A road which has not been and pointed to the atonement of Jesus Christ whereby properly built (Je. 18:15). This expression refers to men can be made wholly clean. [See Justification, Law.]

turning aside from God’s will to walk in the spiritually (2) Footwashing (Ge. 18:4; 19:2; 24:32; 43:24; Jn.

desolate paths of the world.

13:10). [See Footwashing.] (3) Baptism (He. 10:22).

WAYFARING. Traveling (Ju. 19:17; 2 Sa. 12:4; Is.

[See Baptism.] (4) Regeneration (Ac. 22:16; 1 Co. 6:1; 33:8; Je. 9:2).

Ep. 5:26; Tit. 3:5; Re. 1:5). [See Born Again.]

WAYMARK. A guidepost (Je. 31:21).

WEEK. [For prophetic significance see Daniel.]

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WEALTH - WHITE STONE

WEALTH. [See Covet, Gold, Labor, Money, Tithe.]

WESTCOTT AND HORT. Brook Foss Westcott WEDLOCK. The marriage bond (Eze. 16:38). [See (1825-1901) and Fenton John Anthony Hort Adultery, Divorce, Home.]

(1828-1892) were the editors of the Westcott-Hort WEDLOCK, BREAK. To commit adultery (Eze.

Greek Text of 1881, which has influenced all major 20th 16:38). [See Adultery, Divorce.]

century translations. They also created the Westcott-Hort theory of textual criticism. [See Bible Versions.]

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

WHALE. The general name of an order of animals LIQUID MEASURE

inhabiting the ocean, arranged in zoology under the Caph. 0.552 pints

name of Cete or Cetacea, and belonging to the class Log. 0.718 pints (Le. 14:10-24).

Mammalia ... The common whale is of the genus Balna.

Cab. 2.872 pints (2 Ki. 6:25).

It is the largest animal of which we have any account, Hin. 1.077 gallons (Ex. 29:40).

and probably the largest in the world. It is sometimes Bath. 6.462 gallons (1 Ki. 7:26).

ninety feet in length in the northern seas, and in the torrid zone much larger (Webster) (Ge. 1:21; Job 7:12; Cor, Homer. 64.620 gallons (Eze. 45:14).

Eze. 32:2). The fish that swallowed the prophet Jonah is Pot. 0.96 pints (Mk. 7:4,8).

called a “whale” in Mt. 12:40 and “a great fish” in Jon.

Measure (batos). 7.5 gallons (Lk. 16:6).

1:17. There have been many documented cases of Firkin. 8.625 gallons (Jn. 2:6).

whales swallowing men, and in some cases they have Measure (koros). 64.133 gallons (Lk. 16:7).

survived. We know that Jonah is not a myth because the Lord Jesus Christ said it is history (Mt. 12:40). [See DRY MEASURE

Bible, Fable, Inspiration, Jonah.]

Log. 0.718 pints

WHEAT - PARABLE OF. [For commentary on the Cab (4 logs). 2.872 pints (2 Ki. 6:25).

Parable of the Wheat and the Tares in Mt. 13:24-30, Omer (1.8 cabs). 5.169 pints (Ex. 16:16, 36).

36-43 see Tares.]

Tenth deal (1/10th of an ephah). 5.169 pints (Ex.

WHELP. Offspring (Ge. 49:9; De. 33:22; Job 4:11; 29:40).

28:8; Eze. 19:2-3, 5; Na. 2:11).

Measure (seah, 6 cabs). 2.154 gallons (1 Sa. 25:18).

WHEREUNTO. Unto which; for what purpose; to Ephah (18 cabs). 6.462 gallons (Le. 5:11).

what (Nu. 36:3; De. 4:26; Mt. 11:16; Ac. 5:24).

Half Homer (lethek, 90 cabs). 4.040 bushels (Ho. 3:2).

WHET. To sharpen (De. 32:41; Ps. 7:12; 64:3).

Homer (chomer, 180 cabs). 8.081 bushels (Le. 27:16).

WHILE AS. While (Pr. 8:26; He. 9:8).

LONG MEASURE

WHILES. While (Eze. 21:29; Mt. 5:25). “It is the Finger or Digit (etsba). 0.7584 inches (Je. 52:21).

genitive sing. of while, which was originally a Handbreadth or Palm (4 digits). 3.0337 inches (1 Ki.

substantive, used adverbially” (The Bible Word-Book).

7:26).

WHISPER. (1) Speak quietly; hushed (2 Sa. 12:19).

Span (3 palms). 9.1012 inches (Ex. 28:16).

(2) Slander; telling secrets; backbiting; gossip (Ps. 41:7; Pr. 16:28; 2 Co. 12:20). [See Backbiting, Busybody, Evil Cubit (2 spans). 18.2025 inches (Ge. 6:15).

Speaking, Slander, Talebearer, Tattler, Whisperer.]

Fathom (4 cubits). 6.0675 feet (Ac. 27:28).

WHISPERER. A tattler; one who tells secrets; a Reed (6 cubits). 9.1012 feet (Eze. 40:3-8).

backbiter; one who slanders secretly (Ro. 1:29). [See Furlong (400 cubits). 606.750 feet (Lk. 24:13).

Backbite, Busybody, Evil Speaking, Gossip, Slander, Sabbath-day’s journey (2000 cubits). 3033.75 feet (Ac.

Talebearer, Tattler.]

1:12).

WHIT. Complete; completely (De. 13:16; 1 Sa. 3:18; Mile (3,200 cubits). 4854 feet (Mt. 5:41).

2 Co. 11:5).

Acre. As much land as a yoke of oxen would plough in a WHITE STONE. A stone Christ will give to the day (1 Sa. 14:14).

overcoming Christian. “To him that overcometh will I Though all these reckonings are only approximate, give ... a white stone, and in the stone a new name they help to throw light upon many passages of written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth Scripture (Concise).

it” (Re. 2:17). Dean Alford says this is “a revelation of his everlasting title as a son of God ... Those personal WELL FAVOURED. Lovely; of beautiful appearance; marks and signs of God’s particular adoption of himself, shapely (Ge. 29:17; 39:6; 41:2; Da. 1:4).

which he and none else is acquainted with ... the deep WENCH. A girl; applied generally to one of low secret dealings of God with each of us during those birth; maid servant (2 Sa. 17:17).

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WHITE THRONE - WINE

strife carried on to victory, can, when revealed to us in which rend and uproot; (2) changing, as the shifting the other blessed state, be known thoroughly to winds; and (3) sweeping, as the winds blow and spread ourselves only.”

themselves far and wide. The child of God is thus WHITE THRONE. [For study of the Great White warned not to be tossed about with the winds of Throne judgment of Revelation 20 see Judgment.]

doctrine but rather to be firmly established in the “faith WHOLE. (1) Entire; complete (Ge. 2:11; 11:1; Mt.

which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).

5:29, 30). (2) Healthy; sound (Jos. 5:8; Mt. 9:12; Lk.

According to the context of Ep. 4, the protection is 12:10).

through the following means: (1) Submission to Christ-gifted men in the church (vv. 11-13). This involves WHOLESOME. Healthy; health-giving; sound; that faithfulness to a sound, New Testament church which is which edifies and builds up (Pr. 15:4; 1 Ti. 6:3). Both led and taught by God-called pastors and teachers (1

times this word is used in the Authorized Version it Th. 5:12, 13; He. 13:7, 17). The Christian who is refers to words. The wholesome words in Pr. 15:4 are unfaithful to the church or who is in a weak or words which build up and result in spiritual edification unscriptural church does not have this God-ordained as opposed to perverse words which cause harm and protection from error and is in danger of being which pollute the minds of the hearers. In 1 Ti. 6:3 the deceived. (2) Exercising mature discernment (v. 14).

wholesome words are words which are in accordance The believer must not be childlike in regard to doctrine with the sound doctrine of the Apostolic New Testament but rather serious-minded and discerning and cautious faith as contrasted with the words of false teachers and studied and grounded in the Word of God (Pr.

which confuse the minds of the hearers and lead them 14:15; Mt. 7:15; Ac. 17:11; 1 Co. 2:15; Ep. 5:10; Ph.

away from the truth. [See Inspiration.]

1:10; 1 Th. 5:21; 2 Ti. 2:15; 3:14-17; 1 Jn. 4:1; Re.

WHORE. Prostitute; immoral woman (Le. 21:7, 9; 2:2). “Children are often changeable (Mt. 11:17); they De. 22:21; 23:17, 18; Ju. 19:2). The Bible says are credulous, and are influenced easily by others, and whoredom increases wickedness in a land (Le. 19:29; led astray. In these respects, Paul exhorts the Ephesians Pr. 23:27-28). The term “whore” is also used to describe to be no longer children, but urges them to put on the idolatry, which is spiritual whoredom against God (Eze.

characteristics of manhood; and especially to put on the 16:28; Ja. 4:4-5). [See Adultery, Concupiscence, Dog, firmness in religious opinion which become maturity of Fornication, Harlot, Modesty, Nakedness, Strange life” (Barnes). “We must be no longer children in Woman.] [For study on the Harlot of Revelation 17 see knowledge, weak in the faith, and inconstant in our Mother of Harlots, Prophecy.]

judgments, easily yielding to every temptation, readily WHOREMONGER. An immoral person; one who complying with every one’s humor, and being at every practices lewdness; one who cohabits with whores (Ep.

one’s beck. Children are easily imposed upon” (Matthew 5:5; 1 Ti. 1:10; He. 13:4; Re. 21:8; 22:15). That Henry). (3) Walking in communion with Jesus Christ

“whoremonger” is a general description for a lewd (vv. 15-16). It is Christ through the Holy Spirit who person is seen in the fact that the Greek word ( pornos) teaches the child of God and leads him in the Truth (Jn.

is translated “fornicator” in 1 Co. 5:9, 10, 11; 6:9; He.

14:15-17, 21; 15:25-26; 16:12-15; 1 Jn. 2:20-21, 27; 12:16. [See Dog, Fornication, Whore.]

5:20). To be careless in regard to one’s fellowship with WHOSE SOEVER. Of whomsoever (Jn. 20:23).

Jesus Christ; to be careless in prayer and personal WIFE. [See Home.]

worship; to walk through this world out of communion WILILY. With shrewdness, craftiness, prudence (Jos.

with the God of Truth is to put oneself in great danger 9:4). The same Hebrew word is translated “guile” (Ex.

of being deceived by the powerful winds of error which 21:14), “subtilty” (Pr. 1:4), “wisdom” (Pr. 8:5), are blowing. (4) Separating from sin and worldliness

“prudence” (Pr. 8:12). [See Guile, Subtil.]

(vv. 17-23). Sin robs the child of God of spiritual power and discernment (He. 5:12-14). The worldly Christian is WILL NEEDS. [See Needs.]

not discerning and wise; he is not filled with the WILL WORSHIP. Worship according to man’s will knowledge of the Lord and cannot take in the deep rather than according to God’s Word (Col. 2:23).

things of God (1 Co. 3:1-2). [See Doctrine, False WIMPLE. A vail; a covering; a shawl (Is. 3:22). The Teaching.]

Hebrew word translated “wimple” in Is. 3:22 is also WINE. The following study is by the late Bruce translated “veil” in Ru. 3:15. [See Vail.]

Lackey:

WIND OF DOCTRINE. This phrase in Ep. 4:14 warns 1. The word wine in the Bible is a generic term; of the danger of error. The Holy Spirit describes false sometimes it means grape juice; sometimes it means teaching as wind, which is “air in motion.” Thus we alcoholic beverages. The following verses prove that the learn that error is (1) powerful, as the mighty winds word “wine” can mean fresh grape juice, the fruit of the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 659

WINE

vine: De. 11:14; 2 Ch. 31:5; Ne. 13:15; Pr. 3:10; Is.

Proverbs 31:4-5 teaches, “It is not for kings, O

16:10; 65:8; 1 Ti. 5:23.

Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes 2. The context will always show when “wine” refers to strong drink: lest they drink and forget the law, and alcoholic beverages. In such cases, God discusses the bad pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.” The effects of it and warns against it. An example would be danger is obvious. By the way, Pr. 31:6-7 give us the Ge. 9, Noah’s experience after the Flood. Verse 21, “and only legitimate use of alcoholic wine in Scripture. “Give he drank of the wine, and was drunken,” clearly refers strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine to alcoholic beverage.

unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and Proverbs 20:1 speaks of the same thing, warning that forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.”

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and This would be using it as an anesthetic; a pain killer. But whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Alcoholic this is not for everyone; he says in v. 6, “unto him that is wine is deceptive; but how? In the very way that people ready to perish.” Of course, they did not have all the are advocating today, by saying that drinking a little bit pain killers that we have today. In our time, it would not will not hurt. Everyone admits that drinking too much is be necessary to do this. We have many anesthetics bad; even the liquor companies tell us not to drive and available for those who are dying. Then, about the only drink, but they insist that a small amount is all right.

thing available to the average person would have been However, that is the very thing that is deceptive. Who some kind of alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant; it is not a knows how little to drink? Experts tell us that each stimulant, as some think. After several drinks, one gets person is different. It takes an ounce to affect one, while dizzy; then he will pass out. So this passage teaches that more is necessary for another. The same person will alcoholic beverage would be only for the person who is react to alcohol differently, depending on the amount of ready to die; there would be no hope for his life. All that food he has had, among other things. So, the idea that would be possible would be to ease his pain and help

“a little bit won’t hurt” is deceptive, and whosoever is him forget his misery.

deceived thereby is not wise!

Another passage is Isaiah 5:11. “Woe unto them that Proverbs 23:30-31 refers to alcoholic wine, because it rise up early in the morning, that they may follow tells us in the previous verse that those who drink it strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame have woe, sorrow, contentions, babbling, wounds them!” Obviously this is alcoholic, because it inflames.

without cause, and redness of eyes. What a graphic Why does he say, “Woe unto them”? Verse 12 answers, description of those who “tarry long” at alcoholism.

“...they regard not the work of the Lord, neither Verses 32-35 continue the same description; context consider the operation of his hands.” Everyone knows always makes it clear when alcohol is meant. If “wine”

that when one gives himself to the drinking of alcoholic may mean fresh grape juice or alcohol, how can we beverage, he will not be more spiritual, more desirous of know which is intended? The context determines the learning the Word of God. To the contrary, it causes a meaning. We can tell when “wine” means fresh grape person to ignore the Lord. Verses 13-14 reveal two other juice and when it means alcoholic beverage by reading serious results: people go into captivity (become slaves the context, just as we have done in the previous to something or someone) and hell enlarges itself! The paragraphs.

drinking of alcoholic wine has caused hell to be enlarged! God does not want anyone to go to hell; He 3. Scripture warns against the drinking of alcoholic has given the greatest, dearest gift that He possibly wine. The Bible is consistent on this, both in the Old and could, to rescue sinners from it. He never made hell for New Testaments.

people. The Lord Jesus Christ said that hell was The two previously quoted passages, Proverbs 20:1

prepared for the devil and his angels (Mt. 25:41).

and 23:29-35, are good examples of scriptural warnings However, because of evil alcohol, hell has had an against consuming alcohol. Proverbs 23:32 says “at the enlargement campaign. Here, then, is a clear warning last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.”

against drinking alcohol, because God does not want Verse 33 shows that it will cause one to look at strange anyone to go to hell.

women (that is, not one’s wife) and to say perverse Isaiah 28:7-8 continues the warning. “But they also things, or things which he would not say if he were have erred through wine, and through strong drink are sober. Verse 34 predicts that it will cause death, such as out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred drowning, or loneliness, such as lying upon the top of a through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, mast. Verse 35 warns against numbness (“they have they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in beaten me and I felt it not”) and “addiction (“when shall vision, they stumble in judgment. For all tables are full I awake? I will seek it yet again”).

of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.”

What a tragic thing, that even in the days of Isaiah, the 660

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priests and prophets were engaged in the drinking of 5. Jesus did not drink or make alcoholic wine. Here are alcoholic wine! Thus we see that the problem of ten proofs from Scripture.

preachers recommending alcohol is not new. Six The first reason is because of His holy nature. In hundred years before Christ, demon alcohol had worked Hebrews 7:26, we read that the Lord Jesus is “holy, its way into religion.

harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners.” No doubt, 4. The making of alcoholic beverages is not a strictly the Saviour, being God in the flesh, had an air of natural process. Years ago I took for granted that if you holiness about Himself that could be seen by even the took the juice of a grape and let it alone, not most casual observer. For instance, the profane soldiers, refrigerating it, it would automatically, in time, turn into who were sent to arrest Him, gave as their reason for alcoholic wine. There are several reasons why this is not returning without Him, that “never a man spake like true. It takes more than time to make wine. Sometimes this man.” (John 7:46) The words of Jesus were people try to defend its use by saying that it must be different; He, no doubt, had a very holy appearance, good because God made it. But, the fact is, God did not character, and speech. Why is this so important?

make it. Man has learned how to make alcoholic liquors Consider this illustration. The word “cider” may mean through processes that he has invented. Wine-makers an alcoholic beverage, or plain apple juice. Suppose we know that one must have the correct amount of water, lived during the 1920s, prohibition days, and were sugar, and temperature to make wine. Keeping grape approached by two people offering us a drink of cider.

juice in a refrigerator would prevent if from fermenting, One of the persons, we knew to be one of the holiest because the temperature is not right. Likewise, hot, men in town, faithful to the house of God, separated tropical temperature would prevent fermentation.

from the world, diligent in prayers, always witnessing to In ancient days, before we had refrigeration and others; the other was a known liquor dealer. If each one vacuum-sealing ability, people learned to preserve the offered us a drink of “his very own cider,” we would juice of the grape without turning it into alcoholic wine.

assume that the holy person’s was no more than apple Many people boiled it down into a thick syrup. By doing juice, but there would be no doubt about our opinion so, they could preserve it for long periods of time. When regarding the liquor dealer’s cider! Obviously, the they got ready to drink it, they would simply add the character of a person influences what that one does.

water to the consistency desired, in much the same way Since the Lord Jesus Christ was “holy, harmless, that we take frozen concentrates and add water. In Bible undefiled, separate from sinners,” we may safely assume days, contrary to what many believe, it was not that He would not make that which is called in necessary for everyone to drink alcoholic wine as a table Scripture a mocker and deceiver of man, causing untold beverage.

misery.

I recommend the book entitled Bible Wines and the A second reason: He would not contradict Scripture. In Laws of Fermentation by William Patton (Challenge Matthew 5:17-18, Christ made this clear, saying, “Think Press). More than a hundred years ago, this preacher not that I am come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I was the only one in his town who believed in total say unto you Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one abstinence. He saw that it was necessary to make an tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be extensive study to see what Scripture taught. This book fulfilled.” Therefore, Christ could not have contradicted is the result of that labor and is the very best thing I Hab. 2:15, “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor have read on the subject.

drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him

[Editor’s Note: One point of Patton’s book is that the drunken also, that thou mayest look on their making of alcoholic wine requires input from man. It nakedness!”

requires the addition of certain additives (though it Certainly, Jesus knew that this verse was in the Bible; might be something as simple as sugar) and the control He was well-acquainted with Scripture, since it is His of temperature, etc. The natural processes alone will Word and was written about Him. He did not come to produce fermentation under certain conditions, but violate Scripture, but to fulfill it. He could not have these natural processes, if unaided by man, rapidly done so, if He had made alcoholic wine and had given it move to a vinegar state. The alcoholic beverages to his neighbor.

industry is very much a manmade thing. Natural Some people object to the use of this verse by saying process are PERVERTED by man.

that it would apply only to one who would give his Now we come to the longest point in this entire neighbor drink for the purpose of looking on his study, but one which is most important, chiefly because nakedness. But we must remember: when one gives his so many insist that Jesus made and drank alcoholic neighbor something which will make him drunk, he is wine.

putting himself in the very class of those who do so in order to look on their nakedness. And since the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 661

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Scripture commands us to “abstain from all appearance of people, there would be several potential alcoholics.

of evil” (1 Th. 5:22), we can be sure that the Lord Jesus What a shame it would be for a person, who is a would not have done something that would have been potential slave to it, to get his first taste at the Lord’s associated with such an evil practice as that described in table in church, then proceed down the road of misery Hab. 2:15. For the same reason, no Christian should be to an alcoholic’s grave!

engaged in the selling of alcoholic beverage.

I certainly would not want my children to get their The third reason is that Leviticus 10:9-11 commands first taste of alcohol at the family meal; nor would I the priest of God, “Do not drink wine nor strong drink ...

want them to get it at church. One or more of them that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, could well be potential alcoholics. As evidence that this and between unclean and clean; and that ye may teach is possible, we should consider that some the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord denominations which serve alcoholic wine in their hath spoken...” Now, since He. 2:17 calls Christ “a religious services also operate homes for alcoholic merciful and faithful high priest,” we would expect Him priests!

to obey all Scriptures pertaining to that office. If He had But we can be absolutely sure that Christ did not made or drunk alcoholic wine, He would have come to cause others to stumble!

disobeyed these verses and would have been The eighth reason: John 2, the miracle of turning disqualified from teaching the children of Israel the water into wine, does not require that it be alcoholic.

statutes of the Lord.

Many insist that it was, on the basis of verse 10, which The fourth reason is found in a passage which we have says, “Every man at the beginning doth set forth good already considered: Proverbs 31:4-5 prohibits kings and wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which princes from drinking alcoholic wine or any other strong is worse; but thou hast kept the good wine until now.”

drink. If they had done so, their judgment would have They would say that, in those days, it was common to been perverted. It was necessary for Christ to obey these serve the best alcoholic wine at first, saving the worst verses also, since He was Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6) and until later, when men’s tastes have been dulled by much King of Kings (Re. 19:16). In Matthew 27:11, He drinking. But the point is just the opposite here! These admitted to being the King of the Jews. He rode into people could definitely recognize that the wine which Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt, to fulfill Ze. 9:9, which Jesus made was much better than what they had been prophesied that Israel’s king would enter the city in just served at first. This could not have been possible if they that way. Undoubtedly, He was king, and as such, would were already well on their way to becoming intoxicated!

have had to obey Proverbs 31:4-5.

The fact is, neither the wine which they had at first, nor Reason five: Christ did not come to mock or deceive that which Christ made, was alcoholic.

people, yet Proverbs 20:1 says that wine does both.

Reason nine is found in the same passage: the Lord Rather than coming to mock or deceive he came to save!

Jesus Christ would not have gotten glory from making Reason six: He did not come to send people to hell. We drunk people drunker. Verse 11 is most important when have already seen that Isaiah 5:11-14 teaches that hell it states that, by this miracle, Jesus “manifested forth his had to be enlarged because of the drinking of alcoholic glory.” Verse 10 indicates that the people had drunk beverage. Christ did not come to send people to hell; quite a bit of whatever kind of wine they were drinking.

listen to Jn. 3:17: “For God sent not his Son into the If it had been alcoholic, they would have been world to condemn the world; but that the world intoxicated, or nearly so. Had Christ made alcoholic through him might be saved.”

wine, He would have made drunk people drunker, or Reason seven: Christ did not come to cast a almost-drunk people completely drunk! Such a deed stumblingblock before anyone; yet, Romans 14:21

would certainly not have manifested any glory to Him!

teaches that a person who gives another alcoholic wine This chapter also gives us the tenth reason: making does just that. “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drunk people drunker would not have caused his drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother disciples to believe more strongly on him, yet verse 11

stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” Everyone says that, as a result of what He did in turning the water who has studied the problem of alcoholism has learned into wine, “his disciples believed on him.” John 1:41

that some people cannot handle any amount of alcohol, shows that they had already believed on Him as while others may drink one or two “social” drinks and Messiah; this was a deepening of their faith and a proof stop. Experts do not know why this is true; various that they had not been wrong. Would making drunk theories have been propounded, but nothing has been people drunker inspire such faith? The opposite would proved to be true regarding every person. Some say it is be likely! They were not looking for a Messiah who chemical; others insist that it must be psychological. The would pass out free booze! Thus, because of the fact is, we do not know for certain. In any given group description of this miracle and its result, we can not 662

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conclude otherwise than that this wine was non-gives the privilege, if not a command, of using alcoholic alcoholic.

wine as a medicine. However, this cannot possibly be In closing, we must consider two things. One referring to alcoholic wine, because he specifically says passage, we have already seen. Romans 14:21 clearly that it is to be taken for Timothy’s stomach. He teaches that Christians should totally abstain, the reason obviously had some kind of stomach disease and any being that it is good “neither to eat flesh, nor to drink doctor will tell you that such a person must abstain from wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or alcoholic beverage. This author has had much stomach is offended, or is made weak.” We have already seen trouble through the years and has consulted various that people may be potential alcoholics. By the social doctors, observing various dietary restrictions. In every drinking of alcohol, one might encourage a person to case, they warned against drinking any alcoholic start drinking, who would not be able to stop.

beverage whatsoever. If we know that today, surely the Missionaries and tourists to foreign countries, where Holy Spirit of God knew that when He inspired this alcohol is a common table beverage, should remember verse! We do not know what Timothy’s specific this. We should also wake up and realize that, in such infirmities were, nor do we know what kind of healing countries, alcoholism is also rampant. Let us totally properties there were in grape juice. Maybe Paul was abstain, so that we might not encourage someone to saying that Timothy should not drink the water, since in drink and go down the road to alcoholism.

many parts of the world it is not pure and would cause a The last consideration is 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. Here, healthy person to have trouble from amoebas, etc. One the Bible teaches that drunkenness will send a person to who already had stomach problems would only multiply hell. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit them by drinking impure water. Paul might have been the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither recommending that Timothy drink grape juice only. In fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor any case, we can be positive that he was not telling him effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, to put alcohol in a bad stomach!

nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, Is It Acceptable for a Christian to Drink Moderately?

nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

(1) No, even slight drinking impairs one’s thinking and This does not mean that a drunkard can never be lowers alertness to spiritual danger (1 Pe. 5:8-9). (2) saved, because the next verse says that some of the No, Christians are not to be controlled by liquor (Ep.

Corinthians committed these very acts before they were 5:18). (3) No, Christians are priests, and the Bible converted. A person can be gloriously set free from forbids priests to drink (1 Pe. 2:9; Le. 10:8, 11). (4) No, drunkenness, by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Christians are not to touch the unclean thing (2 Co.

Saviour and by following His teachings. Many people 6:17 -- 7:1). (5) No, Christians are to abstain from every have experienced such a release! But the tragedy is that form of evil (1 Th. 5:22). (6) No, Christians who drink if a person continues in drunkenness, refusing to let cause others to stumble (Ro. 14:21). (7) No, wine is a Jesus be the Lord, preferring rather to let king alcohol mocker and a deceiver (Pr. 20:1). No man who takes an rule, that one can look for nothing but a drunkard’s alcoholic beverage to his lips knows exactly where it will grave and eternity in the lake of fire. “Be not deceived,”

lead. [See Drunkenness, Sober, Strong Drink, the Bible says “the unrighteous shall not inherit the Temperance.]

kingdom of God.”

WINEBIBBER. Wine drinker; one given to wine; If you are having trouble with this sin, let me drunkard (Pr. 23:20; Mt. 11:19; Lk. 7:34). [See encourage you to realize that you can ask Jesus Christ Drunkenness, Strong Drink, Wine.]

to be the Lord of your life and Saviour from all your WINEFAT. The vat or vessel into which juice flows sins, and to set you free. You can know what it means to from a wine press (Is. 63:2; Mk. 12:1).

be free in Christ! The Bible says, “If the Son shall make WINK AT. Overlook (Ac. 17:30).

you free, ye shall be free indeed” (Jn. 8:36). Realize that WINKETH. To wink the eyes is to use the eyes to you are a sinner in God’s sight, “For all have sinned and signify or to hint at something. In Scripture it refers to come short of the glory of God” (Ro. 3:23). Repent of wicked men expressing and sealing evil deeds with a your rebellion against God, surrendering to His wink (Ps. 35:19; Pr. 6:13; 10:10). “Deceivers are authority. “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise winkers, professing kindness to their neighbors, by a perish” (Lk. 13:3). Receive Christ as your Lord and wink of the eye they give a hint to their accomplices to Saviour. “As many as received him, to them gave he the cheat or rob. Sly and artful men are referred to. A man power to become the sons of God” (Jn. 1:12).

who does his work by looks or words, hints and What about 1 Timothy 5:23? “...drink no longer innuendoes, rather than by words like the ‘prating fool,’

water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and such a man ‘causeth sorrow.’ He destroys social thine often infirmities.” Many insist that here the Bible confidence, he slackens and snaps the bond of Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 663

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friendship, he sows the seeds of jealousies, and evokes WIT. Knowledge; understanding (Ge. 24:21; Ex. 2:4; the querulous tones of dissensions. The artful character 2 Co. 8:1). The phrase “do you to wit of” in 2 Co. 8:1

is the most mischievous in society. He works his diabolic means to make you to know, to inform you.

designs by a ‘wink.’ Blackens reputations, creates WITCHCRAFT. Magic; sorcery; demonism; occultism quarrels, breaks hearts by a ‘wink’”(David Thomas on Pr.

(Ex. 22:18; Le. 19:26, 31; 20:6; De. 18:9-14; 1 Sa.

10:10). [See Beguile, Deceit, Dissemble, Dissimulation, 15:23; 2 Ki. 9:22; 2 Ch. 33:6; Is. 47:13-15; Je. 27:9-10; Doubletongued, Feign, Flattery, Flattering Titles, Da. 2:10; Mi. 5:12; Na. 3:4; Ac. 19:19; Ga. 5:20; Ep.

Hypocrisy, Pride, Sincere, Sleight, Subtil.]

5:11; 6:10-18; Re. 21:8). The Bible makes no distinction WINNOW. To separate and drive off the chaff from between “white magic” and “black magic.” Every type of grain by means of wind; to fan; to sift (Ru. 3:2; Is.

occultism is forbidden. The ancient idolatrous kingdoms 30:24).

mentioned in the Bible, such as Babylon, Assyria, Egypt, WISDOM. The knowledge and fear of the Lord which Persia, Greece, and Rome, were devoted to witchcraft.

results in a hatred of sin and a love for truth and Methods included consulting the stars (astrology), righteousness (Job 28:28; Ps. 111:10; Pr. 1:7; 2:10-13; attempting to commune with spirits (spiritism or 9:10; 15:33). Wisdom is the principal thing in life and consulting with familiar spirits), attempting to more valuable than all precious commodities (Job commune with the dead (necromancy), enchantment, 28:12-19; Pr. 4:7; 8:11; 16:16).

interpretation of dreams, and divination. The Egyptian Sources of Wisdom: God (Ex. 28:3; De. 34:9; 1 Ki.

Book of the Dead was occultic to the core. There were 4:29; Job 28:12-28; 32:7-8; 38:36; Ps. 51:6; Pr. 2:7; Da.

magic spells to supposedly assist the dead person’s 2:20-23; Ac. 6:3; 2 Pe. 3:15). The Scriptures (De. 4:6; journey in the afterlife. The spells were written in the Pr. 1:1-6; Col. 3:16). Prayer (Ep. 1:17; Col. 1:9; Ja. 1:5).

Egyptian tombs. Curses formed a large part of Egyptian Teaching and warning (Col. 1:28).

occultism.

Bible Facts about Wisdom: Wisdom is practical holy Divination-living (Pr. 1:2-4). Wisdom must be diligently sought (Pr.

Divination refers to fortune telling; future telling; 2:1-9; 8:33-36). Those who reject God’s Word have no divining into the unknown (Nu. 22:7; 23:23; De. 18:10, wisdom in them (Je. 8:9). Pride corrupts wisdom (Eze.

14; 1 Sa. 6:2; 28:8; 2 Ki. 17:17; Is. 44:25; Je. 14:14; 28:17). The wisdom of God is the gospel of Jesus Christ 27:9; 29:8; Eze. 13:6, 9, 23; 21:21, 22, 29; 22:28; Mi.

(1 Co. 1:20-24). All treasures of wisdom are hid in Jesus 3:6, 7, 11; Ze. 10:2; Ac. 16:16). The Assyrian king Christ (Col. 2:3). True wisdom will show itself in Ashurbanipal boasted of his abilities in this field: “I can meekness and holiness (Ja. 3:13-17).

discern celestial and terrestrial portents and deliberate The Wisdom of Proverbs 8-9. The wisdom described in in the assembly of the experts. I am able to discuss the this passage is a poetic reference to Jesus Christ. We can series ‘if the liver is a mirror image of the sky’ with see this by comparing this wisdom with Christ. (1) capable scholars. ... I have read cunningly written text Wisdom is zealous in seeking men (Pr. 8:1-5; Lk. 19:10).

in Sumerian, dark Akkadian, the interpretation of which (2) Wisdom speaks righteous words (Pr. 8:6-9; Jn. 1:14; is difficult” (Dominique Charpin, Reading and Writing in 7:46; 1 Pe. 2:22). (3) The wisdom of Godis the source Babylon, p. 55).

of wisdom (Pr. 8:14; Col. 2:3). (4) Wisdom is the source There were many forms of divination. There was of authority (Pr. 8:15, 16; Mt. 28:19). (5) Wisdom is divination by casting lots (Esther 9:24), by observing eternal (Pr. 8:23; Jn. 1:1). (6) Wisdom has a special the path of lightning, the tail of a meteor, the state of relationship with the Father (Pr. 8:30; Jn. 17:5, 24). (7) the moon, the position of Saturn in relation to the halo Wisdom is life (Pr. 8:35; Jn. 1:4). (8) Wisdom is of the moon, and many other things.

salvation (Pr. 8:35; 1 Co. 1:30). [See Fool, Jesus Christ, Leanomancy was divining by interpreting the motion Sophia.]

of oil in water. Archaeologists found a two-tablet WISE. (1) Understanding; prudent; discerning (Ge.

instruction guide for divining from patterns of oil on 3:6; Pr. 1:5; 9:8-9; 10:8; 13:1; 14:16; ). (2) Cunning; water in a cup from the early second millennium BC

skillful (Ge. 41:8; Ex. 7:11; 28:3; 31:6; 36:1). (3) (K.A. Kitchen, On the Reliability of the Old Testament, Manner (Le. 19:17; 27:19; Nu. 6:23; Mt. :18).

Eerdmans, 2003, p. 351).

WISE, ANY. Any manner; any way (Ex. 22:23; De.

Augury was divination by the observance of bird 21:23; Mk. 14:31).

behavior (whether it flew off to the right or left, flew WISE, THIS. This manner (Nu. 6:23; Mt. 1:18).

over a river, etc.). The Greek philosopher Hecateus told about a Jew named Mosollam, a soldier in the army of WISE GOD. [See Only Wise God.]

Alexander the Great, who thwarted an attempt at WIST. To know; to be acquainted with (Mk. 9:6; augury. Mosollam was “the most skillful archer that was 14:40; Lk. 2:49; Jn. 5:13; Ac. 12:9; 23:5).

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among the Greeks or barbarians.” “Now this man, as Astrologer—one who observes the heavens, believing people were in great numbers passing along the road, the heavenly bodies influence men’s lives (Is. 47:13; Da.

and a certain augur was observing an augury by a bird, 1:20; 2:2, 10, 27; 4:7; 5:7, 11, 15).

and requiring them all to stand still, inquired what they Charmer—those who cast spells; sorcery; stayed for. Hereupon the augur showed him the bird incantations (De. 18:10).

from whence he took his augury, and told him that if the Consulter with familiar spirits—attempted bird stayed where he was, they ought all to stand still; communication with the dead whereby the consulter but that if he got up, and flew onward, they must go comes into contact with deceiving spirits; séances (De.

forward; but that if he flew backward, they must retire 18:10).

again. Mosollam made no reply, but drew his bow, and shot at the bird, and hit him, and killed him; and as the Enchanter—to use enchantments; spell casting; augur and some others were very angry, and wished charms; communication with spirits (Ex. 7:11, 22; 8:7, imprecations upon him, he answered them thus: How 18; Le. 19:26; Nu. 23:23; 24:1; De. 18:10; 2 Ki. 17:17; can this bird give us any true information concerning 21:6; 2 Ch. 33:6; Is. 47:9, 12; Je. 27:9).

our march, who could not foresee how to save himself: Familiar spirits—spirits involved with those for had he been able to foreknow what was future, he attempting to communicate with the dead; deceiving would not have come to this place, but would have been spirits impersonating the dead; spirits participating in afraid lest Mosollam the Jew should shoot at him, and witchcraft and those who are in communication with kill him” (cited from Josephus, Jewish Wars).

them (Le. 19:31; 20:6, 27; De. 18:11; 1 Sa. 28:3-9; 2

Reading the sheep’s liver was another popular form Sa. 21:6; 23:24; 1 Ch. 10:13; 2 Ch. 33:6; Is. 8:19; 19:3; of divination. After requesting the “gods” to inscribe 29:4).

their message upon the entrails of the animal, the Necromancy—the art of revealing future events by diviner would sacrifice it and examine the organs for pretending communication with the dead (De. 18:11).

deviations from the normal state, shape, and coloring.

Observer of times—one who consults the stars; who The gallbladder was also used for this purpose. There believes the heavenly bodies have a ruling influence were interpretive texts inscribed in clay made in the over the physical and moral world (De. 18:10; Is. 47:13; shape of the liver to assist the diviner. Documents found Da. 1:20; 2:2).

in the ancient Elamite kingdom contain the following Prognosticator—one who consults the stars in an interpretation by a king: “If on the lower part of the attempt to predict the events of men’s lives (Is. 47:13).

naplastu [a section of the liver] a piece is missing, the Soothsaying—one who divines, consults the stars; god Sin will help my army. If a piece is missing on the predicts the future; fortune telling (Jos. 13:22; Is. 2:6; right side, problems will develop in my army. If the Da. 2:27; 4:7; 5:7, 11; Mi. 5:12; Ac. 16:16).

piece is missing in the upper part of the usurtu [another Sorcery—the practice of witchcraft; wizardry; magic; part of the liver] fire will eat the main gate of my divination; enchanting (Ex. 7:11; Is. 47:9, 12; 57:3; Je.

city” ( Persians: Masters of Empire, Time-Life, 1995, p.

27:9; Da. 2:2; Mal. 3:5; Ac. 8:9, 11; 13:6, 8; Re. 9:21; 29). Nebuchadnezzar used liver divination to determine 18:23; 21:8; 22:15). Sorcery was “hostile magic” in whether to attack Rabbath or Jerusalem. “For the king which an individual sought to bring harm to others or to of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head gain power over them for financial or political of the two ways, to use divination: he made his arrows advantage, etc. It used spells or curses. In the following bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the example a man complains to the gods about a sorceress liver” (Eze. 21:21).

who is cursing his wife: “She stands day and night A popular form of divination in the Roman Empire before the gods and curses my wife before the gods ...

involved the serpent god Asklepios. This was the She wishes for her death, saying, ‘Let her die!’ O gods, favored “god” of Pergamos, where one of the seven my lords, why do you listen to this evil talk?” (Collins, churches of Revelation was located. Asklepios was p. 190).

depicted as a serpent coiled around a staff. The serpents Witch—one who practices witchcraft; worshiper of were depicted on a monument outside of the Asklepios Satan; nature worshiper; one who practices sorcery and Temple at Pergamos. Those seeking healing or enchantment (Ex. 22:18; De. 18:10; 1 Sa. 15:23; 2 Ki.

enlightenment slept in the court of the temple, which 9:22; 2 Ch. 33:6; Mi. 5:12; Na. 3:4; Ga. 5:20) was infested with snakes, hoping the serpent god would grant healing or revelation.

Wizard—sorcerer; conjurer; charmer; enchanter (Le.

19:31; 20:6, 27; De. 18:11; 1 Sa. 28:3, 9; 2 Ki. 21:6; The following are the other terms used in the Bible 23:24; 2 Ch. 33:6; Is. 8:19; 19:3). [See Astrologer, to describe various forms of witchcraft: Capital Punishment, Devils, Idolatry, Mutter, Peep.]

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WITHAL. Used adverbially in the sense of likewise, Phoebe - a special messenger and servant of the besides, at the same time (1 Ki. 19:1; Ps. 141:10; Ac.

church - Ro. 16:1-2

25:27); and also (Le. 11:21; Job 2:8, etc.) where we Women portrayed some special distinctions in the New would use “with” simply (The Bible Word-Book).

Testament.

WITHS. Slender twigs twisted into a rope (Ju.

Women were the last ones at the cross - Mk. 15:47

16:7-9) (Concise).

Women were the first ones at the tomb - Jn. 20:1

WIT’S END. To come to the end of one’s own Women were the first to proclaim the resurrection -

resources; to be totally disheartened; to be in Mt. 28:8

desperation because of extreme circumstances (Ps.

A woman was the first witness to the Jews - Lk.

107:27).

2:37 & 38

WITTINGLY. To act wisely; intelligently (Ge. 48:14).

Women participated in the first prayer meeting - Ac.

1:14

WITTY. Skillful; ingenious; clever (Pr. 8:12).

A woman was the first European convert - Ac.

WIZARD. One who deals in magic and sorcery in an 16:14

attempt to pry into the secrets of the spirit world (Le.

A woman labored with Paul and discipled Apollos 19:31; 20:17; De. 18:11; 1 Sa. 28:3, 9; 2 Ki. 21:6; Is.

alongside her husband - Ac. 18:18-26

8:19; 19:3). [See Witchcraft.]

Women contended in the gospel ministry alongside WOE WORTH. Evil be to; woe be to (Eze. 30:2).

Paul - Ph. 4:3

WOMAN. In John 2:4, the Lord Jesus Christ God used special women to deliver insightful messages to addressed His mother by the term “woman.” This was His people.

not a term of disrespect, as it would be today. It was a Miriam - Ex. 15:20

term, rather, of respect, and is the same Greek word Deborah - Jud. 4:4

commonly translated “wife.” Christ used the same term Huldah - 2 Ki. 22:14; 2 Ch. 34:12

to address his mother at the cross in John 19:26, and Anna - Lk. 2:36

the woman of faith in Matthew 15:28.

God wants to use women in special ways to His glory.

WOMEN. The following study, “The Worth of Women,” is adopted from the Thompson Chain Study Their skills are used to provide for His work - Ex.

35:25

Bible:

Their compassion and provision ministers to the There were many notable women God used in the Bible.

poor - Pr. 31:20

Eve - the mother of all mankind - Ge. 3:6

Their small sacrifices are greatly esteemed by God -

Miriam - the co-leader and prophetess - Nu. 12:1-2; Lk. 21:2-4

Mi. 6:4

Their kindness teaches respect - Pr. 11:16

Deborah - the patriotic judge and prophetess - Jud.

Their noble character is an honor to a husband - Pr.

4:4

12:4

Ruth - the woman of constancy - Ru. 1:16

Their wisdom builds a strong home - Pr. 14:1

Hannah - the ideal mother - 1 Sa. 1:20 - 12:19

Their modesty and decency bring honor to God - 1

Abigail - the capable woman - 1 Sa. 25:3,18-19

Ti. 2:9-10

The Shunammite - the hospitable woman - 2 Ki.

Their example of self-control and ministry of 4:8-10

discipleship produces godliness in younger Esther - the self sacrificing woman - Es. 4:16

women - Tit. 2:3-5

The Canaanite - the woman of faith - Mt. 15:28

Their submission, purity, and reverence wins an Mary Magdalene - the transformed woman - Mk.

unbelieving husband - 1 Pe. 3:1-2

16:1, 9

WOMEN PREACHERS. The Bible clearly states that Elizabeth - the humble woman - Lk. 1:43

the man is to lead in the home and church, and the Mary - the woman chosen of God - Lk. 1:30-38

woman’s role is to submit to the man’s headship. There Mary of Bethany - the woman immortalized by is widespread rebellion against this divine plan, though, Christ - Mt. 26:13; Lk. 10:42

and many women are being appointed to leadership Martha - the worried housekeeper - Lk. 10:40

positions in churches. Consider some facts from our The Woman Evangelist - Jn. 4:29

files:

Dorcas - the benevolent seamstress - Ac. 9:36

There are almost 4,000 licensed and ordained Lydia - the business woman - Ac. 16:14

women in the Assemblies of God.

Priscilla - co-laborer of Paul and discipler of Apollos In 1984, the Southern Baptist Convention adopted a

- Ac. 18:26; Ro. 16:3

resolution saying the Bible “excludes women from 666

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pastoral leadership.” Like many things adopted by this interdenominational divinity schools; at Yale and Harvard, Convention, the resolution was almost meaningless. In a they’re more than half” (Ibid.). “U.S. women ordained to full-September 1993 meeting of the SBC Executive time ministry in 1986 increased to 20,730 from 10,470 in Committee, a measure to expel congregations for 1977, and represented 7.9% of all U.S. clergy, according to a ordaining women was rejected unanimously. The same recent study by the National Council of Churches. ... The survey showed that 84 of 166 denominations ordain women to proposal was rejected at the SBC’s annual meeting in full ministry... ( National & International Religion Report, March July 2008. The Fall 1997 edition of Folio, the newsletter 13, 1989).

of Baptist Women in Ministry, reported that there are These facts are evidence of the apostasy of the of 1,225 ordained Southern Baptist women. Roughly 200

these last days. Men and women in the world, having of the ordained women serve as pastors and associate rejected Bible truth, are confused about the most basic pastors.

things. Many men are trying to be like women in dress The United Methodist Church has ordained women and manner, while many women are demanding the since 1956 and today has 4,743 women “clergy.”

right to be like men, to dress like men, to do the same The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has 2,419 female work as men, to play the same sports as men, to fight in leaders. In 1979 the United Presbyterian Church, armies like men. They want more than equal pay for forerunner of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., adopted a equal work; they are demanding a man’s place in the resolution REQUIRING the congregations to elect home, church, and state.

women elders. This politically correct denomination also The Bible speaks too clearly on this subject for there voted to ban the ordination of any man who opposed to be any confusion. The problem is that churches too women clergy and gave such men 10 years to change often are looking to sources other than the Bible for their minds or get out ( EP News Service, June 21, 1980).

guidance. God loves women as much as He does men.

So much for the supposed broadminded attitude of Women are as important to the home, church, and Modernists.

society as men are. In Jesus Christ, women enjoy the The United Church of Christ has 1,803 female same spiritual position and blessings before God as men leaders.

do. This does not mean, though, there is to be no The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has difference in men and women in their appearance and 1,358 ordained women.

roles. There is a basic truth which needs to be restated As of 1994, 16 of the 30 independent Anglican in the church and society today: Men and women are communions around the world have approved different! Men and women were made for different ordination of women priests. The Episcopal Church in roles. The N.T. affirms that men are to be the leaders in the United States, which approved womens ordination the home, church, and state. Women were not created in 1976, has more than 1,000. The Episcopalians to rule these divine institutions; men were. The prophet ordained the first Anglican female bishop in 1989. The Isaiah was condemning Israel when he said women General Synod of the “mother church” in England ruled over them (Is. 3:12). In the church, according to endorsed the concept of female priests in 1993. In 1991

the Bible, no woman is qualified to be a pastor or a Queen Elizabeth showed her approval of all this by deacon or to hold any other leadership position over appointing a woman as one of her royal chaplains in men. See 1 Co. 14:34-37; 1 Ti. 2:11-14.

Scotland.

Some are saying that the commands quoted above The Church of Scotland approved the ordination of were meant only for first century Christians or were women in 1968 and now has 100 female ministers.

only for the particular situation at Corinth. This cannot The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, though more be true for many reasons.

conservative than other Lutheran bodies, is beginning to First, Paul said that his instructions in 1 Corinthians allow women to preach in regular worship services. A 14 are the commandments of the Lord (verse 37). As such survey showed that about 1,000 LCMS clergymen they must be obeyed by all Christians and by every maintain that the Bible is not opposed to the ordination church.

of women ( Christian News, Feb. 13, 1989). “Leaders of Second, the Apostle said that the instructions of 1

Youth With a Mission (YWAM) appointed their first female Corinthians 14 are a test of spirituality. He said that national director in March to oversee a 200-member staff in those who are truly spiritual must acknowledge that the Switzerland. At a conference last year, YWAM founder Loren instructions are the very commandments of God (1 Co.

Cunningham spoke out strongly against what he called ‘cultural 14:37). Those who are rejecting the teaching of 1

bias’ against women. He also warned that God’s blessing might Corinthians 14 concerning a woman’s role in the church be removed if YWAM did not commission female are proving themselves to be unspiritual.

leaders” ( Charisma, July 1993). “Women now comprise at least a third of the student population at the leading Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 667

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Third, in 1 Timothy the Apostle gives the very same emotional, psychological, and rational makeup are instructions concerning women, and this epistle was said geared perfectly for this, but she was not designed for to have been written to teach the proper order for churches leadership. In the garden of Eden the devil deceived her.

in general (1 Ti. 3:15). The things contained in 1

This was not true for Adam. He sinned, but he was not Timothy are general instructions about church order to deceived. Eve had allowed herself to be thrust into a be obeyed by all churches in every century; and it is in position of decision making she was not supposed to this book, the book which contains standards for church occupy. It is no coincidence that women have been leaders, that God has forbidden women from taking responsible for starting many of the false Christian authority over or teaching men.

movements and have played key roles in spiritism, new Fourth, in giving the instructions about women in the age, mind science cults, and such. Human nature has church, the Holy Spirit referred back to the original order not changed and neither has God’s restrictions against of creation—Adam first, then Eve. The Holy Spirit, in women preachers.

guiding Paul’s pen, used this order of creation to prove Seventh, Paul commanded that his instructions were to that women must not take authority over men.

be kept until Christ’s coming (1 Ti. 6:14). This command Therefore, since the order of creation has not changed is given at the end of the epistle in which the Apostle since 1 Timothy was written, and since it does not had so clearly required that women be in subjection to change in our culture or century, we know that the men in the church (1 Ti. 2:9-15). Since Jesus has not yet instructions of the New Testament about the woman’s appeared, we are to continue to maintain these role in the church apply to us today.

restrictions.

Fifth, Paul referred to man’s fall to support his teaching Eighth, Paul’s letter to Corinth, in which he spoke of regarding the Christian woman’s subjection to the man (1

women being in subjection to men, was for all Christians, Ti. 2:14). Again this shows that the Apostle’s teaching not just those in Corinth. In his introduction to this about the woman transcends any one culture or epistle the Apostle tells us plainly to whom he is generation. Though we have been saved from the speaking: “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, eternal consequences of the Fall when we receive the to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be Lord Jesus Christ, we are still living under the abiding saints, WITH ALL THAT IN EVERY PLACE CALL UPON

consequences and conditions of the Fall as long as we THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, both their’s remain in this world. Redemption has three aspects that and our’s” (1 Co. 1:2). It is clear that Paul’s instructions must never be confused—past, present, and future. The were not intended merely for some peculiar situation at three are seen in Romans chapter eight. Ro. 8:1-10

Corinth.

speaks of the past aspect of our salvation—we have Ninth, while Galatians 3:28 says there is neither bond been saved from the eternal consequences of sin.

nor free in Christ, other passages teach that this does not Because of what Jesus Christ has done for us on the mean there are no servant/master relationships. The Cross we have been made eternally free from any fear of Christian servant is free in Christ—free from the eternal the wrath of God or punishment for our sin by God’s wages of sin—but he is not free from his earthly holy law. Hallelujah! Ro. 8:11-17 speaks of the present position and responsibilities of servitude toward his aspect of our salvation—we are being saved from the master (Ep. 6:5-8; Col. 3:22-25; 1 Ti. 6:1, 2; Tit. 2:9-10; power of sin in our daily lives by the Spirit of God who 1 Pe. 2:18-25). In fact, anyone who teaches against indwells us. Ro. 8:18-25 speaks of the future aspect of these instructions regarding submission of servants to salvation—we will be saved from the very presence of masters is labeled proud and evil. See 1 Timothy 6:1-5.

sin when Christ gives us our resurrection body and These are strong words, and they refer directly to those comes to renew this fallen creation. We have eternal who try to contradict the Apostle’s teaching requiring redemption right now as a present possession, yet we subjection of servants to masters, such as those who still “groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, promote communistic “liberation theology,” and those to wit, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:23).

who stir up all sorts of strife between workers and Likewise, the woman who trusts Christ receives eternal business. These words also apply to those who are freedom in Him from the wages of sin, but she is not yet trying to throw off the apostolic teaching referring to free from some of the consequences of Eve’s rebellion in woman’s subjection to man in the church and home.

the Garden of Eden. She still is to be in subjection to the Such are proud, ungodly, and destitute of the truth, and man.

are to be separated from! We can see how serious this Sixth, Paul referred to human nature to support his matter is. Galatians 3:28 says there are no servants and teaching regarding women (1 Ti. 2:14). The woman has no freemen in Christ, yet other New Testament passages a different makeup than the man. She was designed for teach there are indeed Christians who are servants and a different role in life—that of a wife and mother. Her Christians who are masters. Galatians 3:28 also says 668

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there is neither male nor female in Christ, but other restricted in the exercise thereof. The woman’s ministry passages show us that this does not mean all distinction is focused on women and children (1 Ti. 2:15; Tit.

between the sexes are done away in this world, nor does 2:3-5). As noted earlier, there were no women apostles, it mean that the original order of creation has been and the divine standards for pastors apply only to men dissolved in Christianity.

(1 Ti. 3:2-4; Titus 1:5-9).

Women Leaders in the Old Testament WONDERFUL. Great; singular (De. 28:59; 2 Sa.

Why did God make DEBORAH a judge in Israel 1:26; Job 42:3; Ps. 40:5; 78:4; 107:8; 111:4; 119:129; (Judges 4:4-5)? The answer is not difficult. God’s 139:14; Je. 5:30; Mt. 21:15; Ac. 2:11).

perfect will is for men to lead. That is too clear to WONDERS. Something that arrests the attention by misinterpret, but when men will not assume their its novelty, grandeur or inexplicableness (Webster). The responsibilities, God uses women. The men in Deborah’s term “wonders” in the O.T. refers most commonly to day were very weak and cowardly. This is seen in the God’s miracle-working power, particularly the miracles fact that Barak, the captain of the armies of Israel, He accomplished in redeeming Israel from Egypt (Ex.

refused to go into battle unless Deborah went with him.

3:20; 4:21; De. 4:34; 6:22; Jos. 3:6; Ne. 9:10; Ps.

What a brave man! What a hero! The woman had to 77:11; 106:7; 135:9; Je. 32:20). In the N.T. this term is remind him that God had said it is time to fight; the used in connection with “signs and wonders” (Ac. 2:22, woman had to encourage and challenge him to go; the 43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 7:36; 14:3; Ro. 15:19; 2 Co. 12:12; woman had to go with him (Ju. 4:8). Deborah clearly He. 2:4). The devil will perform “wonders” in the last realized that this was not right nor natural, and she told days (2 Th. 2:9; Re. 13:13). [See Charismatic Barak it would result in shame upon his name (Ju. 4:9).

Movement, Miracle, Sign.]

Obviously it was a period in Israel’s history during WONT. Known; accustomed (2 Sa. 20:18; Mt. 27:15; which God could find no man to do His will, so He used Lk. 22:39; Ac. 16:13).

a brave, willing woman. We can praise God for women WOOF. The threads that cross the warp in weaving like Deborah who are willing to be strong when the men (Le. 13:48-58).

are weak. This has often happened, both in secular and church history. The root problem in Deborah’s day was WORD. [See Bible, Logos.]

spiritual apostasy. When God’s people turn away from WORK. Labor; employment. [See Employment, Him, He renders the men powerless against their Labor, Sluggard.]

enemies and removes wisdom from their hearts. It is a WORKFELLOW. Fellow worker (Ro. 16:21).

judgment upon apostate people. We can see this very WORKS. [For the place of works in salvation see thing today in apostate North America and Europe. The Gospel, Grace, Justification.]

leaders are weak and seem entirely lacking even in WORLD. Two different words are translated “world”

common sense. We cannot control our little children, in the N.T., kosmos and oikoumene. The root meaning of and women rule over us (compare Isaiah 3:12). It is the words themselves are different, but their biblical God’s judgment because of the apostate condition of usage is basically the same. Kosmos is the word most professing Christendom. Israel in Deborah’s day was in commonly translated “world” (roughly 200 times) and bondage to their enemies only because of their apostasy means order or arrangement. The basic meaning of from the true God and His revealed will recorded in the KOSMOS is seen in its usage in 1 Pe. 3:3. Here it is Scriptures (Judges 4:1-2). This was why the men were translated “adorning,” and refers to a woman adorning so weak. God had removed their power as He did from herself. In so doing, she arranges her clothes upon sinful Samson (Amos 2:14-15).

herself in an attractive manner. This word speaks of the What about THE DAUGHTERS OF PHILIP? They orderly arrangement of the world, the world system.

were prophetesses (Acts 21:8-9). The fact that God gave OIKOUMENE means a habitable place. The root of this gifts of prophecy to women does not mean that they are word is oikos, the Greek word commonly translated free to take authority in the church or to prophesy to

“house” or “household.” The emphasis of oikoumene is men. When Paul was staying at Philip’s house, God used the world as the habitation of man.

a male prophet from another city to come and prophesy The term world has four basic meanings in the Bible: to Paul (Acts 21:8-11). There is no doubt that God gave (1) It is used to speak of nature, of the earth and all the gift of prophecy to some women (Acts 2:18), but the things therein—man and animals, land and sea (Ac.

Holy Spirit has placed restrictions on the exercise of 17:24). (2) It is used to refer to civilizations and those gifts. 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 11 and 14

societies. It was this world which Satan offered to Jesus are Holy Scripture. Paul warned that those who ignore (Mt. 4:8). This is the world which hates Christians (Jn.

this instruction are not spiritual (1 Co. 14:37). God 15:18,19), which is to hear the Gospel (Mk. 16:15), and richly gifts women in spiritual things, but they are into which false teachers are entered (2 Jn. 7). (3) Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 669

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World is used to refer to the men who live on the earth.

is a deep anomaly. But our name indicates also that we This is the meaning of the term “world” in Jn. 3:16

are aware of that situation, that we do not accept it which says God so loved the world and gave His only passively, THAT WE WOULD MOVE FORWARD

begotten Son to die for it. It is not man’s wicked TOWARDS THE MANIFESTATION OF THE ONE HOLY

societies and inventions that God loves, but man CHURCH” ( The Genesis and Formation of the World himself. (4) World is used to refer to the wicked things Council of Churches, p. 66). This supposed “one holy men do (1 Jn. 2:15-17).

church”, this longed for world church, is a figment of a In speaking of the world, the Bible emphasizes its heretical imagination. The Bible does not tell us that wickedness. Men are evil by nature, and the societies there should be a world church. Quite the opposite. The they have made are also evil. Adam’s firstborn son, Bible repeatedly warns that Christendom will become Cain, murdered his brother Abel. When rebuked by God, increasingly apostate as the coming of Christ draws Cain went out from His presence and built a city and near, and the true churches are commanded to remain had sons, who became cattlemen, musicians, and separate from this wickedness. God is not fulfilling the workers in brass and iron (Ge. 4:16-22). This is the Great Commission through a church, singular, but origin of the world civilizations. Adam, after he had through churchES, plural.

rebelled against God, conceived Cain, who inherited Though the Roman Catholic Church is not officially a Adam’s wicked nature and became a murderer. This member of the WCC, it has worked closely with the Cain went out from the presence of God and, together WCC since the 1960s. Many Catholics serve today in with his selfwilled sons, tried to build a comfortable leadership positions within the WCC. Edward Panosian world without God. This earth is still populated with notes, “Rome’s conception of the ecumenical movement sons of Adam, all going about their selfwilled ways to is the joining of all churches—eventually all religions—

build their own comfortable societies apart from the to Rome. Rome does not join the WCC; she invites the true and living God. Adam’s children are religious, but it WCC to join her. The whole ecumenical program has is selfwilled religion based on human invention. Cain been called ‘the reversal of the Reformation’” ( The World was religious. He brought an offering to God, but his Council of Churches, p. 40).

offering was rejected because he refused to come as a We could describe the error of the WCC under a wide condemned sinner trusting God’s Sacrifice.

number of categories. We could speak of its Doctrinal The Bible warns God’s people not to love this world Heresy, its Modernism, its Marxism, its Humanism, its system and the evil things in it (1 Jn. 2:15-17). To love Feminism, its Sacramentalism, its Syncretism, its this world is to be the enemy of God (Ja. 4:4). Satan is Universalism. The simple fact is that the WCC fails every the ruler of this world in that he controls the lives of all biblical test which could be applied. It is patently and unsaved men (2 Co. 4:4; Ep. 2:1-3; Re. 12:9). The grossly unscriptural. The following look at recent events whole world lies in wickedness (1 Jn. 5:19), and the sponsored by the World Council gives irrefutable Christian must be careful not to imitate the evil ways of evidence that the WCC is a part of the apostasy the world (Ro. 12:1-2; Ja. 1:27). Jesus Christ warned prophesied in N.T. Scripture.

that a man cannot serve both God and the world (Mt.

WCC Conference Honors Sophia Goddess, Gives 6:24). Christ died to deliver the believer from this Ovation to Lesbians

present evil world (Ga. 1:4). The Christian is not of this In November 1993, the World Council of Churches world (Jn. 15:19; 17:16); he is crucified unto the world sponsored a Re-imaging conference in Minneapolis, (Ga. 6:14). [See Satan, Sin.]

Minnesota. Some 2,000 women “seeking to change WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES. The World Christianity” attended, and the most radical women in Council of Churches (WCC) is an international apostate Christendom pontificated on every sort of ecumenical union of more than 300 denominations weird and unscriptural subject imaginable.

representing more than 400 million professing Speakers included Chung Hyung Kyung, Korean Christians. It was officially formed in Amsterdam,

“theologian” who equates the Holy Spirit with ancient Holland, in 1948 with 147 denominations. Today there Asian deities; Virginia Mollenkott, an avowed pro-are 307.

abortion lesbian; Elizabeth Bettenhausen, professor at The goal of the World Council was plainly stated at Harvard Divinity School; Lois Wilson, a United Church its convening Assembly in August 1948. Former General of Canada “minister”; Jose Hobday, a Roman Catholic Secretary of the WCC, W.A. Visser ‘t Hooft, verbalized nun.

the sentiments of the ecumenists gathered for that Liberal denominations supported the conference. The historic occasion: “Our name indicates our weakness United Methodist Women’s Division sent 56

and our shame before God, for there can be and there is representatives and paid their expenses. Altogether finally only one Church of Christ on earth. Our plurality 670

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almost 400 United Methodists participated in the energy’” ( AFA Journal, Feb. 1994).

conference. The United Presbyterian Church contributed Chung has published a rewrite of the Gospel a grant of $66,000 and sent a group of representatives narratives from an Asian feminist perspective. She told led by high-ranking officials. 405 Presbyterians the Minneapolis conference, “The Bible is basically an participated. More than 300 representatives from the open book, and I want to add the next chapter.” Chung misnamed Evangelical Lutheran Church in America spoke at the 1991 General Assembly of the World attended. There were 234 Roman Catholic and 144

Council of Churches and identified the Holy Spirit with United Church of Christ participants. There were a Buddhist goddess.

representatives from the United Church of Canada, the Standing Ovation for Lesbians. During the conference, Church of the Brethren, American Baptist, Episcopalian, a group of roughly 100 “lesbian, bisexual, and and Mennonite.

transsexual women” gathered on the platform and were When challenged by certain members who were given a standing ovation by many in the crowd. They protesting their denomination’s involvement in this were “celebrating the miracle of being lesbian, out, and meeting, the Presbyterian Church’s General Assembly Christian.”

Council issued a “fact sheet” which claimed,

“The lesbian theme was heard repeatedly from major

“Participants were challenged to expand their horizons, speakers. In a workshop called ‘Prophetic Voices of to be enriched and nurtured spiritually, and to engage in Lesbians in the Church,’ Nadean Bishop, the first ‘out’

dialogue with women and men from around the world.”

lesbian minister called to an American Baptist church, Apostates always have clever explanations of their claimed that Mary and Martha in the Bible were rebellion. Don’t need atonement. During a panel on lesbian ‘fore-sisters.’ She said they were not sisters, but Jesus, Delores Williams of Union Theological Seminary, lesbian lovers. Janie Spahr, a self-avowed lesbian said: “I don’t think we need a theory of atonement at clergywoman in the Presbyterian Church USA ...

all. I think Jesus came for life and to show us something claimed that her theology is first of all informed by

‘making love with Coni,’ her lesbian partner. Judy about life. I don’t think we need folks hanging on Westerdorf, a United Methodist clergywoman from crosses and blood dripping and weird stuff ... we just Minnesota, told the workshop that the church ‘has need to listen to the God within.”

always been blessed by gays and lesbians ... witches ...

God Is an “Abusive Parent.” Virginia Mollenkott, who shamans.’ In a seminar on ‘Re-Imagining Sexuality-participated in the translation of the New International Family,’ lesbian theologian Mary Hunt said, ‘Imagine Version, said, “[Jesus] is our elder brother, the sex among friends as the norm. ... Imagine valuing trailblazer and constant companion for us—ultimately is sexual interaction in terms of whether and how it among many brothers and sisters in an eternal, equally fosters friendship and pleasure. ... Pleasure is our birthright of which we have been robbed in religious worthy sibling-hood. First born only in the sense that he patriarchy” ( AFA Journal, Feb. 1994).

was the first to show us that it is possible to live in oneness with the divine source while we are here on this Worshiping Sophia. The Nov. 3, 1993, Minneapolis planet. ... As an incest survivor, I can no longer worship Star Tribune reported that “throughout the conference in a theological context that depicts God as an abusive worship experiences will celebrate Sophia, the biblical parent [referring to Christ’s death on the cross] and goddess of creation.” Sue Seid-Martin of the University Jesus as the obedient, trusting child.”

of St. Thomas School of Divinity in St. Paul, Minn., claimed that this Sophia is “the suppressed part of the Praying to the trees. Korea’s Chung Hyung Kyung told biblical tradition, and clearly the female face of the the crowd, “My bowel is Buddhist bowel, my heart is human psyche.” Seid-Martin believes Sophia is found in Buddhist heart, my right brain is Confucian brain, and Proverbs 1-9, Mt. 11; Lk. 3:35; 11:49; and 1 Co. 1-2, my left brain is Christian brain.” This is ecumenical and she identifies Jesus Christ with this Sophia.

schizophrenia of the most radical sort! Chung is a professor at Korea’s Ewha Women’s University, the These feminists are not reading the same Bible I have world’s largest university for women, with 20,000

read for 20 years. I have never found a Sophia goddess students.

in my Bible! The Greek word sophia is translated

“wisdom” in the KJV and “denotes mental excellence in Chung instructed the crowd of women to seek help the highest and fullest sense ... comprehends knowledge from the trees if they are in need of energy: “When we and implies goodness” (George Berry, A Greek-English do pranic healing, we believe that this life-giving energy Lexicon and New Testament Synonyms). This word is came from god and it is everywhere, it is in the sun, in often applied to Jesus Christ, but never in any sense the ocean, from the ground and it is from the trees whatsoever having to do with “the female face of the sisters and brothers in need. If you feel very tired and human psyche.” The word “sophia” is not found in the you don’t have any energy to give, what you do is ... go to a big tree and ask it to ‘give me some of your life Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 671

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Old Testament. The Hebrew word most commonly the abominable ideas of syncretism and universalism translated wisdom is chokmah. This is the word which were supported there—the heresy that there is translated wisdom in Proverbs 8 and 9. It refers to some light and salvation in heathen religions. This has understanding, skill, revelation, godly reason, and it has been a trademark of the World Council for years, but its nothing whatsoever to do with a supposed feminine side syncretistic emphasis grows bolder with time.

of God.

Aboriginals open the meeting. The Canberra meeting Naked Sophia goddess. A painting displayed at the Rewas opened by Australian aboriginals who worship imagining conference supposedly depicted this Sophia.

nature. Consider the following Religious News Service The painting contained the picture of a bald, frowning report:

woman with large naked breasts. The middle of her

“Aboriginal men girded in loincloths and feathers, their forehead is adorned with a mark that appears to be a bodies painted in tribal decoration, danced around an Hindu “tika” or tilaka, the same mark women in Nepal altar and beat drums in a traditional purification and India receive from their priests when they do ceremony that opened the Seventh Assembly of the

“puja” (worship) at pagan shrines. (It is interesting that World Council of Churches here February 7. Standing one of the speakers at this conference encouraged the near them at the altar were aboriginal women clothed wearing of the tika. Aruna Gnanadason, South Asian in traditional black and red dresses and colorful a b o r i g i n a l c l e r g y m e n g a r b e d i n w e s t e r n feminist, “lashed out against alleged oppression by vestments”( Christian News, Feb. 18, 1991, p. 1).

Christian missionary teachings in India,” and she invited participants to put red dots on their foreheads to An Ecumenical Press Service report gives more

“represent the divine” in them.) The cover of The details of the heathen purification ceremony which Presbyterian Layman for January-February 1994

opened the WCC Assembly. “The congregation entered featured this painting. In a frame surrounding the the tent by passing through smoke made by burning painting were some of the words from the prayer to leaves—a traditional cleansing process for Aborigines in Sophia.

Australia. ... Before worship began, a traditional Aboriginal ‘message stick’ was carried to the worship On Sunday morning the conferees joined together in tent by an Aboriginal runner. In that action, WCC

repeating a prayer to Sophia, including these words: General Secretary Emilio Castro asked permission for

“Our maker Sophia, we are women in your image. ...

the council to enter the land. Gathered in the tent were Sophia, creator God ... shower us with your love. we Aboriginal elders, who ritually granted permission, remind the world of its pleasures and sensations. ... Our whereupon the WCC worship leaders walked in guide, Sophia, we are women in your image. ... With the procession into the tent.”

honey of wisdom in our mouths, we prophesy a full humanity to all the peoples.”

The Aborigines involved in this rite were almost naked, and the entire thing was an abomination to God.

Honey of wisdom, my foot! This is the sour mash of The supposed spirituality of the Aboriginals was new age feminism, a movement foreseen almost 2,000

applauded by the WCC Assembly, but the Bible years ago by the prophet Jude: “Even as Sodom and condemns it as heathen idolatry. The WCC leadership Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, has no understanding of Bible salvation and spirituality.

giving themselves over to fornication, and going after Therefore they find “spirituality” in this fallen, wicked strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the world even among the unsaved.

vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion...” (Jude Prayer to a Female God. Further evidence of the 7-8).

World Council’s syncretistic spirit occurred the second day of the Assembly, when South Korean Presbyterian WCC Baptizes Heathenism

feminist, Chung Hyun-Kyung, evoked a female pagan The Seventh Assembly of the World Council of god.

Churches (WCC), held February 7-20, 1990, in

“Combining verbal fireworks with a performance by Canberra, Australia, gave plain evidence of the Council’s Korean and aboriginal dancers, Chung rendered a hideous apostasy. The WCC is no small organization. It dramatic evocation of a female Holy Spirit. She linked represents more than 300 denominations with roughly that spirit to that of Hagar, the Egyptian slave woman 500,000 members. Most major Christian denominations in Genesis who Chung said was ‘exploited and are members of the World Council. Yet the apostasy of abandoned’ by Abraham and Sarah. Chung then that body is appalling.

burned bits of paper bearing the names of other exploited spirits—which she said were full of ‘han,’ the Though the WCC is full of apostasy, we do not feel it Korean word for ‘anger’—and identified them as is necessary to report on all that went on the WCC

Holocaust victims, freedom fighters, murdered Seventh Assembly. We believe it is enough to report on advocates of nonviolence, struggling Korean women, 672

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the poor, and women in Japan’s ‘prostitution army’

praying to their particular versions of God.

during World War II” (Religious News Service, March

‘As a Sri Lankan Christian who has read the Hindu 5, 1991).

writings and the scriptures of the Hindu saints I simply Eighteen times Chung summoned the spirits of the cannot believe that there have not been other people dead and claimed that “without hearing the cries of

[than Christians] who are familiar with God,’ he said.

these spirits, we cannot hear the voice of the Holy

‘It is beyond belief that other people have no access to Spirit.” Chung said, “I hope the presence of all our God or that God has no access to other people.’

ancestors’ spirits here with us shall not make you

‘Who are listening to the prayers of the Hindu? Are uncomfortable.” She also summoned “the spirit of Earth, there many Gods? If we are thinking about a God who Air, and Water.” Chung said, “I also know that I no is the creator and sustainer of the whole universe, as in longer believe in an omnipotent, Macho, warrior God Psalm 24, then there are not two Gods. Therefore it is inconceivable to me that a Hindu or a Buddhist, or who rescues all good guys and punishes all bad guys.”

anybody, is outside God. My understanding of God’s Chung concluded her message by likening the “spirit” to love is too broad for me to believe that only this the idolatrous image of Kwan, “a goddess of compassion narrow segment called the Christian church will be and wisdom [worshipped in] East Asian women’s saved. If you are a Christian you must be open and popular religiosity.” Chung went even further in her broad, not narrow and exclusive.’

blasphemy when she said, “Perhaps this might also be a Dr. Ariarajah said being a good Christian did not feminine image of the Christ who is the first born include going around telling people of other faiths they among us, one who goes before and brings others with had got it all wrong ( The Australian, Feb. 11, 1991).

her.”

Ariarajah is dead wrong about the condition of those The RNS report stated that though some WCC

outside of Christ. Consider the following truths from the delegates were offended by this blasphemy, most Word of God, truths which are utterly ignored by warmly received it. In fact, the audience gave Chung’s Ariarajah and his WCC friends:

blasphemous presentation a standing ovation!

The Condition of the Heathen. The following verses All Scripture Not Life-giving. In a follow-up report by from Ephesians show us plainly the condition of the the Religious News Service in February of 1992, further unsaved heathen.

evidence of Chung’s apostasy was given. In an interview

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in with Carl McIntire, Chung said she was not certain that trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked Jesus spoke the words of John 14:6—”I am the way, the according to the course of this world, according to the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now by me.”

worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom Chung also said that many women do not find all of also we all had our conversation in times past in the Scripture “life-giving” and pointed especially to Paul’s lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, admonition that women be quiet in the church and be even as others. ... That at that time ye were without subject to their husbands at home.

Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, She said she agreed with a Catholic priest who and strangers from the covenants of promise, having recently told her the greatest harm to the promotion of no hope, and without God in the world: But now in unity is claiming the truth. The struggle between who’s Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made right and who’s wrong divides people, she said.

nigh by the blood of Christ” (Ep. 2:1-3,12-13).

All Faiths Are One with God. The Director of the Before the Ephesians came to Christ, they were WCC’s InterFaith dialogue is a Sri Lankan, Wesley religious idolaters. What was their spiritual condition at Ariarajah. His apostate ideas about salvation were that time? The Bible says they were dead in trespasses voiced at the Canberra meeting and were reported in and sins. They were under the power of the devil. They local newspapers. Consider this report from the The were by nature the children of wrath. They had no hope Australian:

and were without God in the world. That is the The World Council of Churches took ecumenism to

“spirituality” of every person outside of Jesus Christ.

its farthest limits at the weekend, suggesting Muslims, The Bible says it was the blood of Christ that changed Hindus and others achieve salvation in the same way as the spiritual condition of the Christians at Ephesus.

Christians and warning the latter against “narrow Salvation Only through Jesus Christ. The following thinking.”

plain Bible statements make it clear that there is no The council’s Director of InterFaith dialogue Dr.

salvation outside of Jesus Christ. All men are sinners Wesley Ariarajah, said it was inconceivable to him that and are condemned under the righteous judgment of God listened to Christian prayers but ignored those God. The only way of escape from sin’s condemnation is Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 673

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through personal faith in Jesus Christ and in His blood spirituality.” Consider a quotation from this amazing which was shed at Calvary. The Bible says salvation ecumenical document. In this quote, the WCC is giving comes through one name only: Jesus Christ. Any other an example of the supposed “spirituality” of Aboriginal name—whether it be Buddha, Mohammed, Sophia, the thought:

Great Thumb, or Krishna—is unable to bring eternal

“The creation of the world began in Dreaming. Before salvation.

the Dreaming, there was a preexistent formless

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the substance, in which spirit beings lived. In some of the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn.

stories of the creation event, the Rainbow Serpent 14:6).

emerged from her long sleep underground when she

“And [the jailer] brought them out, and said, Sirs, what realized her time to give birth had come. She set free must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the in the spirit beings to create hills and valleys, light and Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy shade, water and trees, and flowers, and all living house” (Ac. 16:30-31).

things. ... The serpent also set free the spirit beings to create the animals and the human beings in a

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is particular relationship with each other, forever related none other name under heaven given among men, through story, song, and ceremony” ( Wanderer, March whereby we must be saved” (Ac. 4:12).

14, 1991).

The Gospel demands repentance. Ariarajah said The World Council publication in question called “for being a good Christian did not include going around recasting the theological understanding of creation.

telling people of other faiths they are all wrong. He Much of Christianity, especially the major strains of doesn’t know what he is talking about. Were the Western theology, has given support to human Apostles “good Christians”? They certainly went about dominance over creation. The Assembly discussions telling people of other faiths that they were wrong and want to challenge theology and Christian thinking that that they must repent and turn to Christ! Consider this have seen humanity’s task as subduing the earth.”

sermon by the good Christian, Paul, to the religious heathen at Athens:

This is foolishness. The Bible plainly states that man was made in the image of God and was given the

“Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye commandment: “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO

fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Ge.

worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the 1:28). Man is not an animal. Man is not a product of world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of evolution. It is not wrong for man to subjugate the heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with forests and rivers of this world. It is not wrong for man hands; neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as to subjugate animals.

though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all The fact is that the World Council is made up of a life, and breath, and all things ... Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that bunch of theological weirdoes! It is the home of every the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, sort of radical: environmentalists, communists, New graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this Agers, One Worlders, feminists, syncretists.

ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all We could proceed to give more details of the strange men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed goings on at the WCC Seventh Assembly, but we see no a day, in the which he will judge the world in reason to do so. God has commanded that His people righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; separate from these things.

whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that h e h a t h r a i s e d h i m f r o m t h e d e a d ” ( A c .

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come 17:23-25,29-31).

out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Re. 18:4).

The Bible says God loves all men and is no respecter of persons. But He offers only one way of salvation, and The Day of Prayer for World Peace

men must repent and come on God’s terms through the The following report on the 1986 Day of Prayer for Lord Jesus Christ. The problem with the World Council World Peace first appeared in O Timothy magazine, of Churches is simple: They have rejected the Word of Volume 4, Issue 2, 1987. Pope John Paul II and leaders God.

of the Protestant denominations joined hands with The Rainbow Serpent That Created the World. WCC

representatives of the world’s pagan religions to pray for blasphemy reached equally perverse heights in an world peace. This is the same pope that has been called advance publication which called for “a rediscovery of

“one of the greatest moral and spiritual leaders of this Aborigine spirituality and for a new creation century” by Billy Graham and a “defender of the faith”

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“one of the finest representatives of morality in this Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios

earth right now.” Kenneth Kantzer, former editor of Gunnar Stalsett, head of the Lutheran World Christianity Today, praised John Paul II and has said he Federation

is building the kind of church “God has called the Allan Boesak, head of the World Alliance of successor of Saint Peter to build.” David du Plessis Reformed Churches

carried a photo of the pope in his Bible. Many other Metropolitan Filaret, Russian Orthodox Church evangelical and charismatic leaders have praised this Mother Teresa, Roman Catholic nun

pope.

Susanna Telewona, a vice-president of the Lutheran The infamous meeting was held in Assisi, Italy, in World Federation

October 26, 1986, and it was first announced by John Nita Barrow and Marga Buhrig, WCC presidents Paul II nine months earlier. The announcement was Bernice Schrotenboer, Reformed Evangelical Synod made during a mass in Rome marking the end of the Val Ferguson, general secretary of Friends World Christian Unity Week. The official Vatican newspaper Committee for Consultation (Quakers)

reports the pope’s words on the occasion of the Lydia Breen and Doreen Boyd, World YWCA staff announcement:

These denominational leaders represented 32

‘Peace within the Church and peace with all mankind.’

denominations, whose adherents number perhaps two The words of Pope Gregory VII are particularly billion people, or roughly 50% of the world’s appropriate in this year 1986, which the United population.

Nations Organization has proclaimed as the International Year of Peace. ... In regard to this matter, Someone might argue that these men and women I wish to announce on this solemn occasion that I am did not officially represent the people of their initiating opportune consultations with the leaders, not denominations and organizations. We respond with this only of the various Christian Churches and question. If the members of these denominations and communions, but also of the other religions of the organizations considered the actions of their leaders world, to organize with them a special meeting of apostate, why weren’t the leaders disciplined? Silence prayer for peace, in the city of Assisi ... The date and and inaction in the face of evil is as wicked as direct details of this meeting will be decided as soon as participation!

possible (L’Osservatore Romano, Feb. 10, 1986, p. 19).

It was, by the way, from this same location on Also represented at the Day of Prayer for World January 25, 1959, that the late Pope John XXIII Peace were leaders of 11 non-Christian religions: announced his decision to convene the Second Vatican Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Judaism, Islam, African and Council.

North American animist (who worship spirits and nature), Japanese Shintoists, fire-worshipping Who Was at Assisi? There were 160 participants at Zoroastrians, Baha’i. The Dalai Lama, exiled Buddhist the prayer meeting for peace in Assisi. The “Christian”

leader who is supposed to be the god-king of Tibet, was leaders who participated came from many ecumenical at the forefront of the activities, as was Elio Toaff, chief organizations—the World Council of Churches, Jewish rabbi of Rome. The Dalai-Lama and John Paul II represented by its executive secretary and three of its have become close friends, and the Buddhist god-king seven presidents; the YWCA; the YMCA; Friends World was seated at the immediate left hand of the pope. It Committee for Consultation (Quaker); Mennonite World should be noted that all of these leaders worship false Conference; Reformed Ecumenical Synod; Baptist World gods and are therefore breakers of the first Alliance (which includes the Southern Baptist commandment of God’s Holy Law—”Thou shalt have no Convention); Disciples of Christ; World Alliance of other gods before me” (Ex. 20:3).

Reformed Churches; Lutheran World Federation; Anglican Communion; Old Catholic Union of Utrecht; What Transpired at Assisi? The events of the Day of the Assyrian Church of the East; Orthodox churches.

Prayer for World Peace were divided into four main Also invited were 15 Roman Catholic bishops, and parts: First was the greeting by Pope John Paul II, who leaders of six Roman Catholic Franciscan organizations was the organizer of the program. The participants then (Ecumenical Press Service, October 26-31, 1986).

moved to various places in the city for two hours of private prayers, after which they came back together Among those in attendance were the following: and held prayers in the presence of one another. Finally, Pope John Paul II

following a few other rituals for peace, there was a Robert Runcie, Archbishop of Canterbury supper and the farewell address by the pope.

Emilio Castro, head of the World Council of Churches

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An interesting description of some of the strange WCC Dancing with Idolatry

events at Assisi is given in an Associated Press report: Paganism is becoming widely accepted within the ASSISI, Italy — Chants, temple bells and pagan spells World Council. The last two WCC general assemblies (in echoed around the Roman Catholic shrines of Assisi 1983 in Vancouver, British Columbia, and in 1991 in yesterday as Pope John Paul II and his 200 guests from Canberra, Australia,) featured speakers from heathen the world’s 12 main religions prayed for world peace...

religions. Both meetings were opened, in fact, by The medicineman of the Crow Indians [spirit animists who lit fires upon heathen altars, then danced worshipers], Chief John Pretty-on-Top, offered to cast around them!

out evil spirits. Many came forward, among them a young Franciscan monk.

In the opening of the Vancouver assembly, North In a chapel down the road, the head of the Zoroastrian American Indians were invited to build an altar. They church in Bombay prayed before a fire that symbolized tossed offerings of fish and tobacco into a fire for their his God.

nature gods, and danced around the altar. Candles that Next door, six turbanned Sikhs—all Italian converts—

were used in the worship services of this conference sat chanting their prayers in the lotus position to were lit from that pagan fire which was kept burning gramophone music.

throughout the Assembly.

At an old Roman temple, shoeless Moslems sat on The meeting in Canberra was opened by almost-prayer mats.

naked Australian aborigines who built a heathen fire The 14th Dalai Lama, exiled god-king of Tibet, headed and danced around it. Those who attended this WCC

the strong Buddhist contingent, mumbling sutras amid conference walked through the smoke from that tinkling bells at the Basilica of St. Peter.

idolatrous altar as a purification rite before they entered In the gardens outside, a Shinto sect called Tenrikyo, in the “worship” tent for the opening assembly.

black kimonos, swayed to temple music.

One of the key speakers in Canberra was Korean African animists, their togas the envy of any designer, professor Chung Hyun-Kyung, who exalted pagan invoked the spirits of trees and plants to come to the concepts of God, as we have already noted. For her aid of peace... ( Christian Beacon, Dec. 25, 1986, p. 7).

unspeakable blasphemies Chung received a standing What Prayers Were Said at Assisi? Examples of the ovation from the WCC delegates!

kinds of prayers that were offered to the false gods are A similar thing happened at the “Ecumenical seen in the prayers of the representatives from Africa Moment ‘88,” jointly sponsored by the National Council and North America:

of Churches in America and the World Council of Two tribal animists from Africa intoned, “Almighty Churches. Held in New York state from June 20—July 1, God, the Great Thumb we cannot evade in tying any 1988, this meeting also began with a heathen ritual.

knot, the Roaring Thunder that splits mighty trees, the Consider this description by one who attended: All-Seeing Lord up on high who sees even the footprints

“OUR FIRST WORSHIP ‘CELEBRATION’ FOUND US

of an antelope on a rock mass here on earth ... you are OUTDOORS AT A GARDEN POND OFFERING

the cornerstone of peace.”

PRAYERS AND WATER LIBATIONS TO THE SEVEN

Smoking a ceremonial peace pipe, John Pretty-on-SPIRITS OF THE SEVEN DIRECTIONS OF THE

Top, a Crow Indian medicine man from Montana, in UNIVERSE (‘O Spirit of the North, blow upon us... O

full-feathered headdress, recited, “O Great Spirit, I raise Spirit of the East... West... South... Above... Below...

my pipe to you, to your messengers the four winds, and Center...’). What to any objective observer was sheer to mother earth, who provides for your children ... I paganism, we were told, was simply an exercise in discovering the ecumenical variety of spiritual pray that you bring peace to all my brothers and sisters expression and experience that we must learn to share of this world” (“A Summit for Peace in Assisi,” Time, if we are to be truly one” (Mark E. Chapman, “A State Nov. 10, 1986, pp. 78-79).

of the Church Report: Ecumenical Paganism,” Lutheran An Hour of Great Darkness. This Day of Prayer for Forum, Advent, 1988).

World Peace was a day of great spiritual darkness. The May 1988, the National Council of Churches in prayers for peace were not answered. heaven was brass.

America held a meeting in Arlington, Texas, called “A God’s ear was closed to the abominations of that day.

Gathering of Christians.” A 25-member team assisted The nations have not laid down their arms. These the NCC in planning this event, including religious leaders completely ignored God’s warning in 1

representatives of Protestant, Orthodox, Evangelical and Thessalonians 5:3—“For when they shall say, Peace and Roman Catholic churches. Here, again, heathen safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as practices were emphasized and there was worship of travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not one of the popular deities of ecumenism: the female god escape.”

—

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“WHILE ONE GROUP PRACTICED PRINCIPLES OF

vessel and that she was not supposed to make such B U D D H I S T M E D I TAT I O N , A N O T H E R WA S

decisions on her own. Or course “Ms.” Kaessman is from INTRODUCED TO ASIAN SPIRITUAL EXERCISES. IN

Germany, which has been on the cutting edge of ANOTHER WORKSHOP, A GROUP OF PEOPLE WERE

theological weirdness for almost two centuries.

CELEBRATING FEMININE... IMAGES OF GOD. ...

through prayer, song, mime, and dance. ... There was

“Reverend” Constance Parvey of the Evangelical no acknowledgement by the NCC that some of the Lutheran Church in America claimed that the issue of forms of prayer and spiritual exercises, being from the ordination of women was a unity issue. Men and non-Christian sources, might be unbiblical and women are one in the “body of Christ” and therefore unchristian” ( Christian Research Journal, Summer, should be allowed the same functions. “In the early life 1988).

of the Church women were at the center but a We could give many more examples of this, but even patriarchal reading of the Scriptures had marginalized this is sufficient to show the frightful direction of the them. Now a separate ecclesiology for women and men ecumenical movement—toward paganism and Rome.

existed in the church.” Of course, this “patriarchal This, of course, is exactly what we would expect from reading” could not possibly have anything to do with Bible prophecy. “Watch, therefore: for ye know not what the fact that the Apostles plainly limited the women’s hour your Lord doth come” (Mt. 24:42).

role in the church in regard to leadership, could it? She Children Are Their Oppressors and Women Shall Rule urged women to enter the theological arena and equip over Them

themselves as theologians.

The prophet Isaiah, in describing the apostate The children had their say at the WCC meeting as condition of Israel, said, “As for my people, children are well. Roughly 200 youth delegates and stewards their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my

“expressed concern at the failure of member churches to people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and send the recommended proportion of youth destroy the way of thy paths” (Is. 3:12).

delegates” ( CCA News, Jan-Mar. 1991, Christian The apostate ecumenical movement is enjoying the Conference of Asia, pp. 12, 13). The Assembly repented fulfillment of this prophecy today. At the World Council and agreed to appoint a youth as one of the seven WCC

of Churches Seventh General Assembly in Canberra, presidents. Priyanka Mendis, 25, executive secretary of Australia, many who stood to preach and to lead the the Committee for Justice and Peace of the NCC in Sri business meetings were women. Angry women! One of Lanka, was later elected. (A youth is defined by the the two keynote addresses was delivered by radical WCC as someone under 27 years old.) This didn’t satisfy Korean feminist Chung Hyun-Kyung. “Reverend” Violet the clamoring youth, though. They held up a banner Sampa-Bredt of Zambia told the ecumenical gang that warning the Assembly that it was committing Junia in Romans 16 was an apostle and that anyone

“ecumenical suicide” by ignoring the youth. They were who is involved in the work of the church is an apostle.

angry because only eight percent of those elected to the She spoke of “the lie that only men can be ministers.”

WCC Central Committee were youth. All of this reminds Aruna Gnanadasan of India, director of the WCC’s Subme of something I read in the book Isaiah one time.

unit on Women, spoke disparagingly of the “male-Episcopal Bishops Worships in Buddhist Temple dominated structures of the churches” and said, “It is John Spong, Episcopalian bishop of Newark, New urgent for the whole church to be in solidarity with Jersey, worshipped in a Buddhist temple on a trip to women.” Andrea Carmen spoke on “that most important Hong Kong and claimed that he was on holy ground.

women,” Mother Earth, and longed for the return to the Consider this amazing report in Spong’s own words: days of the strong “matriarchy which saw clans being In the late fall of 1988, I worshiped God in a Buddhist passed on through women.” After describing the temple. As the smell of incense filled the air, I knelt supposed exalted status of women in ancient North before three images of the Buddha, feeling that the American Indian culture, she complained that “Western smoke could carry my prayers heavenward. IT WAS

education and Christianity placed women on the bottom FOR ME A HOLY MOMENT FOR I WAS CERTAIN THAT

and not as a source of leadership.”

I WAS KNEELING ON HOLY GROUND. ...

Margot Kaessman came up with a unique My conviction is that the true God, the divine mystery, the essence of holiness, is within and beyond all of interpretation of Genesis 3, asking, “Is it really sin to these ancient worship traditions. God is pointed to by long for knowledge?” She claimed that Eve “was filled all, captured by none. So, WHEN I VISIT A BUDDHIST

with the spirit of freedom,” and said, “Eve’s sin had TEMPLE IT IS NOT FOR ME A PAGAN PLACE, and its nothing to do with sexuality, and yet the common worship is not the worship of idols as I was taught in interpretation is filled with hints at sexuality.” She was my early Christian upbringing. IT IS RATHER A HOLY

denying the traditional apostolic interpretation which PLACE where human beings different from me have says that Eve was deceived because she was the weaker felt the presence of God...

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I WILL NOT MAKE ANY FURTHER ATTEMPT TO

ideographs, two Taoist paintings and a picture of the CONVERT THE BUDDHIST, THE JEW, THE HINDU OR

Miroku Bosatsu (Maitreya Bodhisattva) from Koryuji, THE MOSLEM. I am content to learn from them and to Kyoto. These are well received by people and set a walk with them side by side toward... God... (John good tone to the room. However, the main shrine or Spong, “A dialogue in a Buddhist temple,” The Voice, centerpiece has, of course, the cross as central. IT IS

January, 1989, official publication of the Diocese of HOPED THAT BEFORE TOO LONG THIS CROSS WILL

Newark of the Episcopal Church USA).

GIVE WAY TO A STATUE OF CHRIST SEATED IN

WCC Finds Spirituality in Pagan Religions MEDITATION, a statue which will include clear influence from Buddhist statuary in its simplicity and The following are some quotes from a World Council feeling...

of Churches dialogue held Dec. 1-5, 1987, in Kyoto, Another area in which other faith influence is apparent Japan. The theme was “Spirituality in Interfaith is in our chanting. We chant briefly at the beginning of Dialogue,” and the amazing testimonies by those meditation periods, in order to bring our energies involved show a gross ignorance of the Gospel of Jesus together and to create that special silence that arises Christ and true Bible Christianity. The following quotes after chanting. WE USE THE SACRED SYLLABLE OM

are from the WCC publication Spirituality in Interfaith IN ITSELF AND ALSO JOIN IT TO THE HEBREW

Dialogue edited by Tosh Ari and Wesley Ariarajah: NAMES OF MARY AND JESUS (Om Miriam, Om

“Listening to the Silence: Through Zen and Taize” - by Jeshua). At first glance this may seem like a hybrid, but Michael Como—I realized that just as the monks at actually it turns out to be an excellent chant (pp.

Hosshinji [a monastery of Zen Buddhism where Como 50,51).

was staying] insisted that EACH OF US WAS

To find supposed spirituality in heathen religions is SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA IN OUR OWN BODIES, SO

folly. There is no spiritual life whatsoever in paganism.

TOO COULD I FIND MARY IN THE WOMAN BESIDE

Consider the testimony of Isaiah 8:20—“To the law ME... (p. 6).

and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this Upon arriving here [Hiraizumi] I first stayed with the word, it is because there is no light in them.”

family of a Buddhist priest for six months. EVERY

MORNING WE CHANTED SUTRAS BEFORE THE

Consider the testimony of John 14:6—“Jesus saith BUDDHA Dainichi, every evening I prayed before my unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man Franciscan cross and an icon of Mary (p. 6).

cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

I now live in my own house, I CONTINUE TO PRAY

Consider the testimony of Acts 4:12—“Neither is DAILY BEFORE MY JAPANESE-STYLE ALTAR. UPON IT, there salvation in any other: for there is none other ALONG WITH THE IMAGES OF JESUS AND MARY, IS

name under heaven given among men, whereby we AN ICON OF SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA... (p. 7).

must be saved.”

“Discovering the Incarnation” - by Diana Eck—My own We see, then, the utter folly of these statements by capacity to “see” the incarnation has been extended so-called Christian leaders who attended the WCC

greatly by the faith of Hindus (p. 10).

“Spirituality in Interfaith Dialogue.” They are the blind In Shiva’s city I began to see that it is precisely in this leading the blind.

place, in the full presence of suffering and death, that HINDUS AFFIRM THE FULL AND ETERNAL

Professor Dislikes New Testament Missions PRESENCE OF SHIVA and the faith of safe-crossing to In the weekly news publication of the World Council the far shore (p. 11).

of Churches, the Ecumenical Press Service, for Nov.

“Enlightenment through Zen” by Thomas G. Hand, SJ

11-20, 1985, some quotes are given from a presentation

—For almost twenty years now I have been engaged in made to a Church of South India consultation held in interfaith dialogue, especially in the field of practical Bangalore, India, October 1985. The speaker was S.J.

spirituality. I am an American Jesuit priest, and I have Samartha, a presbyter of the Church of South India, a lived in Japan for 29 years. FOR SIX YEARS I consultant to the Christian Institute for the Study of FORMALLY PRACTICED ZEN under Yasutani Hakuum Roshi and Yamada Koun Roshi, Kamakura. I am still Religion and Society, and a visiting professor at United doing Zazen. For the past three-and-a-half years I have Theological College, Bangalore. The title of his speech been on the staff of Mercy Center, Burlingame, Calif., was “Dialogue and Mission in India.” Consider what this USA, especially engaged in the programme of our ecumenist thinks about missions and the Christian’s Institute of Contemporary Spirituality (pp. 49-50).

relationship with false religions:

Beginning with the external and bodily, the main place

“The question before the church in India is not whether of most of our meditations here at Mercy Center is the it should be in mission, but what kind of mission. In Rose Room (so called because the unfolding rose is the recent years the words from Matthew 28:18-20: ‘Go, symbol of enlightenment in the West just as the lotus is baptise, make disciples, teach,’ have been interpreted in the East). On the walls are Japanese shikishi (fine and practiced in such a militant and aggressive fashion paper squares) with Zen sayings in Sino-Japanese that mission has come to mean ‘conquest for Christ.’ It 678

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has become ‘Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to thine” (Jn. 17:9). The Bible does not say that non-war.’ Mission is understood as an activity against other Christians are brothers and sisters in God. On the religions. MOST CHRISTIANS UNDERSTAND MISSION

contrary, the Bible says of those who are outside of A S W O R K I N G F O R T H E E X T E N S I O N O F

Christ that they are “of your father the devil” (Jn. 8:44), CHRISTIANITY AND THE EXTINCTION OF OTHER

“dead in trespasses and sins” (Ep. 2:1), “children of RELIGIONS. [THIS] IS A TRAGIC DENIAL OF GOD’S

LOVE FOR ALL HUMANITY. This makes dialogue disobedience” (Ep. 2:2), “children of wrath” (Ep. 2:3), impossible.”

“having no hope, and without God in the world” (Ep.

This professor rejects the Bible and the Great 2:12), “far off” (Ep. 2:13).

Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says Chanting Better Than Prayer

Jesus Christ ALONE is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

An article appearing in the March 1988 issue of the The Bible says no man can come to the Father except World Council’s monthly publication One World, through Jesus Christ, that no other name is given under encouraged the readers to adopt heathen practices from heaven whereby we must be saved (Jn. 14:6; Ac. 4:12).

Buddhism and Taoism. Someone might argue that the The goal of the Great Commission is indeed the WCC is not promoting heathen practices through extension of true Christianity to the exclusion of false publishing such an article, but are only reporting what religions. We do not seek to destroy false religions the author of the article believed personally. We would through political or social efforts, but we do proclaim to reply that no one publishes an article in a magazine them that salvation is only through Jesus Christ. The without comment if they do not want their readers to professor says this is a denial of the love of God for all give serious consideration to it. Don’t be confused by the humanity. Just the opposite is true. The love of God is doublespeak of apostate groups. On the one hand they witnessed through the offer of Jesus Christ. To replace publish all sorts of heresies, and on the other hand they the proclamation of the Gospel with dialogue is to rob often try to escape the consequences of what they have men of the love of God.

printed. The record stands. These are the kind of things Non-Christians Are “Brothers and Sisters in God”

they consider important enough to take up space in The WCC Ecumenical Press Service for March 1-9, their publications. Consider this strange report from the 1985, contained a “vision of the Young Men’s Christian WCC publication:

Association (YWCA) in contemporary Asia.” The YWCA Coming from an ordinary Chinese humanistic milieu, is a member of the World Council of Churches.

where the air is a mixture of Confucianism, Taoism and B u d d h i s m , I E X P E R I E N C E D A S E N S E O F

Christopher Duraisingh, professor of theology at United UNSET TLEDNESS IN MY EARLY YEARS OF

Theological College in Bangalore, India, is the author of CHRISTIAN LIFE, A FEELING OF SOMETHING

the article:

MISSING.

“Forms of distorted and exclusive emphasis on Finally in the late 1960s, I WAS ABLE TO SEE THE

redemption that lead to a spirit of separation of INADEQUACY FOR ME OF CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

Christians from all else must be questioned. ... Any AND SPIRITUALITY. ... I turned to my own Chinese emphasis upon the doctrine of redemption to the religious-spiritual traditions to search for a more exclusion of the doctrine of creation must be wholistic and integrated philosophy of life. Since I questioned. When we understand the doctrine of found it difficult to make sense out of theology, I creation RIGHTLY, WE KNOW THAT WE BELONG

decided not to be troubled by my inability, but to TOGETHER ALONG WITH OUR NON-CHRISTIAN

follow the direction of Ch’an (Zen) Buddhist path to BROTHERS AND SISTERS TO GOD. WE CANNOT

enlightenment: A SPECIAL TRANSMISSION OUTSIDE

ARTIFICIALLY SEPARATE OURSELVES FROM THE

THE SCRIPTURES; NO DEPENDENCE ON WORDS

REST OF THE HUMAN COMMUNITY IN THE NAME

AND LETTERS; DIRECT POINTING THE HUMAN

OF EXPERIENCE OF REDEMPTION. ... As we seek co-HEART (SOUL); SEEING ONE’S NATURE AND

operation with persons of other faiths in Asia, we will ATTAINING BUDDHAHOOD. ...

be led to understand the nature of the church anew as I was no longer able to do this type of practice [normal well. WE SHALL REFUSE TO UNDERSTAND THE

Christian prayer]. With some necessary adaptation, I CHURCH AND THE WORLD IN ANTITHETICAL

have taken up the practice of Mahayana Ch’an (Zen) TERMS.”

meditation and Thervada vipassana (i.e., insight The Bible very plainly DOES understand the church awareness) meditation....

and the world in antithetical terms. The Apostle John CHRISTIAN PRAYER for the most part remains in the wrote “And we know that we are of God, and the whole dualistic realm where the experience of the ultimate world lieth in wickedness” (1 Jn. 5:19). James said, the One IS RATHER SHALLOW, that is, it remains still on

“friendship of the world is enmity with God” (Ja. 4:4).

the level of relationships. THIS IS PRECISELY THE

The Lord Jesus Christ said, “I pray not for the world, but PROBLEM OF WORDS, SYMBOLS AND LOGIC.

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In order to go beyond this stage, in addition to silent Nothing could be more blasphemous than these meditation, I have also taken up the practice of mantra names by which the WCC says we can address God. My chanting. Mantra chanting, a short, simple repetitive friends, God is not a “lady,” nor is He a “bakerwoman”

form of vocal prayer, has the power to silence the mind nor a “presence” nor the “Lord of planets”!

and emotions and eventually to enable the chanter to sink into the abyss of utter silence, where the internal Throughout this publication God is spoken of in female dialogue ceases and a true prayer happens (Chwen terms. Consider a few more examples:

Jiuan A. Lee, “The Search for an inclusive spirituality: O God of a thousand names and faces

A Chinese experience,” One World, March 1988, p. 22).

Mother and father of all life on earth, The Bible, of course, condemns heathen practices Lady of peace, of love, of wisdom,

such as these. Buddhist and Taoist meditation is not Lord of all the stars and planets,

Christian prayer; it is communication with demons.

Teach us to know and love you.

Prayer is not seeking enlightenment in oneself; it is Blessing the Bread

talking with the Living God through Jesus Christ. The In the beginning was God …

Bible warns against losing control of one’s conscious And God loved what SHE had made

mental activities as those who meditate seek to do.

And God said, “It is good.”

Christians are warned to be sober and vigilant (1 Pe.

Then God, knowing that all that is good is shared held the earth tenderly in HER arms

5:8; Tit. 2:2, 4, 6), which means to be in control of one’s God yearned for relationship

mind and to be on guard continually against spiritual God longed to share the good earth

error and deception. Those who practice heathen And humanity was born in the yearning of God meditation are disregarding these warnings. Note also We were born to share the earth...

that the writer makes light of the role of the Holy God said, You are my people,

Scriptures in prayer. This is demonic. Psalm 119

My friends, My lovers, My sisters,

illustrates how important the Scriptures are in every And brothers

aspect of the Christian life. We do not know how to pray Then God, gathering up HER courage in love, said, apart from the Scriptures.

Let there be bread!

And God’s sisters, HER friends and lovers, The WCC article claims that words are a hindrance to knelt on the earth

prayer. Quite the opposite. God communicates in words!

planted the seeds ...

The very words of the Bible are an important part of the I Believe

prayers of those who know God in Truth and who know I believe in God, MOTHER-FATHER SPIRIT

how to pray properly. The Lord Jesus also warned who called the world into being,

against repetitive “prayers” such as the mantra chanting I believe in God, who because of love for HER

mentioned in the WCC article. He said, “But when ye creation,

pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do... Be entered the world to share our humanity, not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father to be rejected, to die, but finally

knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask to conquer death and to bind the world to him” (Mt. 6:7-8). Christ then gave a model of how to HERSELF.

pray.

Prayer of St. Anselm

Bakerwoman God

And Thou, Jesus, sweet Lord,

To illustrate the radical heresy of the WCC, we offer Art Thou not also a mother?

some poems from a book printed by them in recent Truly, THOU ART A MOTHER,

And Thou, Jesus, sweet Lord,

years. The book No Longer Strangers was a joint project Art Thou not also a MOTHER?

of the Lutheran World Federation, World Council of THE MOTHER OF ALL MOTHERS ...

Churches, World Student Christian Federation, and the Bakerwoman God

World Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). It was first published in June 1984 and reprinted three Bakerwoman God,

I am your living bread.

times in the first year.

Strong, brown, Bakerwoman God ...

This WCC publication is supposed to be a guideline Put me in your fire, Bakerwoman God ...

for worship. Consider some names we are supposed to Break me, Bakerwoman God. ...

call God during worship times—The Source, Lady of Bakerwoman God, remake me.

peace, Lady of wisdom, Lady of love, Lady of birth, Lord These quotations leave no doubt about the apostasy of stars, Lord of planets, Mother, Home, Bakerwoman, of the World Council of Churches. It would be difficult Presence, Power, Essence, Simplicity.

to conceive of things more blasphemous, more foolish, 680

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more unscriptural than the things we have quoted from Mary.’ IN MY VIEW, THE FACT OF HER VIRGINITY HAS

this strange WCC book.

N O T H I N G T O D O W I T H H E R S E X U A L

We Must Give up the Idea that Other Religions Living BEHAVIOUR” (EPS, Dec. 21-31, 1986).

in Darkness

Wilson is an ordained minister of the United Church The director of the World Council of Churches of Canada and was also its former moderator. She is dialogue program, Wesley Ariarajah, a Methodist director of the Ecumenical Forum of Canada. She also preacher from Sri Lanka, was in Norway in 1987 and has a vile, unregenerate mind! If Mary was not a virgin said, “It is necessary to leave the idea that all other when Jesus Christ was born, He could not have been religions are living in darkness without any experience sinless, as the sin nature is inherited from the father, of God.” In an article entitled “Is Jesus the Only Way?”

through Adam (Ro. 5:12). Maybe Ms. Wilson doesn’t in the May 1987 issue of International Christian Digest, understand the facts of life, but virginity DOES have Ariarajah said, “I know many Buddhists for whom the something to do with sexual behavior! The modernist conviction about the divinity of the Lord Buddha is so and neo-orthodox delights in doublespeak, in central that they will give their lives to defend it. CAN A redefining Bible terms, but Bible words mean exactly CHRISTIAN TURN AROUND AND SAY TO THE

what they appear to mean. Virgin means virgin. Our BUDDHIST THAT HE OR SHE IS MISGUIDED TO

blessed Lord Jesus Christ was born of a woman who had THINK THIS ABOUT THE LORD BUDDHA? WE HAVE

never known a man sexually. His Father was Almighty NO GROUNDS TO DO SO. ... Exclusive claims, presents God and He was conceived by the Holy Spirit. For this as absolute truths, only result in alienation.”

we can rejoice, because He was sinless and could At the WCC General Assembly in Australia in 1992, therefore pay the sacrificial penalty the law demanded Ariarajah said, “As a Sri Lankan Christian who has read for our sin.

the Hindu writings and the scriptures of the Hindu Statements such as the one made by Lois Wilson saints I simply cannot believe that there have not been reveal just how terribly apostate the World Council and other people [than Christians] who are familiar with its more than 300 member bodies have become. If the God. It is beyond belief that other people have no access biblical command of separation does not apply to to god or that God has no access to other people. Who is coming apart from this apostasy, it has no application listening to the prayers of the Hindu? ... MY

whatsoever! God commands that His people come out UNDERSTANDING OF GOD’S LOVE IS TOO BROAD

from among this awful apostasy. Are you obeying?

FOR ME TO BELIEVE THAT ONLY THIS NARROW

WCC Evangelism Means Everyone Already Saved SEGMENT CALLED THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH WILL BE

We warn our readers not to be deceived by the use of SAVED” ( The Australian, Feb. 11, 1991, cited in the terms such as “evangelism” and “spirituality” by liberal Reformation Banner, Apr.-Jun. 1991).

ecumenists. They use these familiar terms, but they do Ariarajah is absolutely wrong. We have every reason not mean what Bible-believing Christians mean. A case to tell the Buddhist that his lord is false and that his in point is seen in a speech by Raymond Fung, who is religion will lead him to hell. Why? Because the Bible evangelism secretary of the World Council of Churches.

says so! Who is hearing the Hindu’s prayer? Nobody!

Evangelism secretary! One would think that this man is God says of the idolater, “He feedeth on ashes: a deeply concerned to see the lost men and women of the deceived heart hath turned him aside... “ (Is. 44:20). Of nations saved through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Not the idolater’s prayers, God says, “...one shall cry unto so. He believes all men are already Christians even if him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his they do not know Jesus Christ, and even if they do not trouble” (Is. 46:7). Paul said, “But I say, that the things go to church, even if they claim to be atheists, even if which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and they worship idols!

not to God...” (1 Co. 10:20). Will only a narrow His speech was delivered to a meeting sponsored by segment be saved? Yes, and it is a much more narrow the Ecumenical Council of Denmark, the Danish segment than Mr. Ariarajah might think, because even Missionary Council, and Council on InterChurch most professing Christians will not be saved in that they Relations of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in have rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Denmark. The subject was “Church Without Limits.”

traditions of men.

Consider a quote from this World Council “evangelist”: WCC President Says Mary Not Virgin

“BUT, HOW DO WE SEE THE 90 PERCENT [THE

In a 1986 report in the Ecumenical News Service of PERCENTAGE OF DENMARK’S CITIZENS THAT DO

the World Council of Churches, Lois Wilson, then one of A R E N O T P R A C T I C I N G C H R I S T I A N S ]

the seven presidents of the World Council of Churches, THEOLOGICALLY? I would suggest that it is proper made this statement: “And then there is the ‘Virgin and useful to relate to the inactive and indifferent as if they are indeed Christian ... HOWEVER SECULAR AND

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NONRELIGIOUS THEIR OUTLOOK IS, I WOULD

WORMWOOD. A plant which has a bitter, nauseous SUGGEST THAT WE SPEAK TO THEM AS IF THEY

taste; often used to describe God’s judgment (De. 29:18; ARE INDEED CHRISTIANS” (Ecumenical Press Service, Pr. 5:4; Je. 9:15; 23:15; Lam. 3:15, 19; Am. 5:7; Re.

Dec. 1-5, 1986).

8:11).

The message of the Lord Jesus Christ to lost men was WORSE LIKING. Worse looking (Da. 1:10).

a different matter altogether than of Mr. Fung. “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise WORSHIP. To bow down; to honor; to exalt; to pay perish” (Lk. 13:3).

homage; to reverence (Ge. 24:52; Ex. 4:31; 12:27; 24:1; 33:10; 34:8; Mt. 2:11). Bible truths about worship: Only WCC Members

the Lord God of the Bible is to be worshipped (Ex.

The 342 member bodies of the World Council of 20:1-6; 34:14; 2 Ki. 17:36; Mt. 4:10; Ac. 10:25, 26).

Churches include the American Baptist Convention; Not even angels are to be worshipped (Re. 22:8, 9).

Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches; Anglican Jesus Christ is to be worshipped (Mt. 2:11; 8:2; 9:18; Church of Canada; Baptist Union of Great Britain and 14:33; 15:25; 18:26; 20:20; 28:9, 17; Ph. 2:9-11; He.

Ireland; Canadian Yearly Meeting of the Religious 1:6). Worship is in vain if based on the traditions of man Society of Friends (Quaker); Christian Church in instead of the Word of God (Mt. 15:9; Mk. 7:7).

Canada; Church of the Brethren; Church of England; Worship must be in Spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:24; Ph.

Episcopal Church; Evangelical Lutheran Church in 3:3). The world will one day worship the devil and his Canada; Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches; Antichrist (Re. 13:4, 8, 12, 15). [See Jesus Christ, International Council of Community Churches; Music, Offerings, Priest.]

Methodist Church of the United Kingdom; Methodist WORTHIES. Nobles (Na. 2:5).

Church in Singapore; Moravian Church in Great Britain and Ireland; National Baptist Convention of America, WOT, WOTTETH. The present tense of wit; to know National Baptist Convention, USA; Presbyterian Church (Ge. 21:26; 39:8; 44:15; Ac. 3:17; 7:40; Ro. 11:2; Ph.

in Canada, USA, and Wales; Progressive National Baptist 1:22).

Convention USA; Reformed Church in America; Union WOULD GOD. An exclamation which means “If only of Evangelical Christian Baptists of the former USSR; this would be so” (Nu. 11:29; 14:1; De. 28:63; 2 Sa.

Union of Welsh Independents; United Church of 18:33; 2 Ki. 5:3).

Canada; United Church of Christ USA; United Methodist WOULD NONE OF. Would not have; refused (Pr.

Church USA; and the Uniting Church in Australia. [See 1:25).

Anglican, Apostasy, Doctrine, Eastern Orthodox, WOULDEST NEEDS. [See Needs.]

Ecumenical Movement, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, WRATH. [See Anger, Day of the Lord, Great Modernism, New Evangelicalism, Presbyterian, Tribulation, Judgment.]

Separation, Timothy, Unity, Universalism, Women WROTH. Wrath; anger [See Wrath.]

Preachers.]

WREATHEN. Interwoven; twisted; braided (Ex.

WORLD EVANGELISM. A term used to describe 28:14).

Christ’s command to preach the Gospel to all the world and to make disciples of those who believe (Mt.

WREST. To twist; pervert (Ex. 23:2; De. 16:19; Ps.

28:18-20; Mk. 16:15; Lk. 24:44-48; Ac. 1:8). [See 56:5; 2 Pe. 3:16).

Gospel, Great Commission.]

WRETCHED. Miserable; sunk in deep affliction (Nu.

WORLDLY. The condition of a Christian who follows 11:15; Ro. 7:24; Re. 3:17).

the fleshly ways of the world (Tit. 2:12). [See Carnal, WRINGED. Wrung (Ju. 6:38).

Holy, Spirituality, World.]

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-X-

XERXES. [See Artaxerxes.]

XMAS. A common abbreviation for Christmas, which removes the name of Jesus Christ. [See Christmas.]

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-Y-

YAHWEH. An alternate spelling of Jehovah. [See 11:7). It is employed as a symbol of servitude and Jehovah.]

slavery (Je. 28:2-14; 1 Ti. 6:1). Also of the grievous YEARN. To be stirred with emotion; to feel an bondage of being under the law (Ac. 15:10; Ga. 5:1).

earnest desire (Ge. 43:30; 1 Ki. 3:26).

The Lord Jesus invites the believer to take His yoke YESTERNIGHT. Last night; yesterday (Ge. 19:34; upon him, and to learn of Him (Mt. 11:29, 30); that is, 31:29, 42). “We retain ‘yesterday,’ though yesternight giving up selfwill, to be in submission to the will of has become obsolete. In old English many other such God, content to be in the lowest place; and such will compounds are found; yestermorn, yestere’en, find rest to their souls. His yoke is easy,and His burden yestereve, etc. (The Bible Word-Book).

is light (Concise).

YOKE. The harness that secures an animal to a cart YOKEFELLOW. Colleague; comrade (Ph. 4:3).

or plough; and the beam to which two animals are YONDER. Beyond; thither; over there (Ge. 22:5; Nu.

fastened for any purpose of labor; it is also used to 16:37; 23:15; Mt. 17:20; 26:36).

denote the number two, as “a yoke of oxen” (1 Sa.

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-Z-

ZAANAIM (great migration, removals). Ju. 4:11.

ZARTHAN (straitness of the dwelling). 1 Ki. 7:46.

ZAANAN (going forth). Mi. 1:11.

ZATTHU (an ornament, an honor). Ne. 10:14.

ZAANANNIM (great migration). Ju. 4:11.

ZATTU (an ornament, an honor). Ezr. 2:8.

ZAAVAN (commotion, great tremor). Ge. 36:27.

ZAVAN (commotion, great tremor). 1 Ch. 1:42.

ZABAD (he has given a dowry). 1 Ch. 2:36.

ZAZA (shining, prominent). 1 Ch. 2:33.

ZABBAI (the justice of God). Ezr. 10:28.

ZEAL. Passionate ardor in pursuing anything; ZABBUD (a donation). Ezr. 8:14.

enthusiasm; energetic; vigorous; fervor. God desires that ZABDI (the gift of God). Jos. 7:1.

His people be zealous of good works (Tit. 2:14). God’s people are to be zealous in repentance (2 Co. 7:11; Re.

ZABDIEL (the gift of God). Ne. 11:14.

3:19). Religious zeal without truth is unacceptable to ZABUD (given by gift). 1 Ki. 4:5.

God (Ro. 10:2). Jesus Christ was zealous for the house ZABULON (habitation desired, abiding). Latinized of God (Jn. 2:17). False teachers are zealous to win Greek form of Zebulun (Potts) (Mt. 4:13).

converts to their perverted teachings (Ga. 4:17, 18).

ZACCAI (he was pure, innocent). Ne. 7:14.

God is zealous to bring His purposes to pass (Is. 9:7; ZACCHAEUS (pure, clean). The tax collector who 37:32). God will clothe Himself in zeal to judge sinners was converted when Christ passed through Jericho (Lk.

and bring His Kingdom into this wicked world (Is.

19:1-10). [See Publican.]

59:16-19; Eze. 5:13). Epaphras was commended for his ZACCUR (remembrance, mindful). 1 Ch. 25:2.

zeal in the work of God (Col. 4:12, 13). The zeal of a church in the service of God can provoke others to good ZACHARIAH (remembering the Lord). 2 Ki. 14:29.

works (2 Co. 9:2). [See Employment, Labor, ZACHARIAS (remembering the Lord). Greek form of Industrious, Labor, Nazarite, Sluggard.]

Zechariah (Lk. 1:5).

ZEBADIAH (God has given). 1 Ch. 26:2.

ZACHER (remembered). 1 Ch. 8:31.

ZEBAH (a sacrifice, victim). Ju. 8:5.

ZADOK (just). 2 Sa. 8:17.

ZEBAIM (roes). Ezr. 2:57.

ZAHAM (pride, fatness). 2 Ch. 11:19.

ZEBEDEE (gift of God). Father of James and John, ZAIR (small, ignoble). 2 Ki. 8:21.

two of the Apostles; a fisherman (Mt. 4:21; 10:2; 20:20; ZALAPH (fraction, an opening). Ne. 3:30.

26:37; 27:56; Mk. 1:19, 20; 3:17; 10:35; Lk. 5:10; Jn.

ZALMON (very shadowy). 2 Sa. 23:28.

21:2).

ZALMONAH (gift of a shadow). Nu. 33:41.

ZEBINA (purchasing). Ezr. 10:43.

ZALMUNNA (the covering or shade of an exile). Ju.

ZEBOIM (of the serpent breed, fair). A city destroyed 8:5.

with Sodom and Gomorrah (Ge. 10:19; 14:8; Ho. 11:8; ZAMZUMMIM (most proud, wickedness). De. 2:20.

De. 29:23). [See Lot, Sodom.]

ZANOAH (placed far distant). Jos. 15:34.

ZEBUDAH (given by free gift, endowed). 2 Ki. 23:36.

ZAPHNATH-PAANEAH (revealer of secrets). Ge.

ZEBUL (dwelling together). Ju. 9:28.

41:45.

ZEBULUN (dwelling wished for, habitation). Tenth ZAPHON (hidden, northeast wind). Jos. 13:27.

son of Jacob (Ge. 30:20; 35:23; 46:14; 49:13; Ex. 1:3; Nu. 1:9, 30, 31; 2:7; 7:24; 10:16; 13:10; 26:26; 34:25; ZARA (rising, brightness). Mt. 1:3.

Jos. 19:10, 16, 27, 34; 21:7,34; Ju. 1:30; 4:6, 10; 5:14, ZARAH (rising, brightness). Ge. 38:30.

18; 6:35; 12:12; 1 Ch. 2:1; 6:63, 67; 12:33, 40; 27:19; ZAREAH (an assembly). Ne. 11:29.

2 Ch. 30:10, 11, 18; Ps. 68:27; Is. 9:1; Eze. 48:26, 27, ZARED (the luxuriant branches of trees cut off). Nu.

33).

21:12.

ZECHARIAH (the Lord is remembered). The name of ZAREPHATH (pouring forth). 1 Ki. 17:9.

25 men in the Bible, the most famous being the prophet ZARETAN (straitness of the dwelling). Jos. 3:16.

who wrote the book of Zechariah (Ezr. 5:1; 6:14; Ze.

ZARETH-SHAHAR (brightness of the morning). Jos.

1:1, 7; 7:1, 8).

13:19.

ZEDAD (side, coast). Nu. 34:8.

ZARTANAH (straitness, ambush). 1 Ki. 4:12.

ZEDEKIAH (righteousness of the Lord). The name of five men in the Bible, the most famous being one of the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 685

ZEEB - ZIDON

last kings of Israel before the Babylonian captivity (2 Ki.

ZICHRI (remembrance of the Lord). 1 Ch. 9:15.

24:17, 18, 20; 25:2, 7; 1 Ch. 3:15; 2 Ch. 36:10, 11; Je.

ZIDDIM (sides, borders). Jos. 19:35.

1:3; 21:1, 3, 7; 24:8; 27:3, 12; 28:1; 29:3; 32:1, 3, 4-5; ZIDKIJAH (justice of the Lord). Ne. 10:1.

34:2, 4, 6, 8, 21; 37:1, 3, 17, 18, 21; 38:5, 14-24; 39:1-7; 44:30; 49:34; 51:59; 52:1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11).

ZIDON (hunting, fishing). An ancient city mentioned frequently in the Bible; also called “Sidon.” Ge. 10:19; ZEEB (a wolf). Ju. 7:25.

49:13; Jos. 11:8; 19:28; Ju. 1:31; 10:6; 18:28; 2 Sa.

ZELAH (side, a rib). Jos. 18:28.

24:6; 1 Ki. 17:9; Ezr. 3:7; Is. 23:2, 4, 12; Je. 25:22; ZELEK (cleaving, fissure). 2 Sa. 23:37.

27:3; 47:4; Eze. 27:8; 28:21-22; Joel 3:4; Ze. 9:2. [See ZELOPHEHAD (first opening, firstborn). Nu. 26:33.

Sidon, Tyre.]

ZELOTES (zealous). Lk. 6:15.

Fulfillment of Prophecies concerning Zidon. The ZELZAH (a shade). 1 Sa. 10:2.

following is from The Wonders of Prophecy by John Urquhart:

ZEMARAIM (cold). Jos. 18:22.

Zidon still remains, possessing even now about ten ZEMIRA (a song, vine). 1 Ch. 7:8.

thousand inhabitants, it has its walls, its castle, and its ZENAN (very fruitful). Jos. 15:37.

mounds of ruins, which testify to the city’s ancient ZENAS (gift of Jove, living). Tit. 3:13.

extent and greatness. It is still, in that wretched country, a place of importance and strength. But in ZEPHANIAH (he hid, the Lord has protected). Zep.

Ezekiel (28:20-23) there is a prediction regarding 1:1.

Zidon also:

ZEPHATH (watch tower). Ju. 1:17.

“And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son ZEPHATHAH (watch tower). 2 Ch. 14:10.

of man, set thy face toward Zidon, and prophesy ZEPHI (expectation). 1 Ch. 1:36.

against it, and say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the ZEPHO (expectation). Ge. 36:11.

of thee: and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I ZEPHON (hiding, watchman). Nu. 26:15.

shall have executed judgment in her, and shall be ZER (straitness, tribulation). Jos. 19:35.

sanctified in her. For I will send into her pestilence, AND BLOOD IN HER STREETS; AND THE WOUNDED

ZERAH (the beginning of light). Jos. 36:13.

SHALL FALL IN THE MIDST OF HER WITH THE

ZERAHIAH (the Lord has risen). Ezr. 7:4.

SWORD UPON HER ON EVERY SIDE.”

ZERED (power spread abroad). De. 2:13.

Observe the peculiar judgment of Zidon. Blood will be ZEREDA (straitness, ambush). 1 Ch. 11:26.

sent into her streets; her wounded shall fall in the midst of her; the sword is to be upon her on every side.

ZEREDATHAH (a straitening). 2 Ch. 4:17.

No doom of extinction is pronounced against her. She ZERERATH (a straitening). Ju. 7:22.

is to be spared, but she is to suffer. One or two facts ZERESH (star of Venus). Es. 5:10.

from her long history will show how the words have ZERETH (straitness). 1 Ch. 4:7.

been fulfilled.

Under the Persian dominion, when Tyre was deserted, ZERI (shape, bringing together). 1 Ch. 25:3.

Zidon was still great and populous. It rebelled under ZEROR (a bundle). 1 Sa. 9:1.

Artaxerxes Ochus, and, after a successful resistance, ZERUAH (leprous, a hornet). 1 Ki. 11:26.

was betrayed to the enemy. When all hope of saving ZERUBBABEL. A governor in post-Babylonian Israel their city was gone, 40,000 citizens chose to die rather than submit to Persian vengeance. They shut who oversaw the construction of the second temple (1

themselves up with their wives and children, set fire to Ch. 3:19; Ezr. 2:2; 3:2, 8; 4:2, 3; 5:2; Ne. 7:7; 12:1, 47; their dwellings, and perished amid the flames. The Ha. 1:1, 12, 14; 2:2, 4, 21, 23; Ze. 4:6, 7, 9, 10).

ashes of the city were sold for an immense sum. It was ZERUIAH (pain, wounded). 1 Ch. 2:16).

soon rebuilt by the citizens who had been absent at the ZETHAM (chiefest olive tree). 1 Ch. 23:8.

time of the siege; but the doom of suffering still rested on it. During the Crusades it was taken several times ZETHAN (choice olive tree). 1 Ch. 7:10.

and sacked. It was finally retaken from the Crusaders ZETHAR (very high). Es. 1:10.

by Bibars, Sultan of Egypt and Syria, in 1290. But, in ZIA (commotion). 1 Ch. 5:13.

every commotion which has troubled that unhappy land, Zidon has had her share. It has been the scene of ZIBA (a plant, host). 2 Sa. 9:2.

struggles between the Druses and The Turks, and, ZIBEON (a garment of many colors). Ge. 36:2.

again, between the Turks and the French. So late as ZIBIA (a roe, a doe). 1 Ch. 8:9.

1840, when Ibrahim Pasha was driven out of Syria, it ZIBIAH (a roe, deer). 2 Ki. 12:1

was bombarded by the combined fleets of England, Austria, and Turkey, and captured by Admiral Napier, 686

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

ZIF - ZIONISM

when again blood was sent into her streets, and her but the heavenly Jerusalem needs no restoration! [See wounded fell in the midst of her.

Israel, Jerusalem, Prophecy, Zionism.]

Suppose now that the names of Tyre and Zidon had ZIONISM. The modern movement which began in changed places—that it had been said Tyre was to live, earnest after the horrors of the Jewish persecutions of and Zidon to be utterly destroyed and never to be World War I and II, and which led to the creation of the rebuilt, how complete would have been the refutation of Ezekiel’s claim to speak the name of the Lord! But modern state of Israel. The following history is from the how is it that this interchange of names did not take New 20th-Century Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge: place? How is it that the city which has never been After the Roman expulsion of the Jews from rebuilt is that of which this very thing and no other is Jerusalem in A.D. 135, this ‘Zion’ idea [being identified prophesied, and that the city which has continued to with Jerusalem] was never divorced from Jewish exist is that which by the prophet is beheld as existing?

thinking, and Jewish prayers (both individual and And, even though this could be explained, a harder corporate) reiterated the desire to return to their question remains. Zidon, like many another ancient homeland.

city, might have dwindled into insignificance, so that, in its misery and defencelessness, it should have The actual term ‘Zionism’ was not used until the offered no resistance to any, and have tempted no 1890s. literature, Jewish nationalism, and a fresh one’s cupidity. How has it happened that these words outbreak of anti-Semitism stimulated groups such as of the prophet paint her as she has been, and as she is Hoveve Zion (‘Lovers of Zion’) to raise money to send today—a place of strength which age after age has Jewish settlers to Palestine (a name the Romans had been fought for, and has been passed on, wet with given the land to sever its connection with Judaism). ...

blood, from one possessor to another? There is one explanation in which alone, far though it takes us, the By the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Jews had mind will rest with perfect satisfaction. It is, that He purchased more than 100,000 acres from large speaks here whose thought grasps the ages, and before landowners and had reclaimed fertile cultivated areas whom the future has no veil, and who, in these proofs from marsh areas and deserts. Jewish urban areas also of His faithfulness, writes on man’s heart the expanded, and in 1909 a group of Jaffa Jews founded assurance, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Tel Aviv, destined to become modern Israel’s largest city.

words shall not pass away” (John Urquhart, The Pre-modern Zionism emphasized a religious motive Wonders of Prophecy). [See Bible, Inspiration, Prophecy, and quiet territorial settlement. With the publication of Tyre.]

the small booklet entitled Der Judenstaat ( The Jewish ZIF (brightness, illuminated). The second month of State: An Attempt at a Modern Solution to the Jewish the Hebrew sacred year, corresponding to parts of April Question) by Theodor Herzl in 1896, however, political and May (1 Ki. 6:1). Also called Jyar. The harvest Zionism was born and with it the modern conception of (Potts). [See Calendar.]

Zionism.

ZIHA (victory, brightness). Ezr. 2:43.

Der Judenstaat and subsequent articles and speeches, ZIKLAG (pouring out of water). Jos. 15:31.

Herzl expounded political, economic, and technical ZILAH (a shade). Ge. 4:19.

efforts that he believed were necessary to create a ZILPAH (gathering together). Ge. 29:24.

functioning Jewish state. The First Zionist Congress met ZILTHAI (the shade of the Lord). 1 Ch. 8:20.

in 1897 and over 200 delegates from all over the world adopted the Basel Program. This program stressed that ZIMMAH (a chain, thought). 2 Ch. 29:12.

Zionism sought to create a legal home in Palestine for ZIMRAN (great wild goat). Ge. 25:2.

the Jewish people and would promote settlement, ZIMRI (song of God, praise of God). 1 Ki. 16:9-20; 2

create worldwide organizations to bind Jews together, Ki. 9:31.

strengthen Jewish national consciousness, and obtain ZIN (a small palm tree, shrub). 1 Ch. 23:10.

consent of the governments of the world.

ZINA (ornament). 1 Ch. 23:10.

Herzl’s thinking was purely secular; in fact, he was ZION. The name “Zion” means citadel and it an agnostic. The majority of his followers, however, originally referred to one of the hills of Jerusalem that were Orthodox southeastern Europeans. ... Shortly after was conquered by David (2 Sa. 5:7). It came to refer to his death in 1904, approximately 70,000 Jewish people the entire city of Jerusalem. We see from the parallelism had settled in Palestine. ... Zionism would be in Isaiah 2:3 that Zion and Jerusalem are the same. In transformed into a mass movement and political power Hebrews 12:22, “Zion” refers to the heavenly Jerusalem, during World War I. The British issued the Balfour but in the Psalms and the other Old Testament Declaration in 1917 which bestowed favor upon the prophecies it refers to the earthly Jerusalem. Prophecies establishment in Palestine of a Jewish national home.

such as Isaiah 51:3 and 52:1 describe Zion’s restoration, Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 687

ZIOR - ZUZIMS

Zionism was a minority movement and encountered ZIZ (a flower, bloom). 2 Ch. 20:16.

opposition within the Jewish community. American ZIZA (the glory, prominence). 1 Ch. 4:37.

Reform Judaism, for example, claimed that Palestine ZIZAH (the glory, prominence). 1 Ch. 23:11.

was no longer a Jewish land and that the USA was

‘Zion.’ ... it was only the horror of the murder of ZOAN (removal). Nu. 13:22.

100,000 Jews by Russian army units from 1919 to 1921

ZOAR (smallness). Ge. 13:10.

and, ultimately, the horror of the Nazi Holocaust during ZOBA (pressing down). 2 Sa. 10:6.

World War II in which 6 million Jews were ZOBAH (pressing down). 1 Sa. 14:47.

exterminated, that drew Zionists and non-Zionists ZOBEBAH (fleshy, slothful). 1 Ch. 4:8.

together in support of Palestine as a Jewish ZOHAR (white, shining). Ge. 46:10.

commonwealth—a haven for the persecuted and homeless. In November 1947, a partition plan creating a ZOHELETH (smooth, serpent). 1 Ki. 1:9.

Jewish state was endorsed by both the USA and the ZOHETH (a separation). 1 Ch. 4:20.

Soviet Union. It was passed by the General Assembly of ZOPHAH (double extension). 1 Ch. 7:35.

the United Nations. The State of Israel was formally ZOPHAI (honey of the Lord). 1 Ch. 6:26.

recognized on May 14, 1948, when British rule ended.

ZOPHAR (constant exultation). Job 2:11.

[See Israel, Pharisee, Prophecy.]

ZOPHIM (of viewers, watchers). Nu. 23:14.

ZIOR (very small). Jos. 15:54.

ZORAH (congregation). Jos. 19:41.

ZIPH (mutual pledge). Jos. 15:24.

ZOREAH (congregation). Jos. 15:33.

ZIPHAH (mutual pledge). 1 Ch. 4:16.

ZOROBABEL (dispersion of confusion). Mt. 1:12.

ZIPHIMS. Inhabitants of Ziph (Ps. 54: Title).

ZUAR (very little). Nu. 1:8.

ZIPHION (eager expectation). Ge. 46:16.

ZUPH (honeycomb). 1 Sa. 1:1.

ZIPHRON (pleasant fragrance). Nu. 34:9.

ZUR (a rock, great stone). Nu. 25:15.

ZIPPOR (a bird). Father of Balak king of Moab, who hired Balaam to curse Israel (Nu. 22:2, 4, 10, 15, 18; ZURIEL (God a rock). Nu. 3:35.

Jos. 24:9; Ju. 11:25). [See Balaam.]

ZURISHADDAI (omnipotent rock). Nu. 1:6.

ZIPPORAH (a little bird). Ex. 2:21.

ZUZIMS (commotions, posts of a door, beauty). Ge.

ZITHRI (a cave, my secret). Ex. 6:22.

14:5.

688

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity

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